3GS Reliability Question
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
3GS Reliability Question
Hi everyone,
I'm in the market for a 3GS or 04-06 LS430. I came across a 2006 GS300 I was supposed to purchase but thankfully, I saw the oil consumption, misfires and carbon build up problems plaguing this specific model. So I passed on it. I also read that the IS250 has these problems too.
So my questions now are:
1. Did Lexus fix these problems on the 07+ GS350? I've read somewhere (I might be mistaken from too much reading) that the 07+ GS350 still consumes oil but not as much. Is this true? How about the carbon build up and misfires?
2. Is there any other Lexus model that has this problem? I'm surprised there's a problem this bad. I'm looking for a Lexus for its proven reliability...
3. Are the 3rd gen GS430/460 problem free?
4. I understand that the 06 GS300 have a 9 year CSP on the engine for free re-builds. The car I want to get doesn't seem to have the engine re-built but I saw the seller complain about oil consumption and rough idle back in 2013/2014. Will Lexus provide any goodwill if it's past the expiration? Or will they just say F off?
Thanks!
I'm in the market for a 3GS or 04-06 LS430. I came across a 2006 GS300 I was supposed to purchase but thankfully, I saw the oil consumption, misfires and carbon build up problems plaguing this specific model. So I passed on it. I also read that the IS250 has these problems too.
So my questions now are:
1. Did Lexus fix these problems on the 07+ GS350? I've read somewhere (I might be mistaken from too much reading) that the 07+ GS350 still consumes oil but not as much. Is this true? How about the carbon build up and misfires?
2. Is there any other Lexus model that has this problem? I'm surprised there's a problem this bad. I'm looking for a Lexus for its proven reliability...
3. Are the 3rd gen GS430/460 problem free?
4. I understand that the 06 GS300 have a 9 year CSP on the engine for free re-builds. The car I want to get doesn't seem to have the engine re-built but I saw the seller complain about oil consumption and rough idle back in 2013/2014. Will Lexus provide any goodwill if it's past the expiration? Or will they just say F off?
Thanks!
Last edited by Marc08EX; Aug 17, 2018 at 02:51 PM.
Try looking for a 2007 and up gs350 either rwd or awd both are stout. I would steer away from the 06 gs300's! Things to look for is bad water pump near 90k miles. There only $100 bucks on ebay for an aisin brand. If you want a more modern GS go for 2008-up.
This issues with oil consumption are not common! All the 3gs use the same pistons and rings, the people who have consumption oil problems are probably running very high mileage on their synthetic oils. I run conventional oil and change it every 2500 miles, Im at 175k miles now on an 08 gs350 awd. No issues here!
This issues with oil consumption are not common! All the 3gs use the same pistons and rings, the people who have consumption oil problems are probably running very high mileage on their synthetic oils. I run conventional oil and change it every 2500 miles, Im at 175k miles now on an 08 gs350 awd. No issues here!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 886
Likes: 32
From: MN
206k currently on my GS460 and the only repair since 130k was the starter, 06 gs300 and is250s are honestly the two least reliable lexus models and even those aren't the worst vehicles ever, I've seen both with over 200k. Any other lexus model ever though is pretty much bulletproof
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 289
Likes: 16
From: Oklahoma
Try looking for a 2007 and up gs350 either rwd or awd both are stout. I would steer away from the 06 gs300's! Things to look for is bad water pump near 90k miles. There only $100 bucks on ebay for an aisin brand. If you want a more modern GS go for 2008-up.
This issues with oil consumption are not common! All the 3gs use the same pistons and rings, the people who have consumption oil problems are probably running very high mileage on their synthetic oils. I run conventional oil and change it every 2500 miles, Im at 175k miles now on an 08 gs350 awd. No issues here!
This issues with oil consumption are not common! All the 3gs use the same pistons and rings, the people who have consumption oil problems are probably running very high mileage on their synthetic oils. I run conventional oil and change it every 2500 miles, Im at 175k miles now on an 08 gs350 awd. No issues here!
what exactly do you mean here?? Are you saying IF the vehicle has high mileage that it's more likely to consume synthetic oil vs conventional? Or are you saying longer drain intervals (7k-10k) while using synthetic will cause more consumption? I use Mobil 1 5W-30 but change at 5k on the nose. I would say I experience about 1.5 qts consumption during the 5k miles. Would it be less with conventional?
I'm at 152K on an 09' GS. Only thing I've had to replace was the water pump at 119k (bearing was howling, but hadn't stopped working) and the alternator at 137k. I can't say it's been more reliable than my 03' Honda Accord, but still very reliable none the less....and definitely, without question, the most satisfying car to daily drive that I've ever owned. Just a great feel in all types of driving (in town, on the HWY, etc). LOVE the car and will buy another one once this thing gets passed down to a son (probably at 300k or so, lol)
Last edited by gr8fulRed; Aug 20, 2018 at 10:26 AM.
what exactly do you mean here?? Are you saying IF the vehicle has high mileage that it's more likely to consume synthetic oil vs conventional? Or are you saying longer drain intervals (7k-10k) while using synthetic will cause more consumption? I use Mobil 1 5W-30 but change at 5k on the nose. I would say I experience about 1.5 qts consumption during the 5k miles. Would it be less with conventional?
I'm at 152K on an 09' GS. Only thing I've had to replace was the water pump at 119k (bearing was howling, but hadn't stopped working) and the alternator at 137k. I can't say it's been more reliable than my 03' Honda Accord, but still very reliable none the less....and definitely, without question, the most satisfying car to daily drive that I've ever owned. Just a great feel in all types of driving (in town, on the HWY, etc). LOVE the car and will buy another one once this thing gets passed down to a son (probably at 300k or so, lol)
I'm at 152K on an 09' GS. Only thing I've had to replace was the water pump at 119k (bearing was howling, but hadn't stopped working) and the alternator at 137k. I can't say it's been more reliable than my 03' Honda Accord, but still very reliable none the less....and definitely, without question, the most satisfying car to daily drive that I've ever owned. Just a great feel in all types of driving (in town, on the HWY, etc). LOVE the car and will buy another one once this thing gets passed down to a son (probably at 300k or so, lol)
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 470
Likes: 40
From: NY
Every engine releases particles the harder you run your engine the more heat and particles are released. My theory is that these particles float into the pistons rings and oil control rings, eventually seizing the rings into the pistons. Once your rings get so dirty that they get jammed in (compressed lock) the pistons, that allows oil to blow into the combustion chamber. Many of the recalled engines that were torn apart for oil consumption/carbon build up issues there rings were locked into the pistons. I personally change my oil at 2,500 miles with conventional oil, I dont see the need for running synthetic oil as its not a turbo or high horsepower engine. Because these particles collect in the engine the more you drive the more you collect. Having fresh oil just keeps things cleaner
I read more into Pennzoil platinum and talked to a lady that engineers it. It is very different from other oils. It is made from natural gas and has a high cleaning ability. It don't burn off either, and with DI that can be an issue. There is a cam driven HPFP that stresses the oil.
Some high performance cars spec it. A 2500mi OCI probably cost more than 5K with Pennzoil Plat. With that frequent an OCI, you are probably fine. All oil change places suggest Synth for this car. Upsell? Maybe. I think it is a good idea.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 24
From: WI
I own a 2006 GS430(39K miles) and except for a few recalls, it has been perfect. I have always had work done at the Lexus dealer including the timing belt/water pump(because of age), except for a few oil changes. The GS430 is a fantastic tight car with just about a perfect drivetrain. These cars were designed and built to outlive most of us.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: New York
@ibidu1 hey man... I'm new here and would also like to know and have some knowledge over 3gs. With your current miles and I assumed it still runs reliable, what would be things to look out for buying it used at your mileage (175k miles)? What required maintenance needed to see your current 3gs running smoothly? Im in a transition to purchase something similar to your model only newer year with 189k miles and the asking buy is 5250? Would that be considered a fair purchase for the specified miles mentioned on my end? Your thorough response would be much appreciated! Greeting from Queens, NYC!!
Rookie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 97
Likes: 33
From: ca
bro i hate to be blunt but your buying a car with almost 200k miles on it, a Lexus is reliable but any car with that many miles is going to be susceptible to breaking down. Other than the engine consider a 200k mile cars suspension brakes interior etc. either spend more and buy a car with less miles or buy this one and roll the dice. My lexus has 215k on it and still running but i personally would never buy a car with that many miles on it i bought mine new, especially if its your primary vehicle. If you do buy it, keep the oil changed, check all wearable bushings and pretty much check everything you can as often as possible.
@ibidu1 hey man... I'm new here and would also like to know and have some knowledge over 3gs. With your current miles and I assumed it still runs reliable, what would be things to look out for buying it used at your mileage (175k miles)? What required maintenance needed to see your current 3gs running smoothly? Im in a transition to purchase something similar to your model only newer year with 189k miles and the asking buy is 5250? Would that be considered a fair purchase for the specified miles mentioned on my end? Your thorough response would be much appreciated! Greeting from Queens, NYC!!
As Adrock mentioned when you buy a car with high miles, you will expect to replace parts sooner. So if theres room for you to purchase lower miles it would help you add more years. These cars are built well! Im close to 190k miles these are the parts I have replaced in owning my car for about 6 years. 4 shocks, radiator top seal, water pump, front cv axle, front bushings, rear bushings aswell as several arms. The rear arms I had a tire wear issue that I was trying to chase, I didnt need to replace majority of those parts.
The parts too mainly look for is the water pump, make sure thats been replaced. Or for peace of mind replace it yourself. The parts costs $90 (aisin brand/oem) plus 2 hours of labour.
Look for 2008-up they have the newer front and rear end, and more better technology. But 07-up is fine, just avoid the 2006 GS300 those have issues!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 262
From: Sofia
The LS430 is a more reliable car overall - 3UZ + vacuum-boosted brakes. Other than that, the GS350 is the one to get. The misfires/carbon/etc was due to the direct injection-only engine in the GS300 - the IS250 uses a similar setup. The 350's engine doesn't really have any specific faults. The 430/450h/460 have a brake-by-wire system, and if it goes, it's not fun. Suspension is about the same - bushings/spherical bearings/etc sold with the parts only (i.e. the whole control arm, the whole knuckle). The cars ARE solid, but if anything goes wrong, it can get expensive, especially if you don't like doing (a lot of) research. Don't expect a corolla/camry 
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