If you were looking at used 05-08 IS 350s GS models and LS430s

I really like the GS. Found a black on black GS 430 2006 with 77K miles for 19500. One owner. Guy took good care of it. Paid 58K brand new when he bought it. I tested it out. Couldnt find anything wrong with it except for wear on driver's seat, and a few minor scratches. Other than that its tip top. Is it a good deal for 19,500??? Ive been looking for the last two months and it seems like a great deal. Do i pull trigger??

 

Spend some time in the threads before you buy an 06. Lots of issues though a one owner may be better. You would be better of with a 08 or 09 Gs in my opinion.

Tex

 

^ please elaborate the issues the 06 gs430 had vs a 08/09 gs350/460.

The 430 motor is solid, only downside to getting a 06 is the low resolution nav maps

 

The 2006 GS430 had the old 3UZ-FE V8 engine, which is "only" 290 hp and gets approx 20 mpg. However, it's super smooth and reliable, but not as modern as today's current offerings. Issues regarding its reliability has nothing to do with the engine, but rather electric and built components; issues that are common in first-year cars of new generation redesigns.

By 2007, the GS upgraded with the GS350's 2GR-FSE V6, which pumps 306 hp and gets approx 22 mpg. And by 2008, the GS upgrades its V8 to the 1UR-FSE, with 342 hp and gets approx 19 mpg.

If you want a bit more power and efficiency, and a little less of that generation's first-year gremlins, then I'd look elsewhere. But if you are content with the one you're looking at (which it seems that you are), then it may just be the right car for you.

 

My answer: no.

I'd get a GS350. More power, saves gas, cheaper insurance.

Just my two cents...

 

I cannot find any newer 08/09 GS350's for under 25K. After all the taxes, tag, title etc. Im looking at 27-28K. With that taken into consideration, do I just wait and keep driving my beater until the 08's come down in price. Or pull trigger on this 430 if I don't care that much about the high resolution navigation. Can't that be upgraded anyways? His final offer to me is 18.5K now. take it or leave it. I am going to wait one more day until I hear feedback from you guys. I just don't want to buy this and have nightmares down the road. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Also, thank you for your previous posts to my original message!

 

$18,500. Go with it or hold out? What's worst case mechanical and build quality probs that could arise in next few years? Cost wise more than 4k?

 

what the market will bear.

certainly 18.5 is a whole lot less than 25 but you're getting a car 2-3 years older with older tech and probably more miles. so it's a trade off.

as for 4k in maintenance... seems unlikely to me - the 4.3 and older transmission was very solid, but that was the first year of the 3GS430 i believe so while the drive train may be solid there was definitely issues (creaks and squeaks in particular i believe) on early 3GS.

my ford explorer limited v8 is '06 too with 76k by the way. i could sell it to you for a whole lot less than 18.5k and i'm in fl and it's been well taken care of.

 

Seems pricey for that amount of mileage.

 

I typed in 500 miles from 33101....under 75K miles

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...rch=true&Log=0

 

difference in "tech" between 2006 and 2009 is not large at all... tiny things really.

 

Agree with spwolf, the tech differences arent big. Also the creaks/rattles issue applies to all 3GS years, not just the early years. I had an early 3GS and had zero rattles, my friend with a 2010 has had multiple rattles, it's hit or miss.

 

Bagwell - your search returned 5 results. And currently this 06 GS430 is 4k below the newer GS350.

Ap1_Alan - I did test drive it a few days ago and tried to listen for rattles - I did not hear anything. Also, the guy who is selling it said he never noticed a thing.

The reason he is selling it is b/c he upgraded to a new bmw 550.

The msrp on this GS when he bought it back in 06 was 58K. He seemed to take good care of it and said the only thing he has ever really done besides normal maintenance is change the battery - this is his third one. Also, he added new brakes about a month ago.

Basically - I really want to pick the car up but am fighting with myself to justify waiting to find a GS350 that is an 08-09 per this forum's recommendations. Just hard to find anything that compares to this car for the price. I am fine with the old Nav. And with a little less gas mileage. I am keeping my other car - which gets 28-35mpg if I need it to beat on I can.

The jury is still out if this GS430 will be a money pit b/c of serious defects or problems. The only reason I would want to hold out is if this car will cost me an arm and a leg to fix/repair over the next few years. Just do not want to have huge regrets.

 

i'd want the v8 over the v6 every time. so much quieter and smoother.

 

If it's the color combo you're looking for, it doesnt sound like a bad deal.

With a 08-09 you get the updated front/rear bumpers, mirrors, and wheels, updated graphics on the nav screen, and an aux input. If you don't care about any of those, I'd go for it.