What would YOU do??? Please help!
I'd still gravitate towards the GS in part because I'm 25 and still love sporty rides. The LS is a solid choice though. If you haven't already test drive both and see which you prefer
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: FL
Hoovey - thanks for the response. Looks like you are driving the IS. Have you driven both the GS and LSs? How much do they compare to the IS 350? I already have a fast car and engine mods etc. etc. I still plan on keeping it after i pick up my lex. Just torn between those two cars. I feel like the GS just looks more sporty, but that the LS has just as much getty up as the GS.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,702
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Then, there is the whole LS430 situation... Because of this fantastic forum and all the educated members sharing great info, I now kinda want the LS. 
Found a dark gray one with light gray interior and the cherry wood accents. Does not have Navi. It is certified like the GS is. 2006 is the model. Price is around 22k, which was lowered temporarily (not sure how much) through Jan 2nd. Here is link to this one...
The only drawbacks I can think of are that the LS does not have Navi and I am not a huge fan of the cherry wood thing... But, would you look past all that b/c of the overall quality of the LS? I have another car that goes fast, so that is not my major concern. I am 29 years old - finance type and want a solid reliable luxury daily driver. A couple friends told me that the LS is too much of an "old man's car" for what thats worth... I do not agree and personally could care less about other peoples opinions. However, members here I would like to know your opinions, so any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated. I look forward to officially joining Well, mhe lex fam!!!
Found a dark gray one with light gray interior and the cherry wood accents. Does not have Navi. It is certified like the GS is. 2006 is the model. Price is around 22k, which was lowered temporarily (not sure how much) through Jan 2nd. Here is link to this one... The only drawbacks I can think of are that the LS does not have Navi and I am not a huge fan of the cherry wood thing... But, would you look past all that b/c of the overall quality of the LS? I have another car that goes fast, so that is not my major concern. I am 29 years old - finance type and want a solid reliable luxury daily driver. A couple friends told me that the LS is too much of an "old man's car" for what thats worth... I do not agree and personally could care less about other peoples opinions. However, members here I would like to know your opinions, so any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated. I look forward to officially joining Well, mhe lex fam!!!
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 29, 2012 at 12:24 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 4
From: NJ
An LS without navigation is about as easy to sell as snow shoes in key west.
I own an 07 GS350 AWD. While I've now fixed the myriad of problems that the car had, and it did blow an engine, until recently its been as reliable as an old Alfa Romeo.
I own an 07 GS350 AWD. While I've now fixed the myriad of problems that the car had, and it did blow an engine, until recently its been as reliable as an old Alfa Romeo.
I would pick the GS for sure. It seems like that you really like the way that GS is set up, and you are only considering the LS because of the opinion of people on CL.
In addition, I believe that LS body style is 2 cycles behind, while the GS is only 1 cycle behind. The GS looks much more newer IMO, and I almost prefer that GS style of the newest GS body style.
In addition, I believe that LS body style is 2 cycles behind, while the GS is only 1 cycle behind. The GS looks much more newer IMO, and I almost prefer that GS style of the newest GS body style.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
LS430's are one of, if not the most reliable Lexus models ever made. Period.
In terms of build quality, there's no comparison even to most current year models.
You want one of the best daily driving, highway cruising, spacious environment having, big body status inducing rides? Get the LS. If resale is an issue, shop around for one with Nav. Otherwise, slap an aftermarket stereo w/ nav in there and call it a day. Double din, or a pop out single thats hidden behind the stock cd changer door for the OEM look.
One thing I wished I did though, was wait for a CL or UL model, just for the upgraded interior. I was on a time crunch after my boosted IS was totaled though.
In terms of build quality, there's no comparison even to most current year models.
You want one of the best daily driving, highway cruising, spacious environment having, big body status inducing rides? Get the LS. If resale is an issue, shop around for one with Nav. Otherwise, slap an aftermarket stereo w/ nav in there and call it a day. Double din, or a pop out single thats hidden behind the stock cd changer door for the OEM look.
One thing I wished I did though, was wait for a CL or UL model, just for the upgraded interior. I was on a time crunch after my boosted IS was totaled though.
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Hoovey - thanks for the response. Looks like you are driving the IS. Have you driven both the GS and LSs? How much do they compare to the IS 350? I already have a fast car and engine mods etc. etc. I still plan on keeping it after i pick up my lex. Just torn between those two cars. I feel like the GS just looks more sporty, but that the LS has just as much getty up as the GS.
Yes, I would probably go with the LS. I was in a similar position a few months ago and chose the LS430. I talked to a few of the mechanics at my Lexus dealership and they all said the LS430 was built way better than any of the newer Lexus' other than the SC430.
One other thing I will say is that make sure you get your ideal interior/exterior color combo when you buy your car. Don't settle for a color you don't like as much just because it was cheaper.
One other thing I will say is that make sure you get your ideal interior/exterior color combo when you buy your car. Don't settle for a color you don't like as much just because it was cheaper.
Yes, I would probably go with the LS. I was in a similar position a few months ago and chose the LS430. I talked to a few of the mechanics at my Lexus dealership and they all said the LS430 was built way better than any of the newer Lexus' other than the SC430.
One other thing I will say is that make sure you get your ideal interior/exterior color combo when you buy your car. Don't settle for a color you don't like as much just because it was cheaper.
One other thing I will say is that make sure you get your ideal interior/exterior color combo when you buy your car. Don't settle for a color you don't like as much just because it was cheaper.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 4
From: MI
The LS, but then again I'm biased
. The LS is Lexus saying 'let's build the best car we possibly can' and it really shows through. Mine is a 2004 and no one ever believes that it's that old. There are virtually no squeaks/rattles and the engine is so silky smooth you have a hard time telling that it's running. I was just driving it on the highway today and noted how i constantly had to check my speed b/c 70 sound like 80 sound like 90 lol.
If nav is a concern you might as well just get one with nav in it. While some ppl don't like it, I personally love it. Aside from the outdated graphics, it works great as a unit. Plus you get bluetooth and backup cam with it.
As for the age thing, I was 20 going on 21 when I picked up the 430 as a CPO a few yrs back. I'm 23 now and still love it! Let ppl think what they want, you buy a car because you love it right?
Side note: I'm really pleased at how well LS430 values have held. I got mine 2.5 yrs ago CPO'ed with 25k mi on the clock for $25k
. The LS is Lexus saying 'let's build the best car we possibly can' and it really shows through. Mine is a 2004 and no one ever believes that it's that old. There are virtually no squeaks/rattles and the engine is so silky smooth you have a hard time telling that it's running. I was just driving it on the highway today and noted how i constantly had to check my speed b/c 70 sound like 80 sound like 90 lol.If nav is a concern you might as well just get one with nav in it. While some ppl don't like it, I personally love it. Aside from the outdated graphics, it works great as a unit. Plus you get bluetooth and backup cam with it.
As for the age thing, I was 20 going on 21 when I picked up the 430 as a CPO a few yrs back. I'm 23 now and still love it! Let ppl think what they want, you buy a car because you love it right?
Side note: I'm really pleased at how well LS430 values have held. I got mine 2.5 yrs ago CPO'ed with 25k mi on the clock for $25k
The LS, but then again I'm biased. The LS is Lexus saying 'let's build the best car we possibly can' and it really shows through. Mine is a 2004 and no one ever believes that it's that old. There are virtually no squeaks/rattles and the engine is so silky smooth you have a hard time telling that it's running. I was just driving it on the highway today and noted how i constantly had to check my speed b/c 70 sound like 80 sound like 90 lol.
If nav is a concern you might as well just get one with nav in it. While some ppl don't like it, I personally love it. Aside from the outdated graphics, it works great as a unit. Plus you get bluetooth and backup cam with it.
As for the age thing, I was 20 going on 21 when I picked up the 430 as a CPO a few yrs back. I'm 23 now and still love it! Let ppl think what they want, you buy a car because you love it right?
Side note: I'm really pleased at how well LS430 values have held. I got mine 2.5 yrs ago CPO'ed with 25k mi on the clock for $25k
. The LS is Lexus saying 'let's build the best car we possibly can' and it really shows through. Mine is a 2004 and no one ever believes that it's that old. There are virtually no squeaks/rattles and the engine is so silky smooth you have a hard time telling that it's running. I was just driving it on the highway today and noted how i constantly had to check my speed b/c 70 sound like 80 sound like 90 lol.If nav is a concern you might as well just get one with nav in it. While some ppl don't like it, I personally love it. Aside from the outdated graphics, it works great as a unit. Plus you get bluetooth and backup cam with it.
As for the age thing, I was 20 going on 21 when I picked up the 430 as a CPO a few yrs back. I'm 23 now and still love it! Let ppl think what they want, you buy a car because you love it right?
Side note: I'm really pleased at how well LS430 values have held. I got mine 2.5 yrs ago CPO'ed with 25k mi on the clock for $25k
I too was pretty young when I got my LS. I used to get the "why would you want an old man's car?" remarks from my everyone until they saw the car in person. Now everyone wants one.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: FL
Thank you to everyone for all of the input. I am still hunting... Came across this little gem today... Seems to be in great condition for a GS... What price would you need this to be at to pull trigger??
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=12&Log=0
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=12&Log=0
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: FL
I think I have narrowed my main choice down to the LS 430. If you had a budget of around 24K. What specifics would you be looking for in terms of mileage, year, and trim levels? Best bang for the buck essentially. Thanks in advance for any and all help.