Hello ! I am not new too the Lexus family as I have had an ES330 before but never paid attention or took proper care of my car I just drove it put gas and went. Well things have changed lol. I’m now looking into purchasing a beautiful 2006 GS430, fully loaded with 114K miles here shortly but it is RWD. I live in Snohomish Washington and don’t travel up to the mountains or any areas of that sort. Maybe just to Portland here and there.

My main questions are is there any concerns or things I should look out for with this car ? and is RWD in my best interest ? we rarely get snow but when we do I could always just get snow tires right ?

Some people tell me yes get it some say no and maybe get a ES again (don’t want it or an IS) or downgrade and get a GS with AWD option

Just need a few opinions and some good advice ! Thank you

 

I live in Chicago. I have driven a GS4 for the past 15 years (99 GS400, 2006 GS430). No issues. But I’ve been driving RWD cars in the snow for my entire driving life (35+ years). Have you driven RWD in the snow before? If you have the luxury of having a second set of rims and winter performance tires for the winter, you won’t have any problems at all.

 

I have not actually. This is my first time also paying attention to the things on my cars such as what drive train it is. If I did get RWD I was planning on having two different sets... I don’t mind spending the extra money on wheels/rims.

Thanks for your input !

 

ask if the "ABS Actuator" has been replaced? If so when? This a pretty expensive part to replace...approximately over $3,000 in parts and labor if you go the Dealer route. You can also find used ones for $800 or so.

 

Look for an 08-up GS350 awd! The 06 430 is a great very reliable car, but it does have a few things to consider.

1. cost of abs to replace if it ever goes bad
2. 430 uses timing belts that need to be changed, the 350 uses a chain no need to replace.
3. weaker brake system, the 350 uses a more reliable abs system, and bigger calipers.
4. tech inside is older, older navigation, no aux etc
5. front end is older
6. 430 is slower then a v6 350
7. 350 gives you better gas mileage.

I have an 08 350 awd with 180k and super reliable

 

Good thing to know ! Thank you so much

 

Hi, do any of these apply to the difference between a 2007 and 2008 GS350 AWD?

 

only front end is older

 

Hello,

My GS430 2006 have an issue that all the system diagnostic checks(Sport, Power steering, DIAG TIRE, DIAG VSC, ECT SNOW, air bags) on dial pops up along with this on Screen System check mode. Though finally all the lights disappears with system check mode showing all OK. The diagnostics pops up again . I am unable to trace what is triggering this check as its not popping up on a regular basis.

The screen restarts and again the checks are repeated like a loop. Very annoying as now I cant access the AC or the audio player

Please see the below video

 

You need to test your electrical system with a volt meter. It sounds like the alternator is going bad, and or could be a bad battery or bad terminals. Testing with a multimeter the with the car off, with the car at idle, and with the rpms slightly up.

 

Calipers and rotors are exactly the same as the 350,unless you can prove me wrong.

 

You are correct! They are not the same smaller calipers that the 2006 GS300 use