severe

Hey everyone, my parents are looking to buy their first lexus, since I'm the car guy in the family, I'll likely join them to go look some of these cars over.
They've had their eye on an 06 gs300 awd (and also possibly an is250 awd / or my performance minded recommendation on the is350), but outside of the dash rattle and the noise from the stock run-flats, I have yet to find much info on these. (maybe its a good thing?)

I'd like to know what some of the common problems/failures I should be weary off on an 06 gs300, or some of the expensive maintenance items one would look forward to.

I noticed the car they've been interested in is ~55k miles, which likely means there's a major service coming up around 60k? does this include a timing belt replacement by chance?

___

As for me, I'm a very happy 08 STI owner. I did consider a lexus (as well as bmw and infinity) initially, but the lack of a manual as an option by lexus was really a deal breaker.
It might not be as luxurious or comfortable or quiet as a lexus but its certainly a blast to drive.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Not everyone has issues with rattling. I don't.
There have been a couple recalls (brakes, fuel rail) but nothing serious. My 06 needed new front calipers but I'm sure that was an isolated situation. The pedal was to the floor. Now it's cool.

Evrything else has been fine imo.
If I think of anything else I'll post again.

ecount00

would agree. I don't think there are any big chronic failures that you wil find. You mentioned two of the more common annoyances. I had the dash rattle option and ditched the run flats pretty quickly. No ipod input and the navi lockout while in motion were convenience irritants. No other issues. Very happy with the car. Yes there will be a significant maintenance called for at 60K. I don't recall the details. Good luck.

gridlock13

iTrader: (1)

i believe the 300's motor has a timing chain which doesn't need replacement till maybe 90K so no worries there if you're at ~55K. i have the rear window ticking which is the only annoyance about the car. otherwise i love my GS300 to death. and i see you're from NJ so i'd highly suggest getting awd for the bad winters we get.

and subaru's are great cars too =) my family's owned 4 already.

greyhndfan

Here's one.. Just had this work done on my GS, luckily it was under warranty but it wouldn't hurt to check. If you live in a muggy area, run the AC hard with windows open for a few minutes or until you see some water drainage under the front passenger tire well, that is where the drain lines lead to. If it doesn't drain the HVAC might be blocked. Check the passenger carpets if you can smell anything musty, might be sign of water damage or moisture.

TSB (AC003R-07) regarding this water leak.
The affected vehicles: all GS300, some 07GS's and IS's.
Caused: HVAC evaporator drain blocked.

I8ABMR

dash rattle and sun roof rattle have been my main issues. I also had a very weird wind noise issue from the drivers side mirror. all of these issues have been successfully resolved by the lexus service department.

greg0723

[QUOTE=gridlock13;4747895] i have the rear window ticking which is the only annoyance about the car. QUOTE]

i had an annoying rear window noise. they fixed it. it only occured when the weather got warm. they said it was the pins in the window. guess they were right because it is gone now. try and see if that is your issue.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

Here is a tip, try to find one built after august 05 as the side aribags were redesigned and allow for more protection from the side impact. Some 06 gs's were made 1/05 and on, mine for one.

LexFather

Welcome to CL and please SEARCH.

Love the Subie, the new model has grown on me tons.

gridlock13

iTrader: (1)

yeah i narrowed it down to that too. i was gonna bring it to the dealership to get it fixed but decided not to. they said they'd never heard of that problem so i was worried they'd charge me a ton to fix it. maybe later on i'll go get it done. it happens to me when it's hot out too. how much did they charge you for that?