Hi Forum,

My family and I are really interested in getting a 2006 GS 300. But in doing some research and looking up consumer reports I am very confused. It seems to have a lot of negative reviews. The one we are looking at right now has 134,000 miles on it.

Seems like 2006 GS300 have a lot of Engine problems. e.g. Excessive oil burning, rattling sounds , exhaust issues etc.
Please guide us if we should go for it or look into the 2008 GS 350?

Thanks

 

This one is no brainer, get 08 gs350. Nuff said.

2006 gs300 is a junk car. My friend spent 3500 to replace the transmission recently and its not even 100k miles yet.

Stay awaaaaay from 06 gs300.

 

Follow that wise man advice.

 

The complaints made about the 06 GS 300 are overblown in my honest opinion. My 2006 GS 300 currently has 176,000 (highway) miles on the odometer and it is an absolute joy to drive. Oil changed every 5,000 miles (ValvolineMax Synthetic Blend). Perhaps my model is a lucky problem free model, but I haven't experienced any of the gremlins others have complained about. If you can buy that GS 300 for under retail then go for it! Make sure the Carfax is clean.

 

Yeah, a lot of people exaggerate on the problems with the 06 300's, most don't even own one. I've had 2 06 300's, first one was 350,000km, second was 250,000. No engine problems at all, both were very well maintained by previous owners and I continued that trend.Yes, I had the engine oil fill up often, engine was running smooth, my 2 cars were accident free also. If you have extra cash, get an 08 or even 09/10'/11'??? (I like the updated nav and front grill). But if you can find a good deal on an 06 and accident free, why not?

 

Agreed. Everyone bashes on the 06 because it's pretty much it's the first year model. The 3GR-FSE has been around for a while up until 2012 in the overseas market. I wouldn't worry about a shortage of parts since some of it is interchangeable with the GR series. Some of the IS250 are also experiencing the same issues but you don't see a lot of people complaining to Lexus about them.

I also have '06 300 and I only have one major issue that was cover under by a 3rd party extended warranty company. They had to replace the seals and gasket for an oil leak. That was at 100k. I believe there was a TSB on the oil leak issue for the GS300 and IS250. Other than that, it's been trouble free.

 

The 08 GS 350 does have oil burning problem as well as rattling sounds.

 

I have a 06 GS300 as well with almost 180k miles with no major issues. Replaced the left and right front wheel baring around 165k, water pump at 90k and recently my rear struts have started to go bad. All those things are normal wear and tear for any car. HOWEVER, I bought my Lexus with 40k miles and made sure all maintenance was performed by a Lexus dealer. I didn't spend a dime on anything other than oil and tires until 160k (water pump was under warranty). I also change my oil every 5k miles and keep up on general maintenance. At 134k IF the water pump wasn't replaced it's probably on its way out. Other than that its a great car but unless I got a really good deal I wouldn't buy any Luxury car with 134k. Just realize that depending on whats already been replaced you will end up spending money on general maintenance items very soon and Lexus parts aren't cheap.

Don't take this the wrong way but if your budget only allows you to buy an 11 or 9 year old car with 134k miles then your pockets may not be deep enough to cover general maintenance. Get a Kia save your money and wait until you can buy a 4-5 year old Lexus with low miles.

 

I purchased a 2006 GS300 brand new. I think this was the beginning of the new GS body style. I did not have one single problem with that car, but I got rid of it for the GS350 and aaahhhh! What a difference. The GS350 ride smoother and it is much quieter.

 

Yes I remember that one. The dashboard had a annoying squeaky sound. The horse power was not as good either but it saved a lot of gas. There is a lot of improvement with the GS350. I think the GS300 was like a beta tester, but it still was a fairly good car.

Get the GS350 and you will not regret it. It is a much better car with a lot of improvement and it comes with over 300 horse power. Just that alone made a big different. If you ask anyone with a GS350, they will never recommend a GS300. I wouldn't and I had both of them brand new. The GS350 corrected a lot of problems from the GS300.


Yes sir!!!

 

I own one now. Engine burns about 1/2 quart per week, transmission hard shifts when coming to a stop, multiple check engine lights that fortunately I can reset with my OBDII scanner. Check engine lights usually come on right after I purchase gas, though I tighten the bejesus out of the NEW cap. I brought to Lexus of Pleasanton and they only offered $1500 for the engine issue which they quoted as a $5000+ job. The transmission issue may be an ECU issue at best and a new transmission $3000 at worst.. One thing I dislike is that the dealer told me it has a sealed transmission and they would not change the transmission fluid.

I've purchased many Honda's and never had issues with the. Looks like I may get that new 2017 Civic Si

 

I had a Honda Accord and I put over 300k miles on-it. From the time we bought it up to 300k miles, we had not one single problem with it. ...none!

My wife had the Honda Civic (same year as the Accord) that came very close to 300k when she sold it. We had not one single problem with it until she sold it. ...none! I think the A/C needed to be cold, but no engine failure ever!!!

She bought a brand new RX330 and the transmission went out around 70k miles. Man... I was hot!!! Lexus did not help me at all. Oh well...

In a matter of facts.... That Accord had way more head room and leg room than the GS350. Hmmm...

 

need advice i have 06 gs300 97k miles having a light issue, the head lamp goes off every once in a while, ill flick the lights on and off then the one head lamp will turn back on, sometimes one will turn back on, and the other will turn off what could be the issues any observations? I'm open ears

 

You have to replace the bulb: no way around it or it will keep doing it.

 

Bulb is on its way out, its an 11 yr old car, so its normal.