Thinking about buying a 2016-2017 GS 350 AWD. Any thoughts or recommendations?
 

I’m 65 and just retired. I’ve driven Toyota’s for years. Very pleased. But I would like something a bit classier. I drive cars for 10+ years before selling. Also hoping I won’t be going to the dealer all the time for repairs. Do you think this is a good choice? (Don’t need the Sport version).

Wegi,
I am 54 years old and I bought the 2017 GS350 F Sport about two years ago. I have had BMW in the past and my last two vehicles were Acura MDX. I love everything about this car. The look, the stance, color ( titanium silver). My wife has a 2022 NX350 and this car has so much technology that I don't even like driving it. The car is responsive, I mean super responsive. It handles very well. I like the ride because it's not stiff eventhough I have 19 inch wheels. I have put approximately 35K in less than two years and I have no issues. I have changed brakes, oil and that's it. I'm over 100k now and Im going to do the water pump and thermostat housing. The only other thing is I'm hearing the humming from the rear bearings so that's being changed. I have no issues and I'm glad I bought the 2017 rather than the 2016. It has a little bit more technology.

Wegi,
I am 74 and retired. I bought a 2014 GS350 AWD in 2016. Older than you asked for, but some characteristics of the model did not change much. I drove BMWs for 40 years, but I had auto trans problems with the last two sedans,
a 528i and later a 2009 328xi. The 328xi would not shift into reverse. No explanation for the breakage, it was never driven hard. I was lucky my local mechanic sent me to a great Transmission shop, where it was repaired for
$500. The only alternative was a "BMW certified" rebuilt transmission, for about $6000. (in 2017). This breakdown was at 72,000 miles. The 528i broke down at 87,000. miles, and again around 107,000. Results, and repair
costs were similar. I still have a 1990 BMW 325i with 104k miles, that has been autocrossed for years, has a manual 5 spd trans, and is still going great after owning it 17 years. BMW don't make 'em like they used to.
I was tired of the hard ride in the newer BMWs, and these breakdowns, as well as the routine failures of cooling systems, window lifts, etc.
I test drove several GS350s before I settled on mine. It had only 10k miles, was metallic red with a saddle interior, and I received 2 years' extended warranty in addition to a remaining 18 months on the original warranty.
I now have 61k miles on it, with only oil changes, tires and brakes last year at 55k.
It is softer riding than the BMW 5 series, but still has responsive handling at all speeds. It does not feel as glued to the road as the BMW, at 90mph or above. But, at normal highway speeds, it is stable, quiet and comfortable.
I think the GS350 is a great choice, and I hope to find a nice 2019 model, after I put another 40k or so on my 2014. Go for some test drives, and good luck.