How funny. I have a 2000 GS400 and a 96 4Runner I use for snow here in Louisville. I'm shopping used sport sedans now, myself. I would like to here why we should stay away from AWD too. I also saw a mention of engine issues with the 350 on one of the consumer reliability sites with no explanation as to what the problems were. I'd like to hear what that is all about too.

 

There are no engine "issues" with the AWD. The problem people have with them is that they can't lower them or have staggered wheels withouth screwing up the suspension.

I wanted the V8 after my wreck, but they're special order only and there were ZERO available back in November. I'm actually glad I ended up with the AWD because this past winter was TERRIBLE and the RWD would have been sitting in the garage with my *** on the bus every day. Eff that.

 

I wonder what this is all about, then.
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gs-350/...liability.html

 

Unless it's referring to the recall (valve springs), I have no idea. But living on this board for the last 3 years, I don't remember that many people complaining about the engine (there are a few who complain about the direct inject ticking sound...which is completely normal). More people complain about the vibrations from lowering the AWD, at least from what I've seen.

EDIT: The GS350 is using the same engine that was originally used in 2007, so if there are issues with the 2GR-FSE engine, wouldn't there be a problem with 2008+?

Guess it just goes back to not buying the first MY of a major change (new engine).

Stick with 2008+ and you'll be happy.

 

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing.

 

I've never understood why the AWD model is singled out. From what we have seen for 7 years here is the issues that occur usually affect ALL GS models, not one or two. For whatever reason Consumer Reports picks on the AWD model and I don't recall seeing any AWD threads where all AWD owners are complaining about something.

Its really odd.

 

Why? Why so much hate for AWD here?

 

I think it's because the data sample is just too small to be accurate. It's rather discouraging to have my specific GS 300 AWD model singled out as the worst Lexus in history, and actually one of the worst cars reliability wise in 2006. It's flat out untrue, I've had it in for recalls that all Lexuses faced, and NONE of them were AWD specific. And yes, I whine about dash noise, but in 40,000 plus miles and 3 years of ownership (i bought used) nothing else has gone wrong. Tires could stand to be replaced, and I may need brake pads soon, but really for such a complex car it's light years ahead of anything by BMW / Audi / Mercedes. It is widely known those cars are horror shows, routinely flatbedded back to the dealer.

I buy my cars for the long haul. I don't lease, I pay cash and keep the damn thing until the wheels fall off. I know most Americans have a short term, terminal monthly payment disposable approach to cars, but the truth is you can keep a car 15 or 20 years these days, assuming you buy the right one.

I hate Consumer Reports, actually. They claim the ride on nearly every car is 'jiggly'. They whine about things that don't matter to me, like 'child seat accessibility' or 'outward vision for very short women'. They have absolutely no love for cars, no passion. They may as well be rating a dishwasher.

They have no business testing cars. Stick to toasters and washing machines.

 

I think the main complaint/issue withbthe AWD on Club Lexus is the vibrations/wobble when the car is lowered. Everything else is similar to the RWD version (recalls,rattles, etc.).

As an AWD owner (2007 67k), my only complaint is the vibrations after lowering and run staggered 20's and love it!!