11bravo

I hang out on the RX forum, but have a friend who is looking at our neighbor's 2006 GS300. Vehicle is 2 owners, 94K miles, spotless in and out. All maintenance records indicate work done by Lexus. No smoke, no pets. Private party seller wants $10k, which I think is realistically $9K. Car is very, very nice. My friend, potential buyer, is capable of doing all maintenance, and most repairs, by himself.

What would you look closely at on this vehicle before buying?

Thanks,
Jim

tghw

I can't help you much on the mechanical side because I'm not as familiar with the early G3's, but I just picked up an 09 GS 350 in Jan after shopping for a couple of months and that price seems kind high to me based on the my observations. I was seeing 07-08s with about 100k mi. for around $10k in the Midwest.

MX73

I would make sure that the Carbon issues have been dealt with. I would also make sure that the front seal isn't leaking oil. The '06 GS300 requires some major maintenance after a certain mile. Luckily, I had the extended warranty and got the front and rear seals replaced and the alternator replaced. Lexus didn't find an issue with rough idle on my GS even though I'm still trying to fight them to get new piston rings and a top end cleaning before my warranty expires. So far, my 06 has been reliable for the past 3 years that I have owned it.

I would try and find 07-up. They may be a few grand more but you'll less likely run into the carbon built up issue down the road.

nobelnabil

I would say try to step up a bit and look for GS350 2007+, it is safer choice especially when the car has high millage as i heard that the 300 burns lot of oil

lx4life

10k is a bit much for a 2006, he should be able find one closer to 7K. Just have him shop around these cars are really reliable. I have a 2006 with 130K and its running strong and no oil leaks or BURNING, any car you get can be an issue so please don't listen to all the negative cause I am sure all models have issues.

MX73

Likewise. I have over 130k on my GS300. It has been outstanding.