Going from 2007 to 2013
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Originally Posted by DarKnight
I've been considering a 4th gen GS since the 2013+ LS is out of my price range right now. I test drove a 2013 GS350 last night and while the drive itself was good, sportier than the LS, the interior quality left a lot to be desired. My wife quickly pointed out how it felt that I would be downgrading going from my 2007 LS to this car. I'm curious since I haven't looked at any other GS's, is this an isolated incident with one car having a low quality interior or is this how the 4th gen GS is? Is this maybe the case for 2013? Tbh, the quality felt worse than the 2GS I had previously.
You need to try and find a GS with the luxury package to drive. That's what I had, and in several ways the interior was nicer than what is in my LS460. Seats are better, leather is better, tech is better. Material quality otherwise (doors dash) not quite as good which makes sense given the price difference.
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From: Maryland
I mean, it's never going to feel AS solid as the LS. It's $25,000 cheaper new than a comparable LS460. Your expectations have to be set properly. If it were every bit as good in all those areas wouldn't all us LS owners feel foolish.
Once you have the top of the line it's hard to go backwards. Once you had it a while it wouldn't bother you as much. The car has attributes I miss, although overall I'm happier with the LS as it's my sort of car. But, backcountry roads in the GS were a blast while in the LS they're a chore. The GS has better seats and much better leather. (my LS doesn't have the semi-aniline leather, although even that isn't as nice as what's in the GS, and IMHO the base leather in the GS is nicer than the base level leather in my LS, which just isn't right.
Once you have the top of the line it's hard to go backwards. Once you had it a while it wouldn't bother you as much. The car has attributes I miss, although overall I'm happier with the LS as it's my sort of car. But, backcountry roads in the GS were a blast while in the LS they're a chore. The GS has better seats and much better leather. (my LS doesn't have the semi-aniline leather, although even that isn't as nice as what's in the GS, and IMHO the base leather in the GS is nicer than the base level leather in my LS, which just isn't right.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Originally Posted by DarKnight
Therein lies the rub. Any way you slice it, a newer GS still feels like I'm going backwards.
Doesn't mean that the cheaper car is a bad car, or that there wouldn't be things about it that you would like. Go drive a 5 Series or E Class you will feel the same way. Trust me I tried.
Yea, I'm just going to wait a year or so and get a 2013 LS. I'm just so disappointed with the newer GS.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,093
Likes: 3,870
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by DarKnight
Yea, I'm just going to wait a year or so and get a 2013 LS. I'm just so disappointed with the newer GS.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Il
2005 LS430 to 2013 to LS460 to 20?? LS460???
Loved Both My 2005 and my 2013 LS'. Totaled my 2013 last week and I'm searching high and low for the best deal for 30Kish out the door for a 2013-2017 replacement (Maybe a 2012)??? Just to compare apples to apples all of my internet searches have been for Base AWD models. I saw a 2012 LS460 Base AWD with 41,000 miles for $25,000 Versus a 2015 LS460 Base AWD with 50,000 miles for $32,000. As I type, my answer seems clear to buy the 3 year newer LS for $7,000 additional BUT with two kids in college $7,000 is a huge savings. Lastly, I really do not want to go backwards but is going from a 2013 LS to a 2012 with super low miles really going backwards?? Thoughts?? Much appreciated.
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From: Texas
Despite Lexus' assertions to the contrary, there's very little change in the 2007-2012 to the 2013-2017. It's mostly cosmetic. There's the mouse (-ve in my opinion), "improved" ML system (-ve in my opinion), improved media handling (an improvement over the 2007-2009), drive mode changes and a few new options are about it from a functionality standpoint. The drivetrain and running gear are pretty much identical. The fact that it's a 6 year newer car may appeal also.
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Il
Thanks I agree going to a 2012 from a 2013 might disappoint. I wish the 2013-2017s were called Fifth Generation LS’ to differentiate. My plan is to get into the newest LS I possibly can.
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From: Maryland
With that said, the improvements they made are tremendous and IMO the 13+ is a much more appealing and current car.
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