2016 Lexus GS F Review - Great Engine But Not Much Else?

With early model year GS F values dipping below $50K, this naturally aspirated V8 sports sedan seems like the sensible alternative to the more popular German rivals. But what are the drawbacks?
Mod List:
Full Tom’s chassis bracing (strut tower, mid section, axles, trunk bars)
Joe Z catback exhaust
LEMS carbon intake
FIGS lower control arm polyurethane bushings
RR Racing air/oil separator
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[@derrickyi7433]

No one is sleeping on these. They are holding crazy values.

[@buzzybud4137]

The GSF is definitely underappreciated especially online

[@derrickyi7433]

@buzzybud4137 just because KZbinrs don't buy them doesn't mean they are under appreciated. The used values show that the GSF, ISF, RCF, IS500 and LC500 are still very much appreciated.

[@buzzybud4137]

its not just about people buying GSFs and I agree that they hold their values but people just don't talk about them nearly as much as other sports sedans

[@AnotherMotorist]

@@buzzybud4137 🤫some things are best kept hush hush🤫

[@urgandma]

​@@buzzybud4137 I want people to talk about them less, because they're bound to be bought by the take over crowd once they get cheap.

[@QueTheChaotic]

This is the only automatic that I would consider. Used prices are insane on these.

[@fib4923]

That Lexus resale value and plus they didnt make alot of GS-F. Its super rare

[@Highlander1432]

Get a used IS350 for fun

[@MichaelSchwab-nk4rm]

Yep. 80k miles 2018's going for 50k.

[@Highlander1432]

@MichaelSchwab-nk4rm That's crazy. I know it's a limited production like the ISF was but this is ridiculous. 5 years ago I bought an 06 IS350 with 110k miles on it for $7k. Pretty much zero issues for 4 years and 85k miles. Modded and driven hard every day too $50k is ridiculous for an 80k mile 7 year old GSF

[@MichaelSchwab-nk4rm]

@Highlander1432 Won't get any argument from me. It's wild. And they will probably appreciate in value no doubt sooner than later. I have a GS350 I use as a daily and a tuned G80 for performance. If you wanna go fast. Buying a GSF ain't it. Rare? Sure. Aweosme? No doubt. But running 9's it's not.

[@AliasHSW]

The GSF is for the Quiet Luxury Hipster crowd that are over the Euro hype - enthusiasts that are in the 40s and 50s that grew up in the golden age of JDM, then moved on to Euro, and swinging back for some JDM reliability (and comfort)

[@sketchpv3080]

Wow, couldn’t be more accurate in my case!

[@AliasHSW]

@ here with ya!

[@veselingramatikov]

I am 38 driving A5 and already thinking aboyt IS...

[@AliasHSW]

@ the current iteration of the IS is real looker.

[@sesh3508]

I’m in my early 20s, and a father. There is no car that would check more boxes for me than this car. NA V8, stays out of the shop, and plenty of room for a car seat in the back. Also, I like to stray away from the overplayed BMWs.

[@stephen_brooks_photo]

Nice video! David is the homie and we've been on a bunch of drives in the mountains (my car being GS350 f sport with a lot of suspension mods). I would LOVE to upgrade to a GSF some day. I love BMW but I think I love Lexus reliability more. I drove his car when it was stock and even with my upgraded suspension/bracing, I could tell immediately how much more firm the chassis and suspension was. The v8 sound would be an incredible thing to hear every day.

[@sadmanbakht]

Literally been waiting years for this video. Needed your review before getting one

[@TheJMedia]

Love the F platform! I own an RCF as my daily and such a great car

[@IS300Spartan]

Congrats on the consistency Fenton, you’ve been keeping up the regular videos for a while now!

[@punz022]

my dream daily since high school, I’m bias, GSF will always be amazing.

[@_anonico]

LEXUS BOYS KNOW

[@augustortiz]

Headers completely transforms this car. My friends GS-F has gotta be at least 200lbs lighter than stock + I/H/E/Tune, sticky tires and it really feels insanely quick everywhere.

[@demetriusford]

Yup, paired with a RES titanium exhaust with PPE EL headers, it's one hell of a car. I miss it everyday.

[@bigjdm5460]

@@demetriusfordso many people sell 2UR F cars and say that famous line “I miss it everyday” Why sell it then???

[@demetriusford]

@@bigjdm5460 in my particular case, someone ran a red light and collided drivers side into my car effectively becoming a total loss. I was happy with it track wise and it was my favorite car I’ve owned outside of my S2000.

[@bigjdm5460]

@ hmmmm s2000 , I love that car

[@ARentz07]

It's a shame they didn't revise the final drive on the F cars until after the GS F was discontinued. The 2020-present RC F and IS 500 have a 3.13 rear diff compared to the 2.97 rear diff on the earlier cars. Even then, third gear goes to almost 90 lol. So I can imagine the frustration with the GS F especially with it weighing 200 pounds more than my IS 500. However, I still love the idea of a proper F car in midsize. That's cool.

[@gazman9468]

I'm sure the shorter final drive does make a decent difference. In my opinion the gear ratios are too widely spaced though. I'm certain some of the perception that this gearbox is slower than the ZF8 is down to the wider ratios when in actual fact it's similarly quick but the revs drop more between changes. For reference the gear difference between 1 and 2 on a ZF8 is circa 50% whereas the drop is closer to 70% on this gearbox. That's significant. Closer ratios would really help this engine/gearbox combo come alive and ultimately it's pointless having 8 gears when you can only use 4 (max!) on the street.

[@zhaostephen5800]

Mine has the same spec, absolutely love it!

[@2ZZGE100]

Looks like the GSF in video is also lowered as well on lowering springs. Being an RCF CF/TVD owner, GSF is one heck of an amazing car. Does everything so well and a great all-rounder. Plus, the TVD is magic. I seriously considered getting the GSF because of the 4-door practicality, Drove both extensively while reasearching but ultimately. the 1-foot smaller size, stiffer chassis/short wheelbase and lighter weight of the RCF swayed me in that direction. While the GSF practicality is missing, but I have two other Lexus cars to haul family in. Also, I have two baby seats in my RCF while still being able to do track days every once in a while.

[@DahMexico]

It’s stock height. The 2016 GSFs look a bit lower than 2017+ due to the addition of AVS in those years

[@2ZZGE100]

@@DahMexico Ah OK. Thanks. My RCF is also non-AVS version (2016) as well. Cheers!

[@DahMexico]

@@2ZZGE100 nice! My GSF is a non-AVS version too… personally I like the non AVS version a lot more

[@2ZZGE100]

@@DahMexico Agreed.I have AVS in my 2019 IS350 F-Sport and my 2017 RX350 F-Sport. I keep them both only in SPORT+, but they both act weird and are unpredictable at times. The RX350 F-Sport steering and suspension always keeps changing even in SPORT+ while the IS350 F-Sport is more consistent, but still some times gets confused and abruptly the damping characteristics can change in a split second where the ride feels firm with really good rebound and suddenly you go over a compression where it suddenly dips hard out of nowhere as if all rebound was suddenly gone and I find it annoying. My RCF has the fixed suspension so I know exactly what to expect on a particular type of surface every single time no surprises when I have it in SPORT+ mode.

[@computerhelpcc]

@@2ZZGE100Interesting to learn: My 2016 GSF is a little too firm on concrete highways yet fine on asphalt. That engine noise, that TVD, never gets old and I alt w 911 manual, Boxster pdk and LS430

[@truonghthe]

alright finally you completed the F trio (except of LFA). I love the level of over built on these car. Also everything that electronic control could be disable of a physical button. If anything worth point out you should disable the ASC (fake engine noise) locate on the left of HUD control. I know why the hell you want fake engine noise when you have great intake induction noise. Exterior wise GSF has 2 CF pieces, you think the trunk spoiler is pricey? check out the lower grill front lip. The GSF is best dual personality vehicle that meet daily duty and some track duty as well. The GSF is a luxury sedan in mind 1st then extra for track works. One of the reason I picked my GSF over a 2022 IS500.

[@wojtekp3212]

Great car, prices are still high but not many out there.

[@blu_is500]

Another great review. Personally, I think the IS500 is a better daily (if I didn't work from home), because it's a bit more nimble. Love the GS as a whole, but it's too big of a car for me. Kudos to the owner for taking great care of the car, it's beautiful. Thanks for posting!

[@gforcecoons5857]

I owned a GS 350 and have test driven a 2016 GS F and a couple BMW 540i's from around the same time. The GS 350 engine is one of the best engines you can own, and the car is pretty fast for driving around streets/highways, plenty fast to get into trouble with. With the GSF you get a bigger engine and more power, but it's still not super responsive (lags a bit when you punch it)and it has a stiffer ride and less practicality and reliability than the GS 350. I don't need or want a faster car than the 350, but if I did did I'd get the 540i. Fast with a quicker transmission, better handling and pretty good reliability compared to traditional BMW's.

[@gordonyz4]

@@gforcecoons5857 16 GS rides too stiff for me, much stiffer than Fsport 350 on Sport+

[@gkapoyan]

David is a great guy, and boy can he drive that thing. F for FAST.

[@aadetale]

The GS F is a more modern, more reliable, E39 M5. That’s a great thing.

[@maestroadam]

Closer to a e39 540i.

[@ogmechsftw]

@@maestroadam the E39 540i is slower than an IS350... not even close lmao I've owned an E39 540i M-Tech. It got me into V8s - my next V8 was an IS F and it was not close lmfao

[@jamespopovic9750]

E39 M5 was manual only

[@ogmechsftw]

@@jamespopovic9750 L

[@aadetale]

@@jamespopovic9750 Auto's make better DD's

[@DahMexico]

Been waiting for this video since you teased it!!

[@philhenderson3516]

This and the Genesis G80 are the most underrated sedans out there! So beautiful!!

[@moonman_8935]

My IS500 has the same V8. Unique gem

[@Gamer_Marcy_God]

ISF and GSF owner. Love the daily driver + performance aspect of the GSF. The ISF is the track one given rear seat is even less room for the kiddies.

[@shazmaster]

This is one of those cars u slap on a supercharger and call it a day. 600whp reliable daily wat more could u ask for?

[@richiesworld1]

Idk, something better looking? AWD perhaps?🤷🏾‍♂️

[@shazmaster]

@richiesworld1 jaguar f type r

[@MichaelSchwab-nk4rm]

G80 (cough)😂​@@richiesworld1

[@iheartgs400]

As a multiple GS owner currently 07 3Gen GS350 and my dad with 17 GS350 he bought the luxury package one used for 17.5K granted its 92K miles. Trying to wrap around our heads if it’s really worth that extra premium for the engine alone. Even the 2GR GS’s is a solid runner and tbh fast enough for the streets and that engine belongs in the goat arena of the greatest V6’s engines.

[@computerhelpcc]

GSF and LS430 owner here: GSF v8 is readily appreciable w V8 gurgling from idle. 3,800 rpm notable baritone noise change is awesome. BUT on concrete highways the 2016 fixed dampers are a bit too stiff. Asphalt highway it's fine. I advise you drive 2 diff GSFs.

[@aadetale]

I had a 14 350 F Sport. 2GR engine was amazing, it just had no torque down low. that was my only complaint. I drove a GS F, it had the torque down low but it just felt too similar. It’s not worth the price difference for a daily driver - 350’s are just too good for their price.

[@iheartgs400]

@@aadetale the IS’s after 2Gen got neutered down due to horrid gearing. Try out the 07-11 IS350.

[@aadetale]

​@@iheartgs400 I definitely have to. I think I remember hearing those are faster 0-60 than the ISF's

[@gordonyz4]

Too similar to GS350 with almost same parts except engine. Not worth $40k more plus tax and higher insurance bill. Get an LC 500 if possible, u don't buy them for track use

[@LETerEATRenne]

For the money, you can get something better. However, the reliability, sound, and practicality is virtually unmatched. Not to mention they look good as hell.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Are y ready to review the triumph 250

[@PacoRobbins]

I want one, but I can't stomach the 50k+ price tag. If they ever come down in the next few years I'd definitely pick one up.

[@sdlausen1]

This GSF will still be driving around 50 years from now. Thats why people buy these.

[@shawcobra]

Not if the government has anything to say about it....

[@sdlausen1]

@@shawcobra haha! Good point but, the tides are turning government wise. SCOTUS recently ruled the EPA can't create laws meaning, auto makers will have more freedom! Let's hope for the best!

[@Vakushka]

Love mine, top review mate 👌

[@ricardoyoung2008]

Just a few more months and I’ll have my GS350 F Sport payed off. Trying my best not to get another car payment but the GSF is so tempting…

[@H.S.H.M.]

Nice GSF aside, what road is that?? Looks like a dream to drive on

[@DodgerBlueRobert]

One of my dream cars.

[@ak2112]

these are tight as fuck

[@dsdddsd4543we]

I hope Lexus can make a new generation of exciting vehicles. I’m sure they can make the Twin Turbo V-6 into something powerful for sports sedans. I’m curious if their next generation sport sedans will be electric only too.

[@lancewood1410]

Lexus should give the GS a facelift and slap the twin turbo V6 3.4 liter and soldier on for another 3-5 years. They may not sell a lot but at least Lexus won't be losing money on them.

[@shotty.]

i think trying one of the previous generation GSF (3rd Gen) your opinion might change just a little.

[@bbbt8090]

My dream 4 door sedan

[@computerhelpcc]

1. 3.8k rpm half-throttle plus = deep baritone engine note. Shift at 5.5-6k just to hear it again and again. Engine sound fellas, that's difficult, vs muffler sounds which are easier. 2. 2016 on concrete hwya is a bit too stiff w nose bobbing yet ok on asphalt hwys. Still, cannot drink from a coffee cup when GSF moving. Some say later 2017-2020 better but sometimes whacko lack of consistency. Beats me. 3. Central tach n speedo gauge is welcome copy of Porsche so no adjustment when switching to your 911, Cayman/Boxster. 4. TVD is hilarious in corners.

[@333KINGPIN33]

As all rounder, would this be a fun track experience for only two or three times a year ? Or would something such as the Type S you have better suited ? Also looking to haul kids!

[@Zygrene]

I wouldn't bother tracking a GS F. It's too heavy and soft. Type S/R does a better job at dual duty.

[@rarespopovici4402]

No proper isf, no gsf, no sport suvs, no ctf. Such a shame, they don t want to compete

[@dre32pitt]

This is a better Charger Scatpack, imo.. It's definitely not a sports sedan.. It's a cruiser/JDM muscle car.. Insurance will be cheaper than any Charger/300C (damn kids!).. It'll retain it's value better and be FAR less of a headache going forward (not saying that Charger SP's are, but the Toyota V8 is lauded as the most 'set and forget' motor in history).. Per Turbowski (SavageGeese's running mate before Silverback Jack), 'You want a solid car that will last forever? Get a Lexus with a V8..' .. He would know as he worked an all kinds of cars while supporting his racing career.. Pretty sure that's why his takes were so 'i could care less about this piece of trash SUV' lolol

[@kevin_s_03_]

I didn’t buy a charger because I’m not paying a 700$ car note + 375 a month on insurance

[@dre32pitt]

@@kevin_s_03_ Yea.. damn kids ruined it for everyone.. I miss my Challenger Scat Pack manual :(.. but i got rid of it for the same reasons.. insurance, lol.. i was late 30s at the time and hadnt had a ticket in 6 years (and that was only my 2nd one ever).. Still $1300/6mo (this was in Vegas though.. they have hte highest rates in the country)

[@kevin_s_03_]

@@dre32pitt yeah bro it’s insane I have a 2022 m240i currently and I pay just over 90$ a month and I have a speeding ticket in the past year I’m not married but my house cut the cost down a lot I think from 180 the first few months I owned it

[@future62]

Weird thing about NA V8s like this and the Coyote V8........ they almost remind me of DOHC VTEC 4 bangers. You have to really stay high in the rev range to keep them happy. Personally I don't like it; I'm a big fan of midrange torque for a street car.

[@Driving_Somewhere]

Are the window tints abit yellowish vs the windscreen?

[@horriblecodplayer3]

FBO 2ur-gse compared to stock isn’t even comparable, I’m still going to stick my hand up and say try and find a FBO 2010+ ISF. Great vid tho

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

It is a great JDM Muscle sedan that's comfy and reliable ...

[@alvarohernandez4225]

I can’t afford the gsF so I did the next best thing full bolt on tuned gs350 fsport.

[@amgone75dm]

$4000 for the trunk cf spoiler??? Ummm it's actually $1600.

[@thatpersiandude7386]

I hate when people constantly brag about reliability of these cars Not mentioning how much extra money you need to pay compared to the germans in the first place….. They also cost you more to make them faster and gas mileage is way worse compared to something like a 540i

[@UmarTheGreat10]

Completely different experience to a 540i so not a good comparison. Also, who wants to spend big bucks on an expensive German car just to have it in the shop with constant repairs? There's something to be said for the peace of mind of having a reliable car.

[@manipulated_audio]

😂😂 it's just the facts my boy they are reliable. I mean I would pay a little more up front for something I know that will last than something tht will be in the shop or down multiple times in 1 year. Aftermarket support is pricey but, every car is not for everyone👐🏽

[@augustortiz]

The 540i will be in the junkyard in 10 years guaranteed. GS-F’s will 100% outlast any modern 5 series, its just a fact of life. The money you save on gas with the 540 will be spent in the shops fixing it anyway.

[@ratshackmojo]

@@augustortiz That may have applied to older BMW's, but that's a bit of an exaggeration. Have 75K miles on a 7 year old '17 540i, just oil, brake maintenance and tires. Lexus is not bulletproof anymore, look at V6 TT issues, also Lexus V8's are known for valley plate leaks as they age.

[@ogmechsftw]

@@ratshackmojo true, but the direct competitor of the 2UR is the S65.... which has a lot more than just valley plate leaks

[@RoderickTom-ge1vc]

Lexus is smooth and reliable😁

[@Enthusiastlist]

Might not be the tuning legend European engines have become & it might not make much torque for the class, but this is the last great sounding v8 in my opinion.

[@JohnSmith-ji1hl]

you're in socal? thats ach

[@Unicornpirate]

I'd take this or a ISF over ANY G-series BMW (M or otherwise). Those are all hideous looking to my eye. And their build quality sucks. Friend of mine has a G42 m240i with only like 9000 miles and its already squeaking and rattling inside.

[@seanmcelroy4764]

Japanese excellence

[@boostloaded6437]

Stop saying it’s good! prices are going to go up higher now🤣

[@motaz1975]

these cars are getting way overpriced for what it is. i realize they only made like 2400 of them from 2015-2020.

[@jacksonlucas4338]

what other options do you have? If you want a v8 what else can you get that isnt a garbage car?

[@motaz1975]

@@jacksonlucas4338 is500...with a warranty.

[@MrChrisj03]

Exactly. Reliable engine and premium build quality for $40-50k in a NA V8 unique sleeper sport sedan…would love to hear what would be better in that price range

[@NudaMan]

You could just buy a Cadillac CTS-V2 w/Supercharger for around these prices lol, I would never look at a lexus knowing those are floating around

[@jacksonlucas4338]

@@NudaMan I know what you you're getting at but unless you're talking about v3s, the actual build of the car isn't comparable

[@impulse922]

Could you imagine how bad these cars would get crushed by an equal price rs7?

[@TwoLuckii]

Don’t bring up any competition. All everyone is gonna say is that it’s “reliable” and that it’ll hold resale value. I don’t hate the car, but I can’t afford it for shit either.

[@ogmechsftw]

a 997.2 Carrera S is the same price as a G87 M2, and the M2 would smoke the shit out of the 911. Not the point.

[@Micnastyisf]

And a turbo awd civic would crush both... Only ppl with ego are worried about being faster to impress other men.

[@SicSemperBeats]

Sums up the entirety of the F cars. The engines are great but chassis dynamics are worse than mid 2000’s benz sedans.

[@Zygrene]

Reliability trumps any difference in chassis dynamics IMO

[@SicSemperBeats]

@ i would debate you but Mercedes are pretty temperamental with the reliability lol. At least bmws are easy to work on, Benz doesn’t like service/repair info being available to the public

[@davidpineda645]

The Infiniti Sedan with the V8 is better and faster

[@Mr99Burns]

No I tried one walked away

[@impulse922]

These things are great looking, but my god are they overrated and overpriced. Like half of the remaining GSF have accidents on carfax.

[@MrChrisj03]

Spoken from someone that clearly doesn’t own one…

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

45K?! Yeah; no thanks.

[@gordonyz4]

45k you are looking at 100k mi samples

[@Micnastyisf]

​@@gordonyz4min was in the high 70k at 42.5k. I got my uw/red a month ago.

[@gordonyz4]

@Micnastyisf I was looking at 17+, though for 16, your price paid is solid

[@Micnastyisf]

@@gordonyz4 there wasnt many gsf to pick from, understandable. If I had to pay over 50k I would have gotten a 2020+ rcf instead. Newer/less miles. I was happy paying 42k, since I sold my isf for a total of 36k,haha.

[@commonduck10]

Those cars gets boring..v8 only can go so far.

[@dre32pitt]

That's why you should have more than one car.. Going back n forth between them strengthen your appreciation for them.. because trust me.. You'll miss that V8 after awhile, lol (ask me how I know, lol)..

[@vBunz]

Its a daily/GT car that can do everything.

[@computerhelpcc]

I alt w manual 911, Boxster PDK and LS430. Return to GSF always feels special, fun, and audibly satisfying

[@maestroadam]

Overrated and overpriced, kind of ugly too.

[@NudaMan]

I just can’t get over the fact it’s still just a “Toyota”

[@latino914]

Ridiculously overpriced used and the transmission lag on these are horrible. So many better options at the price point. Pass

[@ogmechsftw]

bro drives a G37 sedan and thinks the AA80E is bad... try again

[@latino914]

@ogmechsftw beyond bad it's horrible. Learn to read kid

[@MrChrisj03]

Better options…like what?