KingBill42

I'll start by saying I don't own a Lexus and I don't know much about how cars run. I'm currently driving a withering 2005 Mazda3, and looking to purchase a new car. My spending amount is around the 10,000 range, and I've come across two possible Lexus.

The first is a 2003 GS300 sport design with about 112k on it.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/4742525885.html

The second is a 2005 ES 330 with a little over 90k.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=15202&endYear=2015&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=LEXUS&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&mmt=%5BLEXUS%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=378007924&Log=0

Aesthetically, I like the first better and it seems like it's coming from someone who kept up on maintenance. My prime concern is the 112k mileage, and also that it's RWD(I live in PA, snow+mountains=less than ideal driving conditions).

The we one one I simply just don't like as much.

I looked into consumer reviews of both and they both seem to be consistently above average. My biggest concerns are the age and mileage of the cars. So what I'm asking is if these purchases are worth considering, and which would be the better choice. Prices are listed on the links provided. Also, how are yearly costs of maintenance? I shyed away from a 2005 BMW 325xi because I hear they require a lot of maintenance and I know parts and repairs can be very expensive. And lastly if I were to purchase either car, what are some maintenance things to keep an eye on and check up on regularly?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

TRD_Power

Thought I'm sure plenty of the 3GS people have experience with the 2GS, you still might want to go to the 2gs forum to get a better response. That being said, in my experience, you can't go wrong with the 2GS. With only 112k, you're just warming her up. Maintenance isn't cheap, but it will need it A LOT less than a BMW. I say go for the GS if you can live without AWD/4WD.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I have both cars right now (well, a GS400). The GS is obviously higher quality, but it's missing a few things the ES has like automatic wipers, ventilated seats, rear sunshade, etc. Great thing about the ES330 is that it shares a lot of parts with the Toyota Camry V6 so maintenance is cheap. The GS300 is a gas hog in comparison so if you're driving it in the city, good luck. Rear seating in the GS is cramped, and the trunk space is smaller. I can fit 2 bicycle frames in the ES, but only 1 in the GS.

I have about 130K miles on my ES, and 165K on the GS. Both cars are reliable and cheaper to maintain than the BMW.

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

I'd take the 2GS over the ES only cause the ES is like a rebadged Camry. Although there's nothing wrong with a Camry (my sister still has hers from ZERO miles to her current 201,xxx on the clock), I'd prefer the GS since it has more aftermarket parts and its a sporty RWD. But the ES saves more on gas and it's a simple FWD. So its all down to preference, both are great reliable cars. Your concern about the 112k miles on the clock shouldn't be an issue if the first owner has cared and maintained his car as you've mentioned.

Goodluck to you my friend, before I purchased my current GS430... I was researching forums on Dodge Challenger R/T manual trans and a Audi S4 manual trans (lol yes I'm crazy on V8 stick shift) but both have issues on reliability and I've always driven an import so once I test drove my current GS, I was sold... Once again, it's all down to preference.

GYWPA

I would say the GS. It handles must better than the others and they run forever

SW17LS

Of course on the GS forums people are going to say get the GS.

If cost of maintenance is a concern (and it sounds like it is) I'd get the ES. Its newer, lower mileage, and because of its relationship to the Camry parts are cheap and they are VERY reliable. The GS as far as cars go is a better car, but when you put age into account and you factor in replacement costs on two old cars, my $10k would go to the ES. When you factor in weather and FWD vs RWD, it becomes even clearer to me. Make sure its had the timing belt and water pump replaced.

I had a 2003 ES (which is basically the same car as the 2005) and its still on the road and in the family today with 175k on the clock. Only things that have ever been replaced on it that aren't brakes, tires, etc are the alternator and the lower ball joints at about 150k miles, and the alternator just happened this summer at about 170k miles. Its not that the 2GS is an unreliable car, it is in fact very reliable. But...they're much rarer than the ES, and parts are more expensive. When you factor in the fact that you can use a lot of Camry parts...its just a much smarter purchase when we're talking about cars that old.