737Driver

I'm in the market for a new vehicle, and I'm strongly considering a used Lexus... Originally, I was budgeting $20,000 which put me in third gen territory. Rather than spend a lot of money on a car that is already somewhat outdated, I've decided that spending $25,000 on a fourth-generation GS 350 is the way to go, if I can find a good one in that price range.
Locally there is one in my price range with about 65,000 miles, and if I'm willing to travel across the country I have found two CPO's also in my price range with close to 70,000 miles... All 2013 awd models.
I'm the kind of guy that realizes that maintenance and care is typically more important than mileage, but at the same time $25,000 for a car with 70,000 miles makes me a bit uncomfortable, however Lexus is a brand with a reputation of good reliability on cars with lots of miles. I'd like to keep this one for at least 10 years and take it to 200,000 without major repairs outside of normal wear and tear.
The question I would like a few comments on is does the fourth-generation GS 350 live up to Lexus' reputation of quality, and cars that maintain above average relibility well into high mileages? The older cars with hundreds of thousands of miles didn't have the computers and accessories the new ones have.
I realize that no one has a crystal ball, but I'm just looking or a reliable car.

peteharvey

2013 4GS reliability?
Click below:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ml#post9381616

Look for Midsize Premium Car highest ranked.

737Driver

I searched the topic of reliability but didn't see that JD ranking. Looks like the GS is solid! Thanks!

AL13NV8D3R

I bought my 4GS brand new in 2014. My GS is a 2014 GS 350 RWD with Luxury package and cold weathet package. I do not have adaptive cruse and HUD. So far i have put on 50,000 miles with no issues. Only thing done to the car was basic maintenence. This car is a dream to drive. Very Luxurious, smooth and great handling in one package. All it needs is a little more power and this car would be perfect. I will keep this car and drive it into the ground so planing on putting 200,000+ miles on it just like i did when i own an Lexus LS430 which had 240,000 mile on her before I upgraded to the 4 GS.

I have no doubt that this will outlast my expectations for this car. I will probably be bored of her well before she turns 300,000 miles. So no worries buying this car.

In your situation it is very important that the previous owner takes good care of the car and performs every single maintainence required. Check before you buy.

islandbeef

In the past, I purchased a used Lexus LX 470 SUV (Land Cruiser) at 40k miles. We babied it, kept up with maintenance and was a daily driver. When the warranty lapsed, we only had one issue but it was trouble free until we traded it in at around 93k.

Point being, the Lexus brand's reliability is very good across the board. Give the car a mechanic check-up before you purchase, just for peace of mind. Carfax can only tell you so much.

I may let my youngest son take this car to the prom when he's old enough. He's only 12.

Cathy

I bought a April 2012 build CPO at 30000 miles. ROCK SOLID!

namzug

Since our Lexus are one of the most reliable check out below:

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/ctd/5442210243.html


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/ctd/5457861995.html


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ctd/5452394774.html


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ctd/5453682011.html


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ctd/5443402614.html


http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/ctd/5442944583.html


http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5465552591.html


Preliminary research seems the best deals to be had is west of Utah.


If you find one you like, ensure you do all your negotiation online/phone and get it in writing. Include you are out of state to avoid paying state taxes/fees (make sure you get all applicable DMV forms to drive the car in the state to your state).

JDR76

I only have 1600 miles on my GS, though I have no long term concerns. My RX and my IS are/were completely problem free and I have no reason to believe my GS won't serve me well, though it's a lease so I won't be keeping it into high mileage territory.

Surely with a 737 to "drive" you ought to be able to cast a wide net to find a good, used GS.

737Driver

Craigslist! Didn't even think of that! Thank you for pointing me on the direction of some nice ones, and for the tip on getting DMV docs squared away beforehand. There's a guy in my neighborhood who has a used car business, and said he'd be willing to look at Manheim for a reasonable fee (the friends and family deal ��, $500). He said that my chances of getting a good deal go up since I'm willing to go wherever and drive it home to avoid shipping costs.
I'd prefer to buy one private party, but he says that he's perfectly comfortable buying $50,000 cars sight unseen because their rating system is very good.
Also, Tricounty Lexus has two highish mileage CPO cars for $25k. Anyone deal with that outfit?

http://www.tricountylexus.com/Vehicl...-NJ/2707953313

I really appreciate everyone's comments. I'm getting pumped up!

bostonsnow

wow....these prices are highly competitive compared to what one would pay for a CPO from the dealer!

namzug

I'd go to Manhien first to see what the GS350's are selling at wholesale or below. Manhien is where MOST dealerships get their used cars. I'm going to Manhien in a couple of weeks in LA to check out some cars for friends. I'll also check to see if there are any GSs. Finally, your friend can go Manhien.com and search all states auction to see GS350 available and bid online. For a low fee get it shipped to his lot. Each pre auctioned car comes with detailed pics and car history.

737Driver

Another option is to lease a CPO GS. I didn't even know this was a possibility, but I haven't ever leased a car... I've always had the impression that leases do t make financial sense, but I don't know why. I'd love to get educated.
I saw that a Lexus dealer was offering this option: http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1913DAD0
Is this even worth considering if I want to keep the car long term (Purchase at end of lease)?
The way I see it is that the total payments + price at end of term is close to the purchase price outright now. So the cost is similar for both routes... Right?
The pros would be: Get into a CPO for less money today, and have the option to give the car back after 36 months if it turns out to be a car I don't want to keep, and the lease expiration is very close to the warranty expiration. 15k miles seems generous.
What are the cons?

Thanks for everyone's input!

AJLex19

When I bought my CPO '13 GS, the dealer offered me the option to lease it instead. It would've been 1800 down, $379 month, 12k mileage limit a year...this was in mid- 2015.

That sub $30k price on that GS at Lexus of Westport is a great price in general. That lease offer is also very attractive because the monthly payments work out to be pretty cheap overall. If that was an option to me when I was purchasing, to just put down $3k and having low monthly payments, I would've considered it. Allows you to keep more of your money today and adds a layer of flexibility if you like to change cars (personally I keep my cars for 7-10 years so i decided to purchase outright).

On a lease, you will pay more for insurance because it requires full insurance coverage. The listing shows a few dealer fees that look like they total over $1000 so keep these things in mind (not sure if the fees still apply to the lease or only to a purchase).

10tlshawd

Is there any oil consumption problems with the v6 in the GS?Does anyone check there oil regularly between changes?I know Honda is going threw oil consumptions problems right now with the older 4cyls and v6.I thought i read the older IS 250 engines had piston ring problems.

CottageChz

I was considering getting a manual transmission 4th gen Acura TL. I read a LOT about those oil consumption problems (also read that they occur in Hondas too), and after reading didn't even consider looking at the vehicle anymore. Some of the oil consumption is very severe, to the point that the check oil light comes on because they are burning off 1+ quarts of oil between changes.

I have not seen any posts regarding excessive oil consumption on the 4th gen GS forums. That is not to say that it is not a problem for anyone. If it is, I don't think a single person on this forum has noticed, so it could not be nearly as severe and/or widespread as the Honda/Acura problems you have mentioned.