Lexus
 

Any thoughts on the GS350? Have flame suit ready - but I want a no hassle car. Quiet, comfortable, and few trips to the dealer.

I have the 911 for spirited driving.
Wife has SUV for kid hauling etc.
I still transport children, so 2 door is out.
Not into the look of the 5 series.
Tired of trips to the dealer with MBZ.

Had the original GS300 in the early 90's - very nice car, underpowered at the time. The 08 V6 has 303HP and get 20 mpg.

What am I missing?

The only criticism of it that I've heard is that it has a very small trunk. Guys in my club were *****ing about their clubs not fitting well.

My wife has put 110k miles on her '00 GS300 since new, has been as trouble-free as expected.
Jim

My daily driver is an 2000 GS 300. 90K trouble free miles. Changed the oil, fluids, filters and replaced the tires and the front pads. Otherwise it has needed absolutely nothing. It is quiet, comfortable, adequately powered, and completely trouble free. The only shop it's been in was for tires. The straight six is bulletproof.

BUT....

It's heavy. It's not a sports sedan. It does not have the road feel or lateral stability of a 5 series BMW.

If you golf, long driver should be taken out of the bag before putting them in the trunk. Otherwise, the trunk is adequate. I've had 3 golf bags in there at a time.

Because of the traditional drivetrain layout, don't expect 3 to sit in the back comfortably.

The styling is relatively boring. But it's incredibly reliable...to the point of boredom. But I have a 69 Targa that is in bad enough shape to keep me from getting too bored.

Do yourself a favor and look at the Infiniti M35 also. Very nice. Power up the wazoo. No need for a V8.

And the most troublefree car I've owned. My brother got one also, also troublefree. He got the sport suspension/wheels etc. Fun to drive.

+1

My DD is an 06 GS300 (3rd Gen/new body style). Even with the 3L engine, it's got plenty of punch for luxury car driving. 24k on the clock...not a single issue. If you follow the bbs, you'll see comments about intermittent rattles, etc. Nothing more serious. The GS350 should fly...but it's not a race car. I'm getting mid-20's city and consistent 30+mpg on the highway (pleasant surprise).

One thing I can say about the Lexus forums I've visitied...adolescence to the extreme. I'm amazed how many 18 - 22 year olds (or similar maturity level) own these $50k cars. 20" wheels, drop kits, K&N filters (unlock at least 30 hp...of course), how fast have you gone?, etc. Don't expect Pelican when you go there. But I highly recommend the car.

BTW...the trunk isn't huge, but I have no trouble with 2 sets of golf clubs, suitcases, etc.

I don't know much about them other than the usual - good reliability, well assembled, blah blah... but what I will say is that personally (and this is entirely a personal matter) I think the entire Lexus lineup has gone from uninspired to beautiful. Therefore, if you get one, can you post some picks? :)

We have had our Lexus RX330 for 4.5 years and we are VERY happy with it. Excellent quality that has not diminished with time. Their service at the dealer is amazing. The Bellevue, WA service department is like going to a damn country club.

Lexus has seemed to have turned a corner, and is now trying to compete more directly with the Germans in the performance arena. They still gravitate toward comfort, no doubt.

Love that quote - that's exactly where I'm at. My 72 911 keeps me on my toes - for my DD I want a car with no drama!

With respect to the M35, I love the look of the car but I've been gun shy about Nissan/Infiniti ever since the very poor Q45's came out. They had a lot of power, but every one I knew who had one took a bath on it - both in terms of repairs AND depreciation. I know they're 3.5 L engines are much better now, but I don't know about overall reliability or depreciation.

My wife's uncle has one and loves it. Attractive outside, stunning inside. The materials and build quality are absolutely top notch. 80% of the BMW experience, with none of that annoying breaking down/expensive maintenance. He was also blown away by the dealership service, like nothing else he had ever experienced.

My Q was one of the finer cars I've ever owned. Fun to drive, bulletproof reliability, comfortable. And they never made one with a 3.5 lier engine.

Sorry - was referring to the M35 and the G35 - both seemingly great cars I might add.

Yea, you do need to check out the G-35. My wife has one and loves it. Plenty of power, and all the bells and whistles.