BGElliott

I currently own a 2007 ES 350 and I am looking at a 2006 GS 300 to purchase. I was just wondering if anyone can tell me how different the maintenance cost might be between these two models. I love the GS but I’m afraid that it will cost a lot more to maintain then my ES.

any information is greatly appreciated

TRD_Power

Well, a GS350/450h/460 would be about the same overall, but an '06 GS300.... You're likely looking at some pretty serious repairs at any moment's notice. They're notorious for carbon buildup issues and several other things. If you can, spend a little more and get an '07+ 350. Some people have great luck with the '06, but the warnings are all over this site. Maybe poke around a bit to read up on others' experiences.

socaligs

iTrader: (3)

+1 agree with TRD_Power. I had 06 GS300 and I would highly recommend that you purchase 07+. The carbon buildup is a major issue with 06 and a costly fix. Pay little bit more and get 07+.

BGElliott

Thanks for the info...I had no idea :-)

MX73

The maintenance cost on the ES is probably hella of a lot cheaper than the GS Series.

The ES of that generation is loosely based on the Camry/Avalon. Parts will probably be easier to come by and maybe a few key components are interchangeable.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Have had 3 ESs and 3 GSs, all the last 3 generations and in every case the ES has been a lot cheaper to maintain. That being said, I have a 2006 and knock on wood, its been very good, so long as the carbon problem was resolved by the dealer, and can be kept at bay with top engine cleans. I too was looking for a 350, but a 300 in glacier frost mica came up with a full service history and in literally perfect condition, so I got it and have little to no regret about it. The issues I have had aren't 300 specific problems, they were just as likely to occur on a 350 of similar mileage.

MX73

The 2006 GS300 isn't the only Lexus to suffer the carbon buildup issues. The IS250 is also problematic.

BGElliott

thanks so much for the info guys. I really appreciate it.

Propulsion

This thread among many others has discussions about the GS 300 and potential issues. Many of the issues reported are overblown.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-problems.html

speedkar9

I used to have an ES330 before I got my current GS350. The ES will be cheaper to own.

Foremost, it uses regular gas, where as the GS must use premium. Mechanical parts are shared with the Camry, so for any repairs to be made it may be easier to source parts.
Both vehicles are generally very reliable, so normal wear and tear maintenance (oil changes, tranny fluid, tires, brakes) etc should be similar between the ES and GS.

For proprietary parts which can become more expensive (or dealer only), the ES is more popular so the option of getting used parts is more likely.

Just remember, not just because the GS costs more its worse, its a whole different car than the ES.

tayslexus

I had an 07 ES before, the GS costs a little more but not much.

The GS requires these more than the ES:

Engine oil, Differential fluid, brake rotors and pad, size of tires, spark plugs every 96,000 km but the ES is 196,000 km and so on..



Also, the gas milage with the ES, I averaged mostly 7.4 L/100 km comp. and once got it to 6.0 on the highway. My GS AWD I average now about 11.4 comp. and 9.0 on the highway.

ez12a

If you work on your own car, imo the GS is preferable just from what I've seen. The transverse V6 is not as easy to work on.