I am personally very disappointed in the noise the V6 makes in my wife’s car. The ticking from the very high pressure fuel system heard under acceleration is very annoying, as is the general high level of whine the motor makes. Lexus has been known to have a very low level of “annoyance factor”. Not so with this one, engine ticking, engine whine and small trunk opening among others make this car one I would never want to drive on a day to day basis. Wish I hand test drove one: I would have nixed the wife’s decision to buy it. Plus, I am 6”5’ and this car is a joke for tall people compared to Gen 2...

SYROB

 

umm, i guess i am too short, i couldnt' tell the head room difference @_@

 

Even if it is a Lexus. I made my wife drive it before purchasing. Check for blind spots, seating, and possible ticking noises...

Yes there is a noise, but all other features outweigh that.

Being 6'5 I am sure the list of cars you feel comfortable in are very few, but I am sure you already know this.

 

You never test drove the car????

 

The GS V6 definitely makes a turbine-like "whine" sound when pushed hard. Almost the opposite of the "growl" of the M35 V6.

 

That "growl" of the M35 V6 has more to do with the exhaust than the engine, my G35c has an even more pronounced growl than the M35 when accelerating , but is actually quite quiet during cruising.

 

No, we have an ES 300 (1992) stil going strong after 175K, I had an LS 400, My wife had a GS 430 (Gen2), my father has an LS 430. These four vehicles, as well as nearly any loaner I ever had NEVER had any anoying type whine or ticking. Yes, based on the track record of the others I did not myself test it (wife did). MY BIG mistake ! Thankfully I got my SRX to drive around, bugs and all..

Syrob

 

I remember that Turbine Wining sounds in my former 04 RX330 (decent power, but seemed to be struggling during acceleration). The way I fixed this problem was replacing that RX330 with an 05 GX470 and the V8 is amazing. This may not be everyone's solution.

I test drove the GS300 this past weekend and it was fine. NOT underpowered, but just adequate. Maybe Adequate is not good enough these days. The engine did NOT have that nice growl that you would expect from a sports sedan, but like it was said earlier, it's all in the exhuast.

 

I agree that the perceived headroom is less than the Gen2. After driving it for a while I have adapted and now this doesn't even enter my mind. There are other 6'5" CL members that seem comfortable in the car. But a 6' person would have an easier time of adjusting than someone like yourself at 6'5".

I have never heard this tapping sound from the fuel system although a lot of people have mentioned it. And I have run my car on some full throttle accelerations. Not sure why some have this sound and others don't. I do notice the whine - but overall the engine sounds much more competent and capable to me than the Gen 2. My complaint about the Gen 2 (GS300) was that the engine sounded like it was straining. This new V6 sounds like it wants to be worked out!

You will never carry home a TV in this trunk but I found that a lot of luggage fits in nicely. The space is much more usable than it looks. And the gas-charged closers on the outside of the opening are much better than the hinge-arms that interfered with the space in the Gen 2.

 

the tapping noise is strange. it's most notable in idle. they mention that its due to the high pressure fuel injection system. it's somewhat bothersome but in no way a deal breaker. i'm hoping someone here comes up with a safe way to sound dampen this. hint hint boys
as for whine or growl...just get different exhaust setup. seems relatively straightforward.

 

Simple solution.... just get the GS430 (like I did). It has a wonderful growl, lots of power, and no ticking sound

 

We are clear on how you feel about your wife's new GS. I am curious how she feels about it. The ticking sound comes from the mechanical fuel pump and increases the fuel line pressure to 1,850 lbs. The pump is at the back part of the engine near the firewall and you can see it without taking off the engine cover. The sound is much more pronounced at idle and when you are outside the car. It is not nearly as noticable inside the car. Once you are attuned to a noise it can rattle around your brain like a ball bearing in a tin can so I know it must be torture to you. If your wife is upset about it see if Lexus can offer some type of noise reduction fix for you. Maybe it can be muffled and then again maybe it needs some air to help it cool. Some of these fuel pumps seem noisier than others and they may opt to replace it if it is abnormally loud. This engine is unlike any of your previous Lexus and more fuel efficient than any other in Lexus history. It also has excellent performance for its displacement. It has reduced emissions. It can be forgiven somewhat for its boisterous nature by its inherent ability to do the job. Again if possible could you describe your wife's attitude in general about her new GS? Are there any other issues that she has that you could share with CL? I will try to help if I can.

Rock

 

Yes, it is a better choice for that, however, we really like the AWD feature and then fuel economy is an issue too.

SYROB

 

She is less annoyed about the ticking. She hears it also and the whine but is less “annoyed" than I am. She is not 6'5 like I am but 5'6". So no headroom problem. She does NOT like the small trunk opening, she has a bad back and to get stuff in you have to lean over in too much to get stuff in the back of it, have to juggle the orientation for larger objects, which hurts her back...

SYROB

 

There is probably nothing worse than back pain to deal with daily. Exercise is probably the best remedy using body weight and flexibility such as Yoga. The car won't change but maybe her condition will. This does not happen overnight but is worth the continued effort. Since you are much taller I expect that you will help in the heavy lifting just don't hit your head! I can imagine a trip to the grocery store and opening up the trunk when she/you get home and having a can of something way back in the trunk that you have to crawl in to reach. She will need your wingspan in that situation for sure. It seemed you were referencing luggage in your post. Does she carry large objects in her work perhaps? It is difficult to make a car seat, steering wheel position, sight lines that will fit a range of 5'6" to 6'5" successfully. I am glad this is her car because you are at the limit of size for this design. The cocoon effect of the Drivers cockpit might be pleasing to her however. What type of driver is she?