Hi,

I'm new here and have been lurking and reading up on posts for a while as I'm thinking of getting a new GS. For all you guys that has own the 3GS for a few years and put a few miles on it, how's the long term rigidity of the car? Does the structure feel loose? Does the interior trim (headliners, seats and etc) start making noises and feel and sound lose? When you go over rough roads does the floorpan "wiggle?" Let's just say the ES350 I currently have isnt the most well built car ever. Thanks.

 

That's interesting. We have both a GS460 and an ES350. I find the ES350 is rock solid - probably the most solid car I've ever owned. The GS460 seems a little less solid than the ES350. ES350 is totally silent. GS has some vibration sounds on rough roads at high speeds.

In terms of chassis flex, GS is more rigid. But its hard to tell for sure since I don't drive the ES the way I drive the GS. In fact I don't think the ES can be driven like the GS because it just lacks the cornering ability.

 

Hmmm interesting. The ES feels solid over big bumps, but the little ones causes vibrations in the floorpan. Maybe its the little rattles on the interior trims that makes it feel less solid. Also, the ES feels and sounds hallow especially when it rains. Same thing with a 2009 loaner ES350, it felt looser but definitely quieter. I would figure a 50k car is more robust overall.

 

The LS is rock solid. But as I said I think the GS is more prone to vibration on rough roads than the 2009 ES in my case.

 

A lot of people on CL complain about dash rattles on the GS, I have yet to experience the problem (knock on wood) but I only have 20K miles.

Also, most of the AWD GSs experience some sort of wobble or shaking when lowered. If you do get a GS, and plan on lowering it, I would suggest getting the RWD model.

 

Nah no lowering for me. Plan to leave it stock if I do get it. Deciding between this or the new RX. Skeptical about getting another Camry based Lexus.

 

Actually, i think many will agree, the GS is not based off the Camry. If any, the ES would be. IMHO, i think the GS is more sporty.

 

I think his skepticism is directed at the RX and the ES which are both based on the camry platform. I think he knows the GS is not Camry based.

 

My Gs is solid but the interior does squeak and rattle a little bit. I have learned to just turn up the stereo

 

After 4 yrs, squeaks and rattles are expected and I'm assuming you are on modified suspensions? That would bring it out even faster. However, a car taht's only two years old, the interior should not feel loose, well not totally squeak freeze but certainly higher expectations for a luxury brand.