CaliRaised

Hello all new member here. I'm looking to purchase a GS430 upgrading from my old Camry I've had since high school, she's served me well but I need to move on. Been looking around the area and was wondering if I could get a few opinions on which vehicle looks to be the better purchase.

06 GS430 111,985 miles going for 16,995 (2 previous owners)
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7185/overview/

06 GS430 86,645 miles going for 19,995 (5 previous owners)
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7275/overview/

I have a nice amount to drop on the down payment so with either vehicle I'm going to try to talk them down a bit on the price. So any opinions on what looks to be the better deal? Here are the carfax reports provided for each vehicle. Thanks for any help!

1st Car
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7185/overview/

2nd Car
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_0

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I like the lower mileage one but 5 owners?

CaliRaised

Yeah that kind of has me looking at the car sideways trying to figure out what the deal was with all that. Looking at the Carfax report the last 4 owners all had the car for less than 3 years and I'm not sure but I believe the last owner is the dealership thats selling the car. Either way it makes me raise my eyebrow a bit

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

I'd go with the sage green one all day long. The black one will need the 90k timing belt/water pump servicing soon anyways.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Carfax doesn't show that work being done,though.
Unless you believe engine service is those repairs.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Hmm. Unless this service had been completed through an independent shop, it appears that it has not been done. The Lexus drivers website doesn't have a record of it, either. This will be something that the OP needs to have looked at, and/or negotiated into the deal.


With that have been said, I'd still stick with the Cypress Pearl GS.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

For that kind of money and wanting a V8 why not jump on an LS460? IMO Its much nicer and at the 19 grand price range for an 07

LS460's are more reliable, more comfortable, more luxurious etc. IMO both of those GS's are overpriced.

Stewart350

I completely agree with them being over priced.I picked up my 08 although being a 350 with 95k for 17000.

Kuleaze

I share the same concerns as everyone else here... I would keep looking. I don't know what your budget is, but I picked up my 08 GS350 for just a little more than the high priced GS you listed, and it only had 46K miles on it.

Gotcha350

Too much for an 06....id go for an LS460 or an 08+ GS...

No way I'd buy a car that had 5 owners in a 9yr period...doesn't sound right...

CaliRaised

I can't seem to find any of those in my price range plus that seems like to much car for me lol. I remember driving my dads S500 down to the gas station one time and the amount of attention it brought me was a bit of a turn off. I don't really need a V8 it would be great to have one but I was just thinking that was the more reliable model GS, correct me if I'm wrong however.

Thank you guys for your advice. This is gonna be my birthday present to myself so I wanna make sure I make the best decision possible, I'll keep the search on.

BTW my budget is around 18-18.5 I can do 19 but I'd rather keep it at 18 max.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Having owned IS, GS and LS to me LS wins. LS is more reliable with less faults like dash rattles, older v8's have rubber timing belts.

Search on craigslist via searchtempest.com, look on ebay! This is the perfect time to purchase a car as the prices are super low. If you wait longer say to around Christmas time. Prices will shoot up as dealers will go on a buying frenzy to load up inventory for tax season. You can buy a clean 07 LS460 (short wheelbase) with under 100k miles for 16-$19,000

Asav

iTrader: (2)

I agree, that transfer of ownership is too routine for me to not be extremely cautious.

Brotha500

From what I learned about purchasing a vehicle, just be patient, don't rush. I never thought i would ever find a car and then this one showed up out of no where. Wait till you don't have to question whether to get the car or not. And also black is hard to take care of, my only regret.....

Ironman50

Keep looking and walk very fast from those 2 cars.