So, last night I hit 1,000 miles. I always drive in Sport S mode.


Now that I drove my first Lexus and my first 8sp transmission vehicle, I have nothing but regrets about the purchase.

They have ruined the vehicle by introducing an 8 speed transition. It shift like crap, sometimes it doesn't shift at all, sometimes it will shift too much.

As I was driving last night at around 30mph and then I realized I was in 5th gear. WTF.

I thought, well lets hit the gas, and so I did, and Oh boy I was disappointed. It took a while for it to get in to the right gear. It felt like it was in 5 gear forever.

The navigation is also crappy, I found myself lost more times than I can ever remember. It will find a way eventually, but it may take you for a nice ride before you get there.


I still could not figure out how to get to RCV Email. I am sure there is a way, but simplicity goes a long the way.


APPS, ha what apps.

I did not buy this car to save on GAS, but FK, 18MPG AVG. May as well call it a Humvee

I am extremely disapointed, I only had the car for 3 weeks yet I wish I did not buy it. I got a very good deal on it, but I would rather pay more and drive a better car. The 2013 GS350 are so much better, I wish I could trade for it.

PS: I dont think I ever regretted when it comes to cars, I lease them every 2-3 years, so its not like I will drive the car all my life, but this car is exceptionally ruined.

The only positive things about the new GS is beautiful leather, Big Screen and it handles like a dream.

 

There were several of us who questioned the 8sp tranny. The 6sp does enough searching for gears as it is...why add 2 more??

Sorry you hate the car.

I blame all of this on the tree-huggers. Touch'em all.

 

I also notice when I floor it on the freeway it won't down shift so it accelerates very slowly. My ES350 was more responsive than the GS on the freeway. Should be the other way around. Maybe if Lexus gets enough complaints they will give us a software update for the transmission.

 

Maybe, but we are stuck with this crappy one and a Sticker of $59,000

 

Sorry to hear you did not enjoy your new ride. I have been in and out of many Lexus and I have to say they all are different. I do not drive much in Sport + mode because I do not like the way it down shift. Try driving it in normal mode and you will know exactly what I am talking about. My only complaint is that the sport mode should have been tighter suspension and steering and Sport + be open throttle and tighter suspension. I would rather drive with a tighter suspension all day long then to have to deal with the down shift on Sport +. That is why I think they had the sport and sport + programmed incorrectly. Normal mode is my best option for drive, down shifting and accelerating when I want.

 

I dont drive in S+ mode, I drive in S mode 90%. So I wouldn't know about the down shift.

I do however occasionally drive in M mode, because I absolutely hate and dont trust the transmission, and it drives nice, a but harsh on the down shift , but speeds up nicely. The only negative in driving in M (which adds up to other things I hate about the car) is that you cant hear the engine loud enough to know when to shift. I have to look up and see which gear I am in.

 

+1 agree to many gears. Sucks though OP is mad now with his purchase. Buy some car stuff always makes me feel happier Or shift the gears manually.

 

I just wanted to vent out. I find that auto makers always miss something as if they don't ever listen to the buyers, or previous owners. They have all these surveys yet they do what they think its good, not what the majority wants.

I bet every each and one of you can easily make 3-4 changes to any car, and it will be well desired!

Think about how many people, black out the chrome, how many people would love to change the rear cover from yellow to red. etc...

 

Try driving in Normal instead of Sport. It will shift better... in my opinion

I personally think the gears shifting has something to do with the throttle opening in sport and sport +

 

I couldn't agree more! I hate the rough downshift in S mode. The first time I experienced it, I was in shock. I couldn't believe that Lexus would actually do this to the car... Anyways, it is what it is. I love my 4GS and don't regret my purchase but agree that Lexus could improve the transmission issues..

 

I have not driven one with the 8 speed, but I can say I remain 110% satisfied with my 2013 GS350. Navigation and apps are functionally okay but way behind what else is out there. The infotainment system in our new Jeep is incredible as compared to the Lexus. But it works and its fine...the car is great in so many other ways I don't consider it an issue.

 

I can deal with Nav, but transmision NO

 

Yeah, Lexus didn't listen to us AT ALL. We want(ed) more HP...not more GD gears.

 

Just before this GS350, I had 2012 Acura TL FULLY loaded.

The car was done right, every single feature is right. Excellent transmission,and Engine 0-60 I did in 5.7s, Super easy and clear Nav, that actually works great, You dont even need to look in the book for anything, becasue you can figure everything out in 10-15 minutes.

The sound is amazing no need to upgrade, unlike GS.

Only 1 negative, I wish it was faster and I wish it had better Leather.

 

I do have an 8 speed in my new Jeep, and can compare it to my previous Jeep which was the same engine with a 5 speed. The 5 speed was woefully under-geared with the MPG tuning they had programmed into it.

The 8 speed is a HUGE improvement around town. It really feels like an entirely different vehicle. Better pickup, more nimble. On the highway though when downshifting to pass or something like that, it's a little awkward, hangs up a split second, has to drop down 2-3 gears to get the oomph it needs. It does loaf along at about 1600 RPM at 75 MPH...

I think 6 speeds is about the sweet spot...

This is all what you're used to. I never have to look at the book on a Lexus because I know how everything works because I've had them for so long. Nav, menus, everything is just second nature to me. Comparing it to the Jeep, much bigger learning curve but the Jeep's infotainment can do a lot more.