facry80

Hi all,
Newbie here. So I am looking at getting a high mileage GS 430 and I had a a few questions here:

1) Other than the usual (service records, carfax report etc.) should I ask for anything else when going to buy the 430? For e.g. recalls, TSB's and the like.

2) Is 23.5 (dealer asking) price good for a 06 430 (80k miles)?

3) Reading the forums I understand that the 5th gen DVD in the 07's are one of the most important distinctions between the 06 and 07 models. Personally I dont care much for that distinction, but is there anything else I should consider before making this decision?

4) Are rattles a big issue in the 430's? During the test drives what kind of rattles and from where should I look for? 430 owners please chime in.

Lastly I just want to say this has been an awesome resource and I hope I become a part of this community (i.e. get the 430

rominl

iTrader: (4)

06 gs doesn't play mp3 cd, if that's something you care for

rattle is an issue on a lot of gs in genera throughout the years. look for dash squeaks and rattles, they seem to be the most "common"

oh and welcome to clublexus

sprintz

My $0.02:

Seems like a good price. Note that for a tad more, you could get an '07 GS350. eg:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...=&aff=national

My perspective of Pros:
- new nav (better Ipod interface if you are really into your tunes and you will be getting the VAIS system... by the way, Mark Levinson may be important to you as well if you're into your tunes)

My perspective of Cons:
- You won't have the V8 "growl" (if you are in to that).

Look around. One way flights are cheap. I flew from Dallas to Chicago to get mine (Could I qualify to be in the Chicago Lexus Club )

1STLXS

iTrader: (4)

430 Owner here and I love everything about my car. The ride, the growl. I have not experienced the rattles that some have but when you test drive listen for that. What is the blue book on that with that many miles? Have you searched autotrader to see want they are going for privately etc... just to get comparison numbers.
Good luck and keep us posted!


RG

Inertia

I love my GS430 also, don't really care for a newer navigation...as long as it works! I do love that V8 growl when I'm on the freeway though...

Other than that I have an occasional rattle but most have been fixed by dealer.

facry80

Wow, just got back from lunch and by no means did I expect so many replies.

My main Q here is how hard is the ipod integration through the regular levinson audio system in this car? Speaking of did I mention this car has the levinson audio.

Supposedly the dealer has a the carfax and all the lexus service records through the dealer. Anything in particular I should be looking for in these records?

Again thanks for all those who chimed in.

sprintz

The VAIS Ipod interface is cake to install if you have any bit of mechanical ability. While you're in there, do the NAV hack. With '06 Nav, you'll have access to your playlists thru the interface.

Dealer records: the more the better; just means the previous owner did his services with Lexus.

Having looked on cars.com, that's probably one of the least expensive '06 430 available. Give 'em your offer of at least $1K less on a paper with your phone number and if they don't take it walk out. They'll be in touch. All this Cash for Clunkers stuff going on right now should soften the market up even further.

1STLXS

iTrader: (4)

Dealer records: the more the better; just means the previous owner did his services with Lexus.


Totally Agree

On a sidenote: Sprintz your a man after my own heart, not only do you roll in a GS430 but your a fan of a great football organization (assumption based on your avatar). I am a native of AZ but have been a loyal fan of Steelers for the last 30 yrs! "Here we go Steelers, Here we go"
Sry got caught up in the moment (lol).

GS300.ru

Welcome to the club. I love my 06 430 as well. I did not understand how cool ML is until I did not drive my older GS for a month, big difference. The navi on 06 is alright. Check that two recalls (steering module and rear brake something) were performed, you might still be eligible to perform those at no cost. The V8 engine was proven over years, 80000 is nothing for it. As for all GS, you might have dashboard clicks (console, glove compartment, center near the windshield), only detectable with temps lower than 50. Pump up that volume of your ML over 42 to fix it. Make sure you are getting new brakes/rotors and tires, those are pricy. All 06 GS430 were a premium/expensive segment of GS market and seems to be well build. Also, seems to be that the 430 on the back does calm some racers around you as well.
Good luck

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

GS430 owner here with the Viastech unit for the iPod.

I simply hate my car....cant you tell

Honestly thats a good buy for the $$. Miles are nothing. I do have some rattles but mine are when its really cold out (live in Chicago) other then that I dont really have too many issues with the car.

Keep us posted!

GS2006

I have two GS2006. A 430 and 300. Both are very low mileage. The 430 I bought new and has 35k miles and other than the rattles when it is cold, I like the car. If you can get the records, check to see if the rattle tsb(s) were done. They are not a cure but do help. I had them done on the GS430 and it does not rattle near as bad as the GS300 with 13k miles that has not had them done yet. Got the GS300 with 11k miles about 6 months ago and it rattles like crazy even in the warm 100deg heat. All over the dash area. Also check to see if the recalls have been done.

BTW, I like the 430 way better.

Also, keep in mind at 100k I believe there is a ton of maintenance required like timing belt, tune up and such.

spine911

iTrader: (4)

I thought the 3GS engine platform uses a timing chain??

GS2006

The intake camshafts are driven by a timing belt, while the exhaust camshaft are driven through gears on the intake camshafts.

Don't take my word for it though, see page 19:
http://www.lextreme.com/forums/3uzfe.pdf

cheers

spine911

iTrader: (4)

After further research on the 3rd Gen GS platform...



GS 300; GS & IS 350 and GS and LS 460's all have timing chains.

All LS and GS 430 engines have timing belts.

sprintz

Ahhhh-yeah! Likewise, been it's over 30 yrs for me too, and it ain't easy doing this while living in Dallas Texas! By the way, I dig the shoes...

to make this a legit post on this thread:
facry80, assuming it checks out, get the 430. You'll be very happy.