OMC

I been eagerly looking around at these cars recently to buy one, only to stumble on a suspicious phenomenon...

A vast majority of the cars had 89k to 105k miles on them. Whether they were an 06 Gs300, or a 2010 Gs350 they all had about 100k on them.

My question is, is there something that is scaring people away at 100k like imminent trans failure? Or is it simple maintenance at 100k like a tune-up that has people trading in?

I need to know before buying. I love these cars, but dont want to lay out about $20k for a car, only to have to pay out $6500 more for a trans 3 months later.


Thanks,
Sorry for the noob question...

Gotcha350

What you are seeing is most likely owners that don't want to keep a car past 100k...especially if they are 2nd owners...that might have bought it CPO...

Some people have experienced transmission issues around 100k...and the 06 GS 300 has a carbon build up issue.

Other than that is aa fairly soild car...

xbladex00

I'm around 80k Live in NY.... The winter takes it brutal on our cars.... But if you keep it clean then there should be no to minimal rust.... I Have a GS 350 07 Do i have any problems? the tranny probably needs a fluid flush and refill it kind of shifts a bit slow takes about like a 0.8- 1 second to get out of first and same for second nothing much to be worried about... Thats probably if you race the car like a retard xD... I think my wheel bearings are starting to make some noises but then again thats probably because of not washing it often during winter.... Other than that I dont think I've had any other problems... Besides me breaking the cabin filter door.... to know if you have this problem press on the AC to go into fresh air mode NOT RECIRCULATING MODE... If it makes this ticking sound really loud then you can hustle the dealer probably

PROS : I like this car its good at cruising very comfy and luxuries I think the interior still looks recent...( I hate how touch screens aren't even touchable anymore in most new luxury cars)
Has a decent amount of power sometimes the suspension makes you forget you're going 80mph....
Quiet in the cabin (depends on tires too)

CONS: It's kind of long so hard to maneuver through traffic i suppose...
It handles like a boat, so it roll's a decent amount so don't expect it to be some sort of handling monster like every JDM car....

I suggest just take it for a test drive if you could and see if you like it!

krava

I have 180K on mine don't see any problems with transmission at all. I am going to get a service done. Might have to drive it another 70-80K miles before the GSF gets into my budget

erobgs

We owned the previous model - 98 GS300 and felt like we could have driven that car forever. Unfortunately we "upgraded" to the 2006 and it's been 8 yrs of pain and suffering. Some of it is bad luck (I've driven for 25 yrs and never had a wheel bearing go bad, but I've had 4, repeat 4!!, fail on this car), Lexus becoming overly cautious w/regard to recalls (up to 7 recalls that I can remember) and questionable design.

I have a friend with the same model that loves his. I'd sell mine tomorrow if I thought I could get anything for it. *

* It doesn't help that I've fallen prey to the infamous y-pipe failure (rust) at the heat shield and I've been told the only option is an $2500 new exhaust.

Run, do not walk, from any GS300 IMO.

OMC

How many miles on your GS300?

I dunno.. to me, exhausts and wheel bearings aren't issues that would scare me away.


Great info folks! This is a huge help.

1 more question...
Are there any highly prone rust spots on the GS?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

You read my mind. I have been seeing 350s from 55k all the way up to 121k and had some of the same concerns. I researched the heck out of these cars and just picked up a 2010 with 97k for the wife. She loves the styling so far and is already getting compliments from the neighbors. Like another poster said, some ppl just trade/sell them once the warranties are up.

xbladex00

I had my mid pipe rust.... it was close to the down pipe... I think the way my dad fixed it was to just weld on some metal on it :X tho it was alot cheaper than buying a brand new pipe.... at that price could have just bought a custom exhaust xD

krava

Don't be scared of the GS 300 people, cars need people too.

OMC

So... ive looked at 3 cars. One had a bondo job for a rear quarter panel, next had pitted flaky wheels and a rusty wheel arch that barely held paint. The last one has, what sounded like something grinding in the motor. Maybe water pump.

The search continues...

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

How wide is your search area?