dmullen137

I love this forum and the people willing to share their insight and experience with newbies like myself. On that note, here goes!

I have an '06 ES330 with 104k on it and have just changed the spark plugs (Denso) and the alternator (also Denso). It's an absolute cream puff. But I feel like I'm riding in a marshmallow -- not that that's all bad; I just want a GS really bad.

I found an '08 that's white and tan with ML audio and that's in pretty good shape. It has 113k on it and the interior needs a little love. Is it worth pulling trigger on this thing? My alternator was $288 from the dealer and I'm having a really tough time finding one for the GS for under $800. I like going OE and am willing to pay the extra money but when one from Rockauto is like $105 for the GS, I think that's a no brainer!

I'm wondering as far as reliability goes, is the V8 in the GS any better than my ES? And what about cost of ownership? He has done the plugs at 108k and done Mobil1 oil changes about ever 10k. He also said the idler pully bearings were worn and he replaced that (not at a Lexus dealer).

I'm just looking for the CL blessing. Any thoughts positive or negative are absolutely welcomed.

And here are some pictures of the car I was considering grabbing!

pman6

i see 29mpg.
Are those mostly highway miles?

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

The tank looks full. Easy enough to be that high for only a few miles since the refill.

JLAWS

Those GS460 are extremely rare & $15K is a very good price for the miles. Cost of owner will be more expensive compared to your ES330 which is pretty much a luxury Toyota Camry. Check the expensive adjustable electronic shocks and see if they were replaced with oem or non electronic coil overs which seems to be the route for most. Check if the recalls were done. I believe the engine valve springs(?) was the common problem. Check if everything is in working condition but I'd spend the few $100 at a Lexus dealership to thoroughly go over the car before purchasing since it is a private sale.

TRD_Power

Like JLAWS said, I'd have Lexus take a peek at it, just to make sure you're not buying a pile. That being said, I think it's a great deal if all checks out. I've had mine for about a year and a half now, and it's been a great car. You'll definitely have a lot more fun driving the GS!

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

I think 15.5k is a bit much, I would say 13.5k is a good deal. Like everyone else stated, have it check out by the dealer.

eeleat

I get 28mph on the highway when I'm cruising around 80mph with my gs460. Very good gas mileage on the freeway... city not so much, 19 if I'm lucky.

OP... 13-15 would be fair and the GS460 is a blast to drive and own.

jbuffett

On flat/level ground in my '11 GS460, using cruise control at speeds up to 80MPH or so, I regularly clock 30+ MPG.



Gotta love that 8-speed transmission.

wickedtaco

Check out NADA buyers guide. http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2008/...D-GS460/Values

Average trade in is $15,200

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

That's a good deal. A car like that would go for ~$19k in Dallas/Fort Worth.

dmullen137

As far as those "pricy electronic shocks," is there any GS model (2007-2009) that doesn't have those? I'm not looking at AWD models -- just RWD. I think they all have that Sport / Marshmallow suspension setting -- is that where the money comes in?

I want so badly to pickup a GS but I don't want to regret it with the repair costs. A set of KYBs for my ES is manageable and if I keep mine, I'll end up doing them when I get new tires here in about 30k.

I really thank you all for your input and am just looking to not get into something that's out of my league! Plus, my ES is in perfect shape with a nearly $3k stereo system in it so I'd be walking away from that, too, if I decided to go this route

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

The GS300 and GS350 do not have them, but honestly, you can use those shocks in the GS460; you may just lose the function.