Good Evening! So, I purchased my Avalon TRD last month. Love the car but I do wish that it was RWD or even AWD. Power is sufficient, and any more would really increase torque steer. I've been searching the net for a 17 or 18 GS 350 Sport. Pros are the car is available in RWD or AWD and it's a Lexus. Cons are less leg room in the back seat (3 kids) and it's older. HP is similar and I love the reliability of both. Any constructive thoughts from the Toyota Nation?
Chrisaf
Avalon TRD vs GS 350
1 reading
The current GS has yet to migrate to the tnga-L platform and rides on the older "New N" platform from 2012. Despite its age, that platform was exclusive to Lexus and more upmarket than the plebeian tnga-k platform that the current Avalon sits on, which accommodates everything from a $24k Camry all the way up to a Highlander and eventual all-new RX. The GS platform can also handle a 5.0L V8, again indicating its more higher market design. That being said, newer platforms usually improve rigidity and other handling characteristics, I would guess the newer tnga-k has closed the gap to the older "New N" platform, but I'm just guessing.
The biggest difference as you pointed out, will be the rear-wheel drive characteristics of the GS versus the front-wheel drive of the Avalon. Combined with the available 4-wheel steering, there is no doubt the GS is the better driver's car than the Avalon. And because it is a Lexus, it will have equipment not available on a Toyota, like a Mark Levinson sound system, power rear sunshade, etc. But the pricing reflects all this. The Avalon starts at $35K and tops out at $43k (give or take), whereas the GS starts at $51k and $85k for the GS F. It comes down to whether you feel the rear-wheel drive characteristics and Lexus equipment are worth the $10k+ difference in price. If comparing a new Avalon versus a used Lexus, that again comes down to personal preference and perception of value. I would personally go with new, because I tend to go above and beyond routine maintenance and keep the vehicle a long time, but everyone is different.
A smaller difference is the fit-and-finish: all GS' are made in Japan, whereas all Avalon's are made in Kentucky. I will show in a post soon all the little detail issues I'm having with my Avalon, from a waxy overspray in the trunk to sunroof headliner rattles to uneven panels to squeeky brake pedal noise etc. that I'm sure the GS doesn't have. They are not deal-breakers for me, but the fit-and-finish aren't on the same level as Japanese made Toyota's.
The biggest difference as you pointed out, will be the rear-wheel drive characteristics of the GS versus the front-wheel drive of the Avalon. Combined with the available 4-wheel steering, there is no doubt the GS is the better driver's car than the Avalon. And because it is a Lexus, it will have equipment not available on a Toyota, like a Mark Levinson sound system, power rear sunshade, etc. But the pricing reflects all this. The Avalon starts at $35K and tops out at $43k (give or take), whereas the GS starts at $51k and $85k for the GS F. It comes down to whether you feel the rear-wheel drive characteristics and Lexus equipment are worth the $10k+ difference in price. If comparing a new Avalon versus a used Lexus, that again comes down to personal preference and perception of value. I would personally go with new, because I tend to go above and beyond routine maintenance and keep the vehicle a long time, but everyone is different.
A smaller difference is the fit-and-finish: all GS' are made in Japan, whereas all Avalon's are made in Kentucky. I will show in a post soon all the little detail issues I'm having with my Avalon, from a waxy overspray in the trunk to sunroof headliner rattles to uneven panels to squeeky brake pedal noise etc. that I'm sure the GS doesn't have. They are not deal-breakers for me, but the fit-and-finish aren't on the same level as Japanese made Toyota's.
Are you looking to trade if you're searching for a 2017 or 18 GS? Might as well splurge and look at a GSF! But anyway, I think you should be perfectly fine with the TRD Avy, unless you really want RWD. Unfortunately, the market for RWD sedans is dying. The GS is likely in its last year, but it hasn't really been updated since 2016, and its sales have been dismal, even in comparison to the Avalon which has also suffered declining sales.
Was looking to possibly trade. Found a 17 gs 350 Sport with low mileage (17k) in my price range. GSF is out of my range...
Appreciate the informative response. Looking forward to your next post. No issues with fit/finish yet, but I've only put 1100 miles on the car.
How come you didn't shop for a GS before you bought the Avalon? Lexus is all but trying to give them away. But I think now, they also could be hard to find since most Lexus dealers don't want them because they aren't selling. I could imagine a lot of CPO ones on the dealer lots, especially with some coming off lease.
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