RusoArmo

Hi Everyone,
Couldn't find a specific forum for intro threads so I figured this is as good of place as any.

I've been a car enthusiast my whole life. I've always had an affinity for 90's cars and have owned quite a few different models (E30s, S13s, E38, Impreza RS, etc.) I've grown older and my interests have changed. Last couple years I was commuting by bus to work so I sold my daily and focused all my attention to my 2000 Land Cruiser I built for off-roading, camping, fishing and just general mountain exploring. Recently changed jobs and now need a daily that gets at least double digit MPG during traffic :P I also needed something that "looked good" and was fancy enough to take in front of clients as my consulting side-hustle is rapidly picking up.

Enter the 2015 GS350 F-Sport.

I always liked the way these looked and I'm a huge sucker for white on red cars. I found a well priced example in San Diego, ran a CarFax and sent my old man to pick it up for me (work didn't allow me to make it down). He picked her up yesterday and will be driving it up over the next week. Service history is excellent and the interior is spotless. Unfortunately there are a few cosmetic issues on the exterior I'll address, not a huge deal for me.

Pics from dealership site.






Because I will be dailying this and taking it to client meetings (potentially driving clients around), mods will be minimal.
- New tint all around
- Black out all chrome
- Tint front badge
- Black Pearl rear emblem
- OEM Lexus GS all weather mats
- Black out front "bridge" in the bumper
- eBay L-style lip
- Potentially some spacers. I do like the stock wheels though.

Happy to be here, I'm a fan of active and helpful forums.

np20412

Welcome! Looks a treat, just like mine did when I picked it up. The blackout chrome trim and blackout bumper "bridge" completely change the look of the front end in the right way, and L-style lip (in stock on ebay for $57!) is very subtle and classy - so excellent list of planned mods!

JDR76

Congrats and enjoy! I bet you're excited for it to get up here!

RusoArmo

Thank you!

I'm a research nerd so prior to buying the car I lurked around here. Your car specifically was a huge inspiration for what I'd want to do.

AJLex19

Congrats and enjoy the new ride - great color choice

shurik74

iTrader: (5)

Congrats and welcome to the club!!! You got exactly what I have, except mine is 2014. Assuming your model is RWD since from San Diego.

np20412

Glad to hear it!! I've tried to keep it classy but gave it a bit of my own twist with the CF wrap including some of the non-traditional parts like door handles and mirror bases. Let me know if you have any questions on my set up!

The spacers I have are great for aesthetics but they sure do kick up grime on the lower rear quarter panel. I am considering the mud guards but haven't brought myself to do it yet.

RusoArmo

Thank you! Indeed I am I've driven these before so I know what to expect, but always fun to get a new car in the driveway.

Thank you! I'm a HUGE sucker for white cars with red leather interior, my favorite combo. Show me a Pinto that's white on red and I'm drooling.

Thanks! Indeed, RWD. In my experience, I don't need AWD in the Seattle rain. RWD is plenty fine and preferred for me. If the weather gets really bad with snow, I have the Land Cruiser

Yes I like how you went about making the car yours without it looking like a "tuner" for lack of a better word. Hmm interesting. Didn't think about the grime and lack of mud flaps.

PlPete

Not trying to thread jack but just picked up almost a carbon copy of your car. Mine is also a California car that I flew to pick up from a dealer in Indianapolis. 2014 White F Sport with Burgundy interior. My had the middle bridge portion already painted by the previous owner looks like it .I thought you'd like to see what it looks like. I really like the look and makes the front end look slightly closer to the 2016 refresh version.

The RWD was the right move and it can be quite a handful with all the traction control off. I'm keeping mine stock for the most part. I'll probably will go with slightly wider tires and maybe two lower valences on the front bumper instead of a full lip.

Sweet ride and enjoy it. The ML audio you have is also great, especially at higher volumes.

RusoArmo

Looks great!

I like how it's painted on the bottom portion as well. I'm probably just going to wrap the bridge for now. Maybe try using some knifeless tape and do the bottom portion as well.

PlPete

Thanks! Wrapping would definitely be a great option and something I might look at if I want to black out the mirrors and chrome pieces. There is another member on here that did the middle section of the bumper, mirrors, door handles and roof. Essentially looks like the Crafted Edition. Very clean.

RusoArmo

Yes I believe that was @np20412

His car is very clean and helped inspire my plans/make the purchase

ItzFilyO

I still think the 4GS (13-15) FSport exterior design looks better than the more aggressive 4.5GS (16-19). That car still looks good after all this time.

RusoArmo

I don't think the 4.5GS is a bad looking car by any means. I feel the 13-15 model is more of a "timeless" design; which is where I tend to fall into most categories (clothes, watches, home decor, etc.)

np20412

Ya that'd be me!