I'm currently driving and IS250 AWD, and I like the car. But I want something with some more power, only problem is living in Ohio, I should probaly look for AWD right? Well the new Jag XF has a winter mode and seems to do well in snow according to their forums. So I'm torn between GS460 and XF Premium. Any advice? They are both RWD. Only difference is a little in the price.

 

My 2GS430 w/all-seasons can be downright scary in the real bad stuff. I get by during most storms, but there's a few days each winter that I have NO business being on the road. I suspect that it'd be better with snow tires, but RWD is no substitute for AWD in my humble opinion.

I look forward to replacing my GS one of these days and would you believe that I still go back and forth between RWD (GS450h or GS460) and AWD (GS350 w/AWD)?! Yup, it's strange but true.

 

I was choosing between exactly those 2 cars as well a year ago. In the end I chose the GS460 because (a) the price of a new one was much more competitive because of incentives last year; and (b) in the used market the Lexus appeared to hold its value better.

As far as the cars themselves go, here's my take:

Lexus positives:
1) Vastly better powertrain than Jag - 8 speed auto vs. 6 speed - and also a sublimely good 8-speed. Was best transmission in the world in 2007 when they launched it.
2) Powertrain is also smoother, more efficient
3) GS460 is also faster 5.4 sec 0-60 vs 5.5 for Jag and has a higher top speed (150mph electronically limited vs. 121 mph electronically limited for the Jag).
4) Less depreciation
5) Can get a better deal since it is close to end of cycle
6) Lexus is better looking of the 2 cars in my opinion

Cons of Lexus:
1) 12-18 months left in this body shape
2) Interior is not as nice as Jag
3) Doesn't have as nice exhaust tips and factory wheels as the Jag

Positives of Jag:
1) Lovely interior with leather trimmed dash which makes it feel more premium than Lexus
2) Better suspension - both have adaptive electronic suspension but the Jags is better both in comfort and in sport modes
3) Newer body style - will stay current for longer since GS will become outdated by a newer model next year
4) British = more prestige in eyes of some. As a Brit myself, the notion of owning a Jag is very appealing. My dad had a Jag when I was a kid so I would love to own one when a no compromise model comes along.
5) Some nicer styling details - blue led dash; nice exhaust tips, nice rims, et c.

Cons of Jag
1) Likely more depreciation - assuming you buy new
2) Powertrain feels dated - less smooth, less powerful, less gears which means it is noisy at 90-100mph
3) Slower

On the whole my conclusion was that the GS460 is both the better car and is better value from a total cost of ownership perspective. The only hesitation I had is it being replaced by a newer model, but when I bought in 2009 I figured I'd get 2-3 years out of it before the new one came along.

 

I agree with 98% of the previous post. Exception is the new GS body will come next spring as a 2012 model (not suppose to be any radical sheet metal changes).

I'm also curious why the GS460 and not the GS350AWD. Aside from one or two features exclusive to the GS460 (excluding the 8 vs 6 speed auto), I say save yourself a few thousand dollars and look at the GS350AWD.

 

Agreed, the GS350 is perfect for you!

 

I think a rear wheel drive car with snow tires is great for winter weather. No need for awd. I remember flying through the alps in the snow in a BMW 330 rwd from Munich to Kitzbuhl in the winter. I never once worried about falling off the mountain. Michelin AlpinSport tires are amazing. Way better to drive rwd with snow tires than awd with all season tires.

 

Thanks for the in-depth pro and cons. I agree with a lot of the points you have there. I think for the money the lexus is my best bet. I'm going to go with a RWD, i like the faster, more horse power car. I will test drive both sometime soon.

 

You're going to love it. What the 0-60 stats don't show is how effortless the V8 is. It is very fast, without making much effort, and if you have roads without limits you will have the surreal experience of doing a 100mph at 2300 rpm.

Every time I drive my car I'm struck by how awesome it is.

 

Two words: Snow Tires. My Jag did not get stuck or even close to it all last winter here in the NYC area and yes, I was out in some very deep snow. Haven't had the Lexus long enough to see how it does in the snow yet, but with AWD it should be fine

 

I have a GS460 and drove it last winter with snow tires and had to problems.

 

why not just get a winter beater if your so worried about driving rwd in the snow. i have an awd gs and i still bought a winter beater lol.