Hello:

Hoping you won't mind giving me advice as I am finally ready to buy an '07 or '08 GS350 AWD (or a 460 is I can find one). I have been lurking for a while and reading lots of threads but thought I'd ask my specific questions.

What are the best packages to look for (bang for the buck)? Is there a "sport" or "performance" package?

What seem to be the most popular body-effect kits? Basically, I want to make it look a lot cooler (subjective, I know) as it almost a touch boring as-is.

I am coming from Audi A6, BMW 535, Audi S4, etc etc...so I am ready for the smooth (and infinitely less expensive to own) Lexus...but don't want to feel like I am missing "too" much sport feel.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!! I am huge on good forums, so look forward to contributing...

SG

 

if u lookin to get wheels and bodykits, i will stay away from awd,,,they have some vibrations issues with aftermarket wheels,,,make sure u get with mark levinson sound system which will have dvd options(fully loaded),,there isnt sports or performance package here,,check out l-tuned parts for body kits and also jobdesign kits from japan if u want go all out,,,also check out for vendor section here in this forum as well,,,good luck findin ur lexus

 

Your post is very broad but I will do my best to further what LIMS407 said.

There are no sports or performance packages for the GS. Lexus dealerships do offer Lexus warranted performance parts coined F-Sport. Your ala carte options would include sway bars, springs, brakes, wheels, intake, and exhaust. The sway bars would be your best bet in terms of increasing performance without destroying ride quality. However, several members have complained that they make a clunking noise that is currently being addressed by Lexus.

GS350s are available with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which stiffens up the dampers a bit and gives the driver a choice of NORM or SPORT. It is VERY rare to find AVS on a 350 though. AVS comes standard on the 430, 460, and 450h.

One option available on 450h's and 460's is APSSS (Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System) which dramatically improves the GS's handling with active sway bars. To verify this option you can look in the spare tire compartment. If there are a bunch of electronics instead of a spare it has APSSS. If you find one buy it!!!

I would also recommend that you look at 450h's. They have GOBS of torque and they are the fastest GS's in the lineup. The battery in the trunk also means that they have near 50:50 weight distribution, making their handling good as well.

For fun check out this link to see what the 450h is all about.... (450h beating the 335i in 0-260km race)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mEJAGw_nNU

Oh and try a search next time....luckily I'm bored...

 

Thanks Lims! I appreciate you dropping the advice.

Yes, I did see some comments about AWD lowering and wheels...but the thread I saw was something like 20% with issues and 80% without issues...very small sample size, of course, but still.

Thanks again.

 

Yeah, thanks for taking the time. Of course I used the search first...but unless you have exactly the right search terms, as you know, you rarely get exactly the type of answer you want...like your very helpful answer.

Thanks...as I say to the guys on the Harley forum where I have been for 4 years, and the Beechcraft forum when they get cranky about newbies asking a some-old-question (NOT saying you are)..."this is what's best about these communities".

Thanks again,

SG

 

I totally understand the difficulty in searching. I almost never find what I'm looking for! Good luck shopping!

 

Thanks Lucas. Now I need to figure-out what to spend! Looking forward to seeing what's out there for $35k or less.

This is just a daily driver...so no need to go nuts, I figure.

Have fun out there...

 

its the lowering that cause the problems. if you lower the car slightly (1") then you really dont run into a problem.

i do agree with you though to stay away from the awd gs if you plan to mod the car. rwd is far better choice.