I currently have an IS250 AWD, and I have been looking to get into a GS350 AWD. So my dealership is accomadating a weekend test drive. I can't wait to see the differnece in power. If I end up getting the GS, I'm going to lose some money in depreciation on my IS250. You guys think I will want the GS as soon as I test drive it?

 

GS is a great car.. it really depends on what your using it for. Gas mileage is still pretty good, but not as good as the IS250.

 

you want space and speed, or you want handling. that's the question

 

you would.

 

you will love it

 

I don't think you'll want to go back. I had an IS for the day my GS was in for services.... the lack of power and space was definitely noticeable. Never thought I would.... but I do like the paddle shifters on the IS.

 

i think it's all dependes how much "detail" stuff u care

if u just consider power and car size wise, it's not worth to upgrade the car from IS to GS with 15k differences
GS is larger, but not alot larger...
u might feel alot of power gain by comparing IS250 to GS350
but u feel probably the same if comparing IS350 to GS350, or even GS460

u want noticeable upgrade, and only noticeable upgrade in size, u need to look for ES
u want significant speed/size upgrade, u need to look for LS

if you are really picky on the small stuff, like overall material used in interor and exterior,
some very fine detailing on the car, blah blah blah...
u'll feel it's worth to upgrade.
let me give u an example of what i meant by fine detailing.
go look at the door joint on the GS and then IS.
u'll see there are rubber sealed not only inside the door (to prevent water),
there is also ruber sealed around the joint (to prevent air noise).
u don't see that on IS.
also, it's very clear that all the gaps on GS's joint, such as bumper, door, or hood, are much much smaller than IS.
well, what's that mean? besides it shows off how "precise" that the lexus can make the parts,
it also reduce the air noise when driving.
u don't see those stuff on IS at all.

but hey, are those tiny stuff worth 15k? that's ur decision.
i'm really picky, that's why i choose GS over IS

 

It really depends on your needs and wants. If you're still looking for the fun-to-drive factor, it's definitely with the IS. The GS AWD does hold it's own, but it's not as nimble to drive in the twisties as the IS for obvious reasons. You can upgrade the suspension but it will still never feel like the IS. I think the power upgrade will be the biggest dramatic factor for getting the GS.

 

I test drove both the IS250 AWD and the GS350 AWD 2 months ago. The IS did handle a little bit better but not by much. I like everything else on the GS better, except for the price

 

Please!!???........... thats like asking if you'd rather roll an LS460 vs. a GS350??? whats the obvious choice???

 

gs350 if i actually want to have more fun driving. coming from an ex-ls460l owner

 

awe man..the power between the is and gs is alot different.

 

I was very impressed with GS350's power. I think im going to hold on to what i have. i weighed out the pros and cons and it would make sense for me to keep the IS. With gas prices hitting records. The IS wil keep a few buck left in my pocket. Anyway thanks for everyones opinion.

 

GS and IS are very simliar cars sharing lots of parts from the factory anyways, I think you've made a good decision keeping your IS. I have an IS350 and thought about a GS before I bought my car, to me IS350 and GS350 are the same car just in different sizes.

 

I actually found the IS350 to be more responsive/nimble compared to the GS350, but could not deal with the lack of space in the IS, so went with the GS instead.