In the process of getting my first GS, but have alot of selection and like things about each vehicle the others don't have, which leaves me torn as to which one to go ahead with. I know this is the right place to get unbiased and informative choice......here are the vehicles.

2007 Lexus GS350 81k asking 17.5
No accidents, clean report

2008 Lexus GS350 86k asking 19.5
Cleanest car of the bunch, 1 owner no accidents (Pic attached)

2007 Lexus GS450H 74k asking 19k (pic attached)
Off lease full records, no accidents. Just not sure of costly repairs down the road

2006 Lexus GS430 102k asking 14k
Blk on blk, but high mileage and accident claim on Carfax, about 7k in damage? Still my fav as far as looks (pic attached)


Note that I will be still taking the vehicle of choice to a Lexus dealer for full inspection and all records pulled. If anyone has any tips or things to ask Lexus to review upon their inspection, it would be appreciated.

 

sad to see the GS430 has the lowest offer.

If you want the least recall and most reliable, go with GS430. Given the accidents weren't bad. 100K miles is the magic number. All fluid change, axles and steering and etc, Timing belt, I think water pump too. Alternator seem to die at random so goodluck on that.

 

See thats what I've read....the 430 "legendary" engine. There are a few other GS430's out there. I get the feeling the 430 engine trumps newer GS350's and even the Hybrid?

 

FIrst off, welcome to Club Lexus.

The 430's motor is definitely proven. Super reliable.

I think what it really has going against it, which seems to be the general consensus, is that the navi is a gen4, which is not the higher resolution screen that the 07+ 3GS' have. If that's of no concern to you, and the vehicle's history doesn't bother you, go for the 06 430.

The high mileage and accident history would personally steer me away. Too many unknowns with the accident.

If you're leaning towards a 430, look for an 07 430. They are very rare but they do exist.

GL!

 

That first pic, looks like it's that dealer on Steeles right? Think I've seen that car few times back in January.

Don't worry about high mileage, that's not the most important thing. Worry about accidents and damages etc. My last 06 GS had almost 300,000KM without a single fix. But preferably I'd ****** that 08 if it's clean + ( I like the 08+ front lol).

 

When was the damage on the 430? Was it years ago or recent?
If all the work was done properly, that may be a steal. At 14k if it needs anything, you can put a bit of what you would have saved over the alternatives into maintenance. Then, you'd have a completely refreshed GS430. Bam.

Otherwise, I'd seriously consider the car that has the thickest brake pads, the most documented service history, the cleanest inside/out.... and rock it.

 

I just finalized a claim for almost 4k on my lexus so just because it was 7k doesnt mean it was to crazy. You should be able to identify the area that was repaired. Attached is a picture, now if you are unable to identify the area then it is up to you. They are expensive to fix... that is all I am saying.

 

The damage on the 430 was in mid 2011, I will look into what was covered under the damages, but might consider a lower mileage 06' 430.

Speaking of which it seems the consensus is the 06 GS430 over the 350 and 450H? Reliability is what I'm mostly looking for as this GS will be a keeper for some yrs. love the styling and can easily overlook the outdated GPS. I am surprised that the somewhat the new models arent getting so much attention? Maybe that's why the 450H tends to be a very good price point comparably speaking?!

 

If I could go back I would get a 430. Might consider a 460 but the 430 would be first pick, if you can find a 07 430 it will help bridge the gap for electronics so you would not have to worry about them. That will open up some options for music/gps interface that Gen 4 guys dont have.

 

What options are included in the cars in question. Do any of them have Navigation, Sirius, ML radio or AWD? In my opinion they all have high miles and if your willing to travel you might be able to find one with lower miles or more features. Another thing to consider is the 90k maintenance which is going to take almost 2k out of your pocket if your having it done at a Lexus dealer.

A couple of months ago I purchased a 2006 GS300 AWD fully loaded with Navigation, Sirius, ML, for 20k from the Lexus dealership that sold it brand new. It only had 51k miles, clean car fax and all the maintenance records. So there are some low mileage cars out there especially if you plan on keeping it for many years.

I love the car there isn't a scratch on it but if I could do it again and find another low mileage car I wouldn't have gone with AWD and purchased a 07+ due to the Gen5 navigation. My only problem with AWD is that I can't lower the car without worrying about creating ride issues. The Gen4 navigation systems don't support VAIS's android mirroring, it doesn't play MP3 CD's, and you won't have an audio jack in the armrest. If you use apple products then VAIS makes systems that will work with the Gen4 navigation systems.

Overall though, I love this car!

 

I'm partial to the GS350's since I recently got one of my own , but I like either the 2007 or 2008 GS350's you have listed there. I'm not familiar enough with these cars yet to tell if there is a difference between the '07 and '08, but the '07 seems like a better deal; lower price and lower miles.

Good luck,

Nelson
2011 Lexus GS350
1990 Ford Mustang LX 5.0

 

agreed without knowing the options they have (navi, ML, etc..) its hard to say. IMO though i'd go with the 08 because the 07 and up have the 5th gen navi system (if the cars have navi) plus the 08+ have added features like aux inputs in the center console.

 

The 08 looks like an AWD, if you plan on lowering it, I wouldn't purchase an AWD because of the shaking you will get. But if AWD is what you need I would do the 08 newer options

 

agreed but looking at this location i would assume thats all thats available unless he chooses to fly to buy a rwd one

 

Stay away from the 350 and go with the 430. Too many reliability issues with the early 3.5 motors. Water pumps are weak, valve spring recalls, cam shaft actuators are an issue, etc. The 430's are bullet proof!