LawDawg79

Hey guys, first post here, ive been debating for weeks between the IS350 and the GS350, well I finally got time and went and looked at an IS350 today and didn't even drive it, I only had to sit in it for 15 seconds before I decided I didn't want it. I knew they were smaller, but I didn't realize they were smaller than my girlfriends Chevy Cruz. So GS350 it is, Hopefully in the next 30 days or so, im very patient in finding what I want. Plus I have to decide if I want white, black or gray. Ive owned 4 black vehicles in my time , 96 Impala SS, 03 BMW M5, Jeep Rubicon, and an old lifted truck when I was a young pup. Each time I swore I would never get another black vehicle, but obviously I did. However I think its time to try out white, or maybe gray. But it must have black interior, nav, and sunroof. So I will be shopping around and doing my homework. Just wanted to say hi, ill post up if I have any questions, but so far I have been able to find most of the answers I wanted on here.

oh, and the car will def be getting a set of 20's underneath it.

LawDawg79

What should i look for when checking a vin on lexus.com? One im looking at is about 130000 miles. Has had all maintenence done at same dealer since day 1. Engine oil changed religiously and usually early. I see a post 100k change of plugs/coil.... Brake fluid has been changed. I dont see where coolant has ever been changed or the trans fluid but maybe i missed it. But some things i dont understand, i see "body front/rear" multiple times. I also see half bumper and full bumper and dent removal.

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

Why not chase for a gs430 or 460? I don't know your budget range or your original intent to purchase the GS, I see you've driven an M5 so that's why I ask if you wanna go fast or just something to relax and save gas on a GS350.

LawDawg79

Ive looked at the GS460, im not so worried about going fast anymore. I have a corvette im selling and this is the replacement for it. I think the 350 will be fast enough for me, between corvettes and crotch rockets I have gone plenty fast plenty of times.
Anymore I just want a nice looking car that is comfortable and smooth, but has the power to get down an on ramp or pass a slow car.

Saving a lil gas is something im thinking about, although the mpg difference between the 350 and the 460 seems negligible. I think the main factor on the 350 is selection/availability and price. Most 460's I have seen are anywhere from 2500-5000 more and the selections are minimal compared to a 350 that yields the same options and appearance. Though I could swing that much more, I would rather have the 350 and that extra money still in my bank, or to put into wheels and maybe some coil overs.

Seems that there are more AWD with the options I want though, and I really don't want AWD. Granted I live in the snow belt near St.Louis, but I have an old full size blazer that I drive in the snow, none of my nice cars have ever seen salt or snow.

Kuleaze

Can't go wrong with a 350.. I bought mine in O'Fallon, IL, just east of St. Louis about 8 months ago and love it!! Like you, I was patient and found what I wanted. I've never owned a black car, they look awesome when clean, but every friend I've ever had that owned a black car said the same as you, "I'll never own one again!"

The only issue I have with my car is the AWD, I was not aware prior to buying it that AWDs vibrate after lowering, for that reason, I would have gone RWD, but oh well, live and learn. I still love my car, even if it does ride a little to high for my taste.

sr20mofo

iTrader: (10)

the V8 arent nothing special besides saying "its a V8" and killing ur gas mileage. before i get killed by saying that my last car was a LS430 =P

as for the 350 u cant go wrong with it with better gas mileage to boot and plenty of pick up

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

Different strokes are for different folks I guess... Lol it's ok, Im torque happy off the line along with passing power given from the V8. Just wish they've made a carb legal supercharger here in Cali, but yeah nothing wrong with the 350. Be patient and keep searching, it's worth it.

LawDawg79

Kuleaze i live in Fairview Heights

Brotha500

Be patient, i was looking for a subie when i stumbled across my car. it is black with cashmere interior so i got the worst combo imo, but i still got it, having owned 3 black cars before. i knew what i was getting into but, i must say well worth it!!!

LawDawg79

One advantage I do have is I have my old 1990 K5 Blazer... which is an old rugged beast of a SUV, but it sure is fun to drive. Guess its the country boy part of me, I like nice luxury cars, and I like big trucks lol.

So if its snowing the Lexus wont be driven, if its thunderstorms the Lexus wont be driven. Its a lot easier to keep a car clean when its in the garage with some king size sheets over it.

warandcar

i waited and got a 460... haha

LawDawg79

Im not opposed to a 460. But I have pretty much decided I want white, but it has to have black interior. Seems that combo isnt as abundant as white w tan

Asav

iTrader: (2)

FWIW - Tan interior is cool but you MUST stay on top of it especially with this lexus leather man. If yu can get balck its a little less work and looks great as well. I love white ext/black int.

warandcar

buying new = easy to find the color combo you want
buying used = harder to find… don't compromise=)

LawDawg79

Ill never buy a new car again. Cant lose value as soon as i pull off the lot. If i had the $ to spend i would get an M5. The new M5s are just sick. But i can not justify the cost to maintain one. My E39 M5 i had was my favorite car i have ever owned.