Hello all. I’m new to the forum so consider this both my intro and my first post. I am looking for a new daily driver. My current daily is an 04' Tahoe Z71. I purchased it years back as a family/work mobile. Where I’m changing careers, I won’t need the truck every day, nor do I want to shell out for the sub 13 mpg…it’s just not practical for me alone. I’m basically looking to take it off the road except for contract work or heavy snow. I also have a 94' Supra for the summer weekends which satisfies the go-fast side of me. So while I’m not necessarily looking for something with the intent on it being sporty, I definitely want something that doesn’t struggle to get up and go. Essentially, I’m looking for a happy medium.

I’m definitely set on getting a Lexus and am torn between a MKIII GS300/350 or MKII IS 300/350 (and so this is posted in both sections). I’ve been doing a bit of my own research and plan on test driving both come spring but was looking to get some owner opinions; the good, the bad, the pros, the cons, etc. I’m definitely buying one of the two and so also look forward to being a part of the forum. Please let me know your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations. Thanks for your time/info in advance.

Regards,

Andrew

 

Funny I have owned all of the cars you mentioned, but instead of Tahoe. I was always a Suburban guy! I still love them.

The pro in cons

2006 IS250 RWD: Great fun little car. Back seat is tight, not very comfortable on long drives. Very good on gas, very relieble, fun to drive. Tons of aftermarket products made for them. The dash and interior padding is kinda low quality and after time, and especially in the FL sun it breaks down and turns into gummies. The 250's have carbon buildup issues, but lexus has extended the warranty.

2008 GS350 AWD Like the IS but bigger, wider, luxurious, and more comfortable. Not as nibble as the IS, but def no slouch. Very good on gas, especially on the highway. Just a better looking car, and all around car.

I would def jump on the GS! The price difference isn't that far from each other either. I would stay away from 2006 GS300's as they have the Carbon Buildup issues. So stick to 07-up, and make sure to check the vehicle history through the dealer or mylexus.com to see if they have had valve spring recall preformed, and a water pump replaced. Def look for one with navigation, parking sensors, and backup cameras as they really help and make life more pleasant. If you plan on modifying with lowering then I would stay away from AWD's.

 

Get 07^ gs350, big hp different n reliability. Don't mean to bash on gs300 btw.

 

Suburban's nice. Cousin has one with the 7.1...things a beast. Personally I liked the look of the Tahoe Z71...got some new shoes on it and leveled out the insane rake up front.

I'm leaning more towards the GS at this point but I was looking more for experiences/opinions on ownership...mechanical issues, performance modifications/issues. I also saw there were some periodic issues with the 3.5 cam gears/seals in 06'-07'...bearing caps in 08'.

 

Seeing as you already have the Supra, definitely get the GS350. I've owned an '06 IS350 and currently own an '09 GS350. The IS is considerably smaller on the interior and while it handles much better, the power difference isn't that much more noticeable (both are stock at 306hp). Either car make great daily drivers and have plenty of fun appeal (the IS more so but you've got the Supra). The GS just has another level of luxury and refinement.