Hey all,

I’m looking into buying either a GS or IS 350, RWD and 2014-2020. So far, my only must haves are the F-Sport and Mark Levinson packages.

Looking for advice on what I need to look for specifically on the models, years to avoid, any other options I should want, etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

No model years to avoid on the 4GS! OEM RWD F Sport front brakes and rotors are expensive on all model years of the GS. Most aggresively tuned from the factory will be a 2015 RWD F Sport.

There are a few common issues with infotainment failing after changing battery, deterioriation/weathering of sunroof seal causing excessive wind noise, prematurely failing struts on F-sport models, issues with A/C servo motors, melting dashboard, etc. There are lots of DIY threads, TSB's and helpful posts by members on their experiences with addressing these items.

As always, i recommend getting the newest GS you can afford, with a good maintenance history and lowest miles you can find. If you're looking for best overall performance/handling, its the 2015. If you're looking for best bang for your buck, it will be a 2013. If you're looking for lots of the latest Lexus safety systems and updated interior/exterior refresh with some possible remaining warranty, i'd go for a 2018-2019. If you can find it, the rare 2020 F Sport Black Line Edition GS is the Lexus send-off with unique OEM finishes and well optioned.

Here are a few helpful threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-s-guide.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...gs-to-buy.html

 

Stick with 2016 or newer for the better look. You've got the right packages. Check for dashboard rattles and test the infotainment screen for ghost touching. Drive both. The GS is a smoother cruiser, the IS is nimbler in the city. Both are great, just pick the feel you like.

 

Thanks, those threads were a good read. I test drove a 2013 GS 350 recently and liked it a lot. I’ve previously owned Honda/Acuras and a couple of 3 series all manual trans so the smooth ride was a pleasant change and was surprised by how smooth the 6 AT was, the braking was also pretty good for a car this big. The infotainment system seemed hectic and would need some time to get used to, too many buttons and using the **** for the screen controls was too slow to do anything. The lack of engine/exhaust noise was also very weird but I guess that’s just because it’s more luxury focused than sporty. I’ll be test driving the IS 350 soon with and without the ML audio system to compare.

From what I understand, the servo motors have a total 11 year/125k mile warranty and would cost $2-3k out of warranty if a reset does not solve the issue.
I did notice looking at a bunch of Carfax reports that the pads were replaced art 25-30k intervals, which is unusually premature. How many times can the rotors be resurfaced before they need to be changed or do they need to be replaced with each pad change and how much are you guys spending on the brake service?
Are you replacing the struts with OEM or going aftermarket?