Hi. I've been reading here for a bit. I read the sticky FAQ.

I have an opportunity to buy a one owner 2006 GS300 RWD with 27K miles for an apparently very good price - about $22K. It has almost every option including ML, ventilated seats, etc. I am thinking about this car for my wife. The owner says it is has regularly been maintained (by the dealer) according to the Lexus schedule. It seems like a great opportunity to get a beautiful, premium car with a lot of life left.

My question is really about the projected reliability of the car. I have owned a variety of cars ranging from a Mazda RX4, to a Jaguar S-type, several Hondas, etc., and a NSX (currently own). I do some car work myself.

I could not find a list of TSBs for this car. But I have read some posts about valve springs and a few other things.

What have been the problems with this year of the GS? Can I expect this car to have solid reliability well past 100K miles? Is ongoing maintenance straightforward and do-able DIY?

 

First off, welcome to CL.

Secondly, I start by saying this before all others will. Get an 07 GS350 instead of the 06 GS300. More power, better brakes and better nav.

 

If the opportunity is really good, then go for it.

 

Hmmm....I don't don't need more power and from what I can tell the brakes on the 06 are certainly OK. A better NAV screen would be nice, but it all comes down to money. I do not want to spend any more.

 

I have 06 and almost 200,000km only replaced 1 minor thing. Thats about it.

 

Unless the savings over the 350 is substantial... I would most definetly get the 350.

The extra power is nice, navigation is a lot easier to work. Both are rock solid cars.

Most GS's suffer from varying levels of dash rattle. Some of the GS300's suffer carbon buildup, which I believe there is a recently fix for this issue.

I believe the GS300's maintenance is in the same intervals. I do believe the 350 has 100k sparkplugs versus 60k-correct me if i'm wrong.

 

TSBs
http://forums.theautomedia.com/local_links.php?catid=20
http://www.alldatadiy.com/TSB/31/06312321.html

I really enjoy my 2006 GS. I upgraded from a 97 Honda civic so the extra power was just fine for me. 22K sounds like a good price. Make sure title is clear get car inspected by Lexus to make sure. It'll cost a few bucks but it'll be good they can put it on a rack and check the under carraige.

My dash rattles but I hardly notice it. The AC evac lines tend to get blocked and this was the case on my car as well I got it fixed before it started leaking in the front passenger floor. Welcome to the club..

 

OP, the 07 GS 350 has valsprings problem. The 2006 GS300 doesn't. Don't let these people discourage you from the 300. It's not shifty by any means. If it's a good deal, and it sounds like it is, jump on it.

 

My 06 GS300 has 65K miles and runs perfect. Only had regular maintenance and oil changes, no major problems ever. If you're looking to save some money, go with the 06.

 

We love our 06 AWD, have had zero problems, and it's a wonderful tourer for the long hauls. Ohter than a few minor dash rattles, most fixed, we have had no complaints.

 

i would prefer the 350 over the 300 but in all the 300 is a great car too. dont let people sell you other wise if your set on a 300. ive had mine for over 2yrs and no problems at all.