WSSD

Im new to this site and have a few questions. Im in the market for a 3rd gen GS 300. It was between this one and a 07 bmw 530i. I've decided to go with the lexus instead of the bmw in hopes of a more reliability car.

The GS 300 im looking at right now is a 2006 with 100k mi on it. Do you guys think the mileage is high for the year? Also when does these type of cars starts to break down? I know this varies from car to car but is there a common set mielage where these type of cars will start falling apart?

Im kinda worried that the car will start breaking down once i purchase it. I dont know much about lexus, have never own one before. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

i had the 06 GS and here are some inputs:

1. the dash will likely rattle (there is DIY)
2. check out the transmission
3. my 06 GS300 came with auto level lights and one of the broke; thus look out for that
4. If you can get ML system, it is simply heavenly

Overall, I loved my 06 GS300 and regret selling it. I am actually in market for 2010-11 GS350. I hope this helps.

burny

do some searching on here for issues with the 06 GS300. There is plenty to read.

WSSD

sorry for the rookie question, but what is a ML system?

Here is the list of some of the options the car comes with.

VERY CLEAN 2006 LEXUS GS300 LUXURY - NAVIGATION - HEATED/COOLED SEATS - SMART KEY FEATURE - AT TRANSMISSION - SUNROOF - SPORT WHEELS - PRIVACY GLASS - FOGLIGHTS - AUX INPUT - PREMIUM HARMEN KARDON SOUND SYSTEM - POWER WINDOWS - KEYLESS ENTRY - OEM ALARM SYSTEM - ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM - EXTRA SET OF KEYS - RECENTLY MAINTAINED WITH ALL FLUIDS TOPPED - FRESH FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE

WSSD

yes, im also checking up old post on this site. Just wanted to ask this question and hope someone can just give me an answer up front of the issues for this car to save me the time of going thru numerous threads.

WSSD

so i did more reading and found that the most common issue with the 06 gs 300 is the transmission. most member post stating that their transmission went out anywhere from 90-140k mi and cost anywhere from $5-7k. The car i am looking at just hit 100k on the mark. i think its safe to say i'll probably look for a different brand car or maybe a newer year. sucks, just when i thought i found the right car. back to more searching for a new car.

LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

ML: Mark Levinson system.

Not sure if 06 came with Harmen Kardon system or aux. Can anyone chime into this?

WSSD

thanks, yeah the 06 im looking at comes with the harmen kardon system instead with aux input. just did more reading and now its turning me away from this car. the damm transmission! lol.

cant believe this year have so many issues with the transmission even at low mileage too. i just cant see myself forking out $5-7k to replace the transmission when the car im looking at retails for $12k only. thats like half the cost of the actual car.

GMack650

Just curious, how much are you looking to spend on a car ?

WSSD

it depends on the car but im not looking to go pass $17k.

this one im looking at right now is a 06 for $12k

the bmw 07 530i im also looking at is for $12k also.

might have to go check the 530i out.

GMack650

There are plenty of GS350s here in No. California within your budget. I bought my 07 with Navigation and Mark Levinson system last year with 72K for $17K at a Honda Dealership.

I would stay away from BMWs. They tend to have a lot of electrical issues as time goes on. Good Luck on your search.

WSSD

Im in so cal though, norcal has all the good deals on cars but just too far to travel. and you're right about the electrical issues for bmw.

electrical issues or transmission issues ahhhhh decisions decisions

i hate the fact that the only car im interested in right now have some of the worst problems.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

since you live in CA, buy my 06 GS430. 160K miles. solid as a tank.

BC coilover, control arms, toe arms, GTR wheels, megan mid-pipe, HKS exhaust and more....

PM if u interested.

jegyed

I used to buy Audi's but I drive hard and at 100k it seemed like every trip for service was $1000, so I bought a 01 GS430. I still have that one and outside of a few door locks the car has been perfect and its at 160k. I bought it when it was 4 years old with 24K. Next I bought an 08 GS350 AWD and so far have not had a single issue with it. I am suspicious of the Trans because its a sealed unit and I have read its good to change the fluid, there are two options. A little at a time or drop the pan and refill. Since its AWD the shift points then need to be recalibrated by a computer program. Its not the cheapest fluid change but I think it would be worth it if you buy a used 350. As far as BMW goes, I only owned one and noticed people really are not polite to BMW drivers, you get the " you must be an A-hole" treatment from lots of drivers.

On the 430 vs 350, here is nothing like that little V8 on the 430. The 430 is a softer smoother car depending on wheels and tires, the 350 handles better and less long term maintenance and better gas mileage. Plus the second gen cars are looking a bit dated.