Early 4th Gen build issues/concerns?

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Jul 2, 2025 | 08:55 AM

Hooptie430

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Early 4th Gen build issues/concerns?

Morning all,

I just sold my LS and am in search for a 4th gen GS. I've been looking at 15's specifically but it seems that they are little harder to find than I anticipated. I've expanded my search to 13' - 14' and am finding a few more options out there.

I've always been hesitant on 1st - 2nd years of new models allowing the manufacture to work out the"kinks". Since 13's are the first model year for the 4th gen is my concern valid or should I not worry about it? I've been eying a 13' F-Sport with a build date of May/2012 so its a very early production model.

Curious what you all think?

Jul 2, 2025 | 09:42 AM

EAST

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Joined: Oct 2022

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From: FL

Read through here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...sed-my-gs.html

Jul 2, 2025 | 11:29 AM

jgscott

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From: GA

Just maybe my biased opinion. But I have driven and have knowledge about the 13 - 20 GS. Lexus was changing course from Lexus like ride and steering with the 2013 GS350 and it beat out the German cars on the track and others with the 13 mag test. I think the 2013 w/ the 6 speed Trans was the best built, imo.

You need not worry about that 1st year car issue with this model, it does not at all exist.

Jul 4, 2025 | 10:14 PM

Hooptie430

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jgscott

I hope you are right

! I just picked up a 2013 F-Sport this morning.

Jul 5, 2025 | 12:26 AM

Oro

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Joined: Dec 2013

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From: wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooptie430

I hope you are right

! I just picked up a 2013 F-Sport this morning.

Congrats. That’s a good year IMO. Miles on it? (To help make maintenance tips/recs).

A lot of us like the 6 speed over the 8. It is mated with the engine better and doesn’t have some of the shifting quirks of the 8. Some things you can take comfort in:

- The drivetrain was carried straight over from the 3GS. All initial issues with it were worked out in 2010. Earlier cars were corrected under warranty so 2007/8/9 engines were updated (water pump and cam timing gear). Only thing really to know is a) change the PCV valve every 75 to 100k miles at minimum, and b) red-line it regularly to the keep the low-tension rings from sticking. I do it once or twice every other or every third drive, like when entering a freeway hit it hard 2nd-3rd - I don’t mean you have to wail on it constantly. Otherwise a great mill with few/no real issues. Those things I mention are truly trivial.

- Body is new but a lot of the suspension is carried straight over from 3GS, in principle if not in exact parts (some are). No new suspension or serious issues.

ps your username is amusing; good job.

Last edited by Oro; Jul 5, 2025 at 12:30 AM.

Jul 5, 2025 | 01:20 PM

AJLex19

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From: NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooptie430

I hope you are right

! I just picked up a 2013 F-Sport this morning.

Congrats! The F-Sport has definitely aged a bit better than the lux/base. I have an early build '13 (May 2012) and have not experienced anything too dramatic. No drivetrain issues at all. Still on original suspension and exhaust components.

I had a few failures that are more of an anomoly than common (prior to 75k miles, AC Condensor failure and bad O Ring which were pricey fixes at the dealer). There are quite a few threads that come up as new members or new buyers jump onto the forum ask about common items to consider - infotainment failure with battery change, servo motors, excessive noise (sunroof seal) at highway speeds, etc. You are unlikely to experience all of these issues and frankly, you may never experience any of them depending on the luck of the draw.

Enjoy that F-Sport and post a pic or two so we can admire

Jul 5, 2025 | 01:31 PM

jgscott

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From: GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooptie430

I hope you are right

! I just picked up a 2013 F-Sport this morning.

Know I am right.

Nice! Congrats. Pics, details? If you search here you will also find that you can pretty much Lego swap in 95% of any 13 - 20 options you want. Including 16+ Body, lights, and even Lux model options.