Sunday 17th November 2019

Lexus GS F | Spotted

GS F values took a Lemming-like nosedive when it left the forecourt. Lucky for some...

---

It's been nearly two years since Spotted turned its attention to the lesser-seen Lexus GS F. Back in 2017 we marvelled at the toll depreciation had taken right out of the gate - the barely 12-month-old example having lost £30k after just 9k miles - and wondered how far the V8-powered saloon would fall before the market naturally steadied the ship.

Now we know. Today's example, registered in 2017, and with only 5k additional miles on the clock is valued at £37,500 - still eye-opening, but a much more modest descent compared to its previous free-fall. One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. Not compared to its German rivals, at any rate.

Then there's the question of value for money. With a 473hp naturally-aspirated V8, conspicuous good looks, a predictably lengthy standard kit list and Lexus's famous build quality in the plus column, the GS F was just about credible at £70k. At almost half that it is an outrageous bargain. A BMW M5 of similar miles and vintage would likely come with a £20k premium.

Granted, the F90 M5 is the superior machine, especially in performance terms. But Lexus knew this would be the case from the outset. Instead it wanted the GS F to be different - hence its decision to retain an atmospheric 5.0-litre V8 rather than reach for the parts bin marked 'turbochargers'. It did not scrimp on the enhancements required elsewhere either.

The body-in-white was said to boast more torsional rigidity than the standard model thanks to additional bracing and new joining techniques; lower, stiffer suspension was complimented by new mounts, forged control arms and uprated ZF Sachs dampers; there was a torque-vectoring active rear diff and Brembo brakes. The car that resulted was duly firmer, flatter and faster in a way that might credibly be called its own.

True, it was also lumbered with an eight-speed slusher not really up to the job of interacting with a demanding, big displacement motor, and the GS F isn't quite clever enough to run the full gambit of modern super-saloon capability. But for significantly less than the price of our longterm Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, that shortfall is now easier to forgive. If the price is anything to go by, it looks like the same thought has occurred to everyone else, too.

---

SPECIFICATION - LEXUS GS F

Engine: 4,969cc, V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 477@7,100rpm
Torque ( lb ft): 391@4,800-5,600rpm
MPG: 25.2
CO2: 260g/km
First registered: 2017
Recorded mileage: 14,000
Price new: £69,995
Yours for: £37,500

See the full ad here

Search for a Lexus GS F here

[Camry_Man]

This or a lightly used Merc S500 coupe? hmm.....

[Augustus Windsock]

“One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. ”

According to ‘howmanyleft’ there are just 65, so compared to the 11 roadgoing Meteo 6R4 GrpB cars (according to the same site) these are to be be found around every corner in comparison...

Anyhoo, compared to the mentioned M5, why would you want one? The M5 is surely better in every department (for me), and in addition the Lexus always looks over-bodied or under-wheeled unlike the M5 which has perfect proportions

Edited by Augustus Windsock on Sunday 17th November 08:28

[anonymous-user]

There’s a bit more free falling to come I think. Okay if you’re planning to keep it for years and years though.

[Pommy]

Augustus Windsock said:

“One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. ”

According to ‘howmanyleft’ there are just 65, so compared to the 11 roadgoing Meteo 6R4 GrpB cars (according to the same site) these are to be be found around every corner in comparison...

Anyhoo, compared to the mentioned M5, why would you want one? The M5 is surely better in every department (for me), and in addition the Lexus always looks over-bodied or under-wheeled unlike the M5 which has perfect proportions

Edited by Augustus Windsock on Sunday 17th November 08:28

M5 better in all areas? Apart from one - this is less likely to turn in to a bankrupting proposition out of warranty.

[belleair302]

As an everyday 'performance saloon', these are epic cars. Everything works, no rattles, electrical issues and with good dealer network servicing and parts is not an issue. Not the sharpest tool in the box, but for 99% of drivers in 99% of daily driving situations this trumps an M5. Having owned both an M5 and a Lexus GS, but not an F, the Lexus didn't cost me anywhere near what the M5 did and didn't lose as much money upon resale. Under rated cars these.

[Tcooc168]

Not currently in the market for big saloon, but this is definitely one I choose over the Germans... kinda bored of the German brand, every Tom, Dick and Harry has one

[Lt. Coulomb]

Toyota has its own Chris Bangle seemingly...

[AmitG]

I would have one of these, because it has three big things going for it.

Firstly, they are rare - much rarer than an M5, and without the image problems. IMHO this is the thinking person's M5.

Secondly, and most importantly, it has Lexus build quality. That means it will never go wrong. You can buy a used one with plenty of miles and be confident that it won't explode and land you with a massive bill. Everything, from the gearbox to the electric windows, will work perfectly for years. So you can actually enjoy it rather than always worrying about what is going to break next.

Thirdly, Lexus dealers are IME lovely people, and will look after you.

I doff my hat to Lexus. They knew that they would sell tiny numbers of these cars, but they brought them over anyway.

[chunder]

"True, it was also lumbered with an eight-speed slusher not really up to the job of interacting with a demanding, big displacement motor"

Really, in what way ?

Change time is dependent upon mode select and throttle position, sport and WOT are pretty quick. Maybe not dual clutch quick but Lexus F models aren't about gaining the last tenth (although the aftermarkets are now helping that - add £20k to a GSF and you'll have a 700bhp monster that will eat an M5).

Otherwise are you talking reliability - as I'm not aware of (m)any gearbox failures ?

[Augustus Windsock]

Pommy said:

Augustus Windsock said:

“One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. ”

According to ‘howmanyleft’ there are just 65, so compared to the 11 roadgoing Meteo 6R4 GrpB cars (according to the same site) these are to be be found around every corner in comparison...

Anyhoo, compared to the mentioned M5, why would you want one? The M5 is surely better in every department (for me), and in addition the Lexus always looks over-bodied or under-wheeled unlike the M5 which has perfect proportions

Edited by Augustus Windsock on Sunday 17th November 08:28

M5 better in all areas? Apart from one - this is less likely to turn in to a bankrupting proposition out of warranty.

Possibly but an arguement that is difficult to determine seeing as how the M5 in various incarnations has sold many many times more than thr GS F and so the probability is that it will have suffered more problems.
I’d prefer the M5 over the Lexus but I wouldn’t actually buy either

[Niffty951]

mstrbkr said:

There’s a bit more free falling to come I think. Okay if you’re planning to keep it for years and years though.

Yes, as I car I don't rate this to be more appealing than an XFR 5.0. I'd be surprised if it didn't fall to a similar level.

While it doesn't I'd take the benefits of the jag and risk a bill in place of depreciation

[Tabs]

And if you wish, you can keep the extended warranty going until the car is 10 years old and less than 140,000 miles. At roughly £500 per annum as well! What other performance car can you do that with?

[fernando the frog]

I didn't even know Lexus made these..serious want

[HM-2]

I quite like these, but they seem to be a bit of a reverse TARDIS. Huge on the outside and quite small in the rear.

[jimmytheone]

Article said:
...conspicuous good looks...

Just my humble opinion but I’ve always thought the back of GS’s is too wide for the rear track and gives it a bit of back-end-on-casters look, unlike the LS which sits better.
Not too keen on the front either tbh but from everything I’ve read about Lexi I’m sure this would be a relatively bork-free way of enjoying a v8 comfy saloon, less scary than a big beemer or jag.

[glazbagun]

Lt. Coulomb said:

Toyota has its own Chris Bangle seemingly...

That strikes me as a little safe for a modern Lexus. For maximum ToyoBangle you need the wonderful looking LC500:

[jamoor]

In every respect this car will be better than the f10

Probably better than the newer mode too

I will jump in at 18k

[SidewaysSi]

Augustus Windsock said:

Pommy said:

Augustus Windsock said:

“One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. ”

According to ‘howmanyleft’ there are just 65, so compared to the 11 roadgoing Meteo 6R4 GrpB cars (according to the same site) these are to be be found around every corner in comparison...

Anyhoo, compared to the mentioned M5, why would you want one? The M5 is surely better in every department (for me), and in addition the Lexus always looks over-bodied or under-wheeled unlike the M5 which has perfect proportions

Edited by Augustus Windsock on Sunday 17th November 08:28

M5 better in all areas? Apart from one - this is less likely to turn in to a bankrupting proposition out of warranty.

Possibly but an arguement that is difficult to determine seeing as how the M5 in various incarnations has sold many many times more than thr GS F and so the probability is that it will have suffered more problems.
I’d prefer the M5 over the Lexus but I wouldn’t actually buy either

Take 15 mins to have a watch Sir:

https://youtu.be/sIHQfqwLYys

[jamoor]

SidewaysSi said:

Augustus Windsock said:

Pommy said:

Augustus Windsock said:

“One good reason for that is proclaimed in the advert: "very rare" it tells us more than once. It's not quite true, of course - PH's barometer for 'very rare' being homologated Group B hatchbacks - but certainly there are not many examples of the GS F that call the UK home. ”

According to ‘howmanyleft’ there are just 65, so compared to the 11 roadgoing Meteo 6R4 GrpB cars (according to the same site) these are to be be found around every corner in comparison...

Anyhoo, compared to the mentioned M5, why would you want one? The M5 is surely better in every department (for me), and in addition the Lexus always looks over-bodied or under-wheeled unlike the M5 which has perfect proportions

Edited by Augustus Windsock on Sunday 17th November 08:28

M5 better in all areas? Apart from one - this is less likely to turn in to a bankrupting proposition out of warranty.

Possibly but an arguement that is difficult to determine seeing as how the M5 in various incarnations has sold many many times more than thr GS F and so the probability is that it will have suffered more problems.
I’d prefer the M5 over the Lexus but I wouldn’t actually buy either

Take 15 mins to have a watch Sir:

https://youtu.be/sIHQfqwLYys

The F10 is a terrible car, too powerful for 2wd.

[anonymous-user]

You may as well just wave a big white flag when you enter into Lexus ownership (excluding one particular model)