tito85

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and thinking of getting an 06 gs 300 under 50k soon. I have a few questions though. How reliable is the 3rd gen GS (especially the 06). My sister had a 2nd gen and it was pretty solid. I searched the forums and heard about the creaks and rattles in the car. Are there any other problems you guys can point out or advice to help me w/ my purchase. Thanks a lot.

tito85

anyone......

greyhndfan

here's one that comes to mind.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...so-pissed.html

My vac lines were blocked too.. luckily I had them replaced under waranty before any water damage could occur. 2006 was a quirky year but so far I'm pleased with the reliabliliy.

ingoodtime

I don't think the car handles all that well for what it is. While maybe not as sporty looking, I'd think about an 07 ES350. My wife has one and it is one sweet car. My 06 CPO GS300 is a great looking car. The dealer had to reset the rack/power steering setting so that I did not have to constantly make steering corrections. So, while being more stable on the hwy, it still has some vague steering feel that results in some more input being necessary. Take one on the hwy and see how it feels before you buy it. Around town, a beautiful car but hwy, doesn't feel as planted as I would like or am used to in a car.

ecount00

I think the dash rattle package is the most chronic problem you would find and you already know about that. You might look into what TSB have been performed on the car. Give your particular car an extensive test drive. I've been very happy with our 06.

tito85

Thank for the replies guys. I will certainly give the car a good test drive. If I were to pick up an 06 w/ under 50k would some of the problems be fix from the previous owners through tsb/ and warranties...for ex rattles/squeaks and the clogged a/c line. I love the car but don't want to spend 20+ k on a car w/ a bunch of minor problems. Would an IS 350 be better for me (reliabilty wise).

MadMax96

I'm also considering an 06 GS300 in a couple of months and have been trying to read up on everything I can on here.

Would someone who's looking for one be better off finding one with a later production date than an earlier one? Say something made in early/mid 2006 versus one produced in mid/late 2005? Or are they all equally (potentially) quirky?

I'm coming from a '99 LS so I realize it might not have as much get up and go, but I'm looking forward to an increase in gas mileage.

ecount00

Good question. You would think grabbing one built late in the production run would be a good idea but I don't how much they actually get smoothed out during the production year. Certainly from reading I don't think the dash rattles were any less likely later on. That was an annoying but a fixable problem. One trip to the dealer took care of it. They got pretty good at it from doing so many. I didn't have any of the other problems that have come up. Wish I could give you more specific advice. Good luck and I hope you find a car you enjoy.

ingoodtime

do you have the service code on your receipt from when you
had the dash rattle fixed?

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

Here is an important point IMO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf9BREjcH5I

The Lexus GS was redesigned for the 2006 model year. Beginning with 2006 models manufactured after August 2005, changes were made to the front seat-mounted torso airbags to ensure better abdomen coverage in side impact crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). The tested car was manufactured after the side torso airbags had been modified.

HomieG

Just my data point...my GS300RWD was manufactured in May, 2006 and as not experienced the dash rattle problem. Though not sure if the previous owner had to have the TSIB fix done for this to be the case. Good luck with whatever you purchase!

tito85

I will be taking a look at an 06 this weekend. Dealer's asking 21k, car has about 46k.
I will make sure nothing rattles like crazy and i'll make sure to check the usuals. What else should I look out for?

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

theres plenty of threads on this with a ton of info in this forum.

no matter if you get an 06 or an 09, there is still dash rattles.

RooRa

I've had my 06 gs since winter 05 and it's been good for me.

Few things that I don't like and would like to have upgraded/fixed

- navigation looks really outdated
- better gas mileage, been on 17-21mpg mixed running on premium
- when the engine is on the outside engine noise is like a truck, that tat tat tat is annoying too
- a/c smell in the summertime every time you get into the car after a few hours.
- the buttons on the steering wheels don't glow at all and are barely visible at night
- the ventilated/heats dont do no justice, seems really weak even on 3.
- more hp, when the car is full with 4-5 adults, it lags like a ****, i need to switch to pwr mode everytime i have a full car to actually feel like its moving like its supposed to

these are the only major problems i have seen. the rattles are annoying, but they are only when the car is still cold in winter conditions and needs to warm up you hear a bunch of rattling, at least in my car but nothing like OMG they need to fix this.

I got the sway bars f-sport and the f-sport 19s with michelin pilot sport a/s+ and they actually really do justice. the sway bars are a definite must REALLY BIG DIFFERENCE, but the f-sport rims are a no-no if you live in the nyc area like me, with all them potholes. I already got 3 rims bent so far. because of this I am looking for OEM 18's and trying to sell the f-sport 19s for cheap.

If you can get the 350, I heard it was well worth it, but overall I LOVE my car, it never did anything that forced me to get stranded or anything. It's smooth, quiet on the inside, and overall feels great for everyday driving.

also if you do get a 300 06, then get the battery replaced. the battery sucks, i had my lights on for about an hour and the battery died on me. thats after 4 years though lol

RooRa

also, this is a everyday LUXURY vehicle that looks sporty. It's a great everyday car.

I give this car a "B"

I have also have/had
07 audi q7 v6 - gets a C
08 audi q7 v6 - gets a B
10 hs250 prem - gets a B would get a B+ if the engine noise wasn't so rough and as annoying