Lexus GS 300/GS 430

stern4

As anyone found the Mark Levison offered as an option with the 300AWD? My dealer in Chicago tells me it is only offered with the 430.

00boxsters

Dealer in PA today has two GS 300awd's coming in this week. One with Navi/ML and the other without. Navi/ML= $51,855 and sans Navi/ML= $47339 stickers.

Merc1: The reason I can give up a bit on the sport side of the equation is because I have a Boxster-S. I suspect most folks cannot have three or four cars. The GS series is a nice combo of sport/luxury and will remain quite appealing particularly due to the awd in north.

Thus far the LS is in or at the top of its class. The past GS models have not, THAT is why they have not been flying out the doors. The LS is all around better (particularly value) than the 7 series BMW but the GS has not been in the same league with the 5 series.

iunknown

I cannot speak to the discrepancy. From what I read there seems to be a different view of the American market. I was told the 430 would be *fully* loaded. Oh well.

lexusguy

Also, you could get a CPO LS430 if you wanted to save some cash. The LS got the six-speed in 2004, since then there have been no changes.

rboyd4

I think the Japanese are more receptive to new technology and new models. Plus I think that Toyota/Lexus wants to test new technology in Japan first to uncover any problems and then introduce to the U.S. later. In this way they can maintain very high quality ratings in the U.S. Not different than Nissan introducing the Fuga in Japan first and then later the Infiniti M35/45 comes out in the U.S.

As to pricing, Lexus is the dominant Japanese luxury brand in the U.S. and they have earned premium pricing against their peers. It is interesting that you think the new Lexus GS is somewhat under-contented compared to the Japanese model for the price. Ironically, the Infiniti M35/45 (Fuga) has some of the options you cited at a lower price. However, Nissan/Infiniti is playing catch-up against Lexus and probably has to deliver more for the $ for quite a while to catch up to the Lexus brand equity. If you are Toyota this is a good situation because you can basically charge more for your cars. Infiniti and Acura (Honda) do not have this pricing power IMO. Lexus is in a similar position as a Japanese brand as Mercedes Benz was (or is) against its European competitors.

jrock65

There have been reports of water condensation problems in the headlights of the 2006 GS. If you have a 2006 GS, check to see if your car has this problem.

jim20

We didn't talk price. I am still in the evaluation phase of my car search and probably won't buy until later this year. Right now, I am looking for reasons to include/exclude a car from the final list.

00boxsters

This is a business lease and $800/month is the magic number. I am not sure why, just psych.

iunknown

I didn't think it is under featured for the price. I was more than willing to pay the extra for the feature (not to the extent that I would pass on the one I took to wait 6 weeks for one equipped that way). It was just an expectation. When I was told "fully loaded," that was what I expected.

The feature is on the LS's, so I don't think it is a matter of working the kinks out. I think it might be price sensitivity, inasmuch as they are concerned with the price of the GS moving too close to the LS.

iunknown

The rear spoiler is just a nub on the trunk. It is very similar to the spoiler on the SC. It is not the wing it was on previous versions.

drtravel

I really wanted to like the new GS but after a test drive can't recommend it.

Some issues: The interior color combination of ash leather with black bird's-eye maple looks too cheap. The wood is so polished and dark it looks like plastic. The cashmere/golden bird's-eye maple looks much more lexus-like, but it's only available in really dark exterior colors, white, gold and red.

The exterior colors are uninspiring. 25% of GSs will be silver (actually called mercury metallic) - another 40% will be black or white. I was hoping for a little darker silver - the only thing they have is a too dark flint mica.

The interior is too small. Entry/exit into the back seat is unpleasant due to a high wheel well. Once back there way too cramped. The trunk size is marginal but the trunk opening is horrible, try putting a suitcase or groceries back there - need a larger opening.

The car is underpowered. Did a 0-60 mph sprint plus some 30-50 mph passing tests. OK but not good enough for a "sporty" sedan. Compared to the M35, Acura and even the Toyota Avalon the GS needs more power. The brochure says 0-60 takes 6.8 seconds - highly doubtful. The saleslady told me she heard this from quite a few people but had good news - a bigger engine is coming maybe as soon as the end of the year. Did you catch the "tire life may be substantially less than 20,000 miles" comment.

hammer4995

Gets worse. The car is a piece of garbage!! Bought a gorgeous red 2006 GS 300 last Sunday from Jim Falk Lexus in Beverly Hills. Monday: drove it for 5 miles, bad noise from dash. Tuesday: Back lighting on steering wheel buttons stopped working. Thursday: neighbor called me to tell me the headlights switched on by themselves . tried to turn them off using the crappy smart key - no joy. Had to turn off headlights manually and lock car manually. OK - so it could happen - BUT after the rain, saw that the headlights had water in them (both). Took car back to dealer and got the usual run around - you know, they'll do anything to make the sale, but once you've signed for the car, goodbye goodwill!! The salesman knew about the problem but ignored me when he saw me bring the car to service dept. I had to almost drag him into the service area to show him the failed locking system. Guys, all this after less than a week old!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS TURKEY!!

hammer4995

Yes it does!! Car is less than a week old and has a s--t load of problems already - see my other post - this car is a turkey

hpowders

Haven't seen one good review yet for this car. Looks like a dinosaur in this highly competitive class.

alpha01

I dont know that that is necessarily true, but I dont think it helps at all that Toyota seems to have landed a homerun with the $37K, 280 horse Avalon, whose reviews have been fairly GLOWING. Certainly, I understand that that car is aimed at a non-sporting market, but it seems that Toyota developed that car in a way that has positioned it at the top of its class, whereas the GS has simply been 'upgraded'.

~alpha

ganite

Have spent the last 2 weekends driving Infiniti M45 with sport package, Lexus GS300 & GS430. I've owned 3 Lex since 1991 and am currently in an SUV. (Toyota). Done with that! Want a car again and Lexus is my 1st choice. The LS is dated and the look is "been there done that". The M45 was slightly harsh on rough road and am waiting for the dealer to get a non sport package in. The GS 430 with the standard low profile tires is definitely HARSH riding while the GS300 is a non starter with the underpowered 6. Fit and finish are typical Lexus and you just CAN'T beat the service. I drove an LS430 today and remembered what a lux flagship should be like..... if only they would refresh the style. The LS430 is my head, but the style of the GS is my heart. The M is a compromise. BTW CLS500 Mercedes.. underpowered, poor fit & finish and LOUD.

lexusguy

The Avalon was also gifted with the 3.5L and adaptive cruise, aparently features that are impossible to get on GS for ...whatever reason.

dl7265

$854 a Month Ouch! Just for fun I build a 530I with every option Nav,Adap cruise,head-up display ect with a MSRP of 63k, the lease was $750.00(not including any deals that could be made)

Toyota must have really high MF or Low residual.

And I saw a lease on a G35 (which I do not care for personally ) for about $300 a Month.

DL

legacy191

The wife and I went to the open house our dealer had for the new GS. They need to fix a boatload of things before I would put 60 large down on this car. First and foremost I didn't like the front seats at all. ( I'm 6ft and 285lbs) Second for that kind of money it needs about another 100HP. And third, it really needs a bigger back seat. We can go on and on about other things(like the trunk size) but other people need to rant about this car.......

Tony T

bartalk3

If you want to appreciate the GS300, drive the Avalon. I did. Forget the 3.5L engine and all the little gismos they put on it that the GS300 doesn't have. In two seconds, any luxury-sports sedan enthusiast will flee!

ascrrc

Drove eagerly awaited GS300 awd. I am just under 6'0", but my head very nearly rubs roof even when seat adjusted. Usually cars w/out moonroof have a little more space. Has anyone seen a GS300 w/o moonroof? Is there more headroom?

Dealers say they can order, but have separately quoted me 2, 4 and (more than)six months. Any guesses who is correct? Thanks!

ascrrc

Also drove Avalon (sticker $38k) and GS 300 awd (sticker $49k). Avalon was totally loaded, incredibly smooth, power difference was obviously in its favor. Avalon has been geared to really jump from 50-70 mph, handy on freeway. Neither car was as eager off the line as my '97 Diamante, but I don't need to throw gravel. IMO driving experience favored Avalon.

Interior finish nicer on Lexus, so for me comes down to is interior worth $11k? Undecided.

ascrrc

I agree the black wood doesn't appeal to me, would have liked the redder wood with ash (grey) leather. I don't use back seat or trunk that much, so I don't care about that, but I am suprised at so little power too, compared to Avalon and Acura RL.

In defense of Lexus, new RL interior struck me as too much plastic, and on the one I drove they couldn't even make the smart key work. (Smart key worked on Avalon and Lexus I tried).

bartalk3

Avalon great car if you only drive straight. If you should actually have to make a turn, however, it rolls like a ship in a storm.

alpha01

The new Avalon is said to have improved handling. Still, the Avalon is not, nor is marketed as a sporting macheine. I wouldnt call it a ship in a storm though.

~alpha

alpha01

Time has passed, the reviews will roll in, and I expect more accolades from the press will prevail-Here's what Edmunds.com said in their comparison test:

"The difference is that the Lexus just feels better than the Infiniti. The Lexus feels special. Although not as powerful, its engine is smoother and more refined, its interior is quieter and more elegant, and its suspension tuned more precisely. Driving the Lexus makes you feel like your money has been spent on the very best, and the car will reward you for years to come."

"This is quite a car. It's the best sport sedan from Japan in its price range. It may even be the best sedan in its class. Nice job, Lexus."

Far from faint praise.
~alpha

adb3

Well...let the debate begin. I'm sure Edmund's review will only serve to fuel more discussion, but frankly I'm just a little bit thrilled that it came to the same conclusion that I did about this gem of a car. It might not be the fastest, or the the most handsome (although I think so), or the overall most sheer fun to drive; but for my money the 430 has the best combination of luxury, elegance, performance, and reliability of any car in this class. Mine will be here this week. I'm patiently (barely) awaiting its arrival.

drtravel

Could you post a link to the comparison test...I couldn't find it on my own.

Thank you

adb3

It's on Edmund's main page--linked from the Inside Line section.

lexusguy

Very interesting reading, I have to say I was more than a little surprised by the results. I was certainly not expecting a 3rd place for the M45 sport. Apparently its too "sporty" of a sports sedan, if that makes sense. I'm surprised the Lexus won, ranking last in the fun to drive factor. Apparently sports sedans shouldnt be fun to drive? Im sorry was this a test of the GS or LS? The Edmunds guys seemed to have their priorities a little messed up. Normally an out right slaughter in all performance tests wins you a comparison when you're up for best sports sedan. Not this time, its all about how the buttons are easy to understand, and the steering wheel looks so pretty!