AustinHusk

Newbie here...

Own a 08 GS350 with 78k miles but getting real tired of the ride and handling. Put simply - it sucks esp. on corners and winding roads - just too much body roll.

Also - I recently had to drop $800 to replace the water pump bec. supposedly the bearings were worn out/had to be replaced (there was excessive knocking/rattling sounds when the car was just started or idling)....This was very disappointing considering the low miles and Lexus' reliability ratings (dealership didn't even offer to split the cost).

So thinking about getting an F Sport for better handling. Looking at pics looks like no diff. betw. the 15 and 16 models.

Would appreciate any thoughts/input/suggestions on the car (and pricing for a used 2015 with under 20k miles)

Thanks!

greg3852

Welcome.

I think if you are coming from an GS-350 looking to go for handling, the F-sport is the better of the choices, but you may want to test drive one first. It's a much bigger car.

Also, you had to spend $800 on an 8 year old car. You could have either had the job done at an independent mechanic or yourself for a lot cheaper. No need to take it to a dealership. Even so, things wear out, things break. It sucks, but it is an 8 year old car.

I could only find one 2015 F Sport and it is at $86k. There are several 2014's in the upper $60k range. I don't know if you are looking at coupes, but the RC-F or perhaps the GS-F might give you the ride you are looking for.

AustinHusk

Yes, I know.... I could have probably taken to a private mechanic- just don't have the comfort level yet.

I'm actually interested in the 2016 LX for my wife. Have posted on the LX forums.... seems like it's in high demand.

Coming back to the LS - what's the reliability?

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

It's a Lexus LS. It has the 2nd highest rating for reliability right behind the GS. Yes that's a fact. My LS is 12 years old and I've only replaced one air strut and door lock. And aside from 3 batteries and 2 sets of tires I'd say I got away cheap!

R Z

If you only dropped $800 in all the years you had the car, you've done well. As for which year? That's a personal choice.

roadfrog

I posted this in another thread, but keep in mind that the F Sport brakes (Brembo), get mixed reviews due to excessive noise.

superdenso

Handling is not one of the LS's skills (see below), but it has plenty others (soft ride and passenger room).

F-sport handling review: 61.7mph slalom
http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...50i-sport.html

XTS handling review: 63.9mph slalom
http://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/xts/...oad-test1.html

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

I agree, I've never bought a Lexus seeking a sports car. But I do find the world class LS with F sport a happy medium. 90% of the time I don't even have a chance to drive it like a Porsche anyway.

hhss

iTrader: (1)

If you dislike the handling of the gs you won't like the handling of the ls any better but definitely go with the fsport. Have you also considered the gsf ?

Chaos236

iTrader: (1)

If you don't need the room stay with GS or a newer GS

crosseyes

I totally agree with it. About the F series, surely you will love it with its better handling and performance package.

SW17LS

When deciding between 2015 and 2016.

The biggest difference between the two is the infotainment system. The 2016 has the all new infotainment system with the available fullscreen nav, the interface has been reworked, and the remote touch controller has been slightly revised.

The system in my 2015 is okay, but the 2016 is a big upgrade I have played with it. Its snappier in performance, looks better,RTC for me is no different but if you like the side enter buttons you would prefer it. I wouldn't trade my 2015 just for the changes, but if I was buying now I would get a 2016 over a 2015 for that alone.

AustinHusk

Well... I want a larger car. The '16 GSF is AMAZING!

Am also thinking about the new 750i. Has some very futuristic gizmo's but I hate the front fascia! Don't know why BMW is trying to obfuscate the 2 round headlight and blend them into the rest of the headlamp housing. Takes away that classic BMW look. Ugh!

But again, it's that "R" word. I tend to keep my cars 5-8+ years and am scared to death about resale value (after my nightmarish experience trying to get rid of my S63 AMG with 11k miles)

AustinHusk

What about handling differences betw. the LS and F Sport?

Rhambler

I wanted to buy a new '16 F-Sport, but no dealer had one in my area. Closest was in the Bay Area, but I didn't the like color of that one.

I think the differences are:

1. Limited slip differential
2. Standard F-sport 19 in wheels (forged wheels I think that cost $1600 each after the fact). Very expensive. BBS and HRE forged run about the same if not more. These wheels alone are almost worth the $7 or $8k difference in price.
3. Brembo brakes
4. Paddle shifters
5. Some options found in other packages for the standard are found in the F-sport. Think this replaces the comfort package and others.
6. More driving modes I think: sport+
7. Different seats
8. Not sure if it's bagged or has air suspension. I think it does. At the very least it is lower than the standard RWB.

Personally I think it's a great deal and had one been available in the area of the color I wanted, I would have opted for the F-sport. Too late for me now, though.