bobs340s

Hi, this is my first post. I currently own a 96 SC400, 92K, and a 98 GS 400, 245K. The GS is still rock solid and performs and handles better than the SC. I'm prepping for retirement and would like to sell both for a newer GS replacement. The LS my be to big for my wife and the GS is a big enough target in the SAMs parking lot and after the GS, the IS may be too small. All I see on line on Craig's List and Auto Trader are a few 03 and 04s and the rest are all 06 GS 300 AWDs. No 05s, 07s etc., and no V8s. So I have to ask, why? The dealers say they are all just coming off of leases or it's just time for people that have had them that long to sell. I know there was an increase in production that year but don't think any of those are correct. Living in NE PA, the AWD seems like a good idea, and the reviews look good when they first came out. But going through the threads there seems to be engine problems and differences between the nav systems so my gut says to find something else. My price range is around $12K to $18K. I've also seen that some feel the 2GSs are better than the newer ones but I don't want to get into that debate as everyone has their own likes as far as what is better for them. Not sure if it's better to go with a low mileage 2GS or a 3GS 350 AWD or V-8 with under 100K. Any recommendations would be appreciated, thanks.

XxGoKoUxX

Over the years that I have been on the forums, I hear nothing but complaints about AWD models, it gives me the final verdict not to ever purchase one.

It varies from car to car too, but if you search AWD in the 3GS forums i'm sure a bunch of threads will pop up, along with the latest GS300 carbon build-up frenzies (another reason I am glad I didn't pick up the GS300 AWD in Glacier Frost Mica).

krava

I got 140K miles on my AWD 06 only had 1 repair and it was because I had bad alignment. Rear differential leak was all. I got the engine done with warranty though

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

The reason is not the AWD system, but because it is a 2006. In 06 they ran a different engine then 07-up. The 2006 engine is prone to carbon build up issues, most likely on these cars youll see black soot around the rear exhaust tips.

06 also has IS250 front calipers so it is under braked.

Lexus is covering anyone with an 06 gs300 to a free engine rebuild free of charge no matter the mileage.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

well good, we didnt want you anyway

anyway to answer the question, its probably because the car is dated electronic wise.

LexToy3

iTrader: (2)

I own one and complaints would be that it costs money just to upgrade the navigation and brakes to be on par with 07+ models. The vibration and wobble while driving are also on the con list. I will say that my 06 is still running strong and have had only a few things surface as far as issues go. I would say that a 350 awd would be recommendation to anyone that needs the feature.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

All 3GS AWD wobble and vibrate if you lower them.

LexToy3

iTrader: (2)

That is true, was just stating one of downsides for an awd. Should have made that more clear, it does not just affect the 06 model.

As far as all the differences there is a thread that shows them. If I could go back I would get a 350 awd or a 430/460 rwd.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

well its even reported from people with oem suspension that while in park, they can feel a slight vibration.

NYKnick101

the 2006 GS300 was the ONLY model to use the 3GR-FSE in north america. reason why people want gone with them is because issues with this engine is a pain in the ***. Its an engine that came to america only for a year and parts only available in japan making it much of a headache to service. Not impossible but take it to a dealer they will charge an arm an a leg for parts to ship from japan. In 07 they switched the the 2GR-FSE which is more common in all 2006+ IS350, GS350, and pretty much almost identical to EVERY FWD toyota 3.5L V6 (avalon, rav4, sienna, camry, etc.). Only difference was doesn't have direct injection, but same lower block and everything.

Has nothing to do with the AWD drive train, The same drive train has been kept in the is250 from 06 and up even in the new 3rd gen IS as well the 4th gen GS. And all the toyota (X)GR engines has had carbon issues until they fixed in 2008 or 2009 (i forget the year)

bobs340s

Thanks for the inputs. I really like the 3GS styling and updated safety and electronics and since it looks like you get about the same milage anyway I'm going more towards a 350 or 450 at this point. My local dealer has an 08 IS with 80K. Are there any GS owners out there that have any comparison experience with the IS?

ryan78

iTrader: (2)

To the OP:
I would imagine given the context, that you will not be modifying this vehicle in any drastic way. Stock, the car ran very well for me. There is a very slight vibration at idle when the car is in gear. Other than that, I have had no complaints. I have gone through the engine recall/rebuild process twice. The first was at 189k, and the second is in process at 201k. The fact that I am receiving service for free at this stage far outweighs the fact that the service is needed, especially due to the rock solid history of the GS brand. I am very pleased overall, and as this is my first Lexus product, I will certainly purchase another given how these situations have been handled and how I have been treated. I would recommend the 07+, but if a good deal could be had with all recalls being done, I would still buy the 06.

NYKnick101

Other than looks and weight, the IS and GS are practically identical. similar engine, identical drive train and brake setup. I have an IS but the GS has far more room in the back seat. I am a tall guy driving my IS so i am pushed significantly back and i can barely fit a fist between the back of my chair and the rear seat.

Its my personal car, I don't drive anyone other than my gf around so I don't care. If i had a family though, I would lean towards GS

bobs340s

I plan on leaving the car stock. At this point in my life I'll leave the Lex to my "Car Whisperer" and turn wrenches myself on whatever toy I have at the time out in the garage. Thanks for the IS comparison. Think I'll look for a nice loaded GS460.

XxGoKoUxX

Why don't you take a drive to your local Lexus dealer and have a check between the IS250 and a GS350? You can probably nab a GS300 too if they have it available. Test drive the two and see which one you prefer .

The IS BTW, is much more nimble than the GS, so if you love spirited driving, the IS might be a better car for you. That is MY experience with it. If you're in for some comfortable/effortless turns, I honestly felt like the GS was great around curves, as the person to my right can fall asleep and not know I made a sharp turn because it was more comfortable.

As for the comment about not being the AWD system, I was referring to people who lowered their cars..... and IXI, sorry brother.... I absolutely LOVED the GS300 AWD, it was literally EVERYTHING I WANTED, except for the 3GR-FSE & the AWD (especially since I am riding on bags now).