Why a Used Lexus GS F Beats a New ES Hybrid for the Same Money

If you're shopping for a Lexus sedan but find the new ES Hybrid a bit too tame, there's a compelling alternative sitting on the used market. 0-liter V8-powered sports sedan that went out of production in 2020, can now be picked up for roughly the same price as a brand-new 2026 ES Hybrid.

That's a lot of muscle for the money, and it comes with a driving experience you simply can't get in any new Lexus today.

The GS F was Lexus's answer to the BMW M5, built by the brand's in-house performance division, F. Unlike the more common F-Sport trims, the GS F got the full treatment: a naturally aspirated V8 pumping out 467 horsepower, a track-tuned chassis, massive Brembo brakes, and a torque-vectoring differential.

It was never a volume seller, and when Lexus killed the entire GS lineup in 2020, the GS F became an instant collector's item. Today, a well-maintained 2018 model with around 30,000 miles can be found for about $45,000, while a first-year 2016 example with higher mileage might dip as low as $38,000.

For $50,000, you can snag a later model with Lexus's Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts damping on the fly for comfort or cornering grip.

Compared to the new ES Hybrid, which starts at $51,095 and offers a 244-horsepower four-cylinder powertrain, the GS F is a completely different animal. It's rear-wheel drive, lighter than an all-wheel-drive M5, and its V8 sounds glorious when you open the throttle. The trade-off is fuel economy and modern tech, but the GS F makes up for it with bulletproof reliability.

RepairPal estimates annual maintenance at just $499, and the NHTSA has recorded zero owner complaints. Just check that any recall for the high-pressure fuel pump on 2016-2018 models has been addressed. For buyers who want a thrilling, naturally aspirated V8 sedan that's built to last and won't depreciate much further, the GS F is a smart, spicy alternative to anything new in the Lexus showroom.