Hello everyone,

I have been reading these threads for some time now hoping one day to be an actual owner of a GS. I currently own a 1995 Toyota Camry with 225k miles(what a great car) and she finally kicked the bucket this past week and after looking at the list of repairs I think my money would be best spent somewhere else. I think It is time to put her to rest.

That said, I am curious to hear your opinions on what I should buy. My budget ranges from the mid to upper 30's, so I was thinking about an 06 or 07 GS430. I may try to squeeze into a GS460, but that may be pushing it a bit.
I test drove one the GS430 a while back and I really liked everything about the car, especially the V8. Now I know coming from the Camry, I will probably like almost anything in this category. However after researching a few other brands(BMW, Mercedes, etc.), I believe Lexus is the right choice for me.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the following if possible:

* What are the differences between the 06 vs 07 other than the 07 being newer? If so, are they worth it?

* I am willing to buy out of state to get what I want which will include costs of flight and/or possible shipping/driving the car home, Is this a good idea?

* What is the best way to buy? private seller, certified pre-owned from a dealer, or possibly attending a dealer auction. I only bring up the auction beacuase I have looked online and it seems that most of these cars were bought at auction and are now listed for sale at local dealers. I have a friend who buys cars all the time and will take me to the dealer auction next week.

* Out of the 06/07 GS430 and the 08 GS460, is there any year that has more quality issues? All I really see are the dash rattles, brake dust issues, and a few miscellaneous electrical problems that seem to be minor.

* What is the best method of making sure that the car I choose has zero major problems with it? I do not want to buy something and find a cover-up job later.

* Lastly, what is a good price on these? They really range all over. I am looking for low miles, one owner, etc..

I appreciate all of your help and comments in advance. I am looking forward to buying my first GS and posting pics soon!

Thank you,

Frank

 

welcome to CL frank!

1) not much difference between 07 and 06 on the exterior. but if possible, get the 07. it has gen 5 nav, it plays mp3 cd. the gen 5 nav alone is worth the extra imho

2) usually shipping is about 500-750 bucks? but if possible i say get it local so you see what you are getting

3) if you can get it at auction, usually the cheapest. but how you know the condition of the car including drivetrain, that's an unknown. same with private. CPO will be most expensive but i guess you can take that as a bit "guarantee" since it comes with more warranty

4) 08 gs460, actually i don't think you can get it for high 30s yet, can you? price is probably the biggest issue. that car will be quite a bit faster than the gs430 for sure, more power. every year has about the same problems imho, mostly rattles and squeaks

5) unless you have someone you know and trust look at the car

6) i am not really good on those prices. go to kbb and price it there with the right options. keep in mind kbb prices are usually a bit on the high side. you can also try edmunds.com

 

be very patient and look until you find the one you want...you will know !!!

 

Agreed... I should have waited and got a 07

 

www.edmunds.com
www.kbb.com
www.carmax.com
www.carsdirect.com

 

Would you consider GS350? Or do you definitely want a V-8? Because you can get a great 07 GS350 for mid-30.

Take a look at this one:

http://www.skylineoffairfax.com/deta...0-3784196.html

Not very far from where you are. I was thinking about this particular car very hard, but then went ahead and bought a brand new one.

 

07 430 also has the traction control off switch

 

that's a good price.

40% off after 2 years.
i just don't like that beige interior.

 

Welcome to the Club.......I think you should do some more research.......

 

welcome to cl. if you are buying from auction or private (or even from dealer for that matter), make sure that the GS in question was not owned by someone who lived in the flood states, or was previously registered in flood states. you have some crooks who buy the flooded gs at salvage, repair it, and sell to unsuspecting people at other states as 2nd hand car with no damage. make sure you do your homework. if you buy salvage repaired GS, you will not have warranty, even if it is an 06 or 07 model year.

for peace of mind, i'd go with lexus cpo. at least if any warranty issues comes up, you have something to fall back on (ie: you will have more recourse with a cpo GS, than a non cpo GS). good luck

 

Thank you for all your feed back!

rominl: I think the GS460 is out of reach. I test drove one over the weekend and it is pretty sweet. I may wait and save a few months. I like the technical upgrades on the 07 GS430, but they seem hard to find as there are only a few in the country. Are there a ton of leases coming due? It seems odd to only see a handful of these around.

Modeler: Thank you for the links!

arnieosp: Thank you for the local link on the GS 350. I really like the V8 and the color combo would be one of my last choices.

Stormforge: You brought up some very interesting points. I should have a list with VIN numbers the day before I go to the dealer auction. I can run a Carfax report, stay away from the regional areas you mentioned, and add expertise of an extremely experienced mechanic. Is there any additional precautions i should take if I go this route?

Also, If I decide to buy from a private seller or through an auction am I able to take the car to a local dealer under the existing warranty? Am I also allowed to purchase an extended warranty before the existing warranty expires?

I am extremely patient and will wait for the one I want.

Thank you for all your reponses!

 

gs460 lease won't come up until around mid to late 2010, so that's going to be some wait for you

 

rominl:

Does that mean the the 07 GS430 leases are due mid to late this year? I meant to wait for more 07's to hit the market.

 

yeah, most of the leases are 3 years. the 07 gs430 came toward end of 06 right? if so, then you will start seeing them from mid this year, since lexus has encore programs allowing some customers to return their cars early

but also keep in mind, 07 gs430 are rare. lexus was limiting the production (in favor of the closely power rated gs350 and the gs450h) for that year and toward the end the car was pretty much custom order. so overall i don't expect there are a lot of 07 gs430 out there to begin with

 

I replied to your PM