TBIYTC

I am considering the purchase of a 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD and looking for some advice. I have never owned a Lexus before. It seems like a real peach with a few caveats...

The car has been owned by a 1 owner - - an oldtimer who is giving up driving. She has immaculate service records from the local Lexus dealer. The car has about 65k miles on it.

One major issue is that the car has a leaking exhaust. It was originally described as a pinhole in the Y pipe but now is a "deteriorated mid pipe" per prior dealer inspection reports.

I have read lots of messages on the board about exhaust issues which appear to be pretty common. Is there any work around other than springing for the OEM lexus muffler system which could be $2500-$3000, i think. I have read that some folks may have had a muffler shop cut the mid pipe and weld on a new piece. Is that really doable? I am concerned about passing Mass. state inspection

Is it worth undergoing such an expensive repair? What is a fair price for the vehicle considering the muffler issue?

Any other advice? Thanks.

potatomon

the 300 is pretty nice but the engine on it kinda sucks cuz the valves and intake runners get gunked with deposits as well as the top of the pistons. i bought one with high miles and i rebuilt the engine and gonna install an oil catch can to prevent oil from gunking up my engine..also plan to install a tranny cooler.

exhaust is just pipes.. you can get it fixed for the cheap at any muffler shop..

maybe see if it has any check engine lighs, see if abs and everything works, check for blown airbags, and it might be a good buy. these cars can actually be really reliable with a little maintenance.

MX73

Any legit muffler shop should adhere to State and local laws.

I love my 300, regardless of what everyone on this forum says. I haven't had to deal with the carbon built up issues. Maybe because I redline the vehicle once a month and pour seaform in before every oil change. Mileage will vary from one 300 owners to another.

TBIYTC

I certainly expect if the muffler needs work that it will be done in a legal and environmentally friendly way.

I was thinking of purchasing the car for a relative who is from a younger generation and, while responsible, doesn't know a lot about cars. This car will not be driven more than 8k or so per year. Do you think the gs300 is a likely to be a practical and relatively trouble free vehicle, assuming it has been cared for up to this point?

Propulsion