Aablue

Hi everyone!
I have been looking into buying a certified Lexus GS AWD from years of 2014 - 2017 with less than 35K miles I was curious to see what years in your opinion have been the most reliable and least amount of issues? I know the history of the GS which has been an outstanding and luxurious mid-size vehicle from Japan. I personally prefer the E350 4Matic but looking at Lexus as a practical and cheaper option as someone young.

But I would appreciate all the help. Thanks!

AsianxWu

I'm pretty sure the GS has been rated the most reliable midsized premium car in all of those years, so you can't really go wrong with any of them.

However, there were some changes between 2014-2015. I believe that real time traffic information was switched from Sirus to HD Radio, so you can get traffic even without the Sirius subscription. Also I believe they added folding side mirrors (correct me if I'm wrong).

Between 2015-2016, there was the facelift and the instrument cluster was changed. I believe that you could also use the entire 12.3" screen for navigation instead of having it split like in the 2015 and earlier years.

Between 2016-2017, I believe that some safety features were changed from options to standard.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these points though.

Freds430

I don't think it really matters what year you are looking at because Lexus has been #1 for eight years in a row in dependability by J D Power. The GS is also been ranked #1 in the mid size premium class. Almost as important is Lexus is the third least expensive to maintain. It's cousins Scion and Toyota are #1 and #2. Mercedes is the second most expensive to maintain with BMW #1. Personally, I would look for a 2016 or above. Like the front grill much more. Neighbor has a 2013 and loves it. Not one problem.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

The only difference is the updated front/rear end and the layout/features of the infotainment system throughout those years.

gs350lex

I would go for a 2015 (since the car has already taken the depreciation hit) and i personally prefer the 15 look to the 16 but if you like the newer look then go for a 16(try to get one that is 3 years old since that is when depreciation is the worst, so im sure most the 16's would already be 3yrs old assuming a build date of Jan/Feb) since you can get it for cheap as well. Also there wasn't much of a change in terms of performance from the 14/15 - 16, the differences are mainly cosmetic like: the headlights, the lfa dash, (and maybe a few other minor things i can't remember off the top of my head lol). If you are young like I am or at least I consider my self young I would not touch the E350 due to reliability issues and you would be better off buying the GS (if you plan to keep it long term). The GS does everything I want it to do its decently fast for daily driving, handles amazing, and its extremely reliable I never have to worry about anything going wrong really. The E350 on the other hand I'd probably be waiting for something to go wrong after the warranty expires and the repairs would be pricey it just wouldn't be worth it for me from a long term point of view.

The only cons i can think of with the GS350 are the interior rattles which not everyone experiences and are easy fixes.

Good luck on your search!

AJLex19

All GS's from 2013 through 2019 are solid, reliable and have few issues. I'd personally recommend getting into the newer GS's if your budget allows as 2016 saw updates including a new front facia and rear tail lenses, new wheel designs, new colors and interior updates (e.g. full screen nav instead of partial). The newer safety systems came optional in 2016 and standard in 2017+. You can read about the latest changes to the 2016's here: http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/...oduct+news.htm

The 2017+ GS's remain largely unchanged from the 2016 models but include more standard options.

Otherwise, if your budget does not allow for a 2016+, a 2015 pre-refresh is your best bet.

jonathancl

If I were buying today, I'd get a 2015: really great collection of features, F Sports are common, awd widely available.

highrev6

AJLex19

@highrev6: Just curious as to what happened to your GS?