Thinking about adding a 2018 GS
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 298
Likes: 101
From: ON
Thinking about adding a 2018 GS
I sold my F150 and in the process of looking for a DD/winter car. I've found an almost brand new (just over 100 miles) 2018 GS AWD with Executive Package. The price is too good to turn down as they've marked it down to be around the price of a fully-loaded Rav4 Hybrid.
My question is for anyone who currently owns both GSF and GS, is this something advisable?
My question is for anyone who currently owns both GSF and GS, is this something advisable?
I sold my F150 and in the process of looking for a DD/winter car. I've found an almost brand new (just over 100 miles) 2018 GS AWD with Executive Package. The price is too good to turn down as they've marked it down to be around the price of a fully-loaded Rav4 Hybrid.
My question is for anyone who currently owns both GSF and GS, is this something advisable?
My question is for anyone who currently owns both GSF and GS, is this something advisable?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 298
Likes: 101
From: ON
I already have the GSF. I have never driven the regular GS AWD and GSF back to back. From the reviews and the Forum posts, the former seems to be a very nice car, but I am interested in the perspective of having both cars at the same time. We all know what a beast the GSF is, so I am worried that I'd quickly get bored with the regular version.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 108
Likes: 48
From: WA
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 298
Likes: 101
From: ON
Agreed. I will use my GSF for the time being. Haven't looked at Subie lineup for a while. Loved the F150, but it was a bit too much for DD.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 108
Likes: 48
From: WA
I agree. A pickup truck would be too much for DD. Get yourself a Camry for a DD. Since you said winter car, then look into Audi's or Subaru's as they have the best AWD systems.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 275
From: California
The GS awd is very very good; there was a thread on it somewhere out the 4GS. It has more in common with a truck's AWD system than most cars systems. It is also unique from the rest of the Toyota 4WD/AWD systems found among cars and SUVs.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 512
Likes: 169
From: Alberta
So I have the ISF and IS awd and Ls460 awd and am in Canada with plenty of bad roads. It’s not the gsf and gs awd but for comparison purposes will be the same. The isf is a dry pavement beast. In the winter the is250 drives circles around it on snow and ice. Absolute circles. The awd system in these Lexus’s works as well as any Range Rover awd on suspect road conditions. So if traction is what you are after the gs awd with good tires will be supurb. We use blizzaks.
the f series simply have too much power on slippery roads
so I don’t think you will be bored with a gs awd as they are great cars and fun to drive and you can save your gsf for the days when you can really enjoy it
the f series simply have too much power on slippery roads
so I don’t think you will be bored with a gs awd as they are great cars and fun to drive and you can save your gsf for the days when you can really enjoy it
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 298
Likes: 101
From: ON
I really appreciated all actual experience and ideas posted about the regular GS and alternatives. We had a good snowstorm in Ontario a couple of days ago. I would rate the GSF on snow tires below average for driving in the slushy stuff. I am actively looking for a Lexus winter car.
I just saw a thread in the 4 GS Forum talking about this topic. I am leaning towards it.
I just saw a thread in the 4 GS Forum talking about this topic. I am leaning towards it.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: OK
I test drove a GS350 AWD a few years back. It was awful. Probably one of the worst luxury cars I've driven. No steering feel. Floaty suspension. Felt completely disconnected. And the engine has no torque. I can only assume it is the exact opposite of a GS F. Maybe I had rose colored memories of my old SC400, but the GS350 was a huge letdown.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 450
Likes: 193
From: MA
I test drove a GS350 AWD a few years back. It was awful. Probably one of the worst luxury cars I've driven. No steering feel. Floaty suspension. Felt completely disconnected. And the engine has no torque. I can only assume it is the exact opposite of a GS F. Maybe I had rose colored memories of my old SC400, but the GS350 was a huge letdown.
I have an ES 350 now as my winter / snow car. Now that I would describe as floaty.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 512
Likes: 169
From: Alberta
if you want a fun to drive winter car and don’t need the space buy and older is250 awd and out blizzak tires on it. There is not a more fun car to drive in the winter
i have the ls460 awd, isf, is 250awd and a couple lx 470’s
the is250 is far more responsive than the gs due to size and weight. The smaller engine keeps it from breaking loose. It has the right amount of power and weight to make it the near perfect winter beater by a long shot.
Fwiw I have over a million miles on bad winter roads and have tried over 50 vehicles from range rovers h1 hummers’ awd porches, mb’s among others. The is250 awd is my favourite winter ride.
i have the ls460 awd, isf, is 250awd and a couple lx 470’s
the is250 is far more responsive than the gs due to size and weight. The smaller engine keeps it from breaking loose. It has the right amount of power and weight to make it the near perfect winter beater by a long shot.
Fwiw I have over a million miles on bad winter roads and have tried over 50 vehicles from range rovers h1 hummers’ awd porches, mb’s among others. The is250 awd is my favourite winter ride.