Any downsides to the Lexus GS series?

[Elkins45]

I like the idea of a GS over an LS because a longitudinal V engine is easier to work on than a transverse one. I’ve been looking at the local market and see a few 15-20 year old GS 350 and GS460 for sale at not outrageous prices. Is there any reason not to consider one as an occasional use vehicle or a daily short-tripper for my wife?

I would avoid a 300 or 330 because I don’t want to do the timing belt service.

 

[JeffKeryk]

They suck the gas. Our 2013 GS 350 F Sport is a great car!

 

[HyundaiAbuser]

Close friend of mine has a 2013 gs350 that he absolutely loves. He wanted something pleasant to be in for his hour commute each way and it fit the bill perfectly. I helped him put in around 2000 of parts in it and he had another couple thousand in ac repairs over his 3 years of ownership. It appears quality aftermarket parts are more limited than some other brands and the oem were not cheap. Even with the repairs he wont get rid of it until its wrecked.

 

[Oillover]

After owning an IS350 and being familiar with the LS, I'd probably choose a GS.

 

[edyvw]

I like the idea of a GS over an LS because a longitudinal V engine is easier to work on than a transverse one. I’ve been looking at the local market and see a few 15-20 year old GS 350 and GS460 for sale at not outrageous prices. Is there any reason not to consider one as an occasional use vehicle or a daily short-tripper for my wife?

I would avoid a 300 or 330 because I don’t want to do the timing belt service.

You mean ES?

 

[cammyfive79]

I had a 2016 GS350 F Sport that was a fantastic car. Personally, I prefer the looks of the '13-'15 cars as mine and the latter cars have the weird Predator looking grill. Aside from middling fuel economy (low to mid 20s on the freeway) it's a great car that makes great noises and if you get one with the Mark Levinson Sound it's awesome. The holy grail - for me - would be a gentlemanly old man spec of a '17 or '18 Ultra Lux package RWD in white over tan leather.

 

[RBT]

I like the idea of a GS over an LS because a longitudinal V engine is easier to work on than a transverse one. I’ve been looking at the local market and see a few 15-20 year old GS 350 and GS460 for sale at not outrageous prices. Is there any reason not to consider one as an occasional use vehicle or a daily short-tripper for my wife?

I would avoid a 300 or 330 because I don’t want to do the timing belt service.

A good friend has had a bunch of the ES models. Nice smooth cars, not just improved Camrys.

I think Lexus makes a good car, but don’t fall into thinking that nothing ever breaks, because while they are well made these are now older vehicles. And they are luxury cars so parts are expensive. so get a good PPI. Finally I drove a GS a long while ago and was impressed but if you care less about driving dynamics there are a lot of ES models owned by older folks who drive less miles - you might get a better example going that route.

Good luck with the search!

 

[Elkins45]

You mean ES?

I do.

 

[PWMDMD]

My FIL had a GS around 2012ish. I drove it a few times and liked everything but the lack of headroom. I'm 6'5" but can easily fit in a Kia Soul but not the GS.