Been reading these post for awhile. Looking to pick up a UL 350 latter this year. Will be my 1st Lexus after 20 years of Acura's. Coming from a 2005 TSX.


So had pretty much decided on the 2013 ES UL version. Now have been hearing some things about the GS. I know I can't afford the GS new so would have to be used.

Any on shave some insight what direction I should take or things I should think about ?


I'm 60,but still enjoy some of the sporty ride of the TSX, but looking for more luxury now

Thanks

Go for the NEW ES, I think you will like it, I sure do !!!

Mike, if you haven't done so already, you might want to post this same question over on the GS forum. That way you'll get input from ES and well as GS owners.

hopefully it doesn't put you out of your budget, but seriously test drive the hybrid.

you're saying that you're looking for luxury. The quietness of the hybrid (or hybrids in general) is amazing, esp at a stoplight or when going around the neighborhood in electric mode.

the jump up in price from gas to hybrid is $2700 in the ES the difference in the GS line is more pronounced.

Cousin has a 07 GS350. I drove that car plenty. Nice and pretty darn quick. I still got the ES. And now he is looking at getting the new ES.

I actually was looking at the same thing. 2010 GS or the new ES 350. Drove them both... I personally thought the GS felt a little smoother and more like a luxury car. I think it comes down to personal opinion... we wanted a luxury car that also had a sporty look and that was the ES. We also wanted the blind spot mirrors and the newer non touch radio system. (controller).... The 2010 radio system was a touch screen and we didn't want that.

They are both awesome cars and I am sure you will be happy with either.

Are you considering at a used 2013 GS vs a new 2013 ES300h? If so, and if fuel efficiency is not much of an issue for you, the GS may be a better option for you. Keep in mind that the two cars are very similar visually but the GS uses higher/better quality materials for the interior. If you are looking for a one or two year old GS, It would be a harder choice (I prefer the 2013 design).

If you want for the ultimate in luxury, take a good look at a 2010 LS460 - the LS wins hands down.

I am looking mid to late summer. So I just might look at the 2014 ES, not interested in the hybrid , if I do that I would look at a used 2013 GS, not sure I could afford a used '13 GS now

I am moving and getting married this spring -summer, so thats my timeline

Will post on the GS site

I would love the LS as would my fiance. I don't think I could afford that used

A used 2010 LS460 (loaded) is about the same price as a used 2013 GS or new (loaded) ES350.

Really? Will have to look into that

Like I said on your GS thread, it really depends on what you're looking for. Drive them all to see what you think. If you like the LS, as others have said you can get into a 2010 for about what a new ES costs (mid $40s). You obviously will loose the new tech, remote touch controller, etc.

The ES served me well for many years (I had two, a 2003 and a 2010), and I can tell you the GS is definitely an upgrade. The new GS is completely unlike the previous generation GS, I wouldn't choose one of those over an ES. Also like I said if you are considering leasing the GS is not a whole lot more than the ES. $20-$70 more a month depending on the model.

The hybrid doesn't appeal to me IMHO, I drove an ES300h. I don't like the bamboo trim or the wheels, nor do I care for the CVT or the feel of the hybrid powertrain (I've owned hybrids before).

you all have been wonderful with your suggestions. I will look around and as I get closer to purchase start test driving more.

So far I have only driven the 2012 ES350, not even the new one yet. Have seen a 2013 in the showroom and we both loved it

Saw a new 2013 GS350 out the other day and loved it more

If you can somehow get yourself in a GS,do so.There's big discounting on it.
The car is great.I like it even more than the first day I got it.

The big thing that drove me away from the new ES is cost cutting in the interior. There is a lot of cheap, hard plastic on the door panels, console, and lower dash that was a downgrade from the previous car. Having owned that generation ES as well as the generation before that I felt it was a trend as I also noted the same thing between them. I also did not like the fact that they did away with all the chrome trim on the outside on the door handles and the base of the doors. The GS has no chrome trim in those places either, but somehow it seems to look purposeful that way while it makes the ES look unadorned and like the trim is missing to me.

On the interior, material quality is a huge step up in the GS. No hard plastics, everything soft touch, leather, faux leather, or glossy black plastic.

Don't get me wrong, the ES is a great car. Very well built, very reliable, great ride, very quiet. The new version is just a little less luxurious than I wanted.