Help needed - want to buy a GS
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Help needed - want to buy a GS
What's up guys, i'm fairly new to the forum. I have looked around and browsed a couple threads and discussions around here. But... I have had a burning question. I'm due for a new car. I've had my 2004 Es330 for about 2 years now, received as a gift from my uncle, but it does not fit my wants and needs. I've been browsing the car scene for a new(ish) car. I've become particularly interested in 3 cars, Lexus GS430 or GS350 , Lexus LS430, and BMW E92 335i. My budget is around 10k. I figured i would ask you guys on which car i should be looking into. I love my Lexus i have now, but it's kind of kicking the bucket on me, (HAHA DRIVING AND PARTS ARE FALLING OFF). The previous owner of es330 wasn't too good to it. But why did you guys pick the GS? I'm not looking into anything in particular, i love the body style, i just want something that can get my to school and work while looking good when i'm driving it. I've never really worked on cars, but i really want to learn how. And i'm open for suggestions on any other car to look into. Thanks Guys appreciate the help!
Last edited by RA40; 01-13-19 at 05:26 PM. Reason: descriptive title
#2
Out of the list you provided, that's a tough choice. lol.
The 430s are extremely reliable, minus the ABS module issue on the GS430. Out of the two 430s, the LS would be the most reliable. I'm actually eyeballing the 2005-2006 LS right now. I don't know why it appeals to me. It has an understated but powerful look.
I love my GS but the early GS (06-07) are plagued with rattles, squeaks, creaks. It's driving me insane. I was working on mine this afternoon, adding felt pads to the B pillar covers and metal surfaces. It sounds so much better now. Last week, I tackled all the doors; adding felt tape where the door panel meets any metal or plastic surfaces. It's like Lexus gave up on the GS and put more resources to the ES. The ES is not a bad car but I prefer a RWD vehicle, mainly because I had a Cressida and the GS is a successor in the US market.
The GS350 is plenty of power for most folks and probably the least to maintain. I would grab a late model GS 09-11. Most of the bugs should be worked out.
If I had to do it over again, I would jump on the LS430.
I don't know much about BMWs to form an opinion. They're fun cars to drive but I haven't owned one to know how reliable they are.
The 430s are extremely reliable, minus the ABS module issue on the GS430. Out of the two 430s, the LS would be the most reliable. I'm actually eyeballing the 2005-2006 LS right now. I don't know why it appeals to me. It has an understated but powerful look.
I love my GS but the early GS (06-07) are plagued with rattles, squeaks, creaks. It's driving me insane. I was working on mine this afternoon, adding felt pads to the B pillar covers and metal surfaces. It sounds so much better now. Last week, I tackled all the doors; adding felt tape where the door panel meets any metal or plastic surfaces. It's like Lexus gave up on the GS and put more resources to the ES. The ES is not a bad car but I prefer a RWD vehicle, mainly because I had a Cressida and the GS is a successor in the US market.
The GS350 is plenty of power for most folks and probably the least to maintain. I would grab a late model GS 09-11. Most of the bugs should be worked out.
If I had to do it over again, I would jump on the LS430.
I don't know much about BMWs to form an opinion. They're fun cars to drive but I haven't owned one to know how reliable they are.
#3
Pole Position
LS all the way.. GS is a good compromise between IS and LS. GS still got some sportiness while LS is all boat. both are old man cars..
BMW would be solid but its got twin turbskies(10++ year old)($$$$$$$ TO REPLACE).. BMW parts is all cheap made in china outsorced to uncle zhu's underground factory.
At least with original toyota parts you know it will last.
if you really wanna work on cars then maybe read up on the 335i and what to look out for?? Then get a really clean one, not a $9999 curbside dealership one
But if you drive highway I'd get the 430 or 350. It's perfect for highway it's big but still hauls *** and handles nice.
BMW would be solid but its got twin turbskies(10++ year old)($$$$$$$ TO REPLACE).. BMW parts is all cheap made in china outsorced to uncle zhu's underground factory.
At least with original toyota parts you know it will last.
if you really wanna work on cars then maybe read up on the 335i and what to look out for?? Then get a really clean one, not a $9999 curbside dealership one
But if you drive highway I'd get the 430 or 350. It's perfect for highway it's big but still hauls *** and handles nice.
Last edited by potatomon; 01-13-19 at 08:34 PM.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
LS430 is a solid win, but its out dated. Personally the GS is more modern, and if I had to chose between a 430 and a 350. I would go GS350 hands down. One ABS failure will cost you thousands to repair and Lexus didnt make many so finding used parts is difficult. 350's are plentiful, reliable, fast, and good on gas compared to the others on your list.
#5
Pole Position
LS430 is a solid win, but its out dated. Personally the GS is more modern, and if I had to chose between a 430 and a 350. I would go GS350 hands down. One ABS failure will cost you thousands to repair and Lexus didnt make many so finding used parts is difficult. 350's are plentiful, reliable, fast, and good on gas compared to the others on your list.
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
LS430 is a solid win, but its out dated. Personally the GS is more modern, and if I had to chose between a 430 and a 350. I would go GS350 hands down. One ABS failure will cost you thousands to repair and Lexus didnt make many so finding used parts is difficult. 350's are plentiful, reliable, fast, and good on gas compared to the others on your list.
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