2006 Lexus GS 300 3.0 from North America
Summary:
One test drive will convince you
Faults:
No major issues, just maintenance:
- Dust shield in driver's front was scraping rotor, bent it back.
- Replaced cabin air filter.
- Rear window shade gets caught on anything left on rear ledge, comes up cockeyed, need 2 people to get it straightened out (1 for button, 1 to adjust as it comes out), then it works fine.
- Stock run-flat tires seem prone to sidewall bubbles; replaced all tires with standard tires (no run-flat).
General Comments:
Bought this car for my wife, we LOVE it. This car will ruin you for buying cheaper/non-luxury cars. Drives incredibly smooth, super quiet, heated/cooled leather seats, plenty of power for highway, AWD so has amazing traction in rain (haven't seen snow yet), very comfortable for trips for 4 average size adults, trunk pretty decent size, good sound system (I have the stock/non-upgraded). Navigation is ok once you learn to use it, but back in 2006 they required a cd-rom (drive mounted in glove box) to update maps and it can't tell you about traffic, so I just use my phone for navi. Bluetooth is OK, not great, volume not quite high enough despite a very quiet cabin. Bluetooth only works for phone, not streaming music or podcasts as far as I can tell (again, 2006).
Did I mention how much power it has? Love the button in the center console that adjusts idle and tranny shift points for power/normal/snow modes, in power mode you have to be careful... the car wants to GO!!
Had a lot of reservations about buying a used luxury car, but mechanics keep raving about how bulletproof Lexus sedans are (they mention the ES350 most). Got an incredible deal from someone rich who barely drove it and decided time to sell after 10 years/37,000 miles... hoping the investment pays off. Incredibly satisfied thus far.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd November, 2016
14th Apr 2017, 21:08
Update: Now at 49,000 miles. Still very satisfied. Internal rearview mirror is starting to lose the silver backing a little (common problem). The car did great all winter, very stable in snow. Has been great on several road trips, cruises at 80mph like it is nothing. Still fantastic for a 11 year old car, hoping to get another 10 years from it. =)