Hi!

Total newcomer here! I've been reading these forums from time to time since 2016. Back then, I was looking for a new (used) car in order to move on from my 2012 Civic Si Coupe lease that was about to end (6 months left). My choice ended up being either a 2006-2008 IS350 or a 2007-2009 G35S/G37S Sedan. Despite a 6 months window though, I could never find an IS350 either with proper mileage/good maintenance or within my budget. I ended up buying 2007 G35S with around 130000 miles. The price was good. Unfortunately, the car wasn't. Transmission would grind when cold, windows and windshield seals would peel off after a short while making this a nightmare during our Canadian winters, some electronic issues such as auto windows functions not working on some doors, fog lights would simply not work, incredibly high fuel consumption (between 11 to 16 mpg depending of the season). The car had many problems, but the performance were good at least. Quick acceleration, sporty steering. For all its problems, the car would still let me smile from time to time. After one winter though, I was done. Imagine having to wipe your frosted windshield and windows not only at the exterior of the vehicle, but also in the interior. Every. Single. Day. Sometimes when it was very cold, due to the bad transmission, the car would run incredibly rough too. I had to wait 20+ minutes until I could drive it. I did not want to experience this again. In fact, I wasn't even sure the car would tough another winter.

So back in April 2017, I traded the G35S to a Mazda car dealer and purchased a brand new Mazda MX-5 (ND Miata). Always wanted a convertible since I was young. I've made numerous road trip during the past few years and every time I saw one on the road, I couldn't help but feel envious a bit. This car is real good. The driving experience is top notch. It's a really good little car to throw around the corner and try to lose control a bit in order to quickly grab it back. It's not a powerhouse at all mind you, but the damn thing had gears so short that you can drive like a maniac without breaking the law. Very satisfying car. Anyway, since this now was my main car, I had to drive it all summer and autumn long. That year, I got lucky. As winter was about to make its way, I stored the Miata safely in a heated warehouse and could simply use my girlfriend's car for the entire winter since she started her new job and preferred to go there using public transportation. So far so good. This year, same scenario happened. I'm driving the little car daily and it's been a blast. Mostly...?

Perhaps I'm getting old (I'm 33), but I'm experiencing some bad back pains after driving for a while. Last year I could drive for 8 hours straight without an issue. This year, not so much. The driving position, being very low, annoys me from time to time in your usual daily driving situation. Since the windshield is oh so very close to your face, and since it is so small, I sometimes have a hard time seeing properly due to the rear view mirror obstructing the vision. Finally, it's probably the same for most convertibles with soft-top, but damn is it loud! Even with the top closed, the noise level is quite high, especially the days where it rains. I feel like most of these situations could be either avoided (raining days) or wouldn't really bother me that much (the rest) if I was daily driving another car and simply use my ND Miata as a weekend car. So a month ago, I started searching for another car. Again, the budget was limited since me and my girlfriend bought our house at the beginning of the year. This limited me to pretty much the same stuff that I was looking for 2 years ago, albeit with more choices since 2 years went by and depreciation helped my case. I searched and searched.... I did some test drives. Mainly, a 2008 IS 350, 2009 and 2010 G37x, 2009 Genesis 4.6, 2012 Genesis 5.0 R-spec. I even tried a 2007 G37S with manual transmission, which I didn't like quite as much as I hoped for. At that point, my choice was pointing toward either the sporty IS 350 with 98000 miles on the odometer or the plushy 2012 Genesis 5.0 R-spec with 65000 miles. Still, I couldn't decide.

I loved the IS. Absolutely adored it. Felt like my G35S but better overall. The seats, the quality materials, the amazing cluster panel, aggressive acceleration... I loved it. As my first Lexus experience, it did not disappoint. Still, things that I didn't like was the steering which I felt was too numb and the lack of space for the rear seats. It felt too cramped. And as for the Genesis 5.0, boy is this thing a rocket ship. That 5.0 liters V-8 do pull quite a bit. It's really a different feeling compared to the IS350. The thing is ginormous so as you depress the pedal, you start accelerating slowly. But then shortly after, the torque kicks in and never let go. I think it does 0-60 in like 5 seconds flat, with some people managing to hit 4.8-4.9 when dosing properly, which I totally believe after experiencing it. Like I said, totally different feeling compared to the IS 350, which is very aggressive in its shifting. Between the 2, the IS is more fun when you accelerate, no question about it. Another thing regarding the Genesis is that it is so roomy. It's a big car. The materials are good too. Better than expected in fact. At times I could barely believe I was driving a Hyundai. And that lexicon stereo system is in a class of its own. Feels definitely better than the Mark Levinson in the IS 350, although I'm pretty sure comparing a 2008 sound system vs a 2012 one is pointless. Perhaps the one in the IS has been more abused by its previous owner(s). Things that I didn't like with the Genesis... Well, it's a boat. Even with the R-spec, you simply don't get sport. You have acceleration. You have plush. You have comfort. But you don't get sport. The car and its suspension reminds you that at every turn. The quality materials are good. The aluminum trim is nice, but the esthetic is questionable. The central console for example feels cheap, very Hyundai-ish and the blue digital clock looks bad. I have nothing against digital clock. In fact I like them and the 90s feel they bring but this one looks too big and out of place. That's too bad because wheel control and anything close to it feels and looks great. The seats are nice but does not provide enough side support. The leather doesn't feels as premium as the IS. The car as a whole isn't as pretty as the IS. The wheels looks fantastic I gotta say, but the car itself looks like an S-series knockoff.

Anyway, as I was about to pull the trigger on the IS 350, I saw that a dealership in Montreal was selling a 2008 GS460 with 122000 miles. They asked $9290cad for it. Perfect Carproof, no accident, already inspected by the SAAQ with proof. All black, with black interior and red walnut trim. Loaded with navigation screen, Mark Levinson premium sound system, adaptive suspension, rain sensitive windshield wipers, adaptive headlights and much more. At first I was skeptical. The car had high mileage and I didn't like the look of the 3rd gen GS to be honest. I thought it looked quite ugly to be honest lol. But......you know how these things go. You start having a brief look at the ads, check some reviews of the car, read some comments on specific forums, look at some Youtube related videos, check the 0-60 and 0-120 numbers (lol), look at the fuel consumption, learn about it and at some point it's growing on you and you conclude that it's worth a road test at the very least. So last week I got an appointment for last Saturday, got into my Miata early in the morning and drove all the way to Montreal to see and drive the beast. It's 10am. The store opens. They greets me then promptly prepare the car for the test drive. I get to briefly visually inspect the car. Doesn't appear to have any visible rust or paint bubbles on it. There's a few scuffs here and there but nothing too major. The rear bumper has some gear-like dents on it on the driver side but again, nothing major. The car overall looks good. The car is now ready. First thing I notice, there's a red warning light with an exclamation mark visible on the dash as well as the tire pressure light on. At that point I'm like "God damn, not again..." I had a broken tire pressure sensor on my G35S and wanted a car without any problem, even if it's a tire pressure sensor. Still, I check again and I see the computer display telling me that a tire needs some air. I then ask the dealer guy to put some air in each and every one of these wheels, which he do. The alarm is still on. I ask him to stop the car and start it again, which he do. The alarm is gone. I am very happy. I now see the dash display devoid of any warning. I inspect the car. Everything appears in good shape, with only normal wear. Before I go drive, I try everything possible. I try the sound system, the A-C, every windows, all the lights, the heated/air conditioned seat, the suspension settings, the traction control button, the fuel and trunk button, everything. I lock the car and try to open her with the key in my pocket. The handle notice my hand and unlock the car. I try to smoothly close the trunk. The trunk motor lock it in place. I try the headlight washers, the sunshade, the moon roof and the side-mirrors. Everything that came to mind, I tried it.

I then sit on the driver seat and immediately feel very comfortable. Those seats are sweet, man. Very plush, more so than the IS 350 but not as much as the Genesis. They provided all the support I needed without sacrificing comfort. At that point I close the door and enjoy the silence and look at every little details. I look at the LED lights and notice that one LED light is always on, shining its light toward the center console (just like the G35/G37, which is something I liked). I noticed the incredible huge and comfortable armrest. Damn, I love it. I notice the beautiful wood trim all along the center space as well as the doors. Really classy. I looked at the beautiful brushed aluminum gauges. At that point I feel great, relaxed. I greatly enjoy the cocoon feeling I have. I enjoy the luxury the car provides. I then decide it's time for a test drive. I test the transmission. Putting it in drive/reverse multiple times. Everything appears to be smooth. I put it in drive and start moving. First thing I notice. This transmission and engines are smoooooth. You can barely feel the gear shift. As for the engine, it's very responsible, but also very quiet. I can barely hear it. I'm cruising and it's so quiet. Such a different experience compared to my Miata. It's like the complete opposite. The Miata is harsh and noisy. The GS is calm and serene. I love it. I feel like if I buy this car, I'll have the best of both worlds. I drive some more and notice how smooth and light the steering is. A bit like the IS 350. It's not as heavy and it doesn't provide as much road feedback as I'd want it, but while it did bother me in the IS, it didn't in the GS since I felt like it was perfect for the experience. I decide to depress the gaz pedal and woah. This thing is moving! I was rather impressed. It had that feeling I was talking about regarding the Genesis but the torque felt like it came earlier. I have no doubt the GS is perhaps slower in a race but for daily driving, it's quite punchy! I had fun overtaking on the freeway. The instant torque on demand is amazing, something that I could not try with the Genesis due to the localization of the dealer. As both of these cars were my first time experience with a V8 engine (save for some U-haul truck), the difference was flagrant.

I then returned to the dealership. The guy asked me if I wanted to sit at his desk to talk. I agreed, without showing any emotion. I tried to remember all the little nitpicks I had. The paint being adequate but nothing to brag about, the dents on the rear bumper, a very small bump on the driver door, the high mileage and the fact that the car felt like it needed an alignment (steered a bit too much to the right by itself when driving on a straight line). Regarding the alignment issue, he showed me that during the SAAQ inspection, they noted that the car needed a new strut on the front to pass the inspection. They changed the strut so all was good, but they didn't do the alignment. I told them that I'd have to pay for such alignment ASAP, as well as changing all the oils and fluids (engine, brakes, differential, coolant) and that if he could lower the price a bit, that would really help as an argument for the sale. The thing is that the guy knew all too damn well how low his price already was, especially for the condition of the car, which was in very good condition. In the end, I got it for $9000. I gave him a $500 deposit and am taking possession of her this next Saturday. I can't wait! Photos are coming as soon I can

Anyway, now that I've annoyed most of you with my story, is there anything that I should know regarding this model? I've checked the VIN and there was no recall related to it. Nothing pending either.

Glad to be the owner of a Lexus! It's like a little dream finally came true!

Just for kick, here's my car history:

1992 Toyota Camry V6 Sport (AT)
2002 Nissan Maxima SE (AT)
2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe (MT)
2007 Infiniti G35S Sedan (AT)
2016 Mazda Miata MX-5 (MT)
2008 Lexus GS460 (AT)

I drive for only 11 years. I know, I started late

 

I think these are some of the best cars on the road. No question the best used car you can buy. I mean, other Toyotas are ok, but everyone and their brother has one. And this is coming from a Ford fanboi :lol:

 

I agree. I have an "07 GS350 with 92k miles. I looked at the '18's a couple months ago intending to seriously consider purchasing. I found I couldn't stomach the ugly 'cowcatcher' front end on them, and apparently all the Lexus models now. Oh well, I'll return in another 11 years and see what they look like.

 

I know, I don't know what possessed them to to use that theme. I don't see anything wrong if they made a few changes to the 3g and sold it today. I brought mine in for a recall and the tech said you better hold on to yours! At least the toyotas have some non-black trim in the front.

 

And now I just read my first novel Welcome to the 460 club. There aren't many of us, so enjoy your new toy.

 

 

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! I have to admit I feel quite excited by all of this. Saturday doesn't come quickly enough! One thing I anticipate greatly is the return trip to go back to where I live. I think I will choose the longest road just to feel the car as much as I can. I warned my girlfriend that I might go out during the night simply to drive the car some more lol. One thing I did was to prepare myself a box of goodies. An old MP3 player containing my entire library, a battery pack, a flashlight, a 12V tire compressor (the one that came with my Miata), a lug wrench, a blanket, napkins and some dollars bill to purchase a meal or two. You never know what might happen with a new, used car so better prepare yourself!

I was considering to do the following maintenance ASAP on the car:

• Differential oil flush
• Replace the oil of the engine
• Replace the spark plugs
• Do a proper alignment

I had a quote to replace both front struts at a Lexus dealer for $1430cad, including labor and taxes. Do you think I should do it? The suspension seemed alright while I test-drove it, apart from the alignment issue I previously mentionned.

Regarding your suggestion Fausty, how do I know if the water pump has been changed? I unfortunately do not have the service history of the car. Should I ask my Lexus dealer to have a look at it and see if there is any pink fluid around it? If everything appears fine, should I change it anyway? As for the transmission fluid, I thought that the transmission was sealed with WS lifetime fluid in it? Is that not the case? If the shifting is very smooth, should I change it anyway?

Thanks again!

 

Congrats and welcome!

You should be able to go to the Lexus Owners site and enter your VIN to get access to the vehicle's service history

 

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the suggestion! I already tried this. I used the VIN reported on the CarProof document and the lexus drivers website returns the following message: "THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO HISTORY AVAILABLE FOR SELECTED VEHICLE."

I was thinking about asking my local Lexus dealership when I'll go do the aforementioned maintenance. I just fear they won't be able to provide me the history either :/ This car comes from another province. I am not sure whether or not dealers around the country have the history of each and every vehicule sold here.

At the very least, meanwhile I take comfort with the inspection document provided by the SAAQ certified garage.

 

Well, you stated previously that the dealer inspected the struts and advised you that the left strut was bad and needed to be replaced in order to pass inspection. So it is likely that you will either need to have the dealer do it, or take to an independent shop which should be much cheaper.

 

I'm sorry, perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. What I meant was that after the vehicle went to inspection, they discovered that one strut had to be replaced. They did replace it so that the vehicle could pass the inspection, otherwise they would not be able to sell the car since the car's origin is from Ontario province and any used car purchased outside Quebec's province need to pass the SAAQ inspection. If it doesn't get the pass checkmark, the car cannot be sold. What's left to do though is a proper alignment. The car felt like they did replace the strut but didn't bother to do an alignment.

I hope this makes it clear

 

Then I would just get a proper alignment done. Why would you have the dealer replace both struts if one was just replaced and it passed inspection?

 

That's a good question! Personally I feel about the same as you. It's just that I've been told by someone (in real life, not from this forum) that since one of the strut is the original one from 2008 and the other one has been replaced by a used one from unknown origin, I might have subpar performance in corners. There's also the fact that I do not know if the new (used) strut is a AVS one or not so when I put the suspension in sport mode, I might only have 3 struts that respond correctly. Any easy way to determine this?

 

Not sure of the site and didn't notice you were from Canada; have read the US site which provides that detail isn't available for Canada addresses

There were complaints on the forum 5 years ago or so that Lexus Canada stripped off the vehicle maintenance info; not sure if they added it back but just in case want to mention to look specifically for the Lexus Canada site and create a login there. I browsed and didn't see anything about vehicle history, but just in case it shows up when you register (which I did not do).

https://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/club-lexus

 

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for this prompt reply. That explains why I couldn't see the information regarding my vehicle. I had a look the at the website you posted and it doesn't look like you can see the service history of any vehicle. In fact, they specifically say the following on the link you provided: "For further information on your LFS Account and Service History, please contact your Dealership directly."

Sounds like I'll have to call my local dealership. Thank you!