its always hard but take your time,if you have it and when you do find the one you like, better snag it up before its gone…,

 

I say pass on both to be honest. Lacking documented service = no; 5 owners since '06 = no. Took me a solid 6 months to find my GS, so keep looking until you find the right one, even if you have to pay a little more I went from saying I'd never go over $20,000 for an '06 GS430, to paying almost $30,000 for my 460, haha. Good luck

 

The GS430 and the GS300/350 are equally reliable. Make sure to avoid the AWD models, as those seem to have more issues. I currently have a GS430 with 175K miles and have never had a major issue. I had an IS350, same powertrain as the GS350, and sold it with 130K miles and never had an issue. 2006-2007 GS430's will require the timing belt/water pump service whereas the 2006+ GS300/350 will not require that service. Gas mileage difference is very miniscule as is power on the GS350 vs GS430. The 2006 GS300 has less power, but is a good value.

Since you're planning on financing the car, you should look into getting financed through a credit union. They usually offer considerably lower rates and it will enable you to buy a car through a private party.

I always recommend buying private party from an original owner. If you're dealing with an honest person, you will get an accurate history on the car. I always search out 1 owner cars with all service records. If they're dealer service records, that's even better. I also pay attention to the condition of the paint, leather and even carpets in the car... If all those are in good shape, it usually means the car was well cared for.

To those saying to get an LS460, try to find one in CA with under 100K miles in excellent condition for under $20k... It's near impossible. Even pushing the budget to $25k leaves limited options.

 

No way in hell id get an 06 300....too much of a risk...and you can get an 07 for just a little more.

 

I purchased a 2010 LS460 with 60k miles no accident, 1 owner Lexus trade in with platinum warranty for $30,000

LS is an upgrade from the GS its smoother quieter more options, more reliable. The GS is great and very reliable, but the LS is a different ball game

Now is a perfect time to buy, you can find cars below market.


08 45K miles asking $25
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS-Base-Sedan-4-Door-08-ls-460-45-k-gps-comfort-pkg-xm-radio-back-cam-finance-price-only-/390992431482?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b08f7097a&item=390992431482&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
Another 08 49K miles asking $25,500 you might be able to nab it for $24
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS-Base-Sedan-4-Door-08-ls-460-heated-and-cooled-seats-chrome-wheel-pkg-sunroof-rear-sunshade-/161487649646?forcerrptr=true&hash=item259969fb6e&item=161487649646&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
This 08 one sold for $22,5 with 64k miles
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS-Sedan-4-Door-2008-lexus-ls-460-sedan-4-door-4-6-l-64141-miles-380-hp-one-owner-extra-/131353541103?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1e9547f9ef&item=131353541103&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
07's go for less $16,9 with 118K
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Lexus-LS460-Base-Sedan-4-Door-4-6L-Loaded-/151388198925?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&forcerrptr=true&hash=item233f70980d&item=151388198925&nma=true&si=R7gQhgNA%252FLLBB9b1ogTSG%252FOmZrI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Service records can be seen by typing in the VIN in Lexus.com under Service History. Also, the number of owners portrayed in the carfax is weird at times. For example, an original owner moving out of state may need to re-register their car in the new state. Carfax would now show this as 2-owners. Another example is if an original owner trades in his/her vehicle. The dealer is seen as another owner under carfax.

 

What is wrong with the 06 GS300? Everything I can find shows they're just as reliable as a GS350, with the exception of the AWD models.

All of these are outside of CA. I said it's near impossible to find one in excellent condition in CA for under $20k and even under $25k. Yes they do pop up from time to time, but they go quick. I won't buy a car from ebay sight unseen, but that's just me. Sellers have a tendency to say "Excellent Condition" and pictures are hard to tell whether or not that is accurate.

 

The only service records that will show are those that were performed at a Lexus dealer. If it was done anywhere else, you won't have access unless the seller provides them. CARFAX is a scam in my opinion. I look at CARFAX if one is provided, but don't base my decision off what is said on it. Many cars that have been sold with a clean CARFAX have been in an accident. It only gets reported if the police are involved or the body shop that does the work reports it. I know this firsthand. Back when I had an IS300, my mom backed into me and took out both the driver and rear doors. We didn't go through insurance, but both door shells had to be replaced and paint blended. When I sold it, I was honest with the buyers, but it didn't appear on the CARFAX. More recently, my IS350 was hit in a parking garage. The person who hit me paid out of pocket to have it fixed. I sold the car a few months later, and it wasn't on CARFAX. I again was honest with the seller, but had I not been, they probably would have never known. In short, don't base your decision solely off what CARFAX says.

 

I like this one, very sharp the black on black but priced to high imo
inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4778091037.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4778944288.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Lexus-LS460-Base-Sedan-4-Door-4-6L-/221618184772?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

 

I actually saw that one in Orange County... those aren't pictures of the actual car, so always freaks me out a little. I'm currently in the market in Southern California for a GS460 or LS460. Leaning towards the GS460, but if the right LS460 comes along, I'll take the plunge. I'm looking for something with a lot less miles, but am willing to spend $30k+ if need be.

 

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7521/overview/

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...3989/overview/

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...6342/overview/

Not a popular color but I like it the beige
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9701/overview/

 

Sounds like the OP doesn't want an LS. No need to force opinions down his throat.

 

Take your time and find the GS that's right for you. I've had two 06's (just bought my 2nd a month ago) and l have nothing but positives to say about them and how my Lexus dealerships have treated me. Good luck and enjoy the buying process!

 

100% agree. Carfax is good for context but you should not bank on it as your primary/single information source.