2012-14 TL sh-Awd - $20k ish - Manual/
2013 gs350 f sport Awd - $30k ish - AUTO/super LUXURY

blackbook has gs @ 30-32k value
blAckboor has TL @ 16-19 (yes sh-Awd and f sport Awd)

audi/BMW maint reliability worry, thoughts?

 

If I have the extra money, I'd go with Lexus. Either way, you can't go wrong. TL is more on the sporty side, GS350 will be on the luxury side. I think Lexus maintenance will be higher, but both will be reliable.

 

I significantly shortened my original post... The manual transmission is the only thing holding me back from Lexus... AWD manual - I don't think I will have chance to test drive either of these but at least I've driven is350 same engine as gs just little lighter and I know this is a quality vehicle however Lexus has no manuals and I've really been craving a stick these last 2 automatic years. My mechanic says Lexus and I know why but at least he has approved of the TL (doesn't recommend the rest for me-Audi infinity BMW etc) I drive a lot and need to drive people around too. (No coupes). Either way I'll have regrets - either miss out on the premium luxury and quality of Lexus and save 10grand or regret spending 35k on a car that I love but still isn't what I really wanted (manual!!)

 

In life, there's always a trade-off.

 

Lexus. way sexier car... get more ladies too that's for sure.. (maybe some men too)

 

Manual?

TL all the way.

Auto - if you can afford the Lexus, go for it. TL isn't bad either.

 

I say go with the Lexus too especially if you're driving people around a lot. Not sure what kind of traffic you drive in but a manual can get old quick.

 

I would say go with the Lexus, really all about your preference. From your second post you already have it figured out.

 

It really depends what you're looking for and what you want to spend but if it was me I would be going for the GS.. The TL is great but the GS is on another level especially in the refinement department.. IMO there is just something about the refinement of a Lexus..

I have owned 3 Lexus and 3 Acura vehicles and IME I feel that they are very close in maintenance costs. In terms of reliability, again IME it's a toss up, I never had a major issue with either brand..

Good Luck..

 

Big car luxury float feel is Lexus. Sport feel TL so like others have said what's the most important trade off. Can't go wrong, but I would go with TL just a tad over styling based on the front end and Lexus on the back end styling, lol.

 

Sounded like manual is not a must. Then, you should get the GS. However, I also sense that you want to get the most out of the dollar spent; then, why not consider am automatic TL?

In my decision tree, GS was trimmed in the first round as manual was not offered. Otherwise, even though the base GS engine does not compare with the 2JZ for refinement, it would still have been my primary choice.

 

The TL's combination of SH-AWD and manual transmission makes it a great driver's car. If that's not important to you, I'd say you should just go on personal preference. Either car will be great.

 

I went to 2014 GS350 Fsport from 2011 TL manual... twice a month I regret for sure and want to go back to TL but I don't want to hit a loss on GS, so keeping for now.

BTW... GS350 Fsport don't have luxury package!

 

Agree with comments above... GS looks sexier but TL gives you perfect driving experience in 6MT + SH-AWD combination...

 

Lexus for the service. If you ever experience Lexus service you never go back to Acura.

 

The GS has significantly superior fit and finish and better dealer service. In the look department is a bit boring but that is a personal opinion.

The 4G SH-AWD 6MT is the better driver car

 

OP,

see my thread from from earlier this morning. I have a 2015 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport and I'm looking to get back into an Acura. You should test drive both cars though. Lexus obviously has all of the bells & whistles, but performance wise the TL is more exciting to drive.

 

6spd + SHAWD > *

 

I have a 2013 Lexus LS460 AWD and a 2013 TL SH-AWD. Previously had an Acura MDX as well. I've had more problems with my LS 460 than either of the Acuras. That said, I spent about zero time in Acura's service department. There's no doubt the Lexus service experience is excellent. I was always provided a Lexus loaner and the issues I've experienced are common issues to the AWD LS.

The fit and finish of the 460 is impeccable. It is vault like and silent on the highway, probably the best vehicle I've ever been in for a trip on the highway. It really is a beautiful car.

The SH-AWD TL is WAY more fun to drive on the back roads. It is absolutely glued down in turns and the AWD system is magic. I have access to a large old airfield at times and a couple of the runways / taxi lanes are still in good shape. If you turn off the traction control and nanny systems, the TL will slide perfectly through corners. Top speed on the TL is within a few MPH of 150 in the distance I have. It is buttoned down at high speed, I could set the cruise control at 140 comfortably. That said, you know you're flying in the TL, lots of wind noise.

ive had the Lexus up to the limiter (130ish although it shows 132-134 on the speed. It is an interesting experience to go 130 MPH in the LS. It was quiet even at that speed but very floaty and it took a long time for the car to settle back down over and road irregularities, and it is not a not a car I'd set the cc at 130. At 110-115, it would be perfect: quiet and composed.

That said, the GS is supposed to be sportier than the LS but I wouldn't expect anywhere near the performance. I personally would look for a look mileage, pristine 2012-2014 TL SH-AWD auto or manual.