Hi All,

I am looking for my next car. In the UK they applied a new rule that had me get rid of my diesel. After looking at a range of vehicles I have come to the conclusion that I want a lexus. My budget is Max £6000 but ideally would rather spend 4-5k if possible.

What I have found is in that price range i can either find a 2006 - 2008 GS 450H. Now this makes me a little paranoid as it is around 15 years old by now. I am not a car person ,i just like some luxury with some speed ( I am no racer, but i loved my E46 330D!).

What I have found is for the same price I am able to get a newer IS 250 or the GS300. We don't have certain models in the UK.

Those who have driven or owned these vehicles or know of these, what would you do if you were in my shoes?

I want comfort and luxury and some speed (similar to my 330D 2003). However, between the two is probably reliability. i would want to keep this car for as long as it runs. Not planning to sell it anytime soon.

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Appreciate any feedback!

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JT

 

This thread should be moved to the GS section.

but wouldn’t buy any of these

Gs 450h trunk too small and issue with current draw on the traction battery. New battery required as car ages.

Gs 300 underpowered and engine problems. It’s one of the most unreliable engines from Lexus.

is 250. Under powered and rear seats too cramped.

 

Thank you, is moving this something I am able to do myself or would that be the mod?


​​​​​​what would you suggest in that range ? From my budget I assume it would be a lexus from 2007 maybe 2010 max before it gets too expensive.

 

I would have an LS430 before any of those. Probably the most reliable sedan Toyota ever made, and no slouch with the V8.

 

gs350 is within your price range. I would avoid the LS due to expensive repairs with control arms.

 

LS430 (3rd gen LS) doesn't have control arm issues. No LS (other than the new ls500h) will come close to your 330d in terms of fuel economy... actually, only the atkinson hybrids will - and the only one within that price range is the ct200h, which isn't exactly swift.

GS350 is not available in the UK, unless imported from Japan. Same with the IS/RC350, go figure...

Be aware that repairs can get expensive very fast - reliable doesn't mean cheap.

GS450h traction battery - there are good options for fixing that in the UK, you might want to check your local community. Reliability-wise, it's the gs430/460's usual problems + the hybrid battery, the aux oil pump bearings and (potentially, but easily replaceable in RHD form) the inverter.

 

Do you have a link to the relevant thread for the comment usual GS460 problems? I'd be interested to have a view of what those are...

 

Shocks (AVS, tend to leak) and brake module (3-in-1 electric booster/nitrogen pressure accumulator/ABS solenoids) - big one being the brakes. The GS300/350 use engine vacuum for boosting the brakes, and AVS is optional.

 

Wow... don't want that 3 in 1 to fail do ya; priiiicey! Anything that can be done for preventative maintenance on these, what typically fails, seals, pump, other?

 

Not aware of anybody doing repairs on ours in particular. Otherwise, it's usually either the accumulator not being able to maintain pressure (leak), or the pump motor going bad. Similar systems have been repaired. The part number itself (44050-30260) is the same for the GS430, 450h and 460 (NOT the LS460 & 600h), and is replaced by 44050-30670, which is equipped in the 4th gen 450h, and also in the is/rc/gs300h (not sold in the states/Canada). Part numbers are LHD/RHD-specific.

Preventative maintenance - don't know. I'd just do everything by the service manual.