20k max budget for a GS 350
08-21-20, 02:21 PM
#31
My 2 cents
I was in the same position as you a couple months ago, wanted ‘14+ GS with under 75,000 miles and under $20k. First, be willing to travel. Second thing was to get priorities set, mine were as follows:
- Price -Maintenance records -One owner -Mileage -Options (specifically seat extender, I’m tall & it’s a necessity).
Everything else like exterior or interior color, year, options like ML or BSM, had to be negotiable. Due to my need for seat extender, this only allowed me to buy an FSport or Luxury Package. After a few months of searching, thought I found my car...’14 FSport, 1 owner, 69k, Gray with Merlot interior, $17,600, and at a Toyota dealership. Talked with sales guy, was arranging to test drive the next day....when they told me a buyer from NC put $5000 down via credit card over the phone & was flying in (WI) to drive it home the next day. Disappointing moment.
Kept searching. A month later the car I ended up buying showed in my searches. ‘13 Luxury package with ALL options except Lane keep assist & night vision (neither I would have wanted). 66,000 miles, 1owner, dealership did all maintenance, and Deep Sea Mica blue with Black interior, for sale at the Lexus dealer that originally sold it. I had to drive to Iowa to get it, and did not wait as they had it priced well, still managed to haggle it down ;-)
As far as the options go; I love BSM - never had it before, its a plus in my book. ML - had a base system in my 07 ES350, the ML is far superior In that comparison. However agree with others that with some upgrades/replacements to the base system, you’ll be just as happy. The bonus about buying a Luxury package is they are usually loaded, and are a bit rarer. I also have come to prefer the Lux rims over the others. I have zero regrets, love this car more every day.
In conclusion; set priorities, be willing to travel, and be patient.
I was in the same position as you a couple months ago, wanted ‘14+ GS with under 75,000 miles and under $20k. First, be willing to travel. Second thing was to get priorities set, mine were as follows:
- Price -Maintenance records -One owner -Mileage -Options (specifically seat extender, I’m tall & it’s a necessity).
Everything else like exterior or interior color, year, options like ML or BSM, had to be negotiable. Due to my need for seat extender, this only allowed me to buy an FSport or Luxury Package. After a few months of searching, thought I found my car...’14 FSport, 1 owner, 69k, Gray with Merlot interior, $17,600, and at a Toyota dealership. Talked with sales guy, was arranging to test drive the next day....when they told me a buyer from NC put $5000 down via credit card over the phone & was flying in (WI) to drive it home the next day. Disappointing moment.
Kept searching. A month later the car I ended up buying showed in my searches. ‘13 Luxury package with ALL options except Lane keep assist & night vision (neither I would have wanted). 66,000 miles, 1owner, dealership did all maintenance, and Deep Sea Mica blue with Black interior, for sale at the Lexus dealer that originally sold it. I had to drive to Iowa to get it, and did not wait as they had it priced well, still managed to haggle it down ;-)
As far as the options go; I love BSM - never had it before, its a plus in my book. ML - had a base system in my 07 ES350, the ML is far superior In that comparison. However agree with others that with some upgrades/replacements to the base system, you’ll be just as happy. The bonus about buying a Luxury package is they are usually loaded, and are a bit rarer. I also have come to prefer the Lux rims over the others. I have zero regrets, love this car more every day.
In conclusion; set priorities, be willing to travel, and be patient.
08-21-20, 02:25 PM
#32
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
My 2 cents
I was in the same position as you a couple months ago, wanted ‘14+ GS with under 75,000 miles and under $20k. First, be willing to travel. Second thing was to get priorities set, mine were as follows:
- Price -Maintenance records -One owner -Mileage -Options (specifically seat extender, I’m tall & it’s a necessity).
Everything else like exterior or interior color, year, options like ML or BSM, had to be negotiable. Due to my need for seat extender, this only allowed me to buy an FSport or Luxury Package. After a few months of searching, thought I found my car...’14 FSport, 1 owner, 69k, Gray with Merlot interior, $17,600, and at a Toyota dealership. Talked with sales guy, was arranging to test drive the next day....when they told me a buyer from NC put $5000 down via credit card over the phone & was flying in (WI) to drive it home the next day. Disappointing moment.
Kept searching. A month later the car I ended up buying showed in my searches. ‘13 Luxury package with ALL options except Lane keep assist & night vision (neither I would have wanted). 66,000 miles, 1owner, dealership did all maintenance, and Deep Sea Mica blue with Black interior, for sale at the Lexus dealer that originally sold it. I had to drive to Iowa to get it, and did not wait as they had it priced well, still managed to haggle it down ;-)
As far as the options go; I love BSM - never had it before, its a plus in my book. ML - had a base system in my 07 ES350, the ML is far superior In that comparison. However agree with others that with some upgrades/replacements to the base system, you’ll be just as happy. The bonus about buying a Luxury package is they are usually loaded, and are a bit rarer. I also have come to prefer the Lux rims over the others. I have zero regrets, love this car more every day.
In conclusion; set priorities, be willing to travel, and be patient.
I was in the same position as you a couple months ago, wanted ‘14+ GS with under 75,000 miles and under $20k. First, be willing to travel. Second thing was to get priorities set, mine were as follows:
- Price -Maintenance records -One owner -Mileage -Options (specifically seat extender, I’m tall & it’s a necessity).
Everything else like exterior or interior color, year, options like ML or BSM, had to be negotiable. Due to my need for seat extender, this only allowed me to buy an FSport or Luxury Package. After a few months of searching, thought I found my car...’14 FSport, 1 owner, 69k, Gray with Merlot interior, $17,600, and at a Toyota dealership. Talked with sales guy, was arranging to test drive the next day....when they told me a buyer from NC put $5000 down via credit card over the phone & was flying in (WI) to drive it home the next day. Disappointing moment.
Kept searching. A month later the car I ended up buying showed in my searches. ‘13 Luxury package with ALL options except Lane keep assist & night vision (neither I would have wanted). 66,000 miles, 1owner, dealership did all maintenance, and Deep Sea Mica blue with Black interior, for sale at the Lexus dealer that originally sold it. I had to drive to Iowa to get it, and did not wait as they had it priced well, still managed to haggle it down ;-)
As far as the options go; I love BSM - never had it before, its a plus in my book. ML - had a base system in my 07 ES350, the ML is far superior In that comparison. However agree with others that with some upgrades/replacements to the base system, you’ll be just as happy. The bonus about buying a Luxury package is they are usually loaded, and are a bit rarer. I also have come to prefer the Lux rims over the others. I have zero regrets, love this car more every day.
In conclusion; set priorities, be willing to travel, and be patient.
so if you were in my place (I have been searching for 2 weeks now); would you jump on the 2013 45k miles gs 350 f sport package with nothing else for 18k or your opinion would be patient since I dont need a car until Dec or Jan 2021? Perhaps prices will drop as 2021 approaches and dealerships start offering deals on new vehicles?
i am willing to travel up to 1000 miles so all my searches are within that range!
08-21-20, 02:39 PM
#33
thanks alot for your detailed response!
so if you were in my place (I have been searching for 2 weeks now); would you jump on the 2013 45k miles gs 350 f sport package with nothing else for 18k or your opinion would be patient since I dont need a car until Dec or Jan 2021? Perhaps prices will drop as 2021 approaches and dealerships start offering deals on new vehicles?
i am willing to travel up to 1000 miles so all my searches are within that range!
so if you were in my place (I have been searching for 2 weeks now); would you jump on the 2013 45k miles gs 350 f sport package with nothing else for 18k or your opinion would be patient since I dont need a car until Dec or Jan 2021? Perhaps prices will drop as 2021 approaches and dealerships start offering deals on new vehicles?
i am willing to travel up to 1000 miles so all my searches are within that range!
I can agree that a ‘13 FSport with 45,000 miles for $18k “seems” like a great deal. How many owners, maintenance records, carfax? These pieces need to be taken into account. Also, you need to test drive a car you buy. I’ve driven low mileage GS’s that were obviously driven hard their whole life, and it showed. It may sound odd, but if all my other criteria is met (maintenance records, etc) I go more by gut feeling/intuition when test driving & seeing the car in person. That’s just me.
Also, you have time and have only been searching for 2 weeks. Take your time and test drive all possibilities.
08-21-20, 02:41 PM
#34
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I can not and would tell you what to do.
I can agree that a ‘13 FSport with 45,000 miles for $18k “seems” like a great deal. How many owners, maintenance records, carfax? These pieces need to be taken into account. Also, you need to test drive a car you buy. I’ve driven low mileage GS’s that were obviously driven hard theIr whole life, and it showed. It may sound odd, but if all my other criteria is met (maintenance records, etc) I go more by gut feeling/intuition when test driving & seeing the car in person. That’s just me.
Also, you have time and have only been searching for 2 weeks. Take your time and test drive all possibilities.
I can agree that a ‘13 FSport with 45,000 miles for $18k “seems” like a great deal. How many owners, maintenance records, carfax? These pieces need to be taken into account. Also, you need to test drive a car you buy. I’ve driven low mileage GS’s that were obviously driven hard theIr whole life, and it showed. It may sound odd, but if all my other criteria is met (maintenance records, etc) I go more by gut feeling/intuition when test driving & seeing the car in person. That’s just me.
Also, you have time and have only been searching for 2 weeks. Take your time and test drive all possibilities.
For some reason I am always rushed and feel like I dont pull the trigger on this “unicorn” deal I will regret it forever. Maybe Im just paranoid but I think I need to take my time and never assume a deal will never occur again especially in the span of the next 4 months.
The following users liked this post:
zimdba (08-28-20)
08-26-20, 06:18 PM
#35
carfax is clean and I actually saw the maintenance records on lexus website (you can create an account enter the VIN). A few minor repairs like wind shield wipers, squeeking in brakes, one tire replacement. Looks like a lady driver maybe lol. I am test driving it on Sunday.
For some reason I am always rushed and feel like I dont pull the trigger on this “unicorn” deal I will regret it forever. Maybe Im just paranoid but I think I need to take my time and never assume a deal will never occur again especially in the span of the next 4 months.
For some reason I am always rushed and feel like I dont pull the trigger on this “unicorn” deal I will regret it forever. Maybe Im just paranoid but I think I need to take my time and never assume a deal will never occur again especially in the span of the next 4 months.
08-26-20, 06:19 PM
#36
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
saw it person. Body is pretty banged up with several scratches. Didnt feel like it was taken care off including the rims so I skipped and decided to just keep looking!
The following 2 users liked this post by Moustafa:
Im2bz2p345 (08-26-20),
websurfer (08-26-20)
08-26-20, 09:37 PM
#37
08-26-20, 09:42 PM
#38
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
08-27-20, 05:50 AM
#39
Something else to consider, the 2013 to 2015 GS 350 models (especially the F-Sport) are considered to be the best driving gen cars. Even better than the current gen models but it doesn't mean you can't find one for right at $20,000. I paid $21,000 for a 2015 Riviera Red F-Sport with 49,000 miles that was in excellent condition. Got $9,000 knockoff for my trade in (2011 ES 350 that was also in great condition, 83,000 miles) so I ended up paying a little over $12,000. Just keep looking, especially at the Lexus dealerships because they are really looking to unload these cars and will probably work with you to get the price you want.
08-27-20, 05:58 AM
#40
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Something else to consider, the 2013 to 2015 GS 350 models (especially the F-Sport) are considered to be the best driving gen cars. Even better than the current gen models but it doesn't mean you can't find one for right at $20,000. I paid $21,000 for a 2015 Riviera Red F-Sport with 49,000 miles that was in excellent condition. Got $9,000 knockoff for my trade in (2011 ES 350 that was also in great condition, 83,000 miles) so I ended up paying a little over $12,000. Just keep looking, especially at the Lexus dealerships because they are really looking to unload these cars and will probably work with you to get the price you want.
May I ask what packages are on your GS? Also location and when was this? Just looking to have as many reference data points to compare to!
08-27-20, 06:35 AM
#41
I purchase my car last December from Lexus of Birmingham.
08-27-20, 08:46 AM
#42
Inventory is way down and prices are way up at this time, I would hold off until the end of 2020 or early 2021. I was at a Lexus dealer this past Saturday, their inventory was only about 1/3 of their normal level. There was only 1 GS on the lot, the staff at the dealer advised me not to consider attempting to buy a car at this time.
08-27-20, 09:03 AM
#43
Since Lexus announced they are discontinuing the GS series I guarantee it will be hard to find good deals especially for the Gen 4 cars. Personally, I don't like the Gen 5 models but that's just me. I agree with the dealer if you are wanting to buy a Gen 5 model definitely wait but if you can find a Gen 4 model you better jump on it if you can get a good deal.
08-27-20, 01:08 PM
#44
Since Lexus announced they are discontinuing the GS series I guarantee it will be hard to find good deals especially for the Gen 4 cars. Personally, I don't like the Gen 5 models but that's just me. I agree with the dealer if you are wanting to buy a Gen 5 model definitely wait but if you can find a Gen 4 model you better jump on it if you can get a good deal.
08-27-20, 02:10 PM
#45