rac1963

New to Club Lexus. I have had a 01 LS430 for two years and LOVE it. I am looking at an 06 GS300 with 100k miles on it for my wife. 17k and in excellent condition. Could you all shares thoughts on pros and cons? Love the bullet proof nature of the 430 and the ride, fit and finish. Hoping for the same with the GS300 if we purchase however would like to get some input. Thanks

benbuilt4u

iTrader: (5)

is it only me that thinks buying a 0ne year only availible car with lowest power output old style nav and all is just plain stupid or for people that just want a lexus on a beer budget!! buy a gs430 or buy a 07 up gs350

now if the car was 8k not 17k id buy it

masboy

iTrader: (30)

^^^ what he said.

get 06 430 or 07 GS350. u can get 06 GS430 for $18K w/ 100k miles.

Ap1_Alan

iTrader: (1)

Not sure why you always jump on people considering a 06 gs300.

Although the gs300 was only available for 1 year in the US, it was available for a few years in other countries in the GS and other Toyotas such as the crown. It's a solid motor. Not everyone needs the extra power of the 350.

The older nav does look dated compared to gen 5, but you would get the old nav in a 2006 gs430 too.


OP: $17k is too high for a 06 with 100k miles. You should be able to find one with lower miles for the same price.

benbuilt4u

iTrader: (5)

not trying to jump on people but this same question is asked 15 times a week. im being forward and honest. i give sound advice so that people dont spend there hard earned money on a bad choice. when the same money can buy alot more car and a gs300's gas mileage is like 2 mpg difference and you can get the suspension or brakes or reliability the 430 offers. if you must have awd look at 07 gs350's

Lex Luga

iTrader: (11)

I agree, get the extra hp of the 350s 07+ . I have an 06 awd gs 300 n had to buy the 4pot '07+ front brakes separate plus -58hp @ 245hp, but i still love it and it's still a great ride.

gtmax

I just got this car, and i was coming from a '99 GS400. right now i still own both cars. I don't necessarily agree with the 2nd post, particualrly since i've made this purchase. I don't mind the power step down since gas is $4 a gallon. Also i can't drive my car when there's snow on the ground. So i welcome the AWD and better fuel economy.

However, i can tell you why you shouldn't do this purchase - and i've only had the car for three days. Lexus went down in quality components/build in this iteration of the car. The interior has cheaper plastics around the cabin than my car. The engine noise is louder at idle and there is less noise compression inside the car - i can tell because i can hear the radio from outside the car - whereas before i couldn't.

It feels, in the inside, a little too much like the RX350, which sits on a Highlander (Toyota) platform. What i love about the GS is that even in Japan, it was Toyota's luxury (premium) model. It didn't share its platform with any other car, so that ensured that its build quality was above par. This model feels like it shares components with the ES350. The doors don't have the same thump, the dashboard feels more plasticky and even something little like the glove compartment feels like it's made of plastic - in my car it feels heavy and buit to last.

I don't like how the engine sounds and i'm very surprised at how loud it is at idle compared to my V8. The GS350 might have a sportier engine but everything else i listed is the same. The car i picked up had <14K miles and i picked it up from Lexus for 22K. I still think its a great deal.

I'm looking to get 10yrs out of this car and i'm matured enough that i can deal with having an older car that doesn't have the latest and greatest bells and whistles. Not hating on anyone, just saying something about myself.

I'm trying really hard to hold on to my 99GS400. it's given a lot of problems recently but i love that damn car. If anything, ask the dealer to let you have it for an entire day before you make your purchase.

kikcaffine

iTrader: (3)

Seeing a worth while difference in fuel economy between the 2 cars? im thinking of getting rid of my 98 gs400 with 107k for an 06 gs300 with 150k

Road Rage

Avoid the 2006 (V6) model year. Excessive Oil consumption with this model year is a major problem and a major expense to repair because the pistons and rings get replaced requiring a complete engine tear down. We have at least one a week in the shop for this very problem. The 430 (V8) doesn't suffer from this.

gtmax

Thanks dude. You make me feel swell about my purchase! hahaha. Let me know if you're thinking about moving to Fukushima, i hear some things about it.

@kikcaffeine: i drove up to PA and that's where i noticed the big difference in mpgs. City wise is good but not fantastic. I'm still trying to rationalize keeping the GS400. Trust me, you'll miss it the second you get rid of it. Keep both if you can.

Boron

http://autos.aol.com/used-list/year-...-12500/sort-1/

A lot of those resolve to ebay auctions (private and dealer) but the red 06 one with 95K for $15.5K is a dealer in OH.

Good luck in your search - whichever you eventually decide upon, I'm sure you'll not be disappointed.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

My 06 doesn't have oil consumption issues, at least none I am aware of. I take it in every 5K miles but next time I'll check before taking it in.

As for the other people who comment about the poor interior of the 3GS....I have been inside Benz, BMW, Jag, Audi and others. They all look better than they feel. Some have better looking interiors and more gadgets but imo the 3GS takes no crap from any. I test drove them all and felt none were superior. Looking better is not superior. Even the look is not too far off for me.

The power prolly means less if this car is for the op's wife. On the other hand, my wife hates that her 06 is slower than my 07. She has a heavy foot though. I think it's plenty...just slower to get to high speed.

KingRocky

I bought an '06 with 57k for about 22k with my mechanic looking for any issues. It was driven by a woman and taken care of. You pretty much pay for the mileage. I barely put on 2k in the past 3 months since I have a daily driver.

It has plenty of power and the comfort you need for whatever reason you have.