hi all - this is my first post here.

I've never owned a lexus before - only honda, toyota, and vw. the last couple of weeks i've been looking at the gs300. early this week i test drove a gs300 awd with 44k miles being sold by an independent dealer. i thought the pick-up was not too good, and the drive overall was just ok. then i wanted something to compare this car to, so i went and test drove a cpo gs300 rwd w 35k miles. that thing was way smoother than the awd....

so i guess my question is, is this difference in the drive normal or does the cpo drive better due to the lower mileage, better maintenance including flushes and etc. the service history the guy at the lexus dealer showed me was very extensive and impressive, and although the car only had 35k miles, they had performed the 40k service on it.

any thoughts?

also, i could not help but notice the rattling noise from the dash/widnshield in the awd one.... based on some quick googling it looks like the rattle is a lexus signature. thoughts anyone?

thanks.

 

I have never driven an AWD, but I really like how my RWD drives. And no, not all Lexus cars have rattles. Although, GS suffers the most but it can be fixed!

 

I vote for AWD

 

If you live some place that has winters, AWD for sure.

If you live in a warm climate that rarely gets snow, RWD.

 

well it does snow in my area so i would not be against awd... however heavy snow isn't guaranteed every year so i'd be ok choosing rwd instead.

what i would like to know are the expected differences in the driving experience between awd and rwd.

 

Go with RWD, you wont regret it. I believe AWD eats more gas, you may or may not experience slight vibrations with an AWD version.

 

I like the RWD but I noticed that you are in VA so you might need the AWD with the type of weather you guys get up there.

 

The diff. between the 2 cars you test drove is not RWD vs AWD, its the condition of the car. Both drive train are pretty smooth. AWD will handle a bit better than the RWD, especially in the rain and snow. You are in VA, you really cant take advantage of the AWD much, go with the RWD and save some gas.

 

keep in mind too that you your car is covered by the Lexus warranty up to 50,000 miles!!!!! SO if there is rattling, you can always have it fixed for free!!!!

 

I can't speak for the AWD as I have a RWD GS, but I'll chime in on the general handling difference between the two based on my experience. My other vehicle is a Limited Ed. 4WD 4Runner which allows me to switch between RWD and 4WD. The steering (and acceleration to a lesser degree) is noticeably more responsive in 2WD mode vs. 4WD. The steering and handling is more neutral in 4WD/AWD and does perform better when pushing the vehicle's limits or driving in bad weather conditions, but the RWD/2WD does feel a bit sportier. Just my 2 cents.

 

you're right. i actually called the lexus dealer and was told they'd charge ~200 for a pretty comprehensive used car inspection. when i mentioned the rattling they said they have an assembly pin or clothes pin or something haha that may help slve the problem.

but to me at least, the driving experience difference was so big between the awd and rwd, regardless of what the reason actually is, i think i'll pass on the awd for now.

 

And if you want more pick up step it up to the GS350.

I live in VA to and I just bought a 07 RWD GS350. We might of had 2 or 3 days here this winter you would not of wanted to have a RWD. Those day's Im staying home anyway.

 

yeah definitely - that one day in particular was a mess. the thing about the gs350 is it's slightly out of my budget...perhaps i wait a year and pick it up then. but then again, when is the gs body supposed to change?

 

actually, i take that back. from looking at the inventory of cars round here... 3/4 cars are AWD. RWD will be hard to find.

looks like there's another used gs300 awd i can check out... perhaps the ride will be better on this one!

 

Yeah the 350 was a little out of my range to but I just saved some more $$$$. You also have to search hard man. You can find deals out there. Got mine at what I think is a great deal. $32,ooo with 20k miles on it. Mint condition. The only thing is I purchased it from AZ it will be shipped here in around 9 days, so add another $900 to that for shipping.

I'll post up a thread when I get it. Good luck with your decision.