Bradlar

iTrader: (1)

I know I have seen plenty on here say not to get a 2006 300, but what about the GS430? I thought I read somewhere that the GS430 had a very reliable engine.
Mileage: 130k

JLAWS

4.3 V8 is battle tested and will run many miles with routine maintenance. You just have to deal with changing the timing belt every 100K miles vs other engines with a timing chain that does not need to be changed. I'd $12,700 is a good deal if the belt was changed. If not, I'd offer $11,500 assuming everything else is in good shape. Also check those expensive electronic shocks!!

Bradlar

iTrader: (1)

Thank you JLAWS for the advice. I will have to check that out this weekend.

I just saw a 2008 GS350 for $12k, but it has 160k mi. I had been debating if it was worth the miles to get a newer car especially if the '06 GS430 was going to have the same problems as the rest of the '06.

Just to check, is there any reason I might want to get the '08 with more miles or even an '07 with the same amount of miles over this '06 GS430?

JLAWS

Join this site to see the Lexus service history. Just get the vin.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home.do

I say move your budget to $16K and more doors will open for one well under 100K miles. Get at least a 2007 for the updated Navigation. The 2008+ has the mild face lift that some love or hate and a few other minor updates.

aporozco

I would go with the GS430! I just bought mine a year and a half ago. I cannot say enough good thing about my car. I did replace my AVS shocks with coild overs since they were leaking, it still rides smooth as butter! I get compliments everywhere I go and people have a hard time beliveing it's almost 10 years old. If you take care of her, she will take care of you. Great power and very comfortable to drive. I say go for it, check the timing belt regardless.

I actually have a timing belt/water pump kit if you want it. I bought it for $150 from rock auto and only have 81k miles so I don't need to replace mine yet. I'll ship it for $150.00

ChiRaq

I own a 2006 GS430, and this thing is rock solid.. I bought mine in Dec 2011 with 71k miles on it, Now I have 140k miles on it which would show you how much I drive. The only thing I've done to my car is replace the battery, altenator, and routine maintenance such as brakes tires and oil changes and fluid flushes. My shocks just went bad about a month ago, so i will be replacing these with coilovers, one of my cats went bad too about 2-3 weeks ago so as a preventative measure, I replaced both cats all 4 02 sensors and put a performance exhaust (Tanabe Medallion) system in. Just ordered Megan Racing Midpipes today.

This has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned and will probably end up buying another Lexus in the near future. I would say if its a 430, You will not be displeased...oh and I drive this thing like it has 500 HP to the wheels lol

Bradlar

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for the replies and input. Unfortunately the original '06 GS430 had some cosmetic issues (faded paint on the hood, small ding with rust behind driver's side rear tire) that I felt I could do better.

I now see another '06 GS430 - 130k for $13k and an '07 GS350 for $13.5k.But now I am opening myself up to the idea of an '06-07 IS350 for 11-12k.. I know the IS are a bit smaller in the rear, but it's mostly just me in the car and sometimes a +1. So the rear seating isn't much of an issue at this time.

EDIT Okay I'm getting the '06 GS430 next week!