View Poll Results: Should I even *look* at a 2006 GS300 considering the past carbon buildup problems?
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2006 GS300 - Should I bother? (Carbon buildup issues, etc)
#1
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I've been looking for a 2006 GS300 or 2007 GS350 for about 2 months.
I first started with the GS300 and about halfway through my search, learned about the carbon buildup issues. I had posted about it in the Lexus subreddit but decided you guys were the better resource.
I know there was a TSIB or recall for this issue and that it recently expired so I'm wondering if I should even bother to continue looking at the 2006 GS300 anymore? What are the chances that previous owners haven't addressed this nearly 10 years later?
And what are the common symptoms of carbon buildup? Lost compression?
There's one '06 in my area but the dealer told me there's a "delay" between the 2nd and 3rd gear on acceleration. Is that a carbon problem or a tranny problem?
Anyway, just wondering if I'm being silly by ignoring '06's altogether at this point?
Thanks!
I first started with the GS300 and about halfway through my search, learned about the carbon buildup issues. I had posted about it in the Lexus subreddit but decided you guys were the better resource.
I know there was a TSIB or recall for this issue and that it recently expired so I'm wondering if I should even bother to continue looking at the 2006 GS300 anymore? What are the chances that previous owners haven't addressed this nearly 10 years later?
And what are the common symptoms of carbon buildup? Lost compression?
There's one '06 in my area but the dealer told me there's a "delay" between the 2nd and 3rd gear on acceleration. Is that a carbon problem or a tranny problem?
Anyway, just wondering if I'm being silly by ignoring '06's altogether at this point?
Thanks!
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At the risk of getting a lot of shıt, I'm going to take the opposite tack and suggest that you shouldn't dismiss the '06 GS300 as a matter of course – most of the 3GSs I see on the road are GS300s. Unlike the Pinto, there's nothing inherently wrong with the 300, and the carbon buildup is a problem with all engines that are solely direct-injected. If you get a 300, just be aware that cleaning the carbon deposits is another maintenance item you'll have to take care of at some point.
Regarding the transmission, if I were in the market right now I would treat the transmission of any 3GS with suspicion – because Lexus claims that ATF WS is "lifetime fluid", and most owners probably don't even know that transmissions require fluid of any sort, I'm sure that most 3GSs on the market are still on their original fluid.
So if you find a GS300 at a good price that ticks all your boxes, don't dismiss it immediately, just factor the additional maintenance into the price.
Having said all that, I am very happy with my '08 GS350, especially the power and brakes
Regarding the transmission, if I were in the market right now I would treat the transmission of any 3GS with suspicion – because Lexus claims that ATF WS is "lifetime fluid", and most owners probably don't even know that transmissions require fluid of any sort, I'm sure that most 3GSs on the market are still on their original fluid.
So if you find a GS300 at a good price that ticks all your boxes, don't dismiss it immediately, just factor the additional maintenance into the price.
Having said all that, I am very happy with my '08 GS350, especially the power and brakes
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#12
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At the risk of getting a lot of shıt, I'm going to take the opposite tack and suggest that you shouldn't dismiss the '06 GS300 as a matter of course – most of the 3GSs I see on the road are GS300s. Unlike the Pinto, there's nothing inherently wrong with the 300, and the carbon buildup is a problem with all engines that are solely direct-injected. If you get a 300, just be aware that cleaning the carbon deposits is another maintenance item you'll have to take care of at some point.
Regarding the transmission, if I were in the market right now I would treat the transmission of any 3GS with suspicion – because Lexus claims that ATF WS is "lifetime fluid", and most owners probably don't even know that transmissions require fluid of any sort, I'm sure that most 3GSs on the market are still on their original fluid.
So if you find a GS300 at a good price that ticks all your boxes, don't dismiss it immediately, just factor the additional maintenance into the price.
Having said all that, I am very happy with my '08 GS350, especially the power and brakes![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Regarding the transmission, if I were in the market right now I would treat the transmission of any 3GS with suspicion – because Lexus claims that ATF WS is "lifetime fluid", and most owners probably don't even know that transmissions require fluid of any sort, I'm sure that most 3GSs on the market are still on their original fluid.
So if you find a GS300 at a good price that ticks all your boxes, don't dismiss it immediately, just factor the additional maintenance into the price.
Having said all that, I am very happy with my '08 GS350, especially the power and brakes
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#13
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If you don't mind my asking, why're you selling?
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I wouldn't even consider a 300. Being a 06 your out of warranty for your free engine rebuild and carbon clean up. Fuel system clean maintenance doesn't touch the carbon that's built up. I've seen it before and after. 350's have no carbon issues at all.
As as far as what problems you would see is misfires with a check engine light. Sometimes will cause a hard miss when carbon is bad enough.
Dont get it.
As as far as what problems you would see is misfires with a check engine light. Sometimes will cause a hard miss when carbon is bad enough.
Dont get it.