In my search for a GSF I’m mostly seeing 2016 but I see some threads of people saying the AVS in the 2017+ is smoother and not as stiff riding.

If I’m coming from an LS and plan to only ride the GSF in nyc roads, is the 2017 that much smoother over bumpy roads? Is it worth the extra money and patience over a 2016?

 

I test drove both and found the 2016 too stiff. I bought the 2017.

 

Yeah, the 2017 is definitely smoother over the jagged stuff. 2016 is harsh and crashy on NYC potholes. For these roads, wait for the 2017+ or you'll regret it.

 

Damn, there are literally none that are 2017+ that id consider. I was just looking at two 2016s right when I saw your reply. I guess it’s meant to be I should wait for 2017+.

thanks!

 

Or plan to buy Ohlins DFVs. I have them on my IS F and they're amazing even with a solid bushing suspension.

 

The AVS on 2017+ F models have reportedly more blown/leaking OEM shocks, if that's a concern. The 2016 models haven't seen any unless owner put aftermarket springs.

On the AVS models, there's no adjustment to individual settings in drive mode (i.e. Engine in Sport+, Suspension in Normal is not possible). The drive mode dictates how firm the suspension is. Many owners complain about Normal mode, how lazy the throttle response and downshifts are. I personally don't use Normal mode other than the first 5 minutes to warm up the car.

So it's not always a win win with the AVS.

 

ah I get what your saying. So with 2016 you can use sport + mode and it doesn’t stiffen the suspension versus the 2017 where if you use sport it’s going to get very stiff ?

 

I like to keep it OEM and if it doesn’t ride good from the factory then I’d rather not even get the GSF

 

Yea 2017+ suspension stiffens/softens based on the drive mode, but can't mix n match (Engine in Sport+ & Suspension in Normal). Sport+ being most firm out of the settings.

2016 drive modes only affect Engine response, suspension is static, doesn't change.

If you plan to Normal mode all the time w/ the AVS for soft suspension, do some more research on how people like it. For me, I won't spend more than 5 mins in it.

 

I was never a fan of AVS shocks anyway especially on Lexus. I know it’s a different car but I didn’t like them on the RX F sport that I had. As long as the 2016 isn’t too stiff I’d be happy. I would prefer soft over too stiff though as I need a car that’s still comfortable and not jarring in NYC roads. Like BMW, they somehow perfected a stable stiff feeling ride but it’s still comfortable over bumps

 

I just test drove a 2016. It’s actually not as stiff as I thought it would be. Still a pretty good ride. I think maybe some people had their tire pressure too high if it was stiff for them. Also the car was on all seasons maybe that helped

 

Personally I enjoyed the 2016 GSF ride quality over the 2017 as it gave it a more sporty feeling. Honestly while the 2016 was a bit crashy, it felt a lot better after some CKS coilovers w/ 16kg 12kg swift springs...

Also the ride height with the 2016 is a lot lower than a 2017 if you put them next to eachother.