Lexus GS is an upmarket Japanese sedan.
In what was a bold marketing move, it’s aimed at Australian buyers who had previously bought sedans from Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes.
In this report we look at the fourth generation Lexus GS models that went on sale here midway through 2012.
Build quality of the Lexus GS is high, even better than the already very good Toyota models.
This has been a strong selling point of Lexus and we have spoken to many owners of the GS and other Lexus models who praise the car for the immaculate way it’s put together outside and in.
Most Lexus GS models have rear-wheel drive. Some had all-wheel drive that was aimed at both driving in snow if you’re heading for skiing destinations.
All-wheel-drive provides even better grip in models with larger engines when buyers want to hustle them along in a sporting manner. These aren’t exactly track day cars though.
The front of the 2012 Lexus GS has a ‘spindle-grille’ that has a tightening of the sides of the area to create a distinctive shape that makes the mid-sized Lexus stand out from crowd.
Interior styling of the Lexus has what reviewers called “elegant simplicity”, saying it could be mistaken for an Italian machine in the way the primary instruments are large, clear and easy to read at the quickest glance.
The stitching of the leather on the dashboard adds to the Italian theme, as does the centrally-mounted analog clock, a feature Maserati has used with great effect for generations.
While other carmakers have satellite navigation screens that look like an afterthought, in the Lexus it is obviously a major component in its own right.
As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the central screen is well shielded from light.
Lexus GS 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that’s a heavily revised unit from the previous generation.
It produces more power and torque (154kW/253Nm) than previously, but the official fuel consumption was significantly reduced.
The GS 200t (‘t’ for turbocharged) replaced GS 250 early in 2016 and is aimed at buyers who wanted plenty of grunt.
The 3.5-litre in the GS 350, (233kW/378Nm) has sporting flair that made it much nicer to sit behind than the 2.5.
Lexus GS 300h uses hybrid technology, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with a 650-volt permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor to provide a combined power output of up to 164kW.
Rear seat legroom in the earlier Lexus GS models was a cramped, but the later models being reviewed here are significantly better.
Try for yourself if there are likely to be tall travellers in the seat behind a lanky driver who likes to straight-arm the steering wheel.
Boot size is good and it’s reasonably easy to load.
And let’s not forget the mighty 5.0-litre V8-powered GS-F sports sedan from 2015.
A 10th Anniversary Edition of the car was released in late 2018, priced from $155,940.
With 351kW of power and 530Nm of torque, and revving to 7100 rpm, it featured four drive modes and sophisticated torque vectoring to improve corner grip.
With an electronically limited top speed of 270km/h, Lexus claimed a time of 4.6 seconds for the dash from 0-100km/h.
As with other marques dealers are predominantly in the major capitals and the Gold Coast.
There’s quite good coverage in country cities and some senior Toyota mechanics have been trained to help out Lexus owners in emergencies.
Spare parts prices and servicing costs are about average for a car in this upmarket class and we haven’t had any complaints about availability of parts.
Insurance charges are moderate for a car in this class as most owners use their Lexus GS as comfortable cruisers rather than full-on sports sedans.
Check with several insurance companies on price, but keep in mind that switching from you current insurer may not stand you in good stead if there’s a somewhat marginal claim in the future.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Before saying you are interested in buying a car take a full walk around it to check for any damage to the body, no matter how minor it is.
Check the interior trim as well.
Have a full pre-purchase inspection done before you commit to the car.
A Lexus trained mechanic is best, some senior Toyota mechanics are trained on Lexus. Or arrange to have a senior inspector from your local motoring association do the work.
Test each of the functions on the stereo, electric seats, climate-control, windows, doors and so on.
The owner’s handbook is an excellent guide as to what all the controls do.
Be suspicious if anything doesn’t work to perfection because these are quality cars.
Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously.
The transmission should change ratios almost imperceptibly in any upmarket Lexus. If it doesn’t there may be problems.
During your test drive listen for unusual noises and look for the slightest sign of anything out of the ordinary.
Repairs will be expensive so get a quote for even the most minor defects. Better still ensure the seller has the car repaired before you buy it.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $11,100 – $17,800 for a 2012 Lexus GS250 F Sport; $15,350 – $23,500 for a 2014 GS250 F Sport; $12,400 – $19,450 for a 2014 GS300h Luxury; $15,100 – $22,950 for a 2015 GS200t Luxury; $19,550 – $27,950 for a 2017 GS300 Luxury; $24,800 – $35,100 for a 2015 GS450h Sports Luxury; $25,150 – $34,650 for a 2019 GS300 Luxury; $33,100 – $44,900 for a 2018 GS450h F Sport; and $46,300 – $59,750 for a 2020 GS450h Sports Luxury.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/