GS Reliability
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 42
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From: md
GS Reliability
I'm considering GS350 AWD F-sport after my MB E350 lease expires in August. I was surprised to see so many threads talking about fixing their cars. My wife's previous ES350 didn't have a single problem in 6 years. The current one has been trouble free for 2.5 years so far. The number of threads talking about what went wrong with a car reminds me of BMW and MB message boards. Reliability is one of the main reasons I'm considering the GS. What is general consensus on relative GS reliability of folks who drove German cars before switching to GS?
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 680
From: NJ
I'm considering GS350 AWD F-sport after my MB E350 lease expires in August. I was surprised to see so many threads talking about fixing their cars. My wife's previous ES350 didn't have a single problem in 6 years. The current one has been trouble free for 2.5 years so far. The number of threads talking about what went wrong with a car reminds me of BMW and MB message boards. Reliability is one of the main reasons I'm considering the GS. What is general consensus on relative GS reliability of folks who drove German cars before switching to GS?
I'm considering GS350 AWD F-sport after my MB E350 lease expires in August. I was surprised to see so many threads talking about fixing their cars. My wife's previous ES350 didn't have a single problem in 6 years. The current one has been trouble free for 2.5 years so far. The number of threads talking about what went wrong with a car reminds me of BMW and MB message boards. Reliability is one of the main reasons I'm considering the GS. What is general consensus on relative GS reliability of folks who drove German cars before switching to GS?
Lexus ranks number one in reliability with Consumer reports and Toyota number 2.
https://www.businessinsider.com/most...2-toyota-76-14
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 42
Likes: 4
From: md
Thanks for the quick replies guys. As I said two ES350s driven by my wife were trouble free whereas ny previous 328 had a number of issues that would've been very expensive fixes had it not been under warranty. I guess peasodos is right saying that people post complains and not flawless performance.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 76
Likes: 15
From: FL
While I've only owned this car for two weeks, it is a high mileage example and has been flawless. Years ago, I bought a low mileage, one year old, CPO BMW and the engine light came on two days after purchasing. Had it not been under warranty, it would have cost several thousand to fix. My better half's BMW has been more reliable as has my father's. However, both are the turbo 4's. Based on my experience with two different models, the turbo sixes are notorious trouble makers. If I were to go back to the Germans, it would be with a 4, but where's the fun in that?
Edit: just for kicks, go poke around e90post or f30post. Now those have a lot of talk about repairs.
Edit: just for kicks, go poke around e90post or f30post. Now those have a lot of talk about repairs.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 608
Likes: 88
From: Ohio
I have 166k trouble free miles on my 2013 Lexus GS350 AWD. Not sure what all the complaints are about that you’ve read on here regarding the GS. Non high performance German commuter cars can be reliable too if you baby them, but they still won’t quite touch Toyota/Lexus reliability. Going from a ES350 to E350 you may be slightly disappointed though. There will be small things that break here and there, But overall powertrain should last you to about 200k on a post Chrysler era Benz. Just remember to replace your fluids every 50k miles, oil changes every 10k. I would advise you to also look into a reputable independent repair center that specializes in euro cars, it will cost you a lot less for minor repairs such as water pump and alternator over the 200k lifespan. E Classes are very solid feeling cars, sturdy craftsmanship, but the GS does a very good job of imitating what the Germans have done with E-class while still being ultra reliable.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 13,614
Likes: 2,918
From: Texas
berman2921 - Don't let the threads talking about problems or fixing something influence you negatively. The guys here on the GS 350 forum are (for the most part) car enthusiasts that mod their own cars, perform DIY projects and are extra picky about various things that ES, LS, RX, GX and LX owners don't get involved in. Doing things like changing brake pads, brake rotors, adding lowering springs, coilovers, airbags, sway bar, suspension bushings, adding a supercharger, adding HUD feature, adding auto trunk closure, aftermarket wheels and tires that require rolling the fender, adding headers, front bumper conversion, changing all lights to LEDS, adding hard-wiring dash cams and radar detectors, adding fog lights, changing lever stalks, changing steering wheels, replacing spark plugs, replacing transmission fluid ...and the list goes on and on - things that most Lexus owners do not do, or are not interested in or even inclined to notice. The GS 350 is every bit as reliable and dependable as any other Lexus, which is recognized as being one of the best, if not the best.
Last edited by bclexus; Jan 13, 2019 at 03:21 PM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 28
From: ONTARIO
I'm considering GS350 AWD F-sport after my MB E350 lease expires in August. I was surprised to see so many threads talking about fixing their cars. My wife's previous ES350 didn't have a single problem in 6 years. The current one has been trouble free for 2.5 years so far. The number of threads talking about what went wrong with a car reminds me of BMW and MB message boards. Reliability is one of the main reasons I'm considering the GS. What is general consensus on relative GS reliability of folks who drove German cars before switching to GS?
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Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 1,335
From: NY
Most of us 4GS owners are just very picky about our cars and have high expectations for reliability. Its funny to see how smaller issues (wind noise/rattles/ergonomics/AC controls/nav updates) or even non issues like folks electing to replace spark plugs/differential fluids/transmission fluids/seals/etc earlier than needed seemingly hit the top threads on the forum making it seem like the 4GS isn't as reliable as it is.
In fact, the 4GS is one of the most reliable mid-sized luxury cars available. Folks I know with German cars that own them past the warranty period get used to things that are "fussy" or problematic b/c their expectation levels are different going into the long-term ownership experience.
You should expect the GS to be worry-free from major issues. Its definitely not one of those cars that spends more time at the shop than in your possession. But remember, if something does go wrong, its worth it to spend the money/time to fix it because the 4GS doesn't seem to get tired of anything you can throw at it!
In fact, the 4GS is one of the most reliable mid-sized luxury cars available. Folks I know with German cars that own them past the warranty period get used to things that are "fussy" or problematic b/c their expectation levels are different going into the long-term ownership experience.
You should expect the GS to be worry-free from major issues. Its definitely not one of those cars that spends more time at the shop than in your possession. But remember, if something does go wrong, its worth it to spend the money/time to fix it because the 4GS doesn't seem to get tired of anything you can throw at it!
Last edited by AJLex19; Jan 13, 2019 at 01:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 42
Likes: 4
From: md
Great message board! Thank you guys for very informative replies. I'm not keeping MB E350 post lease and will definitely consider GS as a replacement. It was encouraging to read gs350lex's post who switched to GS from e46 M3 which is considered one on the best driving cars period. I'm not crazy about the GS' infotainment interface which is the same as on my wife's ES but I can live with it. It looks like too many things are going for GS to not strongly consider it as my next vehicle. Most likely I won't lease but rather purchase it. I think I know the options I would like to get on the car: power gesture trunk, advanced lighting, HUD, parking assistance.
BTW I also really wanted GS F but swapping tires twice a year and double insurance costs compared to my E350 will probably keep me from going that route.
Thanks again guys and I'm looking forward to be spending some time on this forum as an owner in the near future.
BTW I also really wanted GS F but swapping tires twice a year and double insurance costs compared to my E350 will probably keep me from going that route.
Thanks again guys and I'm looking forward to be spending some time on this forum as an owner in the near future.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 680
From: NJ
Great message board! Thank you guys for very informative replies. I'm not keeping MB E350 post lease and will definitely consider GS as a replacement. It was encouraging to read gs350lex's post who switched to GS from e46 M3 which is considered one on the best driving cars period. I'm not crazy about the GS' infotainment interface which is the same as on my wife's ES but I can live with it. It looks like too many things are going for GS to not strongly consider it as my next vehicle. Most likely I won't lease but rather purchase it. I think I know the options I would like to get on the car: power gesture trunk, advanced lighting, HUD, parking assistance.
BTW I also really wanted GS F but swapping tires twice a year and double insurance costs compared to my E350 will probably keep me from going that route.
Thanks again guys and I'm looking forward to be spending some time on this forum as an owner in the near future.
BTW I also really wanted GS F but swapping tires twice a year and double insurance costs compared to my E350 will probably keep me from going that route.
Thanks again guys and I'm looking forward to be spending some time on this forum as an owner in the near future.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 28
From: ONTARIO
Go the route @PilotX did, got a GS but installed it with a supercharger. 400whp (~500chp). Best of both worlds...
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 680
From: NJ
RWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1002.htm
AWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1001.htm
@PilotX - FYI, they released Stage 3. Your wife will love you if you install it LOL.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 28
From: ONTARIO
RR Racing is literally 1.5 hours drive from me. They quoted me a full install for ~$10K. Compared to how much a GSF would cost and with the trade in values, etc... $10K isn't bad for GSF territory. If you prefer to do it yourself, it's $6.6K.
RWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1002.htm
AWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1001.htm
@PilotX - FYI, they released Stage 3. Your wife will love you if you install it LOL.
RWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1002.htm
AWD: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-...isxscr1001.htm
@PilotX - FYI, they released Stage 3. Your wife will love you if you install it LOL.
Sounds like a plan in a few years
. Thanks much appreciated.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 623
From: South Carolina
If your buying, get the GS you'll be glad ya did. I love my 18 mostly because reliability is tops for me. I would've rather had more performance but 311 hp is enough for me. After owning GM crap all my life I'll probably never sway from Lexus. I really don't know of ANY brand that beats it period!