My 2008 GS 350 with 310,000 miles never had one issue. I only had to replace the water pump one time and just recently changed out the alternator, other than that, this car has been bulletproof. Best car I’ve ever owned.
i got sold a 08 AWD with a bad head gasket, but even with that BHG it still ran good. Got scammed by a dealership new year 2022. back when the stealerships were selling anything and everything cause of the boom. the engine would constantly get flooded in the cylinders and i would remove the spark plugs to let it spit out the coolant. lost the key and now it just sits as a paperweight. probably going to junk it. scammed out of like 15k
I really want a gs460 but there are less than 2,000 of them worldwide !! 1616 for 2008 and numbers were in the two digits for 2009-11, Only ones for sale in US are all clapped out with high miles which means it's going to be rough finding a good one for a good price
I was looking at one of these for my girlfriend at an auction recently and was really surprised how much of the tech on my MK4 GS was also present on this car. Keyless entry. Adaptive headlights. Radar cruise. Very impressive and well specified car for its day.
My ‘06 has 215k miles and still drives like new. I live in Irvine CA and see this Gen often which tells me the reliability has maintained throughout the years.
I own a awd 2006 GS300 but has oil consumption and spark plug carbon buildup issues! My Lexus guy said this model was built with this after high miles 165k.. Have you experience any?
@dallasborn8574 I think he is lying. I can't stand people like that. Oh hey I got this 1972 v8 with 1 million miles and it has NO ISSUES and gets 40mpg on the freeway and 35 on the streets! I don't believe anyone who exaggerate like that.
@@MrR4ge89I’ve got a 2005 GS300 and I get 22mpg in town and 40mpg on the motorway… but that’s in the UK, so the premium fuel in different countries might be the difference?
Let me tell you...I own nearly all the GS models (300, 350, 430, 460, etc) and I must say, the 2nd gen GS is by far the BEST model I have ever owned! This 3rd Gen GS is nice but the leather is thinner, engine is louder, interior lights are darker, etc and just doesn't have the overall joy I feel when I am driving any of my 2JZ or UZ engine models. My GS350 is 2009, white and it looks nice but doesn't see the road nearly as often.
i also owned a gs300 and gs430 s16 and a gs450h and gs300 s19, out of all i loved the 3uz engine the most, however the s19 is way more insulated and softer to drive. the s16's for some reason are way too harsh over bumps. interior build quality is way better on the s16 though
Thanks for explaining the GS and whether a value proposition exists for it in the used market. At least on the surface, wondered if a discontinued Lexus was worth considering.
I loved driving this generation of Lexus products but parts (if they do need to be replaced) cost a lot of money. Some people get lucky and lasts a long time with no failures. These people are very fortunate as they got to experience a special driving vehicle
@@neuralismgamingtv4511 technically these are easier to maintain DYI because of the V6 used is super common and reliable but as you mentioned this is when Lexus started adding more tech to their cars.
As a current owner of a 2008 G460 I must say this is a total sleeper! I’ve owned 60 cars over the last 15 years and it’s been my favorite all around vehicle in terms of speed, comfort, reliability, and uniqueness. Mine is a gem with low miles that was extremely well taken care of by the first owner. I even got rid of my 2017 GS350 F-Sport fully loaded because the V8 paired with the 8-speed is absolutely phenomenal! I also recently met someone who regrets selling their 460 for the new GS which confirms my theory. You won’t understand until you drive one. It still impresses me everyday I drive it. Can’t beat the fun for the money! Buy one and thank me later! 🇯🇵👌🏼
Similar story, I sold my 460 black/black mint for a 16 GS F sport and I still miss the 460. Owned it for 5 years and definitely my favorite lexus out of the numerous ones I’ve had
I have owned this car [450h] for 5 years and i can tell you that this is the best car i have ever driven. I have driven new cars from Mercedes and BMW and cannot see the justification changing mybold Lexus. This generation GS drives better (carpet ride) than the newer generation from my own opinion.
I have a 2006 lexus gs300. Literally the best car i have ever had in my life. Its blue onyx pearl colored. I have a full lip kit on it and 20 inch brushed wheels. One of the most beautiful cars ive ever had. Everybody Literally everybody compliments me on it.
Do you have oil consumption? Mine is the awd model and has 165k ! Just had the converter done but carbon buildup on spark plugs from oil consumption is the problem!
@@dallasborn8574 the only issue i have is a 1 second cold start rattle but my mechanic told me not to worry its just the oil reaching the top of the engine.
@@MeynMotorGroup One of my goals is to own this generation GS 350 or 460 as a luxury beater. I see them all over where I live and people enjoy the reliability factor.
Lexus ES definitely killed GS which was a great rwd vehicle. I’ll never understand why people picked ES over a fully loaded Avalon and now both GS/Avalon are dead. Just like the new Lexus TX, it makes no sense when you can buy an Highlander Limited that looks just like the TX 😅 maybe it’s just me.
Because a fully loaded Avalon is practically the same price if not more than an ES and you're still driving around in a lowly Toyota economy brand product. Luxury brands like Lexus typically offer more discounts, incentives, and great lease deals unlike eco brands like Toyota so savvy customers are able to get luxury cars for less money than an eco car whilst enjoying the prestige, better dealer support, and a higher quality product.
@@MeynMotorGroup You’re right about the price. I know Lexus ES is a higher quality product but I didn’t realize that the price for a fully loaded Avalon was that close to ES.
I think youtube was missing an in depth video on this car, this is a great buyers guide for anyone looking to buy a used Lexus ~ the best used cars money can buy!
Currently own a 2006 GS430. Looks like a blob, but the amount of features it has for how little I paid for it is astounding. I put F-Sport away bars in and it drives perfect. The brakes, chassis, and gearbox are a huge upgrade over the 2nd-gen (which I also owned). The only real downside is the interior creaks like crazy. Worse than my buddy’s Jeep Liberty.
Here trying to learn a little about a 2009 Lexus, I don't know anymore than that except there's about 179000 miles and they want $4000 for it. I'll be going to look and test drive in the morning. Not really a car person and just need something to drive back and forth to work around 7 miles round trip with an occasional trip out of town. Wondering about maintenance and if that's a decent deal. Thanks for any help.
I bought a Gs 460 Black/black 4yrs ago present millage 42.000 Absolutely mint. Definitely best drive and quality car ive owned. 2nd car because its really expensive for tax and fuel over here in the UK. Only taxed and used in summer months . I just cant come around to the idea of selling it. Beautiful car. Apparently only 8 of these on the road in the UK.
I'm a little disappointed with the reliability comments. I've owned 2, a 2010 and 2017. They're very reliable. Nothing has ever broken down before it's time for replacement according to the manual. You said ever car company makes a bad one ever now and then. Well it's more uncommon with a Toyota or Lexus.
I have GS300 (they didnt offer 350 in Europe and 460 V8-s are very very rare here, people chose hybrids instead) Engine is flawless, I've only had to do scheduled maintenance. I dont know whats up with lots of complaints in US forums that its unreliable and builds up carbon easily. Out of curiosity I had the intake cleaned but the technician told me that it was not bad at all, he told me most german direct-injector cars have much worse carbon buildup in less than 1/4 of the milage mine had. There are plenty of high milage GS300 and IS250 around Europe and the carbon issue is not much mentioned around here. Maybe US fuel quality is worse? Rust on the undercarriage is a little bit issue because they salt the crap out of our roads, the rusted out supension parts are pretty expensive to replace.
Yea Lexus says that all these engines require premium fuel however, almost a quarter of the U.S. is illiterate and over half the population here has a reading comprehension at elementary levels meaning they read something but don't comprehend what they read. So you end up with a lot of misused vehicles that aren't maintained correctly with the wrong fuel being used for the entire life of the car. But when I bring these things up it simply upsets people because too many take what I say personally and are unable to realize that the world is bigger than one person's experience and I'm trying to paint the big picture so people can do the proper research and not get burned. I'm very happy that you have had an excellent experience my friend these are some special cars.
@@MeynMotorGroup Yea its the consumer market reality, people lease them and dump them. Whoever buys them second hand is buying a lottery ticket, you never fully know how the car has been used by previous owners. If you get well maintained GS, its a nearly perfect second hand mid-luxury sedan for long term use, good value for money. But if you get lemon, the repair bills are insanely high that most people (who buy GS as cheap as possible) cant handle. Its just unfortunate that the rust proofing is not great. Its not bad, its not total rustbucket, but some of the undercarriage parts rust out rather than wear out if you live in nordic country with lots of salt on the roads. Pretty much any repair I have done has one or other way been related to corrosion damage on the parts. Everything else mechanically is fine.
@@neuralismgamingtv4511 fuel is fine it's just everyone does the most here to avoid putting premium fuel in their premium cars at all costs. There's a lot of people in the States that over reach and buy things they can't really afford for flexing and vanity culture.
I agree 100% what you mention in the end of this video of not recommending an older vehicle because experience vary. You hit the nail on the head. My whole life all i ever heard was non stop praise about Toyota/ Lexus. I have a GS 3rd gen and although i love the design of these cars my experience has been horrendous coming from a Nissan 370z. For starters I think its unethical that the transmission was marketed as a "sealed lifetime transmission" no such thing as that. Parts ware and fluids will degrade and should be changed as such and the fact that its claimed to be one is not correct. Also the pinch welds on these cars don't function as jack points. They are bent from the previous owner probably because he didn't know better but the correct jack point is either subframe or mounts. Its almost as if lexis Toyota did not want you working on these cars. The next problem is the ecu on these cars. They go out of wack and will give you misleading clues to what problems you encounter Ex. error code on Solenoids, experience engine hesitation and/or slippage and the ecu will have you thinking its solenoid, fluid needs to be changed that is causing clogging or transmission going out when its the ecu that's corrupt. I bought the car with low mileage and I baby it yet the problems are plenty, too many to list but I've spent way too much on this car. My Nissan 370z was the opposite experience, I ragged on that thing so hard and never had half this many problems. I really wanted this car because it felt like a laid back car, I would just take it easy, stay out of trouble with and ironically this car is giving me more problems than my 370z that would take an absolute beating. Don't get me started with my experience trying to order or find parts for this car. OEM parts are very expensive and customer service is not matching up to my Nissan experience. This will 100% be my last Lexus I ever own. Car is a good looking car with a bad personality. RUN
The 3rd Generation Lexus GS is actually a pretty reliable vehicle. When you compare the vehicle to its German competitors, the Lexus is definitely the better buy. However, with ANY used vehicle, maintenance done by the previous owner is most important. This vehicle was designed when Toyota said owners could drive 10K miles on an oil change. Yeah, the car maybe dealer maintained, but if they changed the oil every 10k miles, STAY AWAY! It will burn oil! Also, stay away from the 2006 Lexus 300. That particular engine used direct injection only, leading to carbon build up. Same could be said for the Lexus IS 250, all years. I have a 2008 GS 350 nearing 200K miles....it honestly has been a solid vehicle. With any high mileage car, there are components that will need to be replaced such as control arms, alternators, starters....but it has never left my stranded. And the ride is still smoother than my wife's new Honda Accord.
I love my 2019 GS 350. I had no issue finding OEM parts for obscure components like some random trim piece on the passenger seat and other replacement parts. The 3.5 liter V6 is shared across so many other Lexus/Toyota vehicles so I suspect parts will be available for a looong time.
I dont know the year, but a person I worked with had one in brown, with the round and separate rear brake lights. Loved it and was going to buy before she traded, and it got totaled. I thought they were very good-looking cars. Great review Kevin.
@@johnphom1136 oh man I got a 2006 GS430 193k hopefully they keep working. Do you use them all the time ? I mainly use my seat heaters November-February here in Dallas
I have the 2006 Lexus GS 300 & my AC just completely stopped working AC Light seems to be blinking it didnt give me a heads uo as far as maybe the freon going out 🤷🏻♂️ any suggestions would be greatly appreciated God Bless i have 175K milles on it
Likes the LS 350 sound system carries satellite, cassette, DVD and GPS. You can use any AV format on the planet. I'm thinking if you get a 4.6L you might as well go to a LS.
This chassis is also sold as Toyota Crown, since they cancelled the Toyota Aristo around thise years, There's a bit more info if you search Crown or Crown Athlete, but not as cool as Aristo though.
Yea you're right my friend I'm so focused on the American market that I forgot about its JDM counterparts. Perhaps I will revisit this video one day. Thanks and God Bless!
@@MeynMotorGroupGoing to be completely honest bro as you know already from me lol I’m stuck on those back in the day GS Lexus sports cars that GS400 of 98/99 is my all time favorite of all time and compared to these newer GS cars I know their faster and more updated in technology but as far as looks go wasn’t a big fan on the newer GS cars compared to that legend of a car of that GS400 😎🤝🫡
@@theodoreyoung8777 def bro I gotta agree with you those models of the GS are certainly a classic and drove great as well. This is a little more bulbous and entered the “modern tech age” of cars loosing some of that old school charm
@@MeynMotorGroup For sure bro and never drove any of the GS cars but as far as looks definitely lost that old school charm lol but nothing looks or stays the same forever in some cases unfortunately 😂🤝😎🫡
i own 2006 GS300 AWD 3.0 V6 i don't like it, i don't feel power like my other 2012 Toyota Avalon it has only 100K Miles and i have to add motor oil one qt per month.
That engine was a flop from Lexus because it was direct injection only and had carbon buildup issues. The 3.5 V6 and all V8 models were pretty much bulletproof.
Really? I thought these were cool granted the previous gen is a classic but I always thought these were unique. Really like the interior on this gen Lexus
@@MeynMotorGroup I guess I never looked at it cause I had the Gen-2 GS430. Lexus is that brand no one appreciates until it's 10 years old and their European is in the shop for the 11th time
You’ve been cranking out vids!! Just wanted to say think you for continuing to post up about previous generations centralizing information. Much appreciated. 🤙🏼
Trying 😅 yea sometimes it's really hard to find good info on these older vehicles. Honda Acura provide the most information out of any brand. Currently working on the first Gen Porsche Panamera video not too much great info on that either but I'll do my best
I bought an S190 GS300 three years ago and love it. It had 112,000 miles on the clock and after I got a few things fixed up on it, it drives like a dream. Second hand, they’re much cheaper over here in the UK as it isn’t a well known car, so sellers have a hard time finding a buyer. I do occasionally see others on the road, either GS300’s or GS 450’s, but they’re hardly a common sight. For my money these are the best looking of all the GS series.
So given that you don’t recommend old GS’s or LS’s, does this apply to ES’s as well? You’d really praised an old ES, I think an 07, in a video a year or two ago. Obviously each used car needs to be evaluated critically on a case by case basis as you mentioned in this video, but given how strongly you came down against old GS’s and LS’s in general, I’m wondering if I should reconsider my plans to scoop up an old, hopefully well-maintained ES.
