I drive from Dallas to Houston and then back once a month...this weekend will be the second time i drive the GS down there (to show friends) but I think...most of those trips will be in my Ford Edge in the future lol.

 

one thing i didn't like during my 1000-miles road trip (about 480miles each way) was the mpg.. i have the awd base model and i think i averaged around 24-25mpg.. i thought i would do about 27-28mpg

 

Read this long term review from Edmunds. Great write up on a 700 mile road trip.

http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gs-350/...t/wrap-up.html

 

 

You need to have Expel installed on your car to protect from rock chips. I always park my RX way out wherever I go and have not one ding from someone else hitting it. Expel is a clear vinyl protection film that also makes it easier to clean bugs off.

 

i get bugs on the freeway from local driving..im not scared about it? at all? i cant wait to take my gs on its first road trip. driving a crap rental on a road trip would NOT be fun. i think clear bras are ugly and always have been. and in the long run they never hold up well.

 

Too late for a bra as my decision to drive or not drive is within the next 2 days.
I've been convinced to do the road trip in my GS. I'm sure that I will enjoy the ride and will be comfortable in the seats. I also know that I will spend more on gas but the trade off of finally riding in style wins.
Thanks for the input!

 

I agree with the mindset that you should DRIVE your GS, even on a long trip. If you rent, chances are you're paying around $75/day, plus fuel. If it's a five day trip, that's over $375. That will fix a lot of rock chips and or door dings...plus as mentioned above, you get to use YOUR car. The few times I rented (out of town for business), I was always disappointed with the vehicles...specifically the amenities. Plus getting used to a vehicle while I was in an unfamiliar town/area was always a burden.

 

For me, I'll fly and rent next time. The trip I take is 1200 miles round trip. It's a minefield of retread truck tires, bad pavement, 95% semi truck races uphill side by side for 150 miles between 55 and 60mph in 70mph zones, wildlife like coyotes and deer that suicidally cross or stand in the road etc.

The GS is a wonderful touring car though. Long hours behind the wheel didn't physically wear me out or cause sore spots and the engine has enough grunt to avoid constant up and down shifting to maintain cruise speeds. Mileage was also pretty amazing, topping out at 28 to 30 mpg, running flat out at 80mph on the highway during one long stretch between gas stations, though I wouldn't count on it.

Control at speed is also effortless but not boring enough to put you to sleep. Overall it's not only the best car I've owned but the best long distance traveler, easily rivaling my mom's RX 350, especially the seats. It's just that traffic sucks and the type of traffic sucks even worse on the routes I take.

So to answer the op, for a short trip this car is nothing short of magnificent, although you may not see peak fuel efficiency on a trip that short.