Hey guys, I’m pretty new to this forum and I’m looking to buy a gs300 or gs350 preferably a 2006-2008 model year car. I’m a younger buyer and I really need help on a few things before jumping into one.

1. for the all wheel drive models of the gs300 and the gs350, how reliable have the transmissions and all wheel drive systems been?

2. Are there any big ticket items that I need to save up for or have they been pretty reliable with regular maintenance ?

3. what is the expected life expectancy of these cars generally speaking? Is this platform a solid car to get into at a younger age or should I stay away from it.

4. What are some things I should look out for before buying the car, and are the 2006-2008 years good for this car or the worst years for the car


Again, this is my first time getting on a forum and really asking any questions, so excuse me if I may sound a bit off. Thanks for reading this and I appreciate any help before buying this car

 

@Nik72302 I'm not an expert, but I do own a '11 GS350 AWD. I would recommend to look for a GS350 over the GS300. Why? Because the 3.5 litre is a better engine than the 3.0 litre in the GS300. It's more reliable, more powerful and doesn't suffer from carbon buildup issues.

1. The AWD system isn't known for having common problems/issues. I haven't had any problems with the AWD in my '11 GS350 and my '06 IS250 (they use different transmissions and both have been good). The transmissions are pretty reliable, but people have ran into issues with solenoids on higher mileage examples. I would recommend to service the transmission with the drain and fill method for peace of mind.

2. There aren't really any "big" items I know of that are weak points. You should replace the water pump and thermostat around 100k miles. They are known for going bad and leaking which can cause engine issues if not taken care of. Better to replace it as preventative maintenance. Aisin makes the factory water pump and can be purchased aftermarket for around $100 I think. If you can do your own mechanic work, even better.

3. The life expectancy can vary significantly depending on age, condition, maintenance, etc. If the car has been maintained it could last for 20 years without a major problem. My '95 SC300 is still driven daily.

4. Check for basic things you would look for on any vehicle before purchasing. Look for maintenance records. You can create an account on the Lexus Drivers website (google it if you have to). If you add the VIN number to your account, you can see the service history at any Lexus dealers. Unfortunately, the records only show when it's been serviced at a Lexus dealership and not anywhere else. It will give you an idea if it's been maintained though. Check Carfax or Autocheck for the car's history. You can always have a 3rd party shop inspect the vehicle for mechanical problems. I would recommend having the body looked at for any paint and body repairs. Make sure all the functions work on the car and check the for irregular gaps on the body. Do the body panels line up evenly? Does the paint match on the entire car or is it a different shade on certain panels? Does all the glass have the Lexus logo etched on the corner? If not then that window was probably replaced at some point. Pull back the carpeting on the floor and in the trunk to check for mold or water stains. It could indicate if there has been water leaks or the car was involved in a flood.

Hope that helps out. You can PM me if you have more questions. Good luck!