Your original post suggested that she really liked the 'bluetooth'. If that's the case... not only is the GS350 Gen 5 NAV better... the handsfree communication is much improved over the GS300. I don't have voice commands for 'dial by number' or 'dial by name' on my Gs300. Maybe that will make your decision easier.

 

It doesn't matter what she wants or needs. Get the 350 and you'll both enjoy it more.

 

I'm in the same shoes. I'm going to try to hold out for a good deal on a pre-owned GS350, if it takes too long then i will get a GS430. I hate hearing this crap about "10 year old technology"...if anything that's good. You want an engine that has been around the block and everyone knows how to work on it rather than a new engine that might comeout wiht problem you don't even konw about. And second.....GS300 is the same old technology, so why should the 300 not be out of the Q? I personally would have no problem with a GS430. And BTW, the GS350 and GS430 DO NOT have the same power. The 430 has a l o t more TQ. If you think HP is all that matter then try packing your car and see how much power you have

 

please get your information right. 300 is the same old technology??? do you actually know that the 98-05 gs500 was on the 2jz i6 engine, and the 06 gs300 was on a v6, which was a NEW engine with better power AND gas mileage? one engine is with 6 cylinders lined up straight, and the other with 3 cylinders on each side as v shape?

the 430 engine is an old engine in every dimension. it's not a bad engine, like you said it's rock solid. but given today's standard, it's old, not as powerful as today's v8, and not close to the gas mileage of today's v8 as well. so i don't see the point of getting it just coz' it's "sooo" proven. i don't see myself paying MORE money for something this OLD, having just MARGINALLY better power than today's v6, and eat A LOT MORE gas

 

Yes, the only real benefit of the 430 engine is that nice V8 rumble. Otherwise, the 350 is virtually the equal performance wise.

It's been said many times, but Lexus made some mistakes with the 3rd gen GS launch, namely launching before it was ready. No reason to release an entirely new model in '06 with a 4th gen nav (changed to 5th gen in '07), the underpowered 300 engine (changed to 350 in '07), and the old 430 engine (changed in '08).

 

Those upgardes are what selling points for the newer model, If anything, I think Lexus did it on suppose.

 

Of course mid cycle "refreshes" are expected.

Upgrading the nav system 1 year after release, and the engine 1.5 year later is not what I would consider "normal" in the auto industry.

 

Well, Lexus doesnt do normal things in the industry, thats why its so successful.

 

How can I argue with that logic

 

Bmw does this all the time. How many owners were peeved when the 328 & 335 were released just 1 yr after a major redesign for the 325 & 330 ? Same could be said with the 5 series. And can anyone make sense of their model designations (528 = 3.0l V6, 535 = 3.0l TT V6, 550 = 4.8l V8, etc, etc) ??? Auto mfrs do whatever they have to, to sell cars (period).

 

What I am saying is that, instead of offering a bunch of upgardes all at once, Lexus and Toyota usually save some upgardes for the mid-design cycle to keep people interested in the lastest model. Alot of other manufacturners are starting to do the same thing so they can lengthen their design cycle and still maintenance their sales numbers.

 

Guys...
Lexus used to do the usual Japanese 3/5 or longer way of upgrading things...they realized the Germans change things much more quickly.

They made a press release stating they will follow that path and offer continuous updates, instead of a car languishing on the lot with no significant changes for years.

The GS change was quick but it was necessary as the GS 300 was just outgunned by most everyone and the 430 engine was on its way out (only in the SC 430 now). Also as stated, the new NAV was out.

They keep customers in showrooms that way. Consider how the previous 2GS was around 8 years and the GS 300 had NO engine changes and the 400 went to 430 in 2001.

 

Yup, guess that's a valid point.

Guess like Mike had pointed out, I was used to the "old" Lexus way. Guess it doesn't pay to be an early adopter sometimes.

 

yup, that's how i see it as well. lexus couldn't wait any longer for the new gs to come out, thus the result. but imho that still doesn't give lexus any excuses on the poor execution with the first year gs, with the silly 300 and 430 engine, 4th gen nav, etc.... while in japan it's 350 to begin with. the fact that 430 quickly goes into custom order only car the next year also tells you something.

 

I disagree, the 300 in regular mode is just fine..... the car has 245 hp, that is quite a bit, heck in fact the E 350 only has 268hp, weighs more I think and is 0-60 in 6.5, gs300 was 6.7. This is not a huge difference imo. Perhaps the AWD bogs it down too much.

Also, We are forgetting that GS needed to change after 8 yrs of gen 2......in fact the 06 GS was really more like an 05 if you think about it. All of its technology was from 04 .....Some of the early were built Feb 05 - in essence it did not change for 1.5 yrs till 07 gs came in 9/06.