george1688

Hi,
I'm in Singapore and thinking about buying a 2006 Lexus GS300 as my second car. The 2006 GS300 has the 3GR-FE engine (no gasoline direct injection) while the 2007 and later models have the same engine but with gasoline direct inject (GS350 not available btw). There are 2 trim levels in Singapore, the Luxury and Super Luxury which adds cooled front seats, rear side airbags, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors and wood trimmed gear lever and steering wheel. Both trims come with Mark Levinson audio. The only option available here is a sunroof which I don't need.

1)What do I have to look out for in a 2006 car, any recalls etc.?
2)I'm also thinking about purchasing a 2 year extended warranty at about USD2500 from the Lexus dealer, do you guys think its necessary? I will be using the car for the next 3-5 years.
3)The super luxury trim cars are slightly more expensive (USD 2000-3000) is it worth paying extra? The average price of a 2006 car is USD 62,000.
4)Which car do you guys think is a better buy? A 3 year old GS300 at USD62,000 or a 1 year old Toyota Camry 2.4 at about USD48,000?

I'm interested in these 4 cars:
http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/i...=29900&DL=1389
http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/i...=18875&DL=1039
http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/i...=24147&DL=1039
http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/i...=33764&DL=1000
Which car is the best buy?

Thank you

thomastan

I like the second one which is white. Only problems we have been hearing about is the noise rattles on the dashboards and brake noises. As far as a decision on the GS300 or Camry...i would take the GS300...try to find a GS350.

vietdeluxx

iTrader: (2)

GS over the Camry.

LexFather

I don't think an extended warrenty is necessary unless the car has a lot of miles. I would also get super luxury, it helps with resales and you will appreciate those cooled seats!

GS> Camry. Amazingly the Camry has more interior room though and a bigger trunk.

george1688

There are no GS350s in Singapore, the only GSs available now are the 2009 GS300 with gasoline direct injection (the engine you guys had in 2006) and the GS450h.

nardeezy

Wow, you guys have to pay big money out there! Makes me feel better about the price I paid.

george1688

What do you consider as "a lot of miles" for a 3.5 year old car?

We have many taxes for new cars:
1)Additional registration fee (100% of open market value)
2)Certificate of entitlement (about USD 3000-13000, depending on when you buy, this price depends on the market, currently as the economy is weak, it is at a 11 year low of USD 1840)
3)Custom duty (20% of OMV)
4)Registration fee of USD97
5)Goods and Services Tax at 7% of OMV+Custom duty

OMV=Open Market Value, based on the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the country of importation. This price includes purchase price, freight, insurance and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery of the car to Singapore, the OMV of a 2009 Lexus GS300 is USD37,080 you guys are only paying slightly more than the OMV!

We still have to pay for annual road tax depending on the car's engine capacity, it is USD1650 for the GS300.

ps. We have our own currency (SGD), I'm using the USD to make it easier for you guys

george1688

Hi everyone,

I have yet to make my decision on buying which car. I recently found a 3 year old LS430 for about the same price as a 2006 GS300, which car do you guys think is a better buy, 3 year old GS300 or LS430?

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/i...=33069&DL=1175

jr1966

One of the cheapest places on earth to buy cars is the USA. It is very expensive to buy cars in Asia, specially Singapore, due to taxes.

acefalcon2

iTrader: (20)

i agree i once saw a 645CI BMW priced at $300k Sing.. stayed there for 8 years for secondary school.. and i'm nw in USA for college =)

jr1966

I am posting the same answer that I posted in another thread.

I think this should be easy. If you have a chauffeur driving you around (as some people in Singapore do), go with the LS. Otherwise, go with the GS.

george1688

I don't know why I'm asking this in a GS thread but is the driving feel of the LS430 about the same as a LS460 (smoothness, noise, power)?

thomastan

it should be better ... new model = happy customer

jr1966

Based on all the Lexuses that I've driven, most of them felt similar, if not the same, when it comes to suspension, ride, NVH (noise/vibration/harshness). They roll a bit too much, rides too soft, too quiet, zero-feel steering. Even interior materials feel the same. Excellent car if you want to relax after a long, hard day to de-stress yourself (that's the reason why I got a Lexus). The only difference may come from engine power, but they all sound very similar too. Therefore, picking between an LS430 & LS460 is better be decided on overall condition, price, mileage......rather than driving experience.

george1688

That is exactly why I fell in love with my LS460, I never liked to push the LS. I'm like the kind of person that like to enjoy a cruise with maximum comfort.