I know that. I believe the 8 speed was in the 2013 model up but not 100% sure either. Reason I put the 3rd Gen GS is specifically what OP seem to want. Less features that can go wrong, seems he/she wanted something cheaper since he was interested in the LS400. However, I agree, the 4th gen GS with FSport package. But those shocks are really expensive and only from the dealer I believe...but correct me if I'm wrong.

 

^

I think even the base 4GS is much better overall car than the 3rd Gen.

8speed was on RWD only cars and I think came in 2014/2015.
Definitely not 2013 which was launch year.

 

OP here, not really too concerned with price, just a good quality reliable car that I can buy outright, and not interested in bells and whistles unless it makes the car a better overall product.
The reason I mentioned LS400 is I know it's kinda legendary for Lexus and does suit my needs

 

Just about any Lexus engine will be reliable, that is what Toyota has been known for for decades. It's age that will be the cautionary measure, as things wear out around it. The newer you go, the better off in my opinion. The 3.5 V6 is a safe choice.

 

There are some cars that are just legendary, LS400, MB300D, Dodge slant 6. The Toyota/lexus engines might be good but we see quickly how there are surrounding problems, air suspension, electronic accessories and so forth.

 

7-11 is 3rd gen, 13-present is 4th gen with refreshes in between. The motor is gs350 from 2007 is same motor currently in 2020 gs350. It is tried and proven. I've seen many of them over 250k.

Look on facebook market place and offer up. Imo CL is no longer a popular site to find private used cars.

 

With price not much of a concern, a 2014-2016 GS is about 16-25k depending on mileage. Motors and trans are known to go over 250k without much issues. Have modern features and currently not too old that would require much maintenance apart from fluid changes upon purchase.

 

That's what my kids tell me about CL, i'll go on FB but hate signing onto that stuff, it's all big brother.

 

well i definitely can't say enough good things about the LS 400, but as you've been discovering it's tough to find a nice one... the 430 will perform just as well for cruiser duties but just doesn't look as good

as far as speed is concerned any LS from 1998 to 2006 is essentially identical, the 1989 to 1997 LS will feel noticeably slower with its 4 speed, lack of vvti, and lower compression

but apart from its lack of present or future classic status the LS 430 would be a fantastic choice

 

isn't the 430 bothered by small problems, bell's and whistle problems?

 

well there's definitely more to go wrong, we're gonna have to wait for a 430 owner to chime in here lol

 

if you don't want 'bells and whistles' don't get a luxury vehicle.

 

I owned two 2nd Generations GS, both GS300 (MY 1997-2005) and currently drive the 3rd Generation GS, a GS450h hybrid(MY 2005-2011), daily driven since 2014. Never owned an LS so can't comment. Also never owned a V8 GS--Singapore never brought in the V8 for the GS. Also haven't owned a 4th Gen GS.

brief overview of the GS, midsize RWD, 3rd Gen/4th Gen has AWD options. 2nd/3rd Gen had rare V8 examples
2nd Gen 1997-2005 : GS300 IL6, GS400 V8, GS430 V8
3rd Gen 2005-2011: GS300 V6,GS350 V6, GS430 V8, GS460 V8, GS450h hybrid--basically a GS350v6 with hybrid battery pack
4th Gen 2012-current : GS350 V6, GS450h

IMO, both 2nd/3rd generations of GS are very solidly built but the 2nd Gen GS build quality is exceptional. It has older tech but by virtue of being simpler, it has a lot less to go wrong. One anecdotal fact : the leather in my 2nd Gens held up much better than that in my 3rd Gen.

The 2nd Gen GS300 had the legendary 2JZ-GE, nonturbo and that engine is a tank but is underpowered and drinks petrol. The 3rd Gen GS350 has the almost as reliable 2GR-FSE V6 dual injection engine which has been in production for literally a decade. It makes decent hp also, 306hp.

IMO,if you want to have some sporty pretensions, I would get a GS over an LS. Also, you'll probably be looking for a 6 cylinder GS since I understand that V8 GS are rare. Keep in mind older cars usually have higher mileage. With all the 3 points I mentioned, I think realistically, you should be looking for a 3rd Generation GS350 with low miles and a regularly updated service record with an official Lexus agent--reason being that a regularly official agent serviced Lexus should have genuine mileage that isn't faked.

Important : I would stay away from the 3rd Gen GS300 as that car had direct injection only and consequently has carbon buildup issues. The GS350 has dual injection and the added port injection prevents carbon buildup issues.

 

I guess there is something to that!

 

That is some good concise info. With all that has been said here and earlier it looks like a 3rd gen GS350 is what I'm looking for. Keep it coming glad to read it all. Thanks everyone
BTW- if I were to come across a AWD or V8 model how are they rated? Should I be cautious or grab it?