jeffgwaltney

(also posted in LS forum)
Hi all
have a mint 99 LS black/tan that just turned 100k - w all services done - love it and no doubt. Est veh ever owned (maybe ever will?) - can't believe still get @30 mpg on interstate trips -

so it's like brand new but after having for 13 yrs (2nd owner I bought in '04 when it only had 37k mi) guess I'm struggling w keeping vs a newer CPO Lexus either preowned LS460 2011-12 (better still a '13) or 4GS- thinking would need to be minimum 2011-12 LS, but preferably either a '13 LS or a '13/'14 GS - Budget low end $27k high end $35k - beginning the research and see the pricing range but likely by this Fall the '13 LS makes the budget cut

appears '13 GS can be had CPO for $28-30 and the '14 GS for $30-33 - 2012 LS CPO harder to find but found one for dlr asking $26.5 w 69k mi - the '13 LS CPO still seems more like $40k but again expecting $35'ish by Fall/Winter with new LS release

what say you overall re comparing houses above given am coming from a '99 LS? ownership exp? '11-12 LS v the '13? Or LS v GS - vote with your reply! And thx in advance for your thoughts; smart folks on this forum!

jeff

yardie876

Depends. Do you want an isolated, luxurious ride, or a more engaging one closer to the sporty side of the spectrum? Also have to look at interior space. Many factors.

jeffgwaltney

Thx yardie - yeah several factors - can go either way on the ride/handling as am not a "racer" so GS the max "handler" I'd consider...an wifey's 08 Highlander hybrid (she absolutely loves it) has about 115k - so have even thought would consider an RX (don't want truck based GX/LX) as wed use whatever we get as our "new low mi <60k mi trip veh"

as long as as it's a Lexus I could prob be happy

AJLex19

I went from an '01 GS430 to a '13 GS - the most similar thing about the cars is the overall build quality. The '01 GS had a cushy ride with the 16" stock wheels and the V8's mileage and acceleration was great. The '13 GS is more of a driver's car as my older GS felt like more a cruiser. You already have an LS so you already know its feel and how great a vehicle it is...characteristics of the LS have even moved down to the ES line. The ES is like the smaller, cheaper LS in terms of its ride and general characteristics--very different from the GS and IS lines.

If you want Sporty (quick, fun to drive, performance, mods galore) = IS/GS Sedans
If you want Luxury (cushy, soft, isolated, quiet, roomy, cruiser) = ES/LS Sedans

Sounds like you still need to narrow down your top priorities (because you're also open to getting an RX!) so that you can nail down which car will suit you best.

jeffgwaltney

Thx AJ - think you just helped - my practical self is "rationalizing" that if we go RX then we'll have a lower mi SUV for travel - but at heart I'm more into the lux/ride comfort so for sedans guess I would more appreciate the ls/es and by extension the rx would likely work - not going to go newer '16 as not enough depreciated yet so would be '13-15 yrs to stay 25-35k - but can't seem to find a masculine color combo rx- maybe a 13-14 f-sport ?

jonathancl

I found the GS Luxury AWD was a fabulous compromise between wanting comfort and performance.

The tunable suspension lets you choose the ride. Both driver and passenger seats have the 18-way adjustments. Interior leather is outstanding.
18" wheels feel planted but still give.

06ls430KTC

I have gone from an '03 IS300 to an '06 LS430 and now an '16 GS350 RWD. I loved my LS. In particular, it had the custom luxury package and that really added to the overall experience of owning and driving that car. When I traded for the GS, I had to have the luxury package versus an F Sport. Since December, I have put about 8k miles on my GS and I'm loving it. It is hard to compare the LS and GS but I was ready for something sportier and more "fun" to drive and balanced with some luxury features. I have no regrets in trading.

AJLex19

Agree here 100%. I first went to the dealership to buy a Lux pkg GS (blk/blk) with a ton of options...unfortunately it was sold to another customer but I drove a few other Lux pkg GS's and they really do strike the right balance.

yardie876

I agree with the others. A GS with the luxury package will probably fit you next. The AVS is dampened softer than the F-Sport and rides better than the standard suspension in the premium packaged GS.

SW17LS

Still doesn't ride anything like the LS though, he should drive one extensively and make sure he's happy with the differences.