Lukas99GS

I've been hearing from many people that the 06 GS300s are bad cars due to the oil burning issue, I've been shopping for a newer lexus and have had a tough time finding gs350s, but I see 06 gs300s for sale everywhere and at good prices , I have seen many of the 300s with high mileage, one with 215k and a couple others with 18x,xxx so I would assume they can't be that bad. The ones Ive been looking at have around 100-120k, if the recall or engine issue has been fixed are they solid? Ive been thinking of getting an LS430 but I really like the 3GS because it's more up to date looking. Thanks

LexusLive

At this point, considering you're looking at such old cars anyway, just get an LS 430. It was the ultimate expression of everything that made Lexus great. It will absolutely be more reliable than the GS. It is stodgy, but so was the old Rolls Royce and Mercedes big sedans. Nothing wrong with that. It'll ride like a cloud, while the GS crashes over every expansion joint and manhole cover like it had cement in the shocks. You'll burn a fair bit more gas, due to the greater weight and older tech motor, but Direct Injection has proven to be pretty troublesome. It works brilliantly when new, with superior combustion efficiency, power, and fuel economy (not to mention lower emissions) but all bets are off after 60 or 70K miles. That goes for many other makes, not just Lexus. Less tech = less trouble, especially as the car hits 10 years of service.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Why not a GS430? 3GS looks with LS430 reliability...

Lukas99GS

That would be ideal but unfortunately at least in MN they are tough to find and when I have seen them they're usually about 5k more than the 300s. So in short a 06 gs300 isn't a good purchase even with lowish miles?

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

In Minnesota, I'd be looking for something AWD.

DarkknessD

In my opinion, the issues over the 06 GS300 are a mixture of real issues and hyperbole from individuals simply reading and regurgitating

I've had my 06 GS 300 for 7 years and have put nearly 100k miles on it. The only thing I've had go bad is a wheel bearing (my fault for being slammed on 20's, with stretched tires) and a water pump. I've got the recall notification for the Oil Burn issue but have zero intention of getting it done. My car will occasionally sound a little dry on start up after it's sat for a few days but with regular use I haven't noticed any significant oil burn that's out of factory spec. I get my oil changes with synthetic every 5k miles and only once has the oil been slightly low.

All in all, this has been one of the most reliable and trouble free cars I've ever owned. Considering the abuse I've put this car (including some very hard driving), I wouldn't be too concerned. Other 3GS 300's may burn more oil but I personally haven't seen a significant oil burn issue with mine or my buddies and I feel having a general tech at a dealer pull the bottom end to replace piston rings is more risky than just leaving it be, considering that I don't have a significant oil burn issue.

I will be taking my car in to get the FPR Gasket but again I haven't smelled gas, noticed any leaking or seen a decrease in gas mileage.

Hope this helps.

jbuffett

There are 13 GS350 AWD's for sale under $20K / 100K miles within 300 miles of Minneapolis:

AutoTrader

These cars aren't hard to find. Bump it to 500 miles, 24 cars. Bump it to entire US, 110.

I flew from Denver to Augusta GA to buy my GS460, then drove it home. Plane tickets and gas are cheap when it comes to finding the perfect car.

NickTee

The 2006 GS300 is the redheaded stepchild that no one really wants but people still buy it because it's cheaper than a gs350.

BinaryJay

Well... the only out of warranty repair my car has ever needed after all this time was to fix an exhaust leak (and I live in Toronto, the land of excessively salty roads for half the year). That really doesn't sound that bad to me.

Of course, if Lexus didn't cover the DI carbon engine rebuild thing I would be singing a different tune. As it stands, I think I am almost better off as half of the important stuff in my old car is brand new. :P

Gotcha350

I think that's the difference here...most who have GS300s that are commenting on this thread have had them for awhile. That makes a difference when looking at a car of 10 yrs of age with know issues. While some may not experience the carbon and oil burning issues the majority do, hence the reason for the extended time frame to get the engine rebuilt.

If it was me I'd look elsewhere. It seems like you are trying to get into something based on a budget but it could turn out to be a nightmare that happens a few. Thousand miles down the road.

LexusLive

Then again, check out the latest Consumer Reports out now. Just flip through it while waiting in line at the grocery store. They currently show black marks for Engine, Major with the 3rd Gen GS for every year except the '10, I think. So if the carbon buildup doesn't getcha, something else expensive probably will. Which is why you should look for a 2000-2006 LS, probably. Something pre Direct Injection, unless you find an oddball GS 430 which had the old style V8. Other than the bum engines, the GS seems pretty reliable. Maybe not Camry reliable, but at least you'll get to lounge around the fancy Lexus showroom and pester the salesmen while you wait for someone to figure out why your car rattles like a 14 year old Kia.

LexusLive

I know, I wail with rage and despair everytime I walk past the rear of my car and am reminded of my inferior machine with that annoying little "300" appended to the trunklid. WHY WHY WHY did I not just wait a bit and get a 350???

Lukas99GS

Haha yeah, I actually just test drove an 05 ls430 and an 08 gs350 the other day, even though the 350 was a bit out of my price range I wanted to know what they're like, the LS is a lot quieter and smoother, probably the quietest and most comfortable car I've ever driven. The nav and all that is way more outdated, but overall I think I like the feel of the LS more, and will likely go with that, even though I love the looks of the 3GS, it's really unfortunate the direct injection seems to have caused Lexus to lose some of its bulletproof reliability of its older cars, I would hope they've figure it out by now in the new cars where that won't be an issue down the road. I appreciate all the input.

AustnLexus

Lukas - I agree with LexusLive - I should have waited a year and purchased the 350. Search up 2006 GS 300 transmission problems - you'll find quite a few posts, including mine.

Emily1928

I have a 400GS.. thought I'd finally move up to a 460gs...as noted, no a black w/ tan for 1500 miles...got the 2008 350GS..... it's a dog..... I still would rather drive my 1999 400gs V8 with 240,000 miles. Sucks