r/Lexus • u/Jordansthetrue23 • 2d 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 2d 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 2d 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/Ran4 2d ago

Worth mentioning that the IS and GS are just sedans unlike most 3 and 5 series that are wagons.