Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and I'm in the market for a new (used) car with a budget of around $10k, but no more than $15k. I drove a 1998 ES300 to 291k miles, but wrecked it a couple weeks ago. After owning the ES for about four years, I feel pretty committed to sticking with Lexus. I've narrowed down my top choices to the GS430 (113k miles) or IS350 (82k miles), both of which I've found for $15k on AutoTrader.

What I'm looking for is pretty much reliability and gas mileage similar to, or better than, my ES's combined 23-24 MPG. I drive around 360 miles a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Of those 360 miles, I'd say about 70% are on the highway.

I like both of their designs, the GS feeling classier, and the IS feeling sportier. I like the GS's V8, but the IS's similarly performing and more fuel efficient V6 is hard to ignore, too. But in the V8's defense, I have read some threads about people's GS4XX's getting anywhere from 24-30 MPG on the highway. I'm pretty torn between these two, so help me out, guys!

A couple other cars that interested me were the BMW 3 Series/M3, E46 or earlier, and the 2002 GS400. I'm just a little wary of the BMW's reliability. I have a family member whose E66's is notorious for error messages and four-digit repair costs, although, I've been told the E65/E66's general crappiness was attributed to them being a new design.

TL;DR: Title.

Thanks!

I have this same thread in the GS - Third Generation forum as well. If this isn't allowed, let me know and I'll take one of them down.

 

Can not stand the headlights on the previous gen GS.

but again, IS headlights are like exactly the same as the ones on third gen RX lol

On to your question about gas mileage, I average 16-18 mpg 100% city in the is350(approx. 24-26mpg on highway). On a side note, that GS430 has way too many miles. Based on a budget of 15k I would stick to IS, remember GS430 is 1.5-2 times the price of an IS. If you care about gas milage, why not get a is250 it will be newer and with 30-20k less miles depending on the year. Or maybe you love speed like some of us hehe.

As for the E46 m3, be prepared to dump in $2-3k for maint/repair/tune every summer. Speed wise, it is about the same as is350, except for handling.

Good luck!

 

Taking into consideration everything you've mentioned, I'd definitely get the IS 350!

 

IS would be a better choice. Dang these things are getting cheaper!!!

 

one of the best engines in the GS430. very reliable and proven motor/trans. IS350 has v8 performance with v6 efficiency. personally, i don't like high mileage cars. id save up more and find either one with lower mileage. that's a lot of miles for an 06 and an 07 and most likely they look very worn inside.

 

BMWs depreciate alot too. You can get a clean title 650i with 60k miles for 15k.

 

As you've already found out your previous Lexus was reliable. Find one that you like that has a well maintained history. I personally would prefer a car with more miles and a good maintenance log over a slightly lower used car without any history.

As with all Toyotas they are built with more longevity in mind over fuel efficiency. Excluding Prius & CT200h as they were designed for gas mileage.

Make sure you keep up on the major maintenance such as timing belt & water pump if your car has the belt. If it has the timing chain your set for much longer maintenance intervals. Hopefully it never wears out while you own it. If you can do your own maintenance the price drops considerably. If not find a good independent shop.

Test drive them both! The GS is more of a grand touring machine with plenty of power & has back seat room. The IS will be more sporty and give you a little better mileage in town. The IS will not be comfortable for people who have to sit in the back for extended periods of time. If your really interested in what people are getting for gas mileage in the real world check out some of the gas mileage tracking sights. Fuelly.com is one that rings a bell to me.