jboy

Hi,

We need to turn in our 2002 GS 430. The dealer says the 2007 GS 350 is pretty much the same as the 2006 GS 300, so we save a few bucks and the 2006. What do you guys think?

jerry

purebliss

I am telling you the only honest difference is the great new nav system!! Drive both and there is now way you will know the difference. The only person to know the difference on this forum was rockville and he sales them so of course he is going to say how different it is. The only thing beside the nav is the brakes but you don't want them anyway because they wear out at 20k plus they are expensive to replace.

AlexusAnja

Pretty much the same as in they need to get those 2006 off the lots...

In some sense, they are the same in that there isn't anything new in terms of goodies inside the car (except the 5th gen. Nav, if you get it), but the 303hp engine propels the GS350 0-60mph 1 second faster than the 300. One second is significant in performance.

If you don't think you'll ever need those extra seconds, then by all means save the few thousand and get the 300. You won't really miss much... I'm waiting for 2008 or 2009 and hopeing for a GS380.

RandalR

Read through some of the posts here before you make your decision. 2006 GS300 owners have reported enough minor problems (as would be expected in the first year of a new design) to make the decision hard to justify on cost alone. The 2007's have given Lexus a chance to work out the original bugs.

scottmyers

Exactly... I've had two 06's. Go for the 350.

AudiMan

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM how did you manage to mentioned the least obvious changes and not mention the MUCH MUCH better new engine??? I don't know what kind of old foggies are on this board, but anyone that says the difference in power isn't much is plain stupid! My 55 old father noticed the difference and he knows jack about cars. Get the 350! Never buy the first model year of any car. Don't you know that??

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

at this point, i dont see a reason to buy a 300....the resale alone in a 2006 vs a 2007 makes it worthwhile to get an 07.....no brainer for me

Faheta

I haven't driven the GS350 myself but I can't imagine an extra 50 hp equates to nothing. For casual driving, the driver might not feel it but I'm sure when he/she needs to pass someone or when there are 4 passengers in the car, the extra torque and power will make noticeable difference (grin?).

The other problem I had with the GS300 is the weak (a*s) brake. I heard the GS350 has the larger brakes from the GS430.

What I've gathered from this board, the real market price difference between the GS300 and GS350 is roughly $3000.

PatD

Once the 300s off the lot, the dealer won't be able to wait to tell you how much better the 350 is!

jboy

That was my thought also. There is probably an incentive for sales people to move the "old" stock.

hsk73

No point of 'buying' a 06!!
But, it's different story if you are leasing!!

Gojirra99

Unless they are really giving them away (like significantly below invoice) & horsepower is not a high priority for you.
Personally, I would pay $thousands more for the GS350 now . . .

INHOCJP

I agree. If you are buying and keeping the car for many years, then get the GS350. The increased HP and new nav are well worth the price of admission.

If you're leasing, well, depends on your budget. Not sure of the pricing, but I'd assume you could save $100-$200 leasing a GS300 instead of a GS350. Or you could wait a few months and get a better deal on a 350 at that point.

jboy

Actually we are leasing. It is a company car. Why would this change your preference?

jerry

LexFather

Poll Time!