abyun1

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and I'm in the market for a new (used) car with a budget of around $10k, but no more than $15k. I drove a 1998 ES300 to 291k miles, but wrecked it a couple weeks ago. After owning the ES for about four years, I feel pretty committed to sticking with Lexus. I've narrowed down my top choices to the GS430 (113k miles) or IS350 (82k miles), both of which I've found for $15k on AutoTrader.

What I'm looking for is pretty much reliability and gas mileage similar to, or better than, my ES's combined 23-24 MPG. I drive around 360 miles a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Of those 360 miles, I'd say about 70% are on the highway.

I like both of their designs, the GS feeling classier, and the IS feeling sportier. I like the GS's V8, but the IS's similarly performing and more fuel efficient V6 is hard to ignore, too. But in the V8's defense, I have read some threads about people's GS4XX's getting anywhere from 24-30 MPG on the highway. I'm pretty torn between these two, so help me out, guys!

A couple other cars that interested me were the BMW 3 Series/M3, E46 or earlier, and the 2002 GS400. I'm just a little wary of the BMW's reliability. I have a family member whose E66's is notorious for error messages and four-digit repair costs, although, I've been told the E65/E66's general crappiness was attributed to them being a new design.

TL;DR: Title.

Thanks!

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

Uhm i punched a 27.6 mpg running 68mph, whats pictured is 26mpg at 76-77 of a 300 mile trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas if gas mileage is a concern to you of a 06 Lexus GS430. On streets, I averaged around 16-17mpg cause i got a heavy foot on it from a red light. I drive 120 miles weekly combine for work alone so im happy with it now that im over 100k miles on the chassis.

Also depends on how much room you wanna play with, of course the GS has more room that the IS. Prior before hand i was researching and reading other forums of a M3/M5 and audi S4 but reading on reliability issues... I skipped out on it. Good luck.

darinmg

I average 24.5 in my 2007 GS430.
20%city and 80% highway

maficrock

I as well average about 24.0 in my 06 GS430. With the amount of driving you will be doing I would think the IS would obviously save on your pocket book, so also depends on whether or not this is a critical factor for you. Personally, I think the overall comfort and ride of the GS is superior to the IS. I also like the power of the V8. I would definitely look into whether or not the timing belt has been changed in the GS. I just turned 100k on mine and have to get it done. About $1500 but will also change the tensioner/water pump, etc at a local shop. Good luck.

warandcar

either choice would be great… i am partial to my GS though… i'm sure the IS owner would say the same...

abyun1

Thanks for the input, guys. I think I'm just gonna have to take a test drive. They're both such great cars in their own ways. It is good to know you guys are getting such high MPG's.

A question about "power" though. When people say the V8 has more power, what exactly does this mean? Although the GS has more torque, I figured the difference in weight would leave these two cars pretty equal in terms of power.

darinmg

Usually the higher torque gives the car a "faster" feel with less effort...better feel driving around town and passing on the freeway. The IS350 is similar in performance, but requires a little heavier foot to get that. Personally...I'd chose the V8 any day. Drive them both, and then decide what YOU like

felo2081

Get the GS, the IS its way too tight inside. I had an IS before I bought my GS and could sit no one behind me. Plus the GS it's more comfortable. I still have the IS but hate driving it cuz it's so small.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

I was set on purchasing an IS350...

Until I had a second generation IS250 as a loan car. I absolutely hated everything about it. Whenever I think about that car, I'm reminded of a harsh ride, minimal leg room for rear passengers, and melting dashboards.

Go with the GS.

carlzbad28

i have a 2011 GS 460 and am averaging about 20-mpg with lots of city driving/traffic (bay area is a mess), however the POWER/Sport buttons are always depressed for spirited driving, so i believe that 23-24-mpg as you mentioned is feasible for a V8.

doctordank

It seems 90% of IS' on the road are driven by women. Just sayin...lol

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

Im trying to push my wife to trade her Tc for an IS350. Lol, but she has her eyes set on the CT hybrid when we had it as a loaner.

sr20mofo

iTrader: (10)

maybe i can chime in a lil since ive owned/own those cars in interest....

is350... alot of fun, nice power, sporty car, great on mileage, however it can be quite small if you are carrying passengers on the daily but if its just yourself and a front passenger then its perfect.

gs430... i dont own this model but i do own a gs350(same motor with is) and i did owned a ls430(same motor with gs430) keep in mind that this motor has been around for awhile now whether that is a pro or con its for you to decide. now the level of comfort in the gs blows the is350 away and since you're coming off a es i would think you would go this route as you might find the is a lil tight inside(insert laugh here) however the gs can feel like a boat. gas mileage for that v8 motor is absolutely terrible if city driving is 50%+ i was averaging 14mpg 60/40 but the upside to the v8 is that its smooth and has great pick up on the freeway with very lil effort.

Mesca

iTrader: (28)

If you drive alone or with just one passenger, go with the IS(better gas mileage too). If you are going to be driving anymore than 2 people or have a full car often, GS all the way. It's that simple!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Having owned an IS250 they are great cars, nimble and handle well. But I do like the GS better, it adds just a little more comfort and more luxury like the interior. The IS dashes are notorious for gumming up and tearing apart.

But at those prices im sure you can get a better deal with other cars just keep shopping. For the GS try and stay with 07-up if you find a GS350. RWD if you plan on lowering, other then that they are great cars.

I think for the money you can probably purchase a 08-up GS350 with around 90k miles for $15 grand. 08-up have more options, newer nav system