I have been reading about all the second guessing going on about the GS350 and why Lexus has put this car out now rather than a year ago. Good question. Toyota opened Lexus dealerships in Japan about a year ago and when I visited one near Tokyo at that time, they had the GS450 and (guess what) the GS350. At the same time, I knew that they were selling the GS300 in the U.S. since I had a 1999 GS300 and was thinking of replacing it (although I have only 37,000 miles and the car is in tip-top condition). The sales people in Japan were not aware that we did not have the GS350. All the options and colors seemed to be the same as for the GS300. When I saw this, the decision was easy--don't buy the GS300 yet and wait for the GS350. I'm glad I waited, but to those who bought the GS300 I have one question: were you happy with the car? If you were, then you shouldn't be second guessing.

Aloha!

 

Another GS350 thread? I thought we're supposed to consolidate all the GS350 discussions?

I'll try to add my 10 cents in the GS300 (buy now) vs GS350 (buy later) debate.

*** Note: If you want to skip the background preface, goto the paragraph which starts with "Fast forward":

Less than a year ago, with a new baby on the way, my wife and I were in the market for a new luxury sedan to replace my BMW 3 series coupe (which mind you, isn't very baby-seat friendly). I had my heart set on the new 06' BMW 330i for the longest time. My wife told me to open up my mind and try out other cars along the 330's price range since we'd be spending a good $40k on a new car. We looked at the 525, M35, G35, C350, RX330 & the GS300. After going to the auto show and attending the Taste of Lexus event, I just fell in love the Lexus GS. Great styling, beautiful interior and techno amenities galore! Unfortunately, back then, dealers really weren't discounting this car so it was a bit beyond what we were willing to spend. We had considered getting a stripped down BASE GS300 which would had to be special ordered from Japan (since all the cars that are ordered by dealers come loaded with some accessory package one way or another). Since we were in no rush to buy yet, we decided to wait till the baby was born and see if the then rumored RX350 would arrive in early 2006.

Fast forward to July 06'. With a 3 month old baby girl and a need to replace the Bimmer (getting the baby out of the back seat is killer on the lower back!), we decided it was time to go car shopping again. We narrowed our decision to the BMW 330i or Lexus RX350. Edmunds.com, Bimmerfest.com & ClubLexus.com became my main source of research. On a whim, I looked into the 3GS forum and found that with the upcoming GS350, people were able to get the GS300 at or below invoice. WOW! I gave it alot of thought.. should we wait a little longer for the GS350 or get a good deal now with the GS300. We started requesting Internet price quotes from local dealerships and eventually negotiated (aka. haggled) our way for a nicely equipped GS300 (w/o Nav) for under $40k and avoided having to pay the $599 dealer fee.

Now if you're asking if I am happy getting a GS300 instead of a GS350... I would say most definitely YES! First and foremost, I don't think we'd be able to get a good deal on the GS350 anytime soon. Fuel economy on the GS300 should be better and since we didn't get the NAV, we won't be missing out on the the 5th Gen Nav system. My wife will be driving this car primarily so 245hp is plenty enough for us to get around town. Of course we'll start seeing some GS350's on the road in the next couple of months, but we're content with what we have. Everybody's situation is different and everyone has different priorities, but the bottom line for my wife and I is that 303hp isn't as important as saving some money and deferring to other more important expenses such as baby formula & diapers.

 

Well put. I also doubt that the GS350 will be priced equal to the GS300. Combine with the current dealer discount for the 300, the premium for the 350 could easily be $5K

 

"Patience is a Virtue". The GS300 was never red hot when it first came out and never did big numbers since. The GS350 with the extra 50HP and better Nav is not exactly going to turn the world around in sales at the $50,000 mark. Taking this into consideration, once the car is introduced, and give it some time, 6months are so, discounting might begin and eventually we might be at the $500 over tissue. This car is not a phenomenon or all that popular. I do happen to like it, but it is not a sales leader for Lexus. I'm sure that in a reasonable period of time this car will be able to be bought for a song.......... regardless of any 'great rightups ' in the mags'.... Of course ....this is just my opinion. Many other cars are out there with drama for alot less money. Besides, let's not forget that the 06Gs300 has be plagued with a number of Gremlins.

 

Every new and improved model goes through a honeymoon period when the pent up first adopters need their fix. Eventually this wave of buyers is satiated and the cars start to accumulate on the lot. Lexus dealers start to compete and prices relax. I must say that the IS350/250 has had a lot of staying power as we haven't been able to stock them since October of last year and we are getting close to the '07's. As a matter of fact when the '07 GS350's start arriving at the end of this month there will be very few GS300's left. The ES350 came out of the chute with alacrity and we typically have one on the floor with Nav. and we presell the allocation. We are in our annual "Golden Opportunity" promotion where the GS lease rates are around 2% for those with tier one plus credit scores. The GS300 is a great all around performer but not only will the GS350 bump the horsepower over the 300 mark but the Gen. 5 Nav will be bright and clear like nothing else in the market place with its digital quality back up camera. Mark Levinson will be optional but my advice is get it or you'll regret it later. This car deserves 18's for the twisties too. The GS350 has reached the "golden mean". It should appeal to the enthusiasts and the luxury sedan buyers. It's a good time to be a sport sedan buyer.....

Rock