Used car advice - GS or RX?
Used car advice - GS or RX?
Hi guys, I need some help. I'm in need of a new daily. I ran across these two. The 99 RX that has 128k, seller wants $5k. And the 98 GS has 130k and they are asking $4,500. Both have a rebuilt title but I already ran the vin, they were just involved in minor accidents. So my question which one would you pick for a daily? Pros and Cons? Thanks
Last edited by Vh_Supra26; Jun 25, 2012 at 01:42 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
There's little doubt that the RX will be more versatile and useful for more different functions than the GS. I see you are in TX. You probably won't often need the RX's AWD (assuming it is not a FWD model) unless you live in the far northwestern part of the state....up around Amarillo or Dalhart, where they get snow and a harsh climate. Even so, though, the RX's added ride-height will prevent obstacles, curbs, etc...from damaging the underbody, and its rear-cargo area will carry more.
If those features are not important to you, then, of course, the GS is an option. And whichever one you chose, try and get a CARFAX report. It has a lot of potentially good useful information....but is not foolproof.
One other word of caution: if either of these vehicles has the 3.0L V6, make sure it has good service-records, particularly oil-changes. That particular engine (trust me) is not forgiving of extended oil-changes...many of them have been ruined with sludge and gel by negligent owners who procrastinated on oil-changes.
If those features are not important to you, then, of course, the GS is an option. And whichever one you chose, try and get a CARFAX report. It has a lot of potentially good useful information....but is not foolproof.
One other word of caution: if either of these vehicles has the 3.0L V6, make sure it has good service-records, particularly oil-changes. That particular engine (trust me) is not forgiving of extended oil-changes...many of them have been ruined with sludge and gel by negligent owners who procrastinated on oil-changes.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jun 22, 2012 at 11:08 AM.
Yes sir, I'm from the greater Houston area. The RX is front wheel drive. I was thinking with the RX I could put alot of crap in it. But I always loved the 2nd gen GS. I also forget to added that the GS has a dvd player and two screens installed. Decisions decisions...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Yes sir, I'm from the greater Houston area. The RX is front wheel drive. I was thinking with the RX I could put alot of crap in it. But I always loved the 2nd gen GS. I also forget to added that the GS has a dvd player and two screens installed. Decisions decisions...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Sorry, you're right...my mistake. 
I had forgotten that the older GS300 models (and the original SC300) used the same smooth 3.0 I6 that my IS300 did. A gem of an engine; durable, smooth as butter, and reasonably powerful......but it used premium gas like a V8.
The older RX models, in contrast, used the 3.0 V6...the engineers couldn't find a way to adapt the AWD to the long, in-line configuration.
I had forgotten that the older GS300 models (and the original SC300) used the same smooth 3.0 I6 that my IS300 did. A gem of an engine; durable, smooth as butter, and reasonably powerful......but it used premium gas like a V8. The older RX models, in contrast, used the 3.0 V6...the engineers couldn't find a way to adapt the AWD to the long, in-line configuration.
The RX has 3.0 V6, same with Camry and Avalon 3.0, this praticular engine needs oil change religiously. The GS3 has I6 3.0, same as SC3 but with VVTI, not a bad engine just drink gas a little more than it should.
I had both cars, and personally I would choose RX if it's your only vehicle. The GS has very small trunk won't even fit 2 stock wheels with tires in. Just make sure the RX has maintainance up to date.
I had both cars, and personally I would choose RX if it's your only vehicle. The GS has very small trunk won't even fit 2 stock wheels with tires in. Just make sure the RX has maintainance up to date.
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Lexus Test Driver
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Two totally different vehicles. What is your purpose and priorities? Do you need the space in back? Ground clearance? Better handling with the sports sedan? Not apples to apples here. If none of these things matter, then you are chosing purely on style.... which again is soley up to you, not what other's think.
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I am comparing apples to oranges aren't I? Its going to be used as a daily. Just to get to school and work. I really don't need all that extra space but it does come in handy from time to time.
Thanks for all of the replies
Thanks for all of the replies
since it doesn't seem that you need room, being this is just a daily driver car, I would pick the GS. The GS leans more on the luxury side i believe, making it a more comfortable ride IMO.
This is totally objectionable, but I feel the GS is a manlier car...i would want my DD to be more masculine than femininline if i were to drive it everyday. With that being said, i drive a white IS on cashmere hahaha
This is totally objectionable, but I feel the GS is a manlier car...i would want my DD to be more masculine than femininline if i were to drive it everyday. With that being said, i drive a white IS on cashmere hahaha
Thanks guys, I'm leaning towards the GS myself.
I was also looking at the 97+ SC but alot of them are in crappy condition with high miles and sellers want an arm and leg for it.
My next question what you y'all think is a fair price?
Again the car is a 98 GS300 with 130k on it. It has a rebuilt title, the car was involved in a light accident on the passenger front. Parts that were replaced were the passenger fender and passenger headlight. Interior is in great condition and it has 3 screens installed. Seller is asking $4,500
I was also looking at the 97+ SC but alot of them are in crappy condition with high miles and sellers want an arm and leg for it.
My next question what you y'all think is a fair price?
Again the car is a 98 GS300 with 130k on it. It has a rebuilt title, the car was involved in a light accident on the passenger front. Parts that were replaced were the passenger fender and passenger headlight. Interior is in great condition and it has 3 screens installed. Seller is asking $4,500