So I've had several Lexus cars, and really like the 2013+GS350. I just read an article stating this was (2013) the worst year of any GS Lexus ever, and to avoid it at all costs. I'm looking at RWD models, any issues besides the dead battery problems I hear about. Also are these cars selling over KBB value? KBB prices are already super-inflated right now, just like the entire car market. I'm curious if these cars sell above that normally, or are the few I'm looking at just priced silly.

 

I don’t recommend 2013 because gearbox 6 speed
2014 and above is 8 speed

 

I read the same article, looks like a tabloid piece. First sign that very little research was done was the reference to the 2013 model being the 3rd generation model.

2013’s lack a few features, but are basically flawless like all 4th Gens. Many love the six-speed as it hunts gears less than the eight speed. I don’t believe you can find anything wrong with any model year of this generation.

With that said, the only bad GS year was the 2006 GS300. The GSR190 had issues for many owners.

 

As a former LS460 owner and now a 2013 GS350 owner, I can attest that this gen. of the GS is just as reliable as the brand is famous for. I'd highly recommend a '13 GS. Mine drives like a German sedan with reliability of Toyota. I have come to LOVE driving this car. Quick and tight in the twists and smooth and luxurious on the highway. I think my GS is quieter than my LS was (no wind issue in the GS). I prefer the 6 speed to the 8 but it does hurt highway gas mileage.

 

I flat our love our 2013 GS350 F Sport. I was at the dealership one day for service (I bought it under CPO) and test drove a beautiful white on black 2020(?) F Sport with 20K miles or thereabouts. I offered $20K and my car before I drove it. Once I drove it the deal was off. The newer car, with 50K less miles, was a let down in comparison. Maybe it had some chump change rubber, dunno.
The six speed is a better transmission and the earlier cars are better driver's cars.

 

2013 is a bit too old for me. It's not a bad car but the tech is too far behind right now. All 4th Gen GS (2013-2020) are great driving machines!

I went from a 2014 to 2019 and was surprised at how much these cars have changed. If money is no issue, get the 2016+ GS with all the latest tech, especially if u plan to keep it for a long time.

I think the GS will hold its value very well now, since it has been discontinued and I still think the GS is the best car Lexus ever made. LS is too big, IS too small, and ES too soft. The GS is just a really good all-around car, very fun to drive, can eat miles all day long, and has a trunk that can fit a house.

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with a 2013 and there are more of them in the used market than refreshed versions. I've owned a '13 for the last 6+yrs. There have been some minor annoyances (squeaky serpentine belt fixed for $60, sunroof seal/wind noise fixed for $50, AWD whine at 60mph fixed under TSB for free) but everything else has been rock solid.

I recently had an AC issue which was the costliest fix I've had but its only bc I went to the dealer to get it done. Reliability has been excellent and even better than my previous 2001 GS430.

Pre owned cars are still selling over typical used car prices as things remain inflated due to the ongoing chip shortage...all used vehicles are in demand and will remain so for the near future - the GS is no exception. But if you're patient, you can find some deals as the market cools off.

In fact, my wife's cousin recently bought a CLEAN, accident free, premium pkg '13 GS350 AWD for $21k w/56k miles on the odometer from a local dealer (very similar to mine). Here was a quick shot I managed to get (mine on left, his on right):



I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any 2013 GS.

 

The early 4GS were epic, they handled better than the 4.5GS. They had minor issues due to being a new model. Faulty A/C fan seals, noisy clock springs etc. Nothing serious. The 6 speed transmission is a beast.
The only reason I can think of not to buy a 4 over a 4.5 is that American delivered models were missing many features that a Lexus should have had. The 4.5GS includes more of those features.

 

I have owned 3 with the 6 speed - no complains and zero gear hunting.

 

Still own my 2013 LUX with 125K on the clock and is as tight as I got it.
No Complaints at all and would definitely get another if needed to.

 

Similar experience: my 2013 Lux awd just ticked over 100k, and it's been an amazing car over the last four years.

It doesn't need anything: just oil changes and wearing parts. It appears to be as well if not better engineered than my 2001 GS430, which I drove for thirteen years and put 160k miles on.

 

If you find a good deal on the 13, grab it. Its a great car. My daughter has inherited mine and its an amazing car. Drives so well and no issues at all. I do oil changes myself and replace some fluids. Its a great car.

 

I haven't owned a 2013, but I've had a 2015, a 2019, and now a 2020 and they have all been spectacular. I would absolutely jump on a good deal on a 2013.

 

It sounds like you read a bunk article probably authored by a hack writer.

I have a 2013 GS 350 Premium model that I've had since 2014 and have had absolutely zero issues with it. It's darn near perfect! I can only hope that my next Lexus is as good!

You should not avoid the 2013 GS 350 model year if you like the GS 350 model. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a great car!

The 6-speed transmission in the 2013 performs better than the 8-speed transmission, with the latter having the typical 'gear hunting' issue that most 8-speed automatic transmissions deliver, which personally would drive me crazy. As for any increase in fuel mileage from the 8-speed transmission, it's practically zero.

The battery drain issue you mentioned affected only a very small percentage of the GS 350 in practically any model years, and the GS 350 was not the only model that experienced the problem - some other Lexus and Toyota models that experienced the same parasitic drain problem have been ES, IS, RX, GX and Tundra). I believe Lexus/Toyota finally figured out what was causing the parasitic drain in the printed circuit board and resolved the problem.

There is nothing about the 2013 GS 350 that should prevent you or anyone from buying that particular model year. Some of the later model years have slightly enhanced navigation tech and console controls and might possibly have the optional automatic trunk closure, but there's nothing that really stands out as 'must have'.

 

I'm sorry to say, but you're in the minority with this statement. Search the forum to see how people on CL who have owned (or have experienced driving) both the 6-speed and the 8-speed compared them.. it may surprise you.

To OP, I would not hesitate purchasing ANY model year of the 4GS. Fantastic car - sporty, luxurious, can accommodate 4 adults, and has a bulletproof build (you will rarely see people mentioning engine trouble). It's unfortunate that Lexus has discontinued it.

~ Im2bz2p345