Madmax, a couple more thoughts....

1. taxes: I think there are some new car tax incentives going on now?...but not sure the details.

2. keep in mind the extended warranty may not cover the dash rattle issues...check others experiences on this forum.

3. feels like economics plays a significant role in your decision...and I dont blame you. If this is the case, you might be disappointed as your LS is a proven winner economically and from a performance/reliability perspective.

Maybe run your LS until it drops as there is a certain satisfaction (economically) with that as well?

 

Ok - I checked out some info on the STS because I'm trying to be open minded. This is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to Lexus and Toyota: engine efficiency. The STS's V6 gets the same mileage as my 10 yr old LS with a V8 which I think is pretty pathetic. One thing I want to make sure of is if I'm going to have higher payments is that my mileage is at least a little better since commuting for me is around 60 miles a day.

MelYW - a new car would be really nice, but too much $$ for not a lot of car in the price range I want to spend. I'd like to keep my payments reasonable since I plan on moving into a bigger house in the next couple of years.

The extended warranty is something I want more to cover the high cost of electronics and sensors and of course, catastrophic mechanical failure. If the touchscreen goes out, I'd probably have to shell out a couple grand I'd guess.

Keeping the LS is a thought - but in under 20k miles it'll be due for the timing belt again. I'm also concerned that other pricey things will start to wear out - like suspension related stuff. I'm kind of at the point where I don't want to have to dump any real cash into the car. Some of the paint on the rear bumper has oxidized and overall it's just starting to show its age. I'd like to get rid of it before the value of it really goes in the toilet too. Bottom line is I just want something newer.

 

I've owned my '06 GS300 since last May. It's one of the later builds from the 2006 model year (May of '06). I've had a couple of minor issues (battery died and the gas cap replaced for the warning light issue). Other than that, trouble free. No rattles, clicks, pops. I would recommend this car to any good friend or relative without reservation. If the dealer doesn't fix the rattles that some have, they should escalate the issue within Lexus (i.e. zone service managers). Those can and should be fixed. As for myself, I get down when I can't drive my GS300, like a couple of weeks ago for a 200 mile trip, when I had to take my truck instead because we were moving a lot of stuff. Hope you find and enjoy a GS as much as most of the rest of us do!

 

GET IT, it is more fun than the LS!!!

After I saw Lexus replaced the GS300 with GS350, I traded-in my 06 LS430 (was my 30th BD gift) right away!!!

If you do heard the rattles, here are the two options:
1) hope your mechanic at the dealership is vary ****-retentive as mine, my guy took the dash apart and felt the entire parts within;
or
2) turn up the volume on your stereo and "FORGET ABOUT IT'

Besides the rattles, the only issue I have with new GS is that it drives too quiet and smooth... b/c since I got the GS, I have gotten 20+ SPEEDING TICKETS !!!

 

Which dealership in Minnesota have you been going to?

 

With your RWD car you probably live in the South. The rattles don't happen with temps above freezing for the most part. Take your GS up here to Minnesota in the winter, and it will rattle.

 

I guess we have an expert now guaranteeing that no 3GS (RWD) is rattle free. Hmmm...I think he's jealous!

I've had my GS in wx with temps in the teens. No rattles.

No way I am gonna test it in Minnesota

 

Hey Newbie! - Haven't been around in this forum too long? Have you?

 

Hey Cut-Throat, I go to Maplewood. They have been pretty good to me. I do believe that Wayzata and Mwood are owned by the same dealer.

Who do you use and what is your experience?

 

I have been going to Wayzata and also have had excellent service. And I think you are right about being owned by the same person.

 

I love my GS350 but the rattles and squeaks are unacceptable. What this has taught me about Lexus is that its no perfect car. Its also not the perfect vehicle that I thought it would have been. On the other hand it is less problematic than my Infiniti, but not by much. What keeps me happy currently is the service quality, but we will have to see what happens when I have issues while on the extended warranty. I will look at another Lexus in the future but I will be looking at BMW and Infiniti as well.

I would recommend a GS350 but not at a brand new price. Its one thing when your 50k car rattles vs your 25k used Lexus has some rattles. A G37 sedan has been sounding appealing.

 

I hear you! --- No car is perfect, but my 1999 GS300 was about as flawless as you can get. I bought it new and owned for 8 years and it never had a problem. NONE! - That is why I bought my 2007 GS350, and like everyone else have had the rattle issue, brakes etc. etc.

I have also been thinking of other cars. I might even do the extreme. Go back to a loaded Honda Accord - Which I had 3. I had a Maxima Once - My least favorite Japanese Car. - The most problems and terrible service - I don't think I would ever look at Infiniti, Nissan again. - My Maxima was loaded, expensive, but felt cheaper than a Honda Accord.

Or maybe even look at Hyundai - I remember when Lexus was new, Hyundai may be the 'New' Lexus. - You never know.

 

Cut-Throat...hmmm a loaded honda accord. These are not bad looking cars. I think the grill could use some work but overall not bad.

The interior is not that great, however. I rode in one and it was not near lexus quality feel.

I hope this recall situation has taught Toyota a lesson.