Hey guys,

I've been reading the 3GS threads for some time now since I'm planning on replacing my current '99 LS with one in the next couple of months (06 GS300). Other than showing some signs of age and wear and tear, my LS400 has been great (161k miles). Essentially no rattles or squeeks and runs like a champ. I wouldn't hesistate to take it cross country tomorrow. It's never been in for any work other than maintenance items. Everything in the interior from the radio to the power headrests and even the side mirror auto tilt still works as it should.

From all that I read on these cars, they really seem to have quite an issue with interior squeeks and rattles. The transmission in stop & go traffic also acts strangely from what I've read. Sadly some of the concerns don't seem to be isolated to just the first year of production.

I've had my heart set on this car since it came out, and everytime I check out other cars I always come back to this car. It fits the bill for me since it's RWD (or AWD), has decent back seat space (need room for baby seat, so IS350 is out), and I like all of the interior features and the design. Also, the MPG on this car seems to be tops compared with other vehicles I've considered, I'm sure the 6-speed plays a large factor. This is more of a concern since my commute is double what it was since I first got the LS although my average MPG is still consistantly 18-20mpg in non-highway driving, and I don't baby the thing.

I've settled on the fact that the GS300 will be down on power compared to the LS, but I don't know if I can live with all the little problems that plague this car. I know it won't leave me stranded, but these kinda problems almost seem unacceptable for a car of this caliber.

Other cars I've considered include:

07 ES350 (many 1st year production issues also, base stereo sucks, hard to find UL for what I want to spend)
07 G35 sedan (mileage not great, not crazy about interior)
07 Acura TL (down on interior features, not a huge FWD fan, everyone has them!)
Not considering anything German or American

I've also thought about settling for something less like an 08+ Accord EX-L or Camry XLE. (I'd consider the SE, but it can't be had with many lux features) But I'm such a "car guy" and what I drive means a lot to me, these just aren't "me."

So the million dollar question is: With all the hassles your GS has given you, can you with a clear conscious really recommend [a used] one to someone else??

I'm thinking a big part of my concern is that people generally only post up when they have problems - maybe there is large percentage of owners who are completely happy that we just don't know about?

I'm trying not to tie up too much money in the car, so whatever $20-22k can get me will be what I end up with (06 GS300 with 50k+ miles most likely)

Bottom line is that I don't want to give up a "good thing" for a potential "bad thing" AND have higher payments to boot!

I'm tellin ya - it was soooooooo much easier making decisions on stuff when you didn't have the internet to read so many opinions and reviews!!! This goes for everything.

 

In the class of the 3rd Gen GS, I'd honestly recommend the car to someone. Yeah the car has it's issue with dash rattling, and little quirks here and there. After about 6 months of ownership, I just looked past all the rattling...my moto on the car now is "if it rattles, it rattles..o well". If you try to get it fixed something else will come up.

My only regret, and its not really a regret (no offense to the 300 owners) was buying my 300 before my 350. The 350 is, imo, alot nicer and has alot more bells and whistles for the bit of extra cash.

Prices are dropping, if you can wait it out a bit I'd say 2 months or so, I'm sure youll find them cheaper.

Good luck.

 

It'll most likely be 2 months before I get one, I'm hoping that I can swing a GS350 without a boat load of miles.

When you say it has more features - are you talking about the improvements from the 06-07 model year? I thought the interior stuff was identical aside from the Nav being the next generation.

The GS350 got upgraded brakes I remember - but is there really anything else from that and the engine that are different mechanically from 06 to 07?

BTW - the color combo of your 350 is my top choice.

 

I do not have any problems with my GS and it never gave me any problems. I had the dash rattle and it has been fixed for over a year now with no signs of it coming back. I think some people on here are just really picky and nit pick the most minor things.

 

i have the rattles from both front and back dash now, which i did not have before i began modding. i have had my car for over a year and have put a ton of miles on it. i currently have 110k. i would recommend this car either if you plan on keeping it stock, or modding, though RWD would be the best platform for the later. the few issues (rattles) can be easily fixed via tsb if under warrenty, and if not you can either pay or deal with it. lol. i am dealing. i do agree that if i were to do it over, i would choose the 350 due to more hp, but other than that i am completely happy. best car i have ever owned. the rattles do get old though...i think i may try the clear tubing suggestion that was posted in another thread....lol.

 

Yes I am one of the complainers, so I will fess up. But here is my recommendation. I would absolutely recommend this car with the following thoughts.

1. I love driving it. It is still one of the best looking cars out there. BMW 5 is beautiful but GS is a better value (in terms of what you get for the money).

2. Lexus service has been great as you probably know.

3. Engine is top notch...very strong when you need/want it.

4. Interior design is excellent. the steel gauges for your instrument panel are unrivaled...and think about it...90% of the time you are behind the wheel staring at that.

5. I have not had issues with the tranny (I have a AWD) so cant comment.

6. You must know that it does have an issue with dash rattles and squeaks. I had my car in for the third time and they fixed 90% of it. I will try to irradicate the rest myself with some DIY fixes....and this forum is awesome for that. This is probably the biggest negative thus far. Lexus (with me at least) has been more than accommodating to try to eliminate the issues....never tried to skirt the issue with me.

7. Looks like you are looking at 2 year used. Not sure when you bought your 99 but it appears that you hold on to your cars...as do I. You also state that you love your cars, take care of them and they mean much to you ...as they do to me.

Reconsider getting a brand new car...yes you will take on a little more depreciation but if you keep your cars for a while, it becomes less of an issue. It is even more true due to the fact that you can really bargain hard and get a great deal now...dealers remain hungry. Look at the depreciation data and match it with your ability to bargain hard. Hopefully you will agree with my logic. Secondly, with the dash rattles, you will want full warranty coverage for the max amount of time you can. Thirdly, nothing is like driving a new car that is yours from the start with the smell, no blemishes, etc....you know what I mean, I know you do....only you can decide how much to value this happinesss factor...just dont sell yourself short.

I love driving this car. I look forward to it in fact everyday driving to work and back...especially now that most rattles are resolved.

You are doing the right thing by doing your research...now lay it all out.

Now of course the most economical thing is to keep your 99 LS as it should give you many more miles...you might need to reread the last part of section 7. to make that tradeoff....only you can decide.

Best of luck.


I hope this helps.

 

The other cars you're considering aren't in the same class though.

ES and TL are both FWD and G35 is smaller in size.

I'd only look at the G35 or maybe the M35 in addition to the GS.

 

I realize they aren't exactly comparable - but they are all about in the same price range. That's the correlation.

MelYW - I purchased my LS from someone who got it as a CPO, so I'm the third owner. I've had it for almost 4-1/2 yrs. I didn't hesitate to buy it with 105k miles since it had full service history. I also purchased from private party and saved a ton on taxes (flat $95 instead of regular sales tax at dealer).

If I had the coin, I would purchase new and not look back. Unfortunately I can't drop $50k or even $30k on a car. My burden is that I have been spoiled by the amazing quality and performance of my LS. I can't go back to something lesser!! My previous car was an '02 Maxima SE (loaded) but it had its share of probs. To this day my LS drives nicer with 161k miles than my Maxima did with 0 miles.

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

 

Nothing wrong with my '07 GS. Keep in mind of those who contribute to the forum, the large majority are happy with their car.

Whatever your decision is, don't buy down from the LS to an ES. You won't be happy.

 

As an owner of an 08 GS350 AWD, I'd say go for it. You obviously have done your research so you know all of the potential issues.

I was (and still currently am) plagued with tons of rattling in my dash and door panels. The level of service up here doesn't seem to be as good as Lexus in the US so they're doing something, but not enough, to address it. /rant

I also had a water pump go on me so I had that replaced under warranty.

If I had to do it all over again, would I get this car? Considering what was available when I bought it (April 2008), I would for sure get this car. It is fun to drive and aside from the minor problems, this is a solid car with all the bells and whistles. Just make sure you get a car with some warranty remaining!

P.S. I also had an 02 Maxima SE 6MT. That car gave me quite a few problems (all sensor-related).

 

Get GS350 instead. I have had a few minor issues with my GS350, but nothing that prevents full enjoyment of the car.

-CD Player - Stopped working, got it replaced
-Driver side power window -weak motor, got it replaced

Nothing really major like BMW or MB cars.

 

I think the more recent models are fine. If you live in an area with bumpy roads, the rattle issue may be a bother though.

I am curious why you don't get an older LS430 instead? Those are built like rocks.

Also if you are value conscious I would look at a Cadillac STS. Those are rock solid cars and they depreciate rapidly because they aren't popular. For low 20s you could get a 3 year old one with the warranty still applying. Last year a dealer offered me a 9 month old fully loaded STS for 32k with an original sticker of $55k. In your price range you could probably get a 3 year old V8 STS well equipped, it will still have a year of factory warranty left, and it will be trouble free for several years.

 

I'm hoping to be able to get at least an extended warranty since there are so many electronics that will put you in the poor house if they fail.

My Maxima was an automatic, but that trans had problems at like 23k miles and was replaced under warranty. I also had the prob w/ the Bose stereo where a channel would go out - it was replaced a couple of times, but one time when I got the car back, I found the techs were careless and had scratched the screen on the climate control. It was in there more for stuff THEY did than actual problems. The two Nissan dealerships near me suck and I won't get another Nissan for that reason alone.

batman - an LS430 would be nice, but I only like the 04-06 models. The 06's are still going for more than I want to spend.

As for a Cadillac, I realize their values go in the toilet, but there's a reason for that. I'm not a huge fan of GM products and won't own one except maybe a 'Vette (next lifetime). The only domestic I'd consider is a Ford. The new Taurus is really nice, but by the time you load it up it's $35k+!!! (not that I have that coin to spend anyway).

 

There is no reason the STS's value tanks other than perception. If you do the research on reliability, maintenance cost, etc. you will see it is a very good buy. They also have a lot of features in common with Lexus - lots of Denso electronics, brakes and safety system suppliers, etc. GM's 6-speed auto transmission has been used by BMW not that long ago for the 3 series autos. They won't rattle.

Don't get me wrong the GS is a much better car, but choosing between a high mileage rattle prone 06 GS and a newer lower mileage STS, I would choose the latter.

 

I owned a 2006 gs300, always loved the car before i bought it. I was looking at 07-08 g35 sedans, and came across my gs300, and bought it. I kept it for 10 months before deciding it wasnt really worth it to make payments for 4 more years on the car. I just didnt love the car. If i could do it again i would get the g35 sedan. very nice looking, fast car. It is not that much smaller than the gs300 on the interior. the gs300 has no power. I now drive an 01 gs300, and the difference is not that much. really just the styling. not many improvements at all honestly. I do miss auto tilting mirrors, and the rear sunshade. other than that. its whatever.