What is the best year made for this model?

I love my is300 but sooner or later I want bigger cars. More fun and more power.

My deal is I don't like older cars, so buying a 2000 is 7 years old already so I was thinking 04-05 maybe?

What would the price range be, I haven't bought a used car in 7 years...

This isn't happening now, but maybe by the end of the year.

D

 

I went from an '02 GS300 to an '04 GS430. I was actually looking for an '05, but to me, the mileage and condition are more important. I found my '04 in immaculate condition with only 9600 miles on it, with chrome wheels and a spoiler, and paid $35,000 for it (from a dealer, certified pre-owned).

www.kbb.com is a good place to get a baseline for price.

 

While an earlier model is not unreliable by any stretch, Lexus got almost all of the little bugs worked out by the end of the 2nd gen cycle, so an '04 or '05 would be ideal.

Good luck on your search, if you decide to buy one.

 

just curious. what bugs did they work out between 01-05? only thing I know of is a nav upgrade.

I like the pre 03 models because I hate the look of the perforated seats. the 01 and 02s also have the better looking 5 star 17inch wheels instead of the less desirable 7 spoke 03-05 17s.

 

Search function doesn't seem to be working right now, so I can't research this much, but I don't think there were many. One issue for sure was the door lock actuators, which I believe was resolved with the '03 model. Headlight condensation does not seem to be a problem with the later GS's, but not sure when and if this problem was actually alleviated. Ball joints come to mind, as well, but that might have been fixed with the '01 model.

I actually like the perforated seats. While I prefer the 5 spokes, both wheel styles are appealing to me...didn't matter in the long run though, as I knew they were being replaced with 20s anyway.

 

I like best the 7 spokes.... he he, mine does have (2000)

 

If your looking for the most reliable, it would make sense that 04, 05 would be your best bet. I have an 02 and havent had any significant problems other than the well known sunroof shade rattle, very minor and almost non-existent as well as the damned condensation issue with the headlights. I am sure those issues were fixed by 04, 05, but couldnt tell you for sure.

 

I think the 7 spokes are pretty nice too, but imo the GS 5 spoke 17s are the best looking oem wheel Lexus ever put out.


I must be lucky because I have not had the condensation problem, but my car is garage kept