kenv

I have been searching for a 08 GS 460 (w/Nav., ML, etc, with low miles, 20k or less). Preference White with Grey interior, but will accept Tan. I have been able to find multiple cars, but they are all in the Midwest or East Coast. I live in San Diego. The trip is reasonable, but would like to stay within California, Arizona or Nevada. Their are NONE in So. California with the above criteria. First question: 1) why are their so many more for sale in the other parts of the country, see above? 2) If anyone has contacts with their favorite Lexus dealer in So. California that would like to refer their name and phone number please advise. 3) I also have opened up to a 2010 GS 460 and was told by Carlsbad Lexus that they are only built per order, is this true? If so, would I be "stuck" paying a higher price under this type of scenario. 4) What does it take to ask a dealer to include certification on a used lexus that is listed for sale without the certification?

Thank you in advance for any advice or wisdom you all can share.

flipside909

Yeah unfortunately the GS460 is a very low volume car. There were a large allocation made for the last half of 2008 for some reason and they did sit quite for some time allowing many dealers to give awesome deals by model year end. To answer your questions:

1) Allocation to a certain region is dictated by demand. The dealers in the Western Region (13 western states including CA) sell more GS350's than any GS460.

2) I have references to many dealers including the top two in the state. #1 in Socal and #1 in Norcal.

3) That is true. And yes, special orders are usually MSRP unless you can strike a good deal.

4) A pre owned car must meet a specific standard for Lexus to certify it. Here's more info on the CPO process: http://www.lexus.com/cpo/overview/in..._is_CPO_Button

Good luck!

kenv

Thanks...I would like your contact for socal...I was recently advised I should wait until August through October/November 2010 for best deal on CPO on 2008 or even 2009 since their is a model change around the corner. My budget is tight..Need to stay $40k or less and miles below 30k is important. I know that a GS 460 is for me. Sounds like I want my the best of everything....Yes, since this most likely will be my care for at least 5 years. Thanks again, and appreciate ANY wisdom you all have to offer.

kenv

ok; I have found the following: 1) 08 GS460 w/Nav, ML, etc w/10k miles for $45k, NOT certified, but clean carfax 1 owner. OR 2) 06 GS 430 loaded w/20k miles, certified $33k. Price difference is huge, but is 2 yrs that significant? Besides larger engine and 2 more gears in transmission please share some opinions on what way to go. I enjoyed both, but can not find any real differences especially the way I drive.

flipside909

Stay away from the 06. It has the older Gen4 Nav and the first production run GS had more rattle issues than the rest. If it was sent to the Lexus dealer for maintenance, there's a good chance you can follow it's service history and see what was done to it, including warranty work. Carfax is a guideline, but it usually will never tell if the car was repaired behind the scenes. So in essence, even if the car has a "clean" record, there is that chance the prior owner could have been involved in a collision or such but paid for the repairs out of pocket.

If you're interested, Longo has a fully loaded Black/Black 08 GS460 that is Certified on their site.

ekc

iTrader: (6)

Would you consider the GS450h? There are quite a few around here in your price range.

kenv

Talk to me about the 450h....I agree their is a fair amount of 07's available (lease returns?!). Do they have run flat tires? If so, I have not hear positive comments for multiple reasons. My goal is to buy and retain for 5+ yrs., I am concerned about how long the hybrid technology will be under warranty and will anyone want to buy from me or will their will a resale market for a 7-8 yr. old Hybrid with 100k+ miles...Hope that makes sense. I am open minded.

ekc

iTrader: (6)

I don't know enough to answer your questions, but I do think Toyota/Lexus got the hybrid thing down pat. After all, they sold the most hybrids in the US.

Here's a review from a fellow member regarding his GS hybrid. Maybe you can read into it and ask him for insights. Good luck and Happy New Year!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ml#post5017005

kenv

I still have not purchased, but was presented with an offer that I need advice: 2004 GS 430 with 34k miles (1 owner), nav., mark leveinson, etc...listed by dealer @ $22k and they are willing to sell (to me...lucky??) for $18,900. Your thoughts good or bad? I am really concerned about the navigation (dated).

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you really have to ask yourself if you are willing to settle previous generation of vehicle / system / navigation. i can tell you they are very different. yes it's pretty big gap on pricing too, but from seeing your initial post of gs460/450h and now the gs430, that's pretty big gap.

i had the gs400, loved that car, no regret. but now i have gs350 and i have to admit the gs350 is a lot more modern and the gs400 (gs430) is dated.

xravexboix

CPO GS are rare right now. Longo had a few (06 430, 2 08 350, 1 black 08 460 loaded) but all are gone but one 350 (blue w/ nav w/o ML) and the 460 (possibly due to relatively high mileage). A bunch of my coworkers have been buying 2GS300 since the trade in values are relatively low. Both cars are great, but, imo, the 3GS stands above the 2GS due to the updated technology.

You may want to consider a 07+ GS350. It won't have all the toys found on the 460,but definitely worth a drive.