fitcious

Hi everyone,

I've been a lurker on this forum because I plan to purchase a CPO GS350. I am probably going to wait till end of the year when the prices drop a bit more, because the new year will be around the corner and the 4th gen will be revealed already.

I have a couple of questions. I am debating between a 2007 and 2008. I read the sticky on the differences and as of now, the car market seems to place the 2008 and 2007 with a $3500-$4000 difference, with similar miles/ specs, so I am not sure if the changes between the years are worthy for the price difference.

I do not care much for the side mirror blinkers or the revised bumpers as well as the new steering wheel. What I do like is the AUX input. i know the 2007 have 6 disc cd changer with mp3 playback...but having the AUX is so much more convenient. I currently drive a 2009 Honda Fit and the usb plug on there is wonderful.

For those of you with 2007, how inconvenient is it without the AUX?

For those of you with the ML stereo system, was it worth it and would you recommend it? (i listen to a lot of music and all types)

To all: any know issues that persists with the 2007 over the 2008? Ive read about the brake pads and the valves recall (correct me if I am wrong), but are those the only issues from the 2007 and 2008?

Thank you in advance.

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

I have a 2007, recall for the valve springs was a breeze at the dealership. There is really no common problem between the 2. I had an acura TSX with AUX that I have used a lot, but here I just made MP3 CD's and could careless. I would obviously suggest a 2008, a year difference is also a difference between 2008 still having warranty while most of 2007 aren't.

Ashdaddy

If you are going with a CPO 2007 it would have the same warranty as the 2008... Lexus just gives you 3 years from the date of purchase rather than and ADDITIONAL 3 years like some other companies do. Mileage would be the only determining factor in terms of length of the warranty as the CPO warranty goes to 100,000 total miles. So, a 2007 with 28k miles would have a bigger warranty than a 2008 with 35k for example.

In terms of the differences in the 2 models, I really like the exterior cosmetic changes they made for 2008... I really prefer the new grille and mirrors, but another change was the rims for the 350. The 2008+ rims for the 350 are, in my opinion, way nicer than the 10 spoke 17" that came on the 06-07 350. More interesting design, plus the color of the wheel is the darker "Liquid Graphite" rather than the "Bright Silver" that came on the 06-07.

Additionally, the interior changes on the 08+ were nice... I like the new shift **** surround much better on the 08+... Just looks more modern and better thought out, and also the silver inserts on the seats look really nice.

Regarding the AUX, you could always go with a Vais system to add whatever aux devices you want. If you like the USB input the Vais ML+ can come with a usb input for flash drives, but the system does a BEAUTIFUL job with actually integrating iPod control into the nav screen. Better than some OEM integrations IHMO. It runs much quicker and is much more intuitive than the MB system for example. This will work on the '07 also, so for $600 installed, you are all good with audio.

Regarding the ML stereo, it is an AMAZING system, my buddy has it and I am jealous every time I ride in his car. Having said that, the stock system is great as well, and I really don't have any complaints. I wouldn't pay to add it new, but was hoping to be able to pay a few hundred extra for my CPO 3GS to get one with ML. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one in the color combo I wanted with ML. If you have the option to get one with or without within $500 difference, I would say go for it.

Overall, I really think that the 2008+ is the best way to go, looks more up to date, and matches the rest of the Lexus line better. I went with an '08 GS350 AWD about 4 months ago, and I am really happy with my decision.

Hope this helps!

Harlemboi

08 would be a better choice but if the only thing your worried about Is the aux, there are multiple companys that make a aux integration for the 07 ... I use the jl audio "cleansweep" for my aux input and I love it!