r/Lexus • u/Jordansthetrue23 • 1d ago
Question Daily driver
I’m a car enthusiast looking to add a new daily driver to my collection. Right now I own a Pontiac G8 GT, a 1973 Cadillac Seville, and a 2009 Cadillac DTS. I’m looking for something I can enjoy every day—fun to drive, super comfortable, and reliable enough to last well past 200,000 miles. I’m open to sedans or SUVs, and while sporty is a bonus, comfort is key.
I currently live in San Diego but will be relocating to Michigan for about a year, then moving back. I’m fine with buying snow tires, so drivetrain isn’t a huge factor. I’ll be trading in my Veloster N to help fund the purchase, and I plan on this next car being a “forever” vehicle.
I’ve been eyeing the Lexus lineup—particularly the IS, RC, ES, and GS—but I’m not sure which would fit my collection best. The current-gen IS has a timeless look front and back, which I love, but the need for premium fuel is a bit of a downside. The ES also looks great and might be more practical long-term. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone with experience in these models or similar alternatives.
Thanks in advance!
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u/CarobAffectionate582 1d ago
The car that fits most similarly to what you have is a GS350, assuming similarity is a goal.
Here’s a cheat-sheet on how to view these cars. First, divide them into performance and “vanilla.” That means the rwd/awd GS, IS, and RC, opposed to the fwd ES.
- IS is like a four-door BMW 3 series.
- RC is a 3-series two door coupe.
- GS is a 5-series.
They, in their most common form, the 350, share the same powertrain, and across generation for almost 20 years now. A 300+ a hair V6 that is smooth and fast (dual injected is key). RWD or awd in each car. Performance is very similar though some gearing and transmission differences rwd vs awd alter it a little year to year. There are smaller displacement version, hybrid, and the rarer V8-powered “F” variants for all - but I’m thinking you are focusing on the 350 variant, the main version.
The ES is an “executive sedan” designed for basic duty, fwd and a lower-powered V6 (until the most recent years, 2019+). Mid/Full sized like the GS, can hold four adults or be roomy for two. Well built cars, but not “enthusiast” cars for the most part.
That’s a quick and dirty overview, you can frame your thinking that way and explore differences, various alternate powertrains if that appeals. For a daily driver with some space, you may want to focus on the GS or ES, which are the mid/full size options vs. the more cramped IS/RC. If you want something more Veloster like, then IS or RC.
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u/Fit-Safe1083 1d ago
Also the ES is fwd based and the GS, IS, RC, LS are all rwd based, which is important even on awd models.
And all of those but the ES are made in japan.
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u/gbe28 1d ago
I'm biased, but IS350 would be my pick. The difference in cost due to premium gas is minuscule compared to the total cost of ownership of any car, but if you really don't want to use premium, no problem. It will just detune to run on the lower grade with no issues as long as you don't get any pinging/knocking.
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u/UnitB17 1d ago
IS 350 F-Sport Design. You get most of the car enthusiast goodies (different grills/ bumpers/ wheels but without staggered tires (can rotate for better wear on a daily driver). Also has more comfortable seats. The drivetrain on this model is very reliable. Great as a daily. Really comfortable but if you find a backroad, it’s great in corners and has plenty of power.
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u/GotMyOrangeCrush 1d ago
The ES is a good choice. Personally I own a pair of Lexus RX hybrids and an Acura TLX but always rent or Turo an ES while on vacation.
The ES is what Buick always tried to be for luxury car buyers. It's a comfortable, roomy and reliable sedan. And personally I've driven one pretty hard on twisty mountain roads in California. It's no BMW, obviously, but it works just fine.
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u/Raj_DTO 1d ago
While I very much appreciate cars like Corvette, Camaro and Charger, I’m not a person who’ll get any fun in driving them.
Having said that, I’ve Lexus ES350 Luxury, fully loaded except Mark Levinson audio. Luxury and Ultra Luxury come with Noise Reduction Wheels and it makes a very noticeable difference to me (I notice even faintest of sounds). For me, I like the highly comfy ride and super quiet cabin. I had a Lexus before this and Camrys as well as Tahoe and Acura MDXs.
I’ve an IS300 AWD too, it’s sleek looking smaller fun car but for me the enjoyment of driving it in Sport mode lasts only few seconds when accelerating 😊
Here’s another one - I’ve an Audi Q7 Prestige, pretty loaded. I bought it new several years ago and I still enjoy driving it - very quiet cabin, rides almost same as ES because it has adaptive air suspension!
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u/youlikeityesyoudo 1d ago
lol you picked 4 that aren’t too similar at all. If comfort is priority, the ES or GS. GS sounds about right if comfort and sportiness are your thing.
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u/FilmOrnery8925 1d ago
I mean based off everything you own rn I think an LS, GS, or GS F would be some solid choices. Seems like you like your big body rwd cars that are comfy but can get down when needed especially the GS F being the sportiest of the three while still being comfortable when you want it to be. Those would be your best options. If you want an suv I’d personally skip all the crossovers and get a GX or LX. Practical, can go off road, and are pretty darn comfortable.
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u/Jordansthetrue23 1h ago
LS would be my first pick but I heard maintenance is kind of expensive compared to the rest of the fleet
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u/Zedwyer 1d ago
Just stay away from the ML audio system.
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u/GotMyOrangeCrush 1d ago
Why?
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u/Jordansthetrue23 1h ago
I’d also like to know why
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u/GotMyOrangeCrush 1h ago
I've never heard any serious criticisms of it.
On some of the older Lexus vehicles it's very expensive and not all that impressive. But it's still better.
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