DeepBlue99

So at this point, I am all set on a 2016 GS-350 FSport AWD. Will likely pick one up a bit closer to summer time frame. Oddly enough, despite being an apples to oranges comparison... I keep getting drawn back to GS-F. Even though the two are obviously radically different cars, designed to perform different functions at different price points, I think I can make the math work for a GS-F.

There are just as couple of things that trouble me a bit... Given that I reside in NY, AWD was a no brainer for me as far as GS-350 goes. Not an option with GS-F though. Now I'm sure that summer perf tires all year around will likely result in me flying off the road at least a few times during the winter months. Realistically though, how badly is GS-F RWD going to hurt me? Will GS-F be un-drivable for half the year even though I fully intend to put on all weather tires first change I get. Also, will likely do away with the offset aspect at same time.

Another small concern is fuel economy. I can see what the difference is on paper, but how do real world numbers stack up? Is GS-F as bad as GX-460? On paper, it looks like GS-F is almost as bad as GX-460 fuel economy wise... Is it?

Finally, what does long term reliability look like on GS-F vs GS-350 FSport, as I fully intend to drive this car until the wheels fall off. Now, I fully expect that it will be more expensive to maintain, but will it be just as reliable?

Thoughts?

Fatbarney

Drive the GS-F once, and you wont go back. Tire rack said winter tires that fit the standard wheel size will be available soon, or just get a good set of all seasons like the Conti DWS. My gas mileage in mostly city driving is 15.7, but its totally worth it.

WaterFish

I live in Toronto and have a seperate winter/sunmer tires.

If I can drive it in the winter here then you should have no problem in NY.

18017

It’s only a 100 miles into the tank but going on a casual drive from the OC to San Diego yields decent mpg. ECO 80-85

DeepBlue99

Yeah... thats what I'm afraid off.

DeepBlue99

Not bad at all for a beast like that!

18017

i can make that MPG go down quick too, but if you drive it easy and open it up every once in a while I’m getting 300+ miles a tank and about 21-23 mpg

DeepBlue99

I'm sure. But my take on this is that most folks who buy a GS-F possess sufficient maturity level not to drive them like they stole them, but to have that option available when/if desired. At least thats true in my case.

18017

Ditto. I often have my kids with me as well, so having them in there gives me even better MPG!

designo

iTrader: (6)

Okay, now that's impressive.

jonez

Driving in the winter isn’t too bad, you obviously want to avoid snow/ice if you can but can’t always do that. I live in MA so our winters are worse than most places in NY (except near Great Lakes and far upstate). I’ve driven it 2 years in the winter and even through the very beginning or tail end end of some major winter Storms. I would suggest getting a set of wheels just for winter and go with winter tires ( not all season ) and just take it easy on the gas when it’s slippery.

As far as gas is concerned, as others have said you can manage consistent low 20s in mpg however do not forget that you will be buying premium gas so your gas bills will be more expensive.

skhmund

my driving is mostly HWY, so I usually end up with 320ish miles when low fuel light comes on.

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

I used to average 14mpg in my 17 GX460, I average 19.5mpg in my 2016 GSF, same drive, just a lot more fun.

DeepBlue99

Thanks Guys! About what I expected.

I'm used to Premium gas since that all I've been putting into whatever two cars I've owned at any given time during past 10+ years. "Fuel economy heavily dependent of heaviness of foot"... also seems oddly familiar!

Handling in poor weather... My impression is that a dedicated winter tire set would mostly likely be "strongly recommended" if not down right "required". Again, something to be expected from a performance car, really.

No one has said anything good/bad in terms of long term reliability and TCO. So I guess, I can mark those down as a non-issue.

Obviously, a GS-F is way more desirable for me than a GS-350 FSport, not that those are not great cars as well. Let me just see if I can make things work on the numbers side.

18017

I haven’t owned mine long, but mine probably is the oldest and higher mileage one in here (2016 59k) but she drives absolutely perfect. I test drove a new one and even with almost 60k I couldn’t tell much of a difference. So the reliability issue I think is a non-existent one. I bought this car for long term and to make it work number wise, I chose a used CPO