rjk

I use 0W-20, zero problems with burning oil even with the oil weight so low. I warm the car up carefully, but drive the **** out of it once it has warmed up. Treating a car's engine like a baby will cause it to build up sludge and goop and you have to blow out the cobwebs once in a while.

Current mileage is 68k on my 2010 350.

gs300awd18

Interesting, because the manual recommends 5W-30 across all temperature ranges. Also, I have babied mine, and now appear to have high oil consumption at 88K. 60K means nothing, mine was perfect until 85K or so.

rjk

True, although I think I remember seeing a table with Canadian specs for this engine calling for 0 weight oil, although it may have been for a different model. It warms up much faster, starts a bit easier, and revs a little easier. I like it, but it's not for everyone (considering potential warranty implications even if it doesn't cause any issues).

SW17LS

You haven't answered my question, when you say "high oil consumption" how much oil are you having to add and at what intervals?

Gotcha350

I thought Lexus issued a TBS approving 20w oil in the 350 somewhere around '10-11....hmmm...maybe I'm thinking about another car...

Gotcha350

Once again though...just by looking at you name...do you have a 300 or a 350....completely different engine. it is known that the 300 has a oil consumption issue but I have not seen or heard of a well maintained 350 with a bad oil consumption issue. Yes they might have one or two but think about how many more 350s there are compared to 300s...there was only one year for the 300. so if the 350 truly had a problem like that you would see way more 350 owners complaining about that!

gs300awd18

I'm starting the test now. I just had it changed, and I checked the level before I went in. It was right in the middle. Engine was warm and it sat for 5 minutes. I took it to get changed, and the mechanic also said the level looked good. He filled it, and now I will monitor it closely every 1000 miles and check it in the exact same manner and see if there is excessive consumption. The reason all this started is I finally got the rough idle condition on cold startup. I took it to the dealer, letter in hand, and they claimed they were able to reproduce the condition (which I find doubtful, as the only time I experienced that condition was after 2 weeks of sitting) but they didn't note any error codes and they seemed pretty vague about everything except that my engine needed the ring job/decarbonization and I was outside the 9 year period Lexus was offering, and that I'd have to pay $6,300 out of pocket.

Issue has been kicked up to Lexus Corporate, but we'll see.

gs300awd18

I have 300.
Hence the screen name "GS300AWD".

SW17LS

So...you don't know if the engine is using oil at all?!

gs300awd18

I will let you know in 1000 miles.

gr8fulRed

I jumped into this thread after a search I ran to find out what GS 350 owners are using in terms of oil (which synthetics, weights, etc). I am new to the Lexus brand and wanted to get off on the right foot with my maintenance. Now...I'm getting nervous, wondering if I should've stuck with Honda for long term reliability. I got a steal on a cherry 2009 GS 350 (maintained by Park Place Lexus in Dallas) and love the car...but don't want issues once I get to the 100k+ mark. I just finished putting 230K on a 74k mile Honda Accord with just diligent, but basic maintenance. I drive about 27k/year and don't want headaches.....should I be worried??! I'm in this thing on the cheap...so I'm sure I could turn it and probably make $3k if I need to.

Oh, as for the OP's question...my due diligence/research lead me to believe (prior to purchase 2 weeks ago) that the 09' is rated as one of the more highly rated (by Consumer Reports 2014 Buyers guide) GS models, from 07' - 13'. It didn't get the BEST marks for ALL systems rated, rather it didn't get ANY marks "less than average" in any category...while every OTHER year model received at least one mark of "worse than average" in at least ONE category.

This GS is super nice looking and full of killer options/features and is certainly fun as heck to drive....but I'm not sure I want to sacrifice reliability for that either. Hopefully, some of you can tell me that I'm just over-reacting and that I'll enjoy a long happy experience with this Lexus product.

LoveThatV8

iTrader: (1)

There's dudes (who don't care to search and make a new thread to say WTF) out there that make new owners and skeptical on owning one. Don't be afraid and I'm glad you're doin research prior before purchasing one as I've done the same. You're right about the sexy looks and features it comes with but if youve read through the pages of this OP, most are generalizing 3GS GS300's. Not the 3GS GS350's, read other threads about this car and they are all outstanding and remarkable to own, minus the AWD vibrations if you plan to lower or mod later but owning a RWD 350/430/460, it's all good... Upgrading from a Honda to a Lexus IS a step forward, NOT backwards.

Coming from myself owning a GS430 at 104K miles and have NO issues with it whatsoever, and plan to keep it for another 100K (purchased it at 94K miles), I've also owned 2004 4.7L tundra from NEW to selling it with 200K on the odometer, also my sister owns a 2004 Camry and still drives it with 205K miles on it.... My point being is that you should NOT be worried, I can go on and on but I want to cut it short cause it's repetitve, not just the forums but ask someone you know who owns Lexus/Toyota and you'll get some feedback to help you out with decisions.

gr8fulRed

thank you for your thoughts on this. Yes, i know Toyota/Lexus are, in general, very reliable...so I hope to have good luck with this GS. Can anyone direct me to a thread where Oil recommendations/discussions for these GS's can be found?? Also, I like to do a lot of basic maintenance myself when I can...but will that work against me if i do run into a motor/tranny issue and I'm looking for help from Lexus?? Any thoughts about this would be appreciated.

Asav

iTrader: (2)

Consumption is a 300 issue rather than the 350 boss. The engine is totally different for 2006. I did had have that issue in addition to getting the full piston ring tear down at 55k. Car ran like a champ before and after that.

Asav

iTrader: (2)

Bingo!! nothing more to say here. You are not getting a money pit if you buy a 350.