jeostang

My wife has been bugging me that she doesn't like the fact that I got her an 03 LS430. She loved the car till we took it in for service and we got a new ES as a loaner. Now she wants a Lexus with Bluetooth. So when finally got a buyer for our LS430. I'm now looking at GS models. I stuck between getting the 06 300 or the 07 350. She will be driving it 95% of the time and doesn't care about the power. If it were mine I would rather have the GS430. Do you guys think she will be happy with the 300 I'm hoping the gas mileage will be better on the GS300 over the LS430 since we will be downgrading to a V6? I don't want any gotcha's after we buy the car like with the LS430, when we found out the NAV needed to be updated, the the lexus link was obsolete.

Thanks

Kosmos

sounded like you were in my shoes.....

I purchased a 2006 GS 430 with low mileage, fully loaded and complete full records in the Lexus system in mid-2007 over a brand new ES, GS 300 and GS 350 for the wife.

My wife did not like the ES because it made her feel much older. done.

When she test drove the GS 350 she loved it...that said, could not go down to a GS 300. However, I was really annoyed by the GS 350 direct injection ticking noise...Im sure it doesn't bother everyone but I heard it even in the cabin...possibly sensitive ears.....

GS 430 was my top choice. I liked the smoothness of a V8. and just about most options and features on a 350 and 430 are the same.

My wife does not drive very far for work so gas mileage wasn't a concern or issue....i expected 18mpg local/22mpg highway.......but highway is closer to 25/26.

here's the plus; saved alot of money on a purchasing a pre-owned GS 430 !!!

she's happy.... and I am happy.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

first of all the gs430 should be out of the picture. it's 10 yr old technology, and gas mileage isn't impressive at all

i can't remember the gas mileage for 300, but i am pretty sure the 350 is just about the same. given the better power, the newer generation nav, and probably better resale value down the road, i would easily choose the 350

ILOVEGIRLS

iTrader: (3)

i have a 300 and the last time i drove to LA, i got 29.XX mpg! i feel the car has enough power for what i need it to do. hope this helps.

INHOCJP

I agree. Although I love the grunt of the 430's V8, between the 300, 350 and 430, the 350 would be my choice.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

Besides the 10-year-old 4.3L engine, this should be a deal breaker for you: The gotcha on MY06 is the Gen4 navigation system.

MY07+ has a Gen5 navigation. You and your wife should check out the difference between the 2 and see what you like better.

Since she doesn't like the LS430, you should just take her car shopping and see what she likes since she'll be driving it 95% of the time.

Lastly, if you can afford either, always go for the newer one.

The G Man

Go for the 08 GS350, the nav doesnt have that stupid I agree button and the new rims are nicer. The turn signal side mirrors are a good safety feature. Plus the 08 have upgarded bluetooth software, it is compatible with more phones.

whlkev

yesssss... 2008 GS350

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

joestang
you will get the gs300 owners to say get the gs300, the gs350 owners to say gs350. If you are saving 10k over a new gs350 on a gs300 or at least 5k difference between a 06 gs300 and 07gs350 (compensating for odometer) then get the gs300, it is more than adequate power. This forum is biased towards the mod it, more power it, lower it, rim it out crowd.

whlkev

what do you drive?

the reason I ask is to see if it's worth getting a car for "HER" instead. you can just give her your current car then get something new for yourself

marshmallo

I have a GS300 and wish I had gotten the GS350

The way I look at it, the GS300 not being run in POWER ECT mode is just
not a good car In POWER ECT mode it is "acceptable".

I've thought about switching recently, but more likely I will wait a year
and a half to see if Lexus has something better that is AWD.

ek9vboi

iTrader: (3)

350 > 430.

Same power as the V8, better gas mileage. Not much more to say.

The Godfather

iTrader: (1)

I got the 300 and it's plenty good for me Great MPG!!!! Almost 400 miles a tank, gotta love it!

flipside909

Get the GS350. The additional 58 HP makes a big difference. I just returned back from the Bay Area (again) this past weekend and achieved an average of 27MPG on the freeway going an avg of 80mph on cruise control.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i get pretty much the same gas mileage in the 350 too