z32

One of the cars I have now is getting to the 6 digits mileage range. Although it's 'not that high up yet' but I still wanna get a new car. The old one has lots of rattles and since my wife is driving it everyday, I want her to have a safe and new one. I'm wondering if I should finance for a 2003 GS4 now or if I should wait till hopefully next September for a 2005 new GS430 (GS450?). My feeling is that since the current model GS has been around since 98, there should be very little, if not none, problems left w/ this car. Question for those who has had the 98+ GS, when u guys bought your 98+ GS, did the car have lots of problem (1st yr production..). I'm worry that most car manufacturers have some problems to fix in their 1st or even 2nd yr prd vehicles. Just like the new Merc E-Class. Lots of problems like Audio dying -- mostly electicical issue...and the Honda V6 models...Transmission failure .... Current M3 - Engine failure... These are all 'major' failures and some could even cause disasters. That is also another reason why I choose Lexus over BMW / Merc. Any insights? if I wanna get the 05 GS, should I expect them to arrive around next Sept? or will they be like the currnet new RX which arrived in April / May?

Thank you in advance.

Kbueno

-Tough choice. With any new production line there will be issues...but with Lexus it will be minimal. If it was me, I would hold off just to see what the next gen. GS will be, otherwise you may be kicking yourself.

z32

Another question is that 'whaz the expected depreciation in the first yr for GS4'? given a normal mileage?

LexFather

Lexus usually don't have many if any 1st year issues. Depreciation is what 10k when u drive off the lot?

We should see the next GS at auto shows this fall/next spring.

abbeyrd

I purchased a brand new gs300 in 1998. I had no problems. I do not think you have to worry about Lexus in terms of problems with first year productions. The only thing you may miss out on is things they might add to the car after the first year. For example, my car did not have the gear buttons on the steering wheel. I see that it does now.

gsintensive

if you get the current GS430 you can get a great deal with top packages, the current one is very reliable and if you like the styling go for it. As for 05+ GS, sure it's new design, but you can't cut the price as much, and the first 1~2 years new design car always have minor problems. If you are to get the new design I suggest wait a few more years until it stablized the QA. which means you have to wait 3 more years.

hope this helps.

z32

Ok.... I think I'm leaning towards getting the current GS (2003 mostly as 04 should be coming to the dealership soon, the dealers should be able to lower their price...). 2 years ago, I almost bought a GS430 (2001) model around September 2001. The 2002s already started to arrive at the dealership and the sale guy told me that they are willing to discount the 'ONLY' 2001 GS430 by 5k. I was really really extremely going to buy that car. But the econ wasn't good and I just changed jobs, need to establish a more stable income first...so I ended up no buying it...

Now, any of you finance through Lexus? or u had your own finance from outside? if I do it through Lexus, what kinna rate am I expecting? I have very good credit.

thx again

dbox

you can't go wrong with the current gen.

i say go for it!

Hameed

I am glad you are getting a GS, however I want to point out that Lexus is an exception for reliability even on their first year production runs.

There are many owners on this board with 98 GS's (I personally have a 99 GS400 and it runs like a dream) and there are very minor problems with the 98 if any. First year problems are more with other brands - Merc/BMW etc. Lexus is not the same. Much better in terms of reliability. If you can wait for the new GS, I would say wait for it. I am sure it will be an awesome car, just like it was back in late 97 when the 98's came out.