Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

GS vs IS?

Old Nov 19, 2014 | 08:56 AM
  #1  
kamauxx's Avatar
kamauxx
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: ZZ
Default GS vs IS?

Greetings forum members.

I'm soon to be buying a current model GS or IS and I'm torn between the two. I like the GS more for its size and the IS more for the aggressive looks.

I'm wondering if anyone else here chose between the two, and if so which did you end up with and why?

Also, I'll be buying used (spending no more than 36k). I understand Toyota built vehicles are known for their reliability but how many miles is "too many" for one of these cars? The last thing I want to do is buy a car just out of warranty and have issues with it.

Thanks.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:21 AM
  #2  
SlangBlade's Avatar
SlangBlade
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: .
Default

Good thread here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...y-and-why.html

I think a lot of people cross shop the IS and the GS. I chose the GS for the options and the interior quality. Quite honestly, I think most people would be happy with either one, myself included.

Both engines are proven reliable well past 100k miles, and have been market tested for almost 10 years now.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:22 AM
  #3  
doge's Avatar
doge
Formerly Bad Co
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Default

Depends on what you are looking, are you looking for a car for your self or will you be driving around friends and family?
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:43 AM
  #4  
Allen K's Avatar
Allen K
-0----0-
CL Folding 25,000
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,224
Likes: 1,192
From: NJ
Default

My IS is currently sitting at over 111k miles and it's still going strong. If I didn't have a kid on the way I'd probably keep it longer. It really comes down to whether or not you need the size and whether you want a sportier or more luxurious ride. Personally, I love the interior and giant screen on the GS so that's what I'm going for this time around
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:55 AM
  #5  
kamauxx's Avatar
kamauxx
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: ZZ
Default

Originally Posted by doge
Depends on what you are looking, are you looking for a car for your self or will you be driving around friends and family?
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 09:56 AM
  #6  
kamauxx's Avatar
kamauxx
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: ZZ
Default

Originally Posted by SlangBlade
Good thread here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...y-and-why.html

I think a lot of people cross shop the IS and the GS. I chose the GS for the options and the interior quality. Quite honestly, I think most people would be happy with either one, myself included.

Both engines are proven reliable well past 100k miles, and have been market tested for almost 10 years now.
7 pages of info...thanks! Going to check it out now.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 10:22 AM
  #7  
islandbeef's Avatar
islandbeef
Racer
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 69
From: SoCal 858
Default

Originally Posted by kamauxx
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
Mmmm...kay.

You just answered your own question with your remarks. GS is obviously bigger/roomier than the IS and you got 3 kids.

Old Nov 19, 2014 | 10:34 AM
  #8  
mmarshall's Avatar
mmarshall
Lexus Fanatic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,430
Likes: 249
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Default

Welcome to CL as a new poster.

I'd say go with the GS. The extra money, IMO, will be worth the better comfort, interior, and refinement the GS will give you over the IS. Some versions (but not all) of both the IS and GS are available with AWD if you need winter traction.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 10:54 AM
  #9  
rominl's Avatar
rominl
exclusive matchup
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 81,854
Likes: 445
From: Lovely OC
Default

Originally Posted by kamauxx
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
if space is remotely a problem for you and you had issues with c class? don't think of the IS
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 04:07 PM
  #10  
SW17LS's Avatar
SW17LS
Lexus Fanatic
Active Streak: 60 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,631
Likes: 4,045
From: Maryland
Default

Yeah if you couldn't do the C Class for space the IS is going to be out. I've had several 3IS cars as loaners and I like them a lot, but they are much smaller than my GS and the interior is not nearly as nicely appointed. But, they are considerably cheaper new.

The 4GS is a killer buy used.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 05:31 PM
  #11  
BNR34's Avatar
BNR34
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,858
Likes: 28
From: So Cal
Default

Originally Posted by kamauxx
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
Originally Posted by rominl
if space is remotely a problem for you and you had issues with c class? don't think of the IS
kamauxx, look like you answered your own question, the IS is smaller then the C-Class.

1 wife and 3 kids, sounds like you need at least a LS, they won't even fit in the GS.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 05:38 PM
  #12  
tex2670's Avatar
tex2670
Lexus Champion
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,044
Likes: 98
From: Southeastern PA
Default

Originally Posted by kamauxx
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
Then I'm not sure why you'd bother with an IS--the back seat isn't materially larger than a C-Class.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 06:07 PM
  #13  
corradoMR2's Avatar
corradoMR2
The pursuit of F
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
Default

Do you value interior appointments and space, ride comfort, noise isolation, and top materials/fit/finish? If so, GS is your top pick. Remember it's 10K more (new) for a reason and it's mostly on the inside since most of the suspension components and powertrain are shared. Oh and the GS has leather seating vs IS comes with Nuluxe (vinyl) with leather as an option only on the non-F-Sport (if this matters to you).


Good luck.
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 08:14 PM
  #14  
tea's Avatar
tea
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 8
From: CA
Default

the IS backseats will make the C Class feel like a mansion inside
Old Nov 19, 2014 | 08:28 PM
  #15  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,810
Likes: 3,998
Default

Originally Posted by kamauxx
I'm married with 3 kids. I had a 2013 Mercedes C Class last year that I got rid of after only 5 weeks of ownership because of how small the back seat was.

I have another car, however, for the family to ride in. So this will primarily be used for my commute.
as has been said, if the c class back seat was too small, the IS has been ruled out.

closing this thread.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
php
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
13
Apr 29, 2016 10:41 AM
PearlESC3
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
17
Nov 3, 2012 11:59 PM
wmah523
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
6
Mar 26, 2006 08:09 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:47 PM.