Picking the Right Lexus < 35K
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,276
Likes: 1,889
From: WA
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
How about a GS with the F-sport? The IS is a nice car. Don't let people sway you by saying it's dated, since that's very subjective. You might like it just fine.
A TLX is a good pick. You can get a 1st gen TLX V6 with the A-spec trim. These can also be had with their SH-AWD, which is arguably the best in the business. It'll also be a lot more reliable than the Germans.
Go take a look at some, test drive them, and let us know what you like/dislike.
A TLX is a good pick. You can get a 1st gen TLX V6 with the A-spec trim. These can also be had with their SH-AWD, which is arguably the best in the business. It'll also be a lot more reliable than the Germans.
Go take a look at some, test drive them, and let us know what you like/dislike.
My mom had a TSX ~2014 and I really liked the interior, recalling that car made me look through the Acura lineup and considering the ILX and ultimately putting down a reservation on the Integra as I am thinking it will be more refined and comfortable than the civic si. However, I have been warry of the Honda turbo engines as they had oil dilution problems, which depending of who you ask may still be around on turbo engines to a lesser degree. I clearly will have to trade something off in my search and this is precisely the part I am having trouble with. New cars I can't test drive, new cars that seem boring or used cars that are overpriced.
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
I like the compactness of the A3s, have not looked too much into Volvos but unfortunately sub 35K is a must for me especially if going used so that I can reserve some emergency funds in case the car gives trouble.
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
I've been researching my next car for a while now and have settled on looking for a 2015+ GS 350 F-Sport RWD. It's comfortable and roomy, has a NA V6 that likes to rev, RWD, adjustable dampers so you can switch between comfort and handling, basic maintenance is easy and completely accessible to the DIYer, has many available comfort options, and is reliable.
This was after strongly considering a LS460 for a while, but realizing I wanted something more engaging to drive and is more economical.
This was after strongly considering a LS460 for a while, but realizing I wanted something more engaging to drive and is more economical.
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Woah, I have not used forums in a while and forgot about multiquote... mods sorry for all the posts here. Thank you all for providing suggestions and helping me narrow down my options. I am still somewhat 'nervoused/embarassed' of wasting someone's time by trying to test drive these cars without knowing if I will be buying them, but it is a very big purchase to do without taking into consideration all my available options.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 71
From: WA
I would avoid Volvos like the plague. Before they restyled all their vehicles, they were horribly outdated and nightmares to repair as they got older. The newer ones have only a little 2.0L turbo that's overtaxed. I can see reliability being a major problem going forward on those.
I see quite a few 13-18 GS models in your area with very low miles that are within your budget. A lot of people here are happy with those cars and rightfully so. Never have to worry about it, looks awesome inside and out, and they are pretty good on gas. Some of these have that F-sport trim to make it more engaging.
Similarly, there are quite a few TLX's from 15-20 in your area. You said you like how small an A3 is, but I think you would love the extra room in a TLX. Not sure if an A3 has quattro or not. Regardless, a TLX will not drain your bank account every 3 months. These are also fun to drive with SH-AWD. If you still wanted the size of an A3, I think an ILX would be much better. You can get those in a manual through 15 I think.
There are also 1-2 year old Infiniti Q50's with barely any miles on them (like 10-15k if that) within your budget. Maybe that would be an option.
You're lucky to be in a real hotspot for used cars at great prices. There isn't much here in Washington and whatever does pique my interest is usually overpriced like crazy.
I see quite a few 13-18 GS models in your area with very low miles that are within your budget. A lot of people here are happy with those cars and rightfully so. Never have to worry about it, looks awesome inside and out, and they are pretty good on gas. Some of these have that F-sport trim to make it more engaging.
Similarly, there are quite a few TLX's from 15-20 in your area. You said you like how small an A3 is, but I think you would love the extra room in a TLX. Not sure if an A3 has quattro or not. Regardless, a TLX will not drain your bank account every 3 months. These are also fun to drive with SH-AWD. If you still wanted the size of an A3, I think an ILX would be much better. You can get those in a manual through 15 I think.
There are also 1-2 year old Infiniti Q50's with barely any miles on them (like 10-15k if that) within your budget. Maybe that would be an option.
You're lucky to be in a real hotspot for used cars at great prices. There isn't much here in Washington and whatever does pique my interest is usually overpriced like crazy.
Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
I would avoid Volvos like the plague. Before they restyled all their vehicles, they were horribly outdated and nightmares to repair as they got older. The newer ones have only a little 2.0L turbo that's overtaxed. I can see reliability being a major problem going forward on those.
I see quite a few 13-18 GS models in your area with very low miles that are within your budget. A lot of people here are happy with those cars and rightfully so. Never have to worry about it, looks awesome inside and out, and they are pretty good on gas. Some of these have that F-sport trim to make it more engaging.
Similarly, there are quite a few TLX's from 15-20 in your area. You said you like how small an A3 is, but I think you would love the extra room in a TLX. Not sure if an A3 has quattro or not. Regardless, a TLX will not drain your bank account every 3 months. These are also fun to drive with SH-AWD. If you still wanted the size of an A3, I think an ILX would be much better. You can get those in a manual through 15 I think.
There are also 1-2 year old Infiniti Q50's with barely any miles on them (like 10-15k if that) within your budget. Maybe that would be an option.
You're lucky to be in a real hotspot for used cars at great prices. There isn't much here in Washington and whatever does pique my interest is usually overpriced like crazy.
I see quite a few 13-18 GS models in your area with very low miles that are within your budget. A lot of people here are happy with those cars and rightfully so. Never have to worry about it, looks awesome inside and out, and they are pretty good on gas. Some of these have that F-sport trim to make it more engaging.
Similarly, there are quite a few TLX's from 15-20 in your area. You said you like how small an A3 is, but I think you would love the extra room in a TLX. Not sure if an A3 has quattro or not. Regardless, a TLX will not drain your bank account every 3 months. These are also fun to drive with SH-AWD. If you still wanted the size of an A3, I think an ILX would be much better. You can get those in a manual through 15 I think.
There are also 1-2 year old Infiniti Q50's with barely any miles on them (like 10-15k if that) within your budget. Maybe that would be an option.
You're lucky to be in a real hotspot for used cars at great prices. There isn't much here in Washington and whatever does pique my interest is usually overpriced like crazy.
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Thread Starter
9th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Have been using it as well plus auto tempest. Many of the cars I find seem to be at shady dealerships or at least I can’t distinguish them. I know more mainstream dealers will probably come with higher price tags but it’s difficult to separate the good/decent from the bad.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 223
From: DE
my first Lexus was a GS400 but then from there I had mostly LS and LS since family grew, I happen to drive my friends GS350 (luxury) few years ago and this time I had a LS460 (Amazing car/kids love it but.i was actually getting sleepy while driving - literally ) and after driving the GS I couldn't believe how much fun it was. Just to throw around the corners and zippy around town. It wasn't any faster than the ls460 but felt more responsive. yes the quality isn't the same but you dont lose much as it can be fun and comfortable at the same time. I test drove a GS450H and a F sport and that was even better..
I eventually got into the GSF from the LS ..and I am not dozing off after a long day at work and back home commute.
So GS is a very solid choice, its easy to maintain and very reliable; my friend still owns his 2013 GS which is almost 10 years old now and runs and drives like it just came off the factory.
I eventually got into the GSF from the LS ..and I am not dozing off after a long day at work and back home commute.
So GS is a very solid choice, its easy to maintain and very reliable; my friend still owns his 2013 GS which is almost 10 years old now and runs and drives like it just came off the factory.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 66
Likes: 3
From: VA
I honestly did not mind the boringness of the ES 350 too much (though perhaps I will if I get it and want to go on rural roads in my area, but seeing the GS 350 I got to say, I like it. In part I am looking for better safety features (hence considering mostly new cars), so I will have to look at what that offers though I assume the latest bells and whistles will be missing. I see we may both be around the DMV area, maybe, are you expanding your search further out? I am considering test driving these locally at some place like a Carmax and then expanding my search and figuring out how to get a similar spec model inspected by a trusted mechanic in that area, though have never done something like that so it seems risky.
If you're looking for modern safety features, the closer to 2020 you get with the GS, the better those features will be. It won't have the absolute latest and greatest but the standard suite of features is nothing to sneeze at. Automatic emergency braking is the biggest one IMHO, and it's available on 2016+.
I'm in southeastern VA and I'm in no rush to buy, so I'm just sitting around waiting for the right deal. There's a black on red RWD F-Sport 2015 GS 350 in Springfield, VA that I'd buy right now if I were in the market – but I still have a car payment on the Odyssey and will drive the Accord until the market calms down a bit. I just replaced the hybrid battery and the tires, after all. I test drove a local 2013 with AWD and loved it, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for a local F-Sport because I really want to try out a RWD GS 350 with the active dampers.
Last edited by CMK; May 10, 2022 at 07:32 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 417
Likes: 58
From: PA
Good to see you are sticking to your budget, that’s sometimes hard to do for us car enthusiasts!
I would really give a new A3 consideration. It comes with a 4 year warranty, takes regular gas while getting great mileage and has tires and brakes with zero wear on them. Realistically the total cost to own might be less than a 4 year old GS, which is another great selection. With used cars so expensive right now, new seems like a better buy.
There are some who will avoid any car that doesn’t come from a Japanese make, but make no mistake that an ILX, a car almost universally panned, would be better than an A3. This is coming from someone who loved my 07 TSX and has a reservation for an Integra 6 speed.
Good luck with your search!
I would really give a new A3 consideration. It comes with a 4 year warranty, takes regular gas while getting great mileage and has tires and brakes with zero wear on them. Realistically the total cost to own might be less than a 4 year old GS, which is another great selection. With used cars so expensive right now, new seems like a better buy.
There are some who will avoid any car that doesn’t come from a Japanese make, but make no mistake that an ILX, a car almost universally panned, would be better than an A3. This is coming from someone who loved my 07 TSX and has a reservation for an Integra 6 speed.
Good luck with your search!
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
Used "fun" Lexus for under $35K in today's market is tough.
Especially when Lexus has no manuals (excluding 15+ year old IS 300/IS 250).
If you don't need the premium interior of the new Integra, the Civic Hatchback is a better value imo.
Civic SI if your dog is okay with a sedan.
Elantra N is a good performance value. Just not sure on long term reliability. Having a long warranty don't mean a thing if the dealerships don't care.
GR Corolla too hard to get now.
GR 86/BRZ is the best choice if a 2+2 sports coupe is doable as a daily driver.
Especially when Lexus has no manuals (excluding 15+ year old IS 300/IS 250).
If you don't need the premium interior of the new Integra, the Civic Hatchback is a better value imo.
Civic SI if your dog is okay with a sedan.
Elantra N is a good performance value. Just not sure on long term reliability. Having a long warranty don't mean a thing if the dealerships don't care.
GR Corolla too hard to get now.
GR 86/BRZ is the best choice if a 2+2 sports coupe is doable as a daily driver.
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