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Recommendation needed: 2007 Lexus

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Old 07-19-10, 09:03 AM
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jtj0026
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Default Recommendation needed: 2007 Lexus

Hi all,

I would like to buy a 2006 / 2007 Lexus 4-door sedan for my wife. Can you recommended a good model that is reliable with good safty rating?

Thanks a million,

John

Last edited by jtj0026; 07-20-10 at 08:09 AM.
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Old 07-19-10, 12:27 PM
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Depends.. Do you guys have kids or planning on it? GS350 or RX330 are good choices
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Old 07-19-10, 12:44 PM
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We prefer a 4-door sedan.

Originally Posted by jadu
Depends.. Do you guys have kids or planning on it? GS350 or RX330 are good choices
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Old 07-19-10, 12:45 PM
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If you are ok with not getting a 2007, a 2006 es330 might be good for you and you will save a ridiculous amount of money over your 25 grand budget
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Old 07-19-10, 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by jtj0026
Hi all,

I would like to buy a 2007 Lexus 4-door sedan for my wife and would like to limit my spending at around $25,000. Can you recommended a good model that is reliable with good safty rating?

Thanks a million,

John
just wondering, why 2007? why no specific model? if it has to be that year and style then it's an IS, ES, GS, or LS depending on mileage. might want to be a bit more specific.
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Old 07-19-10, 02:09 PM
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I think a 2006 / 2007 Lexus are okay as they are not too old and within my reach price wise. I don't know much about the differences among the styles / models therefore need your suggestions.

Thanks,

John

Originally Posted by bitkahuna
just wondering, why 2007? why no specific model? if it has to be that year and style then it's an IS, ES, GS, or LS depending on mileage. might want to be a bit more specific.
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Old 07-19-10, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by jtj0026
I think a 2006 / 2007 Lexus are okay as they are not too old and within my reach price wise. I don't know much about the differences among the styles / models therefore need your suggestions.

Thanks,

John
Well, a few things about Lexus sedans between 2006 & 2007.

1. The GS model upgraded their engines, GS350 (V6) & GS460 (V8) vs. GS300 (V6) & GS430 (V8) from the previous year. The price difference of about $3-4k takes you just above the your price range for a 2007 model.

2. The ES model was just redesigned for 2007. You can buy an '07 or even '08 model for under $25k, but you can easily find '06 models for under $20k.

3. For the IS, There aren't any notable changes between 2006 & 2007. Price range starts from about $20k and up.

Good luck in your search and welcome to CL!
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Old 07-19-10, 04:22 PM
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jtj0026
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Thank you all for replying. Seems like 2006 ES330's are priced just below 20K. There is a local private offering of 2006 Black Diamond Edition (?) ES330 only 33,000 miles at $18,400, the owner spent $200+ had a Lexus dealer certified it but has been on the market for 1 month. Does it sound right? I am thinking of ordering a Carfax report... what kind of information I get from Carfax report? Is it a must before buying from a private party?

By the way, is a ES330 Black Diamond Edition any different from "Regular" edition?

Thanks for your advice.

John

Originally Posted by ekc
Well, a few things about Lexus sedans between 2006 & 2007.

1. The GS model upgraded their engines, GS350 (V6) & GS460 (V8) vs. GS300 (V6) & GS430 (V8) from the previous year. The price difference of about $3-4k takes you just above the your price range for a 2007 model.

2. The ES model was just redesigned for 2007. You can buy an '07 or even '08 model for under $25k, but you can easily find '06 models for under $20k.

3. For the IS, There aren't any notable changes between 2006 & 2007. Price range starts from about $20k and up.

Good luck in your search and welcome to CL!

Last edited by jtj0026; 07-19-10 at 04:47 PM.
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Old 07-19-10, 05:14 PM
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The price sound a little on the low side, and I have no idea how he can get the car certified by Lexus. Did he mean he bought the car as a Lexus certified pre-owned? I would definitely get carfax if you're looking at used cars. Here's an example of a listing that offers a free carfax report. It will give you an idea of the information that is included in the report.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=64575361&ct=u

Regarding the Black Diamond Edition, from newcartestdrive.com:
New for 2006 is the ES 330 Black Diamond Edition, a package ($600) that features exclusive Black Diamond paint, black Birdseye maple wood trim, and other distinctive touches and includes an exclusive Tumi luggage set.
I don't think the luggage set will be there anymore...
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Old 07-19-10, 05:19 PM
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IS250 2007 loaded with relatively low mileage, CPO warranty, in very nice condition will fall under your $25K price. Reliability is best in class and IIHS safety ratings are excellent.
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Old 07-19-10, 10:00 PM
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I see you are in CA. If you drive in the CA mountains, especially in winter, consider the IS250AWD (even more with winter tires or all-seasons). The AWD, though, saps some torque...it is no powerhouse, and will lose more power at high altitudes. Otherwise, I agree with IS-SV.......the IS250 is generally a good bet. The RX330 (though it may not be enough of a "sedan" for you), is also a good choice, but, to meet the 25K limit, you might have to get one a little older than with an IS.

Welcome to CL, BTW, as a almost-new member.

Last edited by mmarshall; 07-19-10 at 10:04 PM.
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Old 07-20-10, 08:13 AM
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Default Found a certified 2006 GS300

I found a dealer certified 2006 GS300 61,000 miles priced just below $24,000. Does it sound like a good deal? Do you recommend a GS300?
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Old 07-20-10, 08:22 AM
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jtj - the GS, ES, and IS are RADICALLY different vehicles. do the differences not matter?
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Old 07-20-10, 08:38 AM
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My wife needs a luxury car for her realtor business. We found out that ES330 is an entry level Lexus from a friend and he recommended GS models.

Originally Posted by bitkahuna
jtj - the GS, ES, and IS are RADICALLY different vehicles. do the differences not matter?
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Old 07-20-10, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by jtj0026
I found a dealer certified 2006 GS300 61,000 miles priced just below $24,000. Does it sound like a good deal? Do you recommend a GS300?
If it's a Lexus Certified pre-owned, then it's a decent deal. Just to let you know what's going on with the 3rd gen GS (2006 and newer):

1. There is a potential recall for a valve spring replacement. Read more here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...placement.html

2. Common complaints for the GS: Creaking sounds from the dash; squeaking/squealing/overly dusty brakes; small trunk opening.

3. Most of us prefer the GS350 over the GS300 because of more power, new Navigation system (higher resolution), mp3 capabilities, and did I mention more horsepower?

You can get more info from reading in the 3GS forums. Good luck.
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