I have a GS300 right now which I bought brand new 3 years ago. My gf drives it most of the time so it doesn't need to be super powerful or anything. The lease is almost over and I need to get a new one. Here are my questions:

1. How long will the current body style last for?

2. Since GS and ES have the same features but the price is about $10K difference - why get a GS over ES?

3. What is the reasonable price for a fully loaded GS350 with nav and what should the lease return price be ( I forget the correct name ) after 3 years and 45,000? I've heard they dropped the residual value ( that's the name now that I think about it ) from 50% ( which was already pretty low ) to 40%!!! That's rediculous!

Please advise!

Thank you so much!

 

Hey kidalex,

1. The body from the 2006 GS3 is changing a tad in 2011 based on the news of an upcoming GS-F. Few subtle changes. From the side view that I can see, I think its a great looking car, and can't wait for it.

2. I guess this is personal preference and your style of driving. The obvious reasons are sporty vs. a luxury feel. Not saying the GS isn't. The best comparison I can make right now is, my 06 GS3 is in with Lexus on the dash rattle fix. I have been driving around with a loaner 2009 ES350 w/ 2000mi. since Thursday morning. I MISS THE GS!! Obvious HP difference from the GS and ES, w/ the ES being faster. The interior Nav unit is a new interface, leather is nice and soft, new car smell. But i'm used to being able to take corners faster, and have my spirited runs with an AWD, albeit slower 3GS. I just feel planted, and I guess I'm used to it. The ES is definitely bigger inside, and minus the stupid back row and driver side "HUMP". Its hard to compare the loaner and my car, its not apples to apples, but I'm sure if you matched up the same year GS and ES, I'd still go for the GS due to the sporty features, and looks.

3. Sorry can't answer on that one.

Are you looking to get rid of the 2006 GS and get a new Lexus vehicle, or possibly keep this one for your gf and you're looking to get a new car?

Good luck.

 

Get her an IS250 and save even more money.

 

BoingR6, I don't care that much about small changes but I want to know when the whole body style gets overhaul. Isn't it every 6 years?

I already have and love my LS460L and I'll be getting exactly the same one when my lease runs out on that one in December. The GS will be returned and I'll need another one for her to drive. We have kids so the backseat is important. She doesn't care about the sporty ride at all. ES is more powerful than GS300 anyway.

No IS. Thanks. I'm not 19, niether is she.

 

Based on what you're saying the ES seems to make the most sense. Doesn't hurt that it has the optional panoramic roof too!

 

Why not get her the new RX350?

 

If I remember correctly, the 4th generation GS will come out in 2011 as a 2012 model. Just like the current GS, it came out in 2005 as a 2006 model. So, that's roughly 2 years before we see a new body.

 

I don't like SUVs in general. Sorry.

 

there are too many differences between the 2 vehicles but if she doesn't care about any of that, there is absolutely no reason to pay more for the GS.

 

hold up....the "newer GS350" will have much more power than the "newer ES350"....you can't compare a GS300 to a new ES350....of course the 350 will have more power. if she doesn't care about power...than save the cash and get the ES. The ES just came out...so there's more time for this generation before they do an overhaul, although it's getting close to time for them to make minor changes to it.

 

Besides performance - what are the differences really?

 

Have you considered simply purchasing a used GS300 (or even the one youre turning in), the 06 gs300 sells in the mid20s and has depriciated more than the gs350 due to older Nav and weaker engine. At that point it may make more sense to purchase.

 

I would say the biggest differences are the following...

FWD for ES vs RWD or AWD for GS (big deal in my mind)
GS - much better brakes
GS - much better handling (due to above and suspension)
GS - higher grade of interior materials (mainly plastics)
GS - much better looking
GS - gated shifter (looks great when compared to ES)

I know there are way more but cannot think of them right now.

 

I kinna subscribe to a concept "if you can't afford it - don't buy it". To me buying a used car is like buying used clothes. Plus, I prefer to have my car be covered by warranty and have road side assistance.

 

Uhmm OK, there are such things as extended warranties , but whatever, just go buy a new gs350 for the wife, it will look current for another 2-3 years I bet, or get a Camry and pocket $20K...I mention this because if you cant see a difference between a GS and an ES, you surely wont see one between a loaded camry and an ES350....