cherri

I'm in the market for a 3GS, but I'm not sure what year or model I should be looking for or running away from. I've never owned one before, but I have a few friends that do and they all give me different opinions. I really just want something that is reliable enough to build up to my liking and won't require major mechanical repairs. (I don't mind the normal replacement of belt, brakes, etc.)

Just a little about me to better understand what I would like from the car:

1. I'm looking to keep this car for at least 2-4 years
2. I've had cars with faulty transmissions before and would love to stay as far away form that as possible.
3. I don't want to spend over $13k

I'm normally really good at researching, but I feel the Lexus community will help a lot more than google!

Thanks in advance!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

2008 gs350 will be great for you. It has more options the 07-under. Just make sure to replace the water pump every 80k miles, very cheap and easy to replace. Other then that its great realible car .

cherri

That is probably my top choice at the moment. I found one with just over 110k miles on it. I'll be sure to ask about the water pump when I go test drive it this weekend. Thank you!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

A lil tip you can check vehicle history on any lexus using mylexus.com if the person said the dealer replaced it, it will show in the report.

Aisin Water pump is only $110 aftermarket and about 2 hr labour. If you dont replace it its possible to destroy the engine

cherri

Thanks again! I'll definitely do that.

Lukas99GS

I'd say the v8 models are the most reliable, the 430 and 460s, the 430 engine and transmission is pretty much indestructible. My 460 has had 0 problems coming up on 160k and most people with them have also had few problems but they're a lot harder to find.

TRD_Power

Can't go wrong with the 350, 430, or 460. All great motors. Couple things that really turned me on to the 460 over the 430 are 8-speed and timing chain. Got my '08 460 about 2.5 years ago with 16k, and now it has just 35k, but zero problems with the thing. Seems the 460 owners have the lest amount of problems *knock on wood*, but that's probably because there are just over 1,600 of us.

cherri

I noticed they are pretty hard to come by, so that must mean something! They are a bit pricey for what I'm hoping to spend, but if I fall in love with one somewhere I might just do it! Thanks for the tip

TRD_Power

I began my GS journey with spending no more than $20,000 at first, so I was looking at a few '06 GS430's, but when my '08 460 showed up for $30,000, I talked them down to $29,300 and was sold Well worth it, IMO. Best of luck.

IcyBishop

08+ in any trim is a win

tayslexus

I'm looking for one too and found an 08 GS350 AWD 65k for 16k CAN black on black but what's bothering me is that it doesn't have a USB like a 2010

MomCar

Well it wouldn't considering that the '08 (Technically made in '07) was made the same year that the first iPhone was released.

tayslexus

lol this is totally make sense

lextout

go with the 430 v8, you wont look back.

iGS430

430 V8, no garbage piston ring issues as the V6