Hello all, I sold my LS400 about 5 years ago and have always planned to get back into a Lexus, so I知 looking for areas of concern on these cars. I知 a licensed mechanic, so I知 not really worried about mechanical work as long as parts are reasonable. Hoping to get a GS300 or 350 rwd, but I知 not opposed to a V8 model either.....they池e tough to find in my area, and we get snow here, and use salt in the winter, so rust is a concern.

 

Find yourself a 2008-up GS350 awd, engine and transmission are very stout and over built imo. 2007-up have older technology but still great cars, the 2006 GS300 have less power, weaker brakes, and carbon build up issues because of the direct injection poorly designed, that require walnut blasting or manual cleaning.

The GS430, 460, and 450H all great cars but if you buy a high mileage one make sure they replaced the ABS system, as those cars use a system that is similiar to the LS460 but different then the GS350. The GS350 have reliable abs/braking system. Those ABS pump run around over $2,000 new if you can find a used 6-$800. Also used parts are plentiful on the 350's vs 460's. The 460 is not much faster then the GS350

On the GS350 ust replace the water pump as a preventive maintenance if it hasnt been replaced, aisin brand is only $85 and only take 2-3 hours labour. Then you usual fluids, diff, transmission drain and fills, spark plugs, belts etc

 

Thanks, but I don’t want an awd one, I prefer the feel/handling of rwd even though we get a good amount of snow here. They’re not really common here, so my choices are limited, currently I’m planning to look at a 2007 this week, seems clean and price is average, so we will see.

 

awd handle better then rwd, you have the extra bite of the front tires pulling the car forward in turns. Also the traction when you take off on a drag race, while others are spinning your hooking and booking.

Which is why skyline gtr's dominated many supercars when they were first released, because of there awd system and launch control. Only bummer is no burn outs, and you cant turn off the front tires. Also if you plan to lower an awd they tend to have driveline shakes.

 

I love my 2006 GS300, but I wished I had 2008+ GS350,

 

The 2008+ V6 models and all of the V8 and hybrid models have VDIM, which is a very slick integrated traction management system ( is one of a few videos on YouTube). They also have a few other nice-to-haves like LED turn signals integrated into the mirrors, an AUX port for the radio, and a slightly more modern looking front end. VDIM is the "killer app" in my mind though. The 2006 and 2007 models (and maybe some 2008s?) were recalled and had special service campaigns for a several reasons, so make sure any recalls have been done, and ask about SSC records with earlier models. The 2006 models have a previous generation navigation system, but I'm not very clear on the differences. The 2006-7 cars were also prone to dashboard and cowl cover squeaks and rattles, so dealers went through machinations to make them quieter for owners. In general, a diligent person can address most of the typical squeaks and rattles if they are still present, but one of the "fixes" was to remove the entire dashboard and install 4 new updated felt-insulated clips that secure the dashboard in the car. There were VIN ranges that the TSIBs referred to, so I believe this was a running change in 2007 and all of the 2008s had the updated clips (?). There were also recalls for valve springs, the rear brakes, the electronic power steering rack, and multiple service campaigns / recalls for the intake (VVTi) cam gears.

The 2006 and 2007 models aren't bad cars, just the above info can be useful when looking at multiple vehicles and when haggling.

 

You can't go wrong with an 08+ GS350. Very comfortable cars, as well as quiet. For the most part super easy to do maintenance on. I feel like the AWD model is too heavy for the power it makes. The v6 models come with a sequential 6 speed, while the GS430 come with an 8 speed sequential. Some people prefer the 6 speed, because it behaves better when driving spiritedly. The 8 speed tends to search for gears. The one mechanical issue i saw, was the cam gears on the v6, have a defect on some engines where upon cold start, you would hear a high pitch squeal. The high pitch squeal came from the cam gear not being able to lubricate upon cold start, causing abnormal wear and in some instances causing engine failure.

 

I like the handling and steering feel of rwd, the added weight of the awd system makes cars more prone to push into corners, they are not nearly as nimble, and I enjoy drifting from time to time. I also plan to lower it.

 

unfortunately, it's difficult to turn off the anti-skid system in these cars to enable drifting.