SaintNexus

From my understanding, the last year of a certain model is usually/always the best, just because it worked out all the kinks and what not.

The 2nd Gen GS300 body ended in 2005, but the GS300 name did not finish until 2006. But in 2006, it was the first year of the New GS body.

So, would the 2006 GS300 be considered the last year of the 2nd Gen GS300 (because of the name), or would it be considered the first year of the 3rd Gen GS (because of the body change)?

If it is the first year, do you any owners here of an 06 GS300 enjoy their car? Does it give a lot of problems or is pretty reliable?

I'm considering buying a GS300. I wanted a GS350, but I don't really care much for looks, as I care more about reliability and the car lasting a long time.

My current car is a 1990 LS400. So, I know that getting an 06 GS300, the car will last until 2020 (if not longer). Not saying I will keep the car for that long, but I wouldn't mind, since its more up to date with technology and so on.

All I want in a car is to have a Black Leather interior, and Navigation. I don't care much for the exterior color, and I want the miles to be as low as possible, but not that picky.

Fizzboy7

The 2005 is considered the last year of that generation and the 2006 is considered the next generation. The last model year of a design is often quite reliable for the reasons you listed. However, I have heard things like the dies and molds start aging toward the end of a production run, so sometimes there could be tolerance issues compared to the earlier models. Never been able to verify that myself though.
As far as GS reliability, I don't think anything too bad has happened over the years. Most Lexus models are rated good, even with the GS's average rating. I have never heard of any of my GS friends complaining about major repairs.

SaintNexus

What do you mean with the the dies and molds start aging toward the end of a production run?

Do you drive a GS?

I'm having a hard time finding a GS that I will like, mainly because they don't fit the criteria that I am looking for (Black Leather, Navigation, Clean Title, and somewhat low mileage. Exterior color not that picky, but anything but green).

I'm trying to find a GS under $20,000. So the term can be between 48-60 months (maybe even 72 months), so my payments will be between $300-$400 a month. I'm going to have a bank Finance (Chase), so my APR will be between 3.86-4.95, which isn't that bad.

Fizzboy7

Dies and molds are what's used in the factory to form parts. As the years go on and these pieces get used more and more. Sometimes they can bend, flex, age, and every so slightly come out of alignment. Intolerances is what can cause rattles, etc. This is how it once was decades ago, but not sure if that's still the case with more modern times/technology. Like I have mentioned, I've never seen any recent proof this is a problem. If you can check out a Consumer's Reports book, you won't see any bad patterns pertaining to the last model year.
Speaking of CR, they can answer a lot of your reliability questions. While I don't take their testing too seriously, their reliability stats have always seemed accurate to me and matched my real world experiences with the cars I've owned.
As far as not being able to find the exact model you want, be patient. If you can't come up with something, you might need to expand your search area and/or lose an option or two. Use Autotrader.com. In Los Angeles, there are many with black interiors and nav, but under $20k is a stretch.

SaintNexus

Hm, well its good to hear that there aren't many issues with the GS line. The only time I would consider an interior other than Black is Beige/Tan, but the exterior has to be either Black or Blue, maybe Red. I'd like to have a balance with the exterior and interior color, and if its White with Beige, than that just looks ugly. And Gray interiors don't look nice either.

I found a 06 GS300, Black with Tan interior with Autotrader. Costs $19,992. Question about negotiating price.

I know that there is a website that gives true market value on brand new cars, but could there be a cite that helps negotiate on a good price to get used cars?

When it comes to used cars, I'd want at least $1,500 off the sticker price that they ask for.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

just to make something clear, gs300 means very little...

98-05 gs300, it's the inline 6 engine (2jz-ge)

but the 2006 gs300, it's a COMPLETELY different engine. it's actually v6....

so in no way, not even engine, should anyone think 06 is the "last year". chassis, body, engine, electronics, almost everything different

rominl

iTrader: (4)

btw, if you care about drivetrain, get the 06 gs430, that's the same 430 drivetrain in the 98-05 setup

gsexy300

Here's CR's 2011 Predicted Reliability Report:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/2...bility-scores/

unfortunately, the GS 300 AWD is the WORST MODEL in the Lexus Lineup. I do think that some of these stats are just the result of statistical anomalies, owing to the fact that there is nothing faulty with the AWD system, there are more RWD GS 300's out there (note that by default this refers only to the 2006 model year, as '07 and up are GS 350s of course) So anyway, as the 2006 GS 300 AWD is a relatively rare car, it wouldn't take many of them going in for repairs to trigger its placement on the 'worst model' list. CR really irks me, overall.

Fizzboy7

No one has ever been able to explain why the GS AWD is rated poorer. I don't buy it either. I think it's a combo of the type of buyer and rarity of this car that skews the questionair's outcome.