funcrusher

I'm car shopping and would like to get a GS. I prefer that generation but was reading that they aren't reliable like other Lexus models. Is this true?

Lukas99GS

Many of them experience oil burning issues that only an engine rebuild can temporarily fix, some people have also experienced transmission problems. That being said I've seen them with over 200k but I'd say you're much safer with a 2nd generation GS or save more and get a 350, 430 or 460. As they are more reliable engine wise.

703

It's also underpowered for the weight of the car. A Camry is faster.

EdL

I have 155K on my 2006 GS300. No transmission problems.

MX73

I'm going to chime in here but I really hate to because they will bash on the 3rd gen GS300 regardless of what everyone is saying.

I have one. 115k. No major issue. None of this rough idle issues that plague so many of them. No transmission issues. I recently had the front timing chain cover resealed under warranty but other than that it's been running really good.

I only put in a quart of oil in between changes. By the time I've changed the oil, it's already on the low end of the stick which is about 5 quarts in the pan. Even the Lexus training I've received shows this is perfectly normal.

The rough idle issues can be less of an issue if everyone is putting the right fuel in. It won't prevent the rough idle issue from happening but it will keep the combustion chamber a little more cleaner.

Rotten egg smell? All in the type of fuel you use. I've used the mid grade fuel and haven't had the rotten egg smell or the rough idle since the dealer put in regular.

The 3GR-FSE has been on the market for some time now and was recently retired about a year or two ago when Lexus started to introduce the GS250 in some market. What I'm saying is that there would have been more complaints out there about any year 2006-2012 GS300.

blantier

As others have said, the experience varies by car. However, our experience has been horrible and I'd say run, don't walk, from anyone trying to sell you a 2006 GS300.

We've had countless out of warranty repairs (4, count them 4!!!, wheel bearings, exhaust issues, etc) and all of the other problems that people have mentioned (burning oil, etc).

We've owned 3 lexus vehicles and this will be the last one. It burned us so badly we're moving on to another brand.

YoungBbile

I have a 2006 GS 300 with 155k on it, and have experienced a few issues since I purchased it in 2014. I had to replace the fuel pump in late 2015. My AC is currently leaking water into the floorboard. It rough idles on occasion, but nothing major.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Unreliable? Not really, but compared to other lexus models its not the best of the best.

XxGoKoUxX

This post is very misleading, year for year the GS300 is faster than the Camry. Maybe not by much, but it is.

If you're comparing it to a newer version of the Camry, you're comparing apples to oranges. They converted to the 3.5L and you should be comparing to the gs350 by then.

HuskyGS300

iTrader: (1)

Its a bit of a weird year of Lexus but overall a good car. Little issues with mine. 2006 GS300 AWD with 110k miles only things replaced have been MAF sensors, rotors/pads. Had Lexus check from carbon buildup for the piston rings and did a oil-consumption test and found no issues. Car runs great, no stalling, etc.

That being said, I would air on the side of caution and avoid the 3.0 engine. Go for the GS430 or newer GS350. There are too many possible issues with the 2006 GS300. I may not have had issue yet but still fear the possibility.

Good luck in your purchase

atllexus1

I JUST posted a thread today about my desire to purchase a 3rd generation GS. I test drove a 2006 with 140,000 miles on it and the dealer ADMITTED he had transmission work done on the car. I was taken back by that because i know Lexus is suppose to have a solid reputation, but after reading this thread, i see that isn't always the case. The mileage didn't bother me because Toyota is suppose to run along time. Heck, i got a 1995 Corolla i drive daily with almost 200,000 miles on it. I figured going over to Lexus would just get me a luxury version of what i already got. Guess that isn't always the case.