I'm new to Lexus, therefore I need some, if not, full comment or whatever input you may have. By the way, I'm located in Texas, Austin. Does any of you have any salesman to reccomend ?

I'm going to buy GS300 sometime this month but, here are some things which I need your assistance.

- I was told that it is going to be redisgned in 2004 around Sept. Is it true ?

- If I were to buy it, what options is a must have ?

- How much discounts I should get ? ( was given $2500 off .. )

- what is your alternative car if you did not buy GS ?

- Are there a lot of problems with the car (i.e malnufunctions, etc ) ?

Thanks a lot !

 

well rumor is that it will come out in sept 04 as 05 model, but there is no OFFICIAL words on it

well it's a funny question, if it's option then you can choose NOT to have it, so it's your call.

not sure about this one, hopefully others would chirp in

well umm.... tough. for the money i don't see another car beating the gs300, maybe 530i or e320. both more expensive i believe

it's a lexus, so there should be minimal problems with the car. i don't see any major problems here so far

 

try www.carsdirect.com for prices

 

The GS is a great car as long as you are not driving it in the snow. Overall, the car has everything you want in terms of luxury, performance, and looks. However, this is the worse car I have ever driven in the snow. If the next gen GS's are not all wheel drive like expected I will probably look into something like the Audi A6 2.7t . I am not a huge Audi fan but for the $$ they fly and have alot of nice features. As for features, get factory Nav and Hid, they are well worth it !!!!!!

 

I am in Detroit and my GS drvies fine. If you have the stock 17's with the SUMMER tires yeah it sucks. If you have all seasons or a set of winter wheels your all good.

I was going UP a ICY HILL faster then most SUV's in my GS. If you have crap tires you are screwed, aside from that it shouldn't be an issue.

My IS300 friends had the same problems, with the summer tires on in snow they slid about 400ft before stopping.

 

If you travel a lot, the Nav is a good option. The HID's are a must have in my book as well.

Regarding other cars, I would also consider the A6 4.2 if you need a good all season car. Not as fast, but still a very nice car. I love the sport seats in the Audi's, our seats have no support at all.

 

If you want a V8 the 4.2 will work. I have to say the 2.7T was more fun to drive and you can mod it a little. The AWD is sweet. The 540 and 2.7t made it tough when I bought my Lexus, but I ended up with the GS. I am ready for a new car, have been for a while but I just cannot make my mind up so I will keep beating up my Lexus for now

I seen the RS6 at the Detroit auto show and I was hoping I would love it, TT V8 and AWD, PERFECT. I didn't like it was much in person as I did the pics on the net. The blue one those showed with the 19's was very nice. Maybe it was the color they had at the show.


mamamia- If you wants hands down best reliability Lexus is the way to go!

 

LOL...we don't have season's down here is Austin.

Mamamia,

First off, let me tell you how much you will love your GS if you buy one. I bought a used GS4 8 months ago and I am still 100% in love with it.

In regard to options, the GS comes pretty much fully loaded. Here are the options you do have:

Navigation- Personal preference
Levison Sound system- Personal Preference
Heated seats- Doesn't get that cold here...personal preference
Spoiler- looks great but has no purpose

Like everyone is saying, the GS does have some traction problems in winter weather. Seeing as they are rear wheel drive, that is understandable. But in Austin's weather, you should not have any problems what-so-ever.

When it comes to price, I think you can buy a GS with a sticker of 42-43 K for about 38-39K. When I bought my car, they tried to talk me into a new one and offered me a price of $37,500, but I declined...I wanted more power.

As for other comparable cars, check out Infiniti (I35), Mercedes (E class??), Audi, and BMW (5 series). I am sure I am missing many companies and models of cars, but there is a start. As for quality, I personally think Lexus is a step ahead of everyone else. Toyota/Lexus is renowned for having the most reliable cars on the road.

Good luck.

Chad

 

Thanks to all for the inputs/comments. Really appreciate it.

 

Bought my wife's '98 GS400 and my '99 RX at John Robert Lexus. Our salesman was David Broadbent. Back then, GS was sold at MSRP as it was in high demand. '99RX was also new model and I think I did get $500 off as Lexus Loyalty reward and some more.

As far as the sale experience, we found David to be very knowledgeable, helpful and polite before sale and after sale.

Price will be determined by the avilability and what folks are willing to part.

Good Luck
Salim