Lexus GS?

[JayceeP]

Hey guys,

So my wife will be finished her Master's this coming spring. She currently has a 2007 Nissan Altima. When she's done school I might just give her the 4Runner and get myself something else... or it might be the other way around. Either way, I don't think it will change our options much. She actually wants a Lexus GX but I told her we don't need to keep $100k worth of vehicles on the road and she agreed. To appease her, and as I mentioned, giving her the 4Runner is definitely an option. She likes SUV's and isn't interested in lame crossovers. She also doesn't research this stuff like I do.

Anyway, to get to the point. I have become a believer in Japanese made. There are limited options. I briefly thought about a used Lexus LX... but that just isn't necessary. A nice used Land Cruiser would have been nice too, but the CAD:USD exchange rate is brutal now. Further down the price scale is the Lexus GS. A car comparable in size to the Altima, but 2 inches wider and a hell of a lot nicer. You don't see many on the road, and they appear much nicer than the North American made Camry-like Lexus ES.

I am asking anyone here if you know much about this car and what your thoughts are. I'm also asking if you would have comparable or better suggestions. We do NOT want anything smaller. Also, I am looking at the current Gen GS (2013 model year).

Price wise, I thought it'd be prudent to keep it under $35k. There are 2013 GS350's AWD listed online with fairly low km's in that price range.

 

[Thai]

Why not an IS350? Cozier than GS but cheaper but fast(er) and handles better too. You already have a big vehicle for future kids. Get one that both of you can enjoy over the weekend drive.

 

[JayceeP]

Why not an IS350? Cozier than GS but cheaper but fast(er) and handles better too. You already have a big vehicle for future kids. Get one that both of you can enjoy over the weekend drive.

Too small. But I know what you mean. I'd want something at least the size of a GS for a little extra comfort in the car and perhaps more trunk space. The GS is a sports car, isn't it?

 

[Thai]

Too small. But I know what you mean. I'd want something at least the size of a GS for a little extra comfort in the car and perhaps more trunk space. The GS is a sports car, isn't it?

Yes it is...and a damn nice one...but handling (esp. non-F sport) are probably on the softer side compared to Germans. In addition, 0-60 probably lags behind most Germans. Some say that the IS has the best handling/comfort compromise among Lexus cars.

But yeah, for me, I would pick GS over IS...but if price is a factor, then that was why I mentioned IS.

For example, this famous used-car dealership (will ship anywhere) has 2014 IS350 within your price range: Used 2014 LEXUS IS350 For Sale Stafford, TX - Texas Direct Auto

And here is a nice 2015 IS350 F-sport: http://www.texasdirectauto.com/for-sale/2015-lexus-is350/1/vehicle/JTHBE1D23F5015825/p-a/

 

[JayceeP]

Yes it is...and a damn nice one...but handling (esp. non-F sport) are probably on the softer side compared to Germans. In addition, 0-60 probably lags behind most Germans. Some say that the IS has the best handling/comfort compromise among Lexus cars.

But yeah, for me, I would pick GS over IS...but if price is a factor, then that was why I mentioned IS.

For example, this famous used-car dealership (will ship anywhere) has 2014 IS350 within your price range: Used 2014 LEXUS IS350 For Sale Stafford, TX - Texas Direct Auto

And here is a nice 2015 IS350 F-sport: 2015 LEXUS IS350 F-SPORT AUTO SUNROOF NAV REAR CAM 10K at Texas Direct Auto

I should clarify that I don't need a performance car just a decent luxury car that is a bit classy/sporty. I'm reluctant to look at a 5-Series or Benz E-Class because I never see anyone vouching for their reliability, just that they ride well when you actually have them on the road.

It's funny I searched Lexus GS on this site and found your threads from 2004 on the new GS launching at that time. You seem(ed) to be a fan.

If I could get a 2013 GS for under $35k CDN taxes incl with a tiny bit of haggling, I think I'd go that way. The ones I've seen have all had under 80,000km. I could get a 2012 E-Class or 5-Series in that price point, but just not convinced their maintenance/reliability is worth it. A brand new VW Passat is easily $40k when you add options (as an example).

 

[Thai]

I should clarify that I don't need a performance car just a decent luxury car that is a bit classy/sporty. I'm reluctant to look at a 5-Series or Benz E-Class because I never see anyone vouching for their reliability, just that they ride well when you actually have them on the road.

It's funny I searched Lexus GS on this site and found your threads from 2004 on the new GS launching at that time. You seem(ed) to be a fan.

If I could get a 2013 GS for under $35k CDN taxes incl with a tiny bit of haggling, I think I'd go that way. The ones I've seen have all had under 80,000km. I could get a 2012 E-Class or 5-Series in that price point, but just not convinced their maintenance/reliability is worth it. A brand new VW Passat is easily $40k when you add options (as an example).

NEVER buy a German used. NEVER.

How are the Hyundais up there? Hyundai Genesis? New one, not the old version, looks nice. But I have no idea about reliability.

During my research on GS (current model), I remembered something about the 1st year of GS current model (2013?) that you should avoid. I think it was the transmission. Didn't Lexus change transmission after 2013 (or 2012)? I think that 2014 had the new 8-speed transmission.

I actually was very close to getting a GS but settled for my MDX because I needed more room for kids. Beautiful car.

 

[Range]

Yes. Wife had a GS for years and it was amazing. Plush, fast and it still looked beautiful years after. The interior was roomy, the handling was nice, it wasn't as sharp as a german car feels but it was still very good. You'll love it