NicksGS350

are there any major issues with a 2008 gs350
I should know about before buying with awd?

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Im at 170k miles 08 GS350 AWD and still going strong, no serious issues other then maintenance. At 90-100k miles I would replace the water pump if it hasnt been changed. They are easy to swap and super cheap.

lukemmm

Keep an eye out, these engines tend to burn oil. Lexus allows for about 1L every 1000kms which is quite a lot. Also ask when the transmission fluid was replaced. If it's old your torque converter tends to have trouble locking up and starts shaking when going through gears.

NicksGS350

I am driving an 09 Infiniti G37X, I had to replace the AWD, transmission. It is a very expensive trans,

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

The 3GS 350 awd is a solid well built car! Some do have very minor vibrations at idle, especially if you lower them. There are awd's with over 250k miles on them.

ez12a

can't comment on the AWD system but engine-wise, my '07 GS350 (my first lexus/toyota product) has been pretty good as expected from a Toyota. Bought mine with 90k miles from a private seller and immediately replaced the water pump (known issue with at least the early GS. I knew this was an issue with my car before I bought it.). It's a relatively easy job and I have a DIY video on it on youtube. My touch screen also stopped responding at some point, but that was a relatively easy fix as well (also on youtube).

Once that was out of the way, it has been just oil, oil filters, and other consumables. Did a few drain and fills of the transmission fluid early on while doing engine oil. 30k miles later I did the 120k mile service just recently with spark plugs, front brakes and fluid (more videos of that on youtube as well). All pretty easy to do thanks to the design and layout of the GS. It's a great car if you do the work yourself.

My channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ez12a

NicksGS350

Thanks for all the help, I am new to Toyota and I like the Lexus style on the GS, I did drive it for a short time and the Idol seemed a little rough ,
I was thinking a car trying to maintain a reputation like Lexus would run a little smoother,
Thinking after sitting it might just need a good tune up

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

AWD do shake at idle thats there downfall, they do it more when lowered

NicksGS350

OK, well lets see
After less than a week owning the car I found a few issues,
The first is an exhaust leak between the cats and the resonators , it is one piece, can this be repaired as the used car dealer said?
The second issue is the break pedal going all the way to the floor ,

I had the breaks checked today, pads and rotors are fine
Anyone else have issues like this?

ez12a

You inspected the rotors and pads but did you take a look at the condition of the fluid at the master cylinder? is it dark or a light color?

If it's dark, try flushing the brake system. You'll need at least the 32oz bottle of DOT 3.

As far as the exhaust leak, it can be fixed at an exhaust shop. Although a leak would indicate an issue with corrosion. Have you looked underneath to see?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I think they can leak at the Y pipe where the clamp goes around the heat shield. Some can weld it, but the dealer fix is replacing the whole piece and is very expensive. Also your rear calipers may be siezed or sticking causing the mushy pedal/ poor pedal feel

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

On awd's the mid pipes especially on northern cars rust out due to the poorly designed heat shields. The heat shields have a fiberglass matt inside that holds moisture and slowly rots the pipe. What I did was removed all the heat shields on both sides, and had a muffler shop weld up the rusted crack. Cost like $50 bucks If your pipes are beyound repair have them cut out a small section of pipe and just replace that vs buying oem which is over $1200 few years ago.

As for the brakes, your pedal shouldnt reach the floor. You may have a bad master cylinder or water in the fluid.