Precisely why I ran from a super sweet M3 a couple of years ago. A little too much fun and excitement on tap. I see others driving like idiots and I didn't want to be another idiot on the road. I've stayed away from xxF models for the same reason.

 

I took a 2015 GS FSport for a test drive to see the difference between the two. Had 41k on it and I believe this was a poor example of a used car. Did not wow me, and there was driveline vibration either coming from the wheels or axles or something. Did seem a lot stiffer (I knew it would be) but I am hoping it is not a deal breaker, the look of the F has grown on me. I am hoping to find a very well taken care of example to solidify my choice in cars and after driving it be able to say "that's the one!".

Back to auto trader, cars.com and CarGurus for me.

 

Just gotta take your time and try not to get impatient during your search. I wanted a nebula /cabernet Fsport. I found L certified 2015 with only 25k. It was pretty close to new. No dings, 2 paint chips dealer fixed and 1 wheel that had been slightly curbed that was fixed also. Drove and smelled like new on the test drive.
Keep looking, you'll find a nice one.

 

I looked at about 10 different 2015 GS350's (mostly fsports) and got a 2015 certified with 26k from the dealer just this week. It was the most immaculate one with no pain chips and a little bit of curb rash on one wheel. Had pads and rotors replaced too during re-certification. That's it.

I was willing to buy from the independent dealers but many of them had paintwork, shotty curb rash painting and didn't have service records. They were cheaper though for sure since you didn't get certified status warranty. It seems like the dealers get first pick of the good lease returns and the rest get auctioned off. Not really sure why the dealer ones were so much better.

 

Generally speaking you save a little but you gamble on needs changing. Total the car, sell it, ect and they count on you just eating the prepaid costs and not using them. I leased cars in past and wouldn't even put down payments. Drive it off the lot and total it and you don't get a refund.

 

Looking at hundreds of cars, I know I have my sights set high. Can anyone tell me is there an extreme difference between the factory sound system and the ML surround? I find myself driving the 90 mile round trip with the stereo off in the Subaru (maybe because it sounds terrible) but I have moments where I do want to listen to some good music.

Any insight from those who have had both? I am asking because I located one that has no ML, but just about everything else. Great price but it is black and looks like there are a lot of swirl marks in the paint. I tend to let them dirty in the winter, I have some grand illusion that this car will be different. You know, daily trips to wash off the salt, etc.

Thanks again.

 

There are a number of threads regarding the ML system in the GS. It's not as good as in some of the other models, so I wouldn't let that alone sway you. That said, it really depends. There's a thread that talks about the tweaking of settings and the system goes from average to quite good. When I'm with my wife, we listen to the system at low volumes, so there's no benefit to the ML system. When I'm alone, I tend to crank it up a lot more and that's where I notice the biggest difference.

 

here is one at our local Lexus dealer. https://www.charlesbarkerlexusvirgin...0350&year=2015

 

Best way is to see them and crank the vume up yourself.. I spread it out over 5 days seeing two cars a day after work.

I have the ML stereo and I'd say it's average. Bass is boomy like most stereos. My non Harmon kardon BMW 2011 535i preimium stereo is still the best stock stereo I've had. People thought I had aftermarket stuff installed .

 

Just got home from DARCARS Toyota in MD. Bought a 2015 GS FSport, Atomic Silver with Black interior with 43k on it I am hoping the one issue it has can be remedied. It has a vibration in the driveline that gets worse as you go above 60 mph. At 80 it is definitely noticeable. I popped the hood 100 miles up the road and 1 of the plastic rivets that hold the plastic cover in front and above the radiator are missing. I noticed they were loose when I checked it over this AM. I get home and now a total of 3 are missing. So, I have to believe the shake in the car had something to do with it. The shake is more than annoying, it is downright taking away from my joy!! I plan to call them in the AM and tell them there is something wrong. If it is something simple, no big deal. If something is out of alignment due to damage, that will be another situation.

Anyhow, it also had a bad sensor for the Park Assist. When I pushed the button it told me to contact Lexus. Saw that on the test drive, they told me the sensor was around $550. I told them I wasn't paying for it so eventually we came to an agreement they would take care of it so it has to go back. Not happy with that. Then the Toyota dealer contacted Lexus and it turns out the sensor is covered under the warranty. So I think I can go to the Lexus dealer about 50 miles away to have that taken care of. I believe while it is there I will have them check the shake out. It may be a tire that needs balanced and that would be a relief.

It appears to have new brake pads in the front which is good. The drivers side makes a loud squeal 80% of the time. Not good.

So with that, anyone have any thoughts on what I am dealing with as far as the shake? Any other thoughts on the squealing brake?

I really appreciate all of the advice and input on got on this forum. Helped me feel certain that I was doing the right thing. Soooo glad to be back in a Toyota....ecstatic to be in a Lexus!

Thanks guys!

-Rob

 

Your car should still be covered under the original bumper to bumper warranty (4yrs/50k) so anything you find, take it the Lexus dealership. The CarFax or Lexus drivers site (https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/) should show you the original in service date (you'll have four years from that date to get any problems fixed under warranty).

In terms of the shake, if its happening when coasting or accelerating then it could be bad tires, a suspension issue or simply out of round/bent wheels. You should drive the car with a Lexus tech to point it out and reproduce the problem with them. If the vibration is while braking it could be warped rotors.

There is also a TSB out on the F-Sport brakes (may be RWD specific) but thats something to bring up with the tech when you drive it with them as well.

Congrats on the purchase and i'm sure the local Lexus dealership will take care of your issues. If not, take your business to the next closest Lexus dealership (i'm in NY and get my car serviced by dealerships in NJ b/c of better quality of service).

 

Took the car to a local tire dealer that has a road force measurement system The two wheels with scuffs are both bent. They put them on the back of the car and most of the vibration is gone.

I contacted the dealer and told them I wasn't happy they blew me off when I said something was wrong with the car. Their mechanics missed it and the the salesman dismissed it. Drove home 150 miles on two bent rims. Unacceptable. Seeing if they will help out with getting them replaced.

The good news is the thing feels very Lexus-like now. So smooth and will only be better when the wheels are replaced. And the other bonus is I was originally hoping to get a car in Liquid Platinum. Found the build sheet in the glove compartment and this car is Liquid Platinum. Waxed out most of the minor scratches today and it just shines!

So relieved this wasn't something in the driveline; that would have just been a bummer.

 

 

I would have bought L Certified if I could have found one in the month I have been looking. They were all too far away for me to do practically, weren't the color I was looking for or they were 7K more than this one. Carfax is clean, paint has almost no chips and the interior is almost spotless. And as another bonus, I talked to the previous owner on the phone this morning who told me the car was always taken care of, oil changed etc. His wife drove it to run their kids around and it was garage kept.

I was actually shocked at what they gave me for my trade as well. Not sure I could have sold it outright for that much.

In the end, if I have to buy two new wheels, I saved 6K, still have warranty left to take care of any other issues (like the parking sensor) and I will be running this car happily paid for. All is well that ends well.

 

Glad to hear it all worked out. May you have many years of trouble free motoring. Enjoy your new car.