I'm over analyzing this purchase.....

I'm looking at 2015 models - simply because I prefer the exterior in the 2013-2015.

I like the F Sport, but is it worth it for the added costs on brakes/tires. Is the AWD better on tire expense, but the tradeoff is that the MPG is worse? Truly, how quickly does the F SPORT eat through tires?

I've also looked at an Infiniti Q50 (2015). Both some to be solid cars - sporty - luxurious - but both lack good tech.

Would you buy the car again?

 

AWD has the worst mpg. The Q15 is not a luxurious in the interior as the GS. Tech can be updated with Grom or Beatsonic by adding Carplay/Android Auto to the car. If you do get the f-sport you can always change 2 wheels so they are all the same size. Another model to consider is the 450h or base 350 with/without luxury package.

 

I really like the looks of the F Sport. What is it about this trim that eats tires and rotors? Is it true that you're looking at having to redo pads/rotors and new tires every 30k miles?

So ideal model for Lexus GS 350 from actual cost perspective (mtc/tires/gas) - non F Sport RWD?

 

I'm approaching 10k miles on my 18 F Sport RWD and the tires are wearing great. I'm not having any issues with my rotors being eaten up either.

 

This is the sticker you will see on a new GS F Sport.

 

2013 GS350 FSport AWD here.

44K miles, same OEM rotors. I did swap out the the brake pads at 35Kish miles. Front had a 1/8th" of pad left, rears have plenty of life left but I swapped them out anyway since I had the wheels off. Tires, OEM Bridgestones lasted me 40K+ miles.

 

That’s refreshing - 40k mikes on the tires and same rotors? What is the MPG like in the AWD vs RWD?

 

AWD gets like 16MPG in the city. I drive almost all local Chicago roads. Expressway, I get about 25MPG if I don't drive too fast. LOL

RWD should be at least 1-2MPG better than my numbers.

 

My 2015 AWD F-Sport is averaging around 23 MPG and I could not be happier with the car. The Nissan does not even compare IMHO.
G

Cleaned up

 

Before I got my 2018 GS, we had a 2015 Infiniti Q50S and 2015 GS 350 F-Sport. Towards the end of my Infiniti lease, I began driving the 2015 GS.

Prior to this, I was intending on getting a 2018 Q50S when my lease ended but driving the GS completely changed my mind. I ended up trading my 2015 Q50S for my 2018 GS 350 F-Sport and couldn't be happier. The GS is a class above for sure. The Q50 is good, but the GS is great.

So to answer your question, I would not get the Q50 again but would & did get the GS again.

@gdog5149 Beautiful

 

You didn’t find the infotainment on the Infiniti better? Gas mileage and maintenance between the two similar?

 

Entering destinations was quicker on the Infiniti because it was touchscreen but otherwise, I prefer the single widescreen setup in the GS over the stacked two-screen setup in the Infiniti. I prefer the map and navigation guidance in the GS, however. The navigation map in the Infiniti looks awful, like it's from 1999. I also prefer the system in the GS because I don't like using a touchscreen while driving, having to reach to use the system & I don't like having to clean fingerprints off the screen all the time. I like the remote touch joystick in the GS since I can control everything comfortably in a relaxed position with my arm on the armrest & I find it easier to use while driving.

Gas mileage was way better in the Infiniti. Maintenance is about the same, except going to Infiniti dealerships is nothing special. Might as well be going to a Nissan dealership. That said, I've also had horrendous experiences at one dealership in particular but I've tried most in the SoCal area and none are anything to write home about. My Infiniti also had serious braking issues that they were never able to fix & working with Infiniti to get the braking issue fixed wasn't a very smooth experience either.

Lexus service has been a pleasure each time. The only issue I've had with my 2018 GS was a rattling headliner that the dealership took care of but otherwise has been solid. Our 2015 GS currently has ~80,000 miles and has been perfect. No issues other than scheduled maintenance.

 

I just had my first experience with Lexus service. I made the mistake of trusting the dealer not to mess with anything in my car, and my brand new $250 Apple AirPod Pros came up missing. They asked me to remove any valuables from the car, and against my better judgment trusted they would leave it alone. I didn’t want to go back out into the cold to get them from my car, I thought them being in the console would be fine. Well, they’re gone. Not a great first experience.

 

Now to decide on if F Sport AWD is worth the expense (tires/gas) over a non F Sport RWD.

 

I wouldn't worry about tire/gas expense with AWD vs. RWD. There's not enough difference to be concerned,it's a great car either way. I would think living Georgia AWD wouldn't be necessary. Just buy the GS that you like and don't be concerned about the driveline. Just an FYI, I have an AWD RX and live in Illinois and have never needed to activate AWD.