JeffKeryk

I appreciate all the guidance. Kinda surprised so many are concerned about my finances... We just bought a new 2018 RX 450h and I kinda have the bug for another Lexus. I am lucky enough to buy whatever I want, practically anyway. But the more I spend on this car, which I do not need, takes away from my important altruistic work. The main reason for my original post is, there are 3 2016 GS 200t in the Silicon Valley dealerships for $29K to $31K. I like the newer, refreshened car. But $28K buys a really nice 2015 GS350 F Sport. So I am looking for your experience and guidance. Again, thanks to all.

ChronoR

If you like the look of the 2016 then go for it! It's your car to enjoy.

Dynamics-wise, the 350 is better though.

JeffKeryk

Well, I have the answer that works for me. AJLex19 hit it on the head.
Went to Putnam Lexus in Redwood City where we bought the RX 450h in February.
We drove a 2016 GS 200t with 20K miles; perfect condition, sufficient power.
Nice car. Price was about $28K or something like that.

Then we drove a loaded 2013 GS 350 F Sport with 58K miles. Gorgeous silver with the reddish interior, which ain't really for me, but whatever.
Good Lord what a difference.
Lexus made a mistake trying to sell an entry level GS.
They were asking $24K for the older car which just came in on trade.
I offered $22K, we settled on $23K with Lexus Certification.
Bumper to bumper 2 year warranty unlimited mileage including services.
Mainly, good insurance for the electronics...
The will do the 60K service before I pick up the car.
All in, with CA tax and registration thru Aug 2019, it was just shy of $26K out the door.
The let me put $5K on my Costco card to get the 3% back...
Wrote a check for the rest and out the door we went.

AJLex19's good advice was to drive both cars...
The corollary is, if you want a 200t, don't drive a 350 F Sport.

All good and thanks for the excellent input.

EZZ

Congrats! You made the right decision. The 2L is far inferior to the 3.5L. Now go drive some canyons

AJLex19

Congrats on the new ride - I wonder if you would've bought the 438hp GS F if they had one to test drive lol j/k...glad I could help but sometimes a test drive can simply make all the difference.

rj4510

JeffKeryk

In retrospect, the 200t is somewhat of a strippie while the 350 F Sport is more top-of-the-line.
More than the engine, the ride and pretty-much everything made the F a different car even though it was older with nearly 3 times the mileage.
Kinda like taking a knife to a gun fight.
Or maybe like driving a '66 Tempest then a '66 GTO...
All good, and again, thanks for the valuable input.

nallis

I know that you already made the decision and this is sort of old but you were definitely impressed by the 2013 GS 350 SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. If I am not mistaken, I believe that you have the 6 speed. That transmission is way, way better at giving you that seat of the pants feel in performance. Heck! It may even be quicker in that car than in the same generation 8 speed version. It sure feels a lot quicker to me. I previously had the 2007 GS 350 and I can tell you that it walks the new 8 speed transmissions in the IS and the new GS. I now own a IS 350 F sport. Before I sold the GS, something felt off in the new IS and my brother and I would drag the cars and do pulls. Guess what?! The old GS 350 was quicker. And don't get fooled by paper numbers either. My older GS with the 6 speed transmission you have in the real world is better on gas than the new 8 speed. This 8 speed at highway speeds, when you stomp on it, would drift behind the older 6 speed transmissions in RWD format from 2007 - 2013. Either way, great choice! You won!

bob256k

You just have to drive the GS350 differently than the 200t. I drove a IS200t and it was ok, not as responsive as the 350 when pushed, but it worked and moved. I would be more concerned with carbon and turbo oil issues, but i have never owned a gs200t long term, so maybe there is no issue with the turbo engine. I would check out the is200t forums; its the same engine, so if there are any issues they would know.

GS350Boi

There is no replacement for displacement. IMHO, the LAST THING a GS needs is “Less Power”. And why are we comparing a Civic Type-R to a GS? That comparison is apples to oranges. Here is another irrelevant fact. My neighbors Motorhome with a 450HP Chevy 454 is also slower than a Lexus GS. Gets worse gas mileage too.

Cwang

As others have said, good decision! The GS200T is as gutless as the current GS250, I'm not sure why they sell either of them here. 350 or F

NickMayer

But what is the 0-60 in the motorhome?

ItzFilyO

Nick u should drag race that motorhome with ur GS.

NickMayer

I like how you think!

I'll leave it in ECO mode just to keep it sporting.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

What I've heard from most people is that the GS 200t is really good for mostly city driving as the gas milege is great but the car is really slow, its a 4 cyclinder turbo GS that weighs almost 4,000 lbs I would pass and just get the 350.