So I'm looking at a "new to me" GS. I'm coming from a Volvo S60 T5. I've test driven MB E-Class, BMW 5-series, Camry, Fusion (patriotic attempt to try American again), Lexus ES, and Infiniti G35s. Seems like the GS is the best in the class (for me).

In my local area I have the choice of the following:

'07 GS350 20k miles, nav for $39k (CPO)
'07 GS350 6k miles, base options for $36k (small used car lot)
'06 GS300 22k miles, base options for $31k (moderate sized off lease type lot)
'06 GS300 20k miles, nav for $33k (moderate sized off lease type lot)
'05 GS300 19k miles, base options for $26k (moderate sized off lease type lot)

All of cars have clean CarFax. All of the above numbers are without any negotiations.

The '05 seems like a big step back in technology over the '06+ models. I'm thinking specifically in terms of the interior/dash. The 3.5L would be nice but not a true necessity.

The nav system is not necessarily a big plus for me. My S60 has nav and it has DVD problems. I'm also not fond of the idea of paying outrageous prices for DVD updates. I don't have a problem spending $500 for a Garmin and sticking it on the window.

While I've mostly bought new cars, this will be my first used in a long time. I'm handy so most of the routine maintenance will be handled by myself and I'm comfortable evaluating the condition of a used car.

I'm looking for different perspectives on what others might choose. I'm not doing a poll. I want to hear thought processes, not votes.
Thanks
John

 

First of all welcome to CL, I personally think that a 07 GS350 will be a very well suit for you. I personally own one and it has been a great car and very fun to drive. You will find there is a huge jump between the 06 and the 07 because of the different options that are on the car. Trust me you will find many if those options very useful so I would say go fir a 07.

 

get the 07

the one with 6000 still has factory warranty right?

 

I say go for #1 for the CPO and navigation

 

i also say go to the 07. you're taking a major engine improvement over the 06. yeah, granted you're paying about 5-7k more for it, but assuming that you keep it for 5-7 years, that's only 1k more per year for a car that will probably hold a higher re-sale value due to the engine upgrade.

between the 2 07s, i'd go for the CPO for piece of mind.

 

My reco is to go with the 07 GS350. THere are so many improvements over the 2006 that the step up in the year is well worth it. It will also come under the current factory warranty that is still in place which will save you a few bucks. You can decide on which option level in the 07 fits your needs better. Let us know what you decide.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not surprised almost everyone is saying go with the '07. I am surprised that most say get the nav.

Yet no one explained picking the nav over the base. Frankly I think too many Lexus lawyers got involved with the decision to not allow entering a route while driving. That plus past experience with integrated nav's would push me away from it.

John

 

If you dont care about the Nav and the horsepower, then get the 06 and save a few bucks. The only thing I would do is test drive the crap out of these used cars and listen for rattles. Rattles are a pretty common problem in the GS line.

 

$39K for an '07 with 20K miles seems high to me.
If that's an asking price,you should be able to get that car for $36-$37K.
I'm not a fan of buying a Lexus off any used car lot,especially when it had 6K miles.