PolishDude

Looking to replace my LX450 with another Lexus. I was originally looking at IS300/250/350 but i think I want something a little nicer. I am looking for a nice reliably daily driver, in my price range I am finding GS350s with about 100-110k miles or GS430s with 130-140k miles. Which one would be a better buy? Here are two deals I have found so far.... a 2006 GS430 with every option and 140k miles for $10k or a 2009 GS350 with a couple options and 113k miles for $13k. I would expect to get a thousand or so off each car. Which is a better deal? How big of a difference is the navigation?

What is a good price for a GS350 with about 110k miles? I was thinking $10-11k?

PolishDude

I am also seeing possible oil consumption issues on 350s? I would like to get a 430....even found a low mileage one for a great price but am worried at the fact that it doesnt have the Gen 5 navigation...how bad is the Gen 4 navigation?

ez12a

I would test drive the cars yourself and see what navi system you prefer.

My '07 350 with 95k miles has zero oil burning issues (just did the oil after 5k miles this past weekend, no drop in level). So YMMV.

There are some things off the bat with the 350 you'll need to look at:
1. when was the transmission fluid replaced if at all?
2. Is the coolant level low? If so, it might indicate a leaky water pump (relatively easy DIY)

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

The 350 is a worlds more reliable than the 06 300, at least based on report, but the 4.3 is a bulletproof engine. A throwback to Toyota/Lexus engines they just wouldn't die. One downside is though they require a timing belt/ water pump service

PolishDude

I think I am going to pursue a 2009 I found locally, I can buy an extended warranty for 1400 bucks form my local credit union that will cover me for 3 years or 36k miles, is it worth it? 1400 in repairs doesnt seem like much

ez12a

Depends on what company is providing this warranty. Look at some reviews and make sure denying claims with trivial reasons is not a common theme.

Do you have to pay a deductible when making a claim, and if so, how much?

Blowing a transmission hopefully should be covered since Lexus claims it's using "lifetime fluid" that shouldnt be changed (but it should be checked).

PolishDude

okay so would a fully loaded 2009 Black on Black GS350 with 113k miles for 12k be a good deal? Also has aftermarket Vossen wheels/tires although I feel the tires will need replacing soon

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a killer deal i would jump on the 2009 try talking him down to 11k because of the need for new tires.

The GS350 is solid! At 100k miles I would replace the water pump, plugs, coolant, serpentine belt etc basic maintance and you will have a solid car that will last you another atleast 100k miles.

PolishDude

12k is already negotiating lol....i think he may be hung up at 12.5k, per the service history it seems like all the basic maintenance was done, i didnt see anything listed about a water pump but did see plugs, coolant, brakes pads, brake fluid, rotors, filters, differential, tranny fluid, etc all replaced within the last 15k miles

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

On a side note, holy smokes these cars are getting cheap.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

I think these cars are hitting their bottomed out resale value. I've just let go of mine last weekend with 143k for way under 10k.