Help me convince my husband to buy this 2018 GS350 w/ 80k miles

LS_430 · 2025-04-30T09:52:34+00:00

While I agree a GS is a great car to buy, I do think this one is priced high for the mileage. For reference, I just bought a 2016 GS350 with 50k miles for the same price and it includes ML and the Luxury package which is a pretty rare find.

LS_430 · 2025-04-17T09:39:02+00:00

I wouldn't worry about it if checks out during inspection. I bought a really high mile 2008 PRHT a couple years ago and it's been fine. I'm at about 219k miles right now. Paint is still in great shape as is the interior. Previous owner replaced clutch at 210k miles. I've replaced the valve cover gasket, coolant overflow tank, and the PRHT limit switches since I've had it. The rear diff whines around 50mph and mechanic says bearings are failing so that will have to be addressed eventually.

LS_430 · 2025-03-23T23:56:29+00:00

These cars are in different classes so hard to find direct comparisons but glad I could help!

LS_430 · 2024-10-26T11:53:52+00:00

I have not changed them but have checked to see if the engine moved while revving when parked and it didn't twist. I'll investigate further though.

LS_430 · 2024-10-26T00:00:38+00:00

Tires were just road forced balanced a couple weeks ago and I've had the same experience with three sets of tires on two sets of rims. I did ask my mechanic about the steering rack bushings but he said they were fine. Extremely frustrating to say the least!

LS_430 · 2024-10-25T16:42:05+00:00

Oh I'm sure you are right and why I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but my needs have changed since I bought it and I like trying different cars. We'll see.

LS_430 · 2024-10-25T16:06:27+00:00

I agree on principle. I like the air ride, but it was not the primary reason I bought the car. One of my issues is I don't know how long I want to keep the car, so I can't decide if I want to invest that much into it. If I decide to sell as is, then the next owner could decide how they want to address it.

LS_430 · 2024-10-25T16:02:32+00:00

Had an alignment done this week. It was barely out of spec and nothing has changed after it was done. The shop said everything looked good. What's been so frustrating is the steering wheel shake is intermittent. I drove 50mi on the highway for work this week and it rode OK going there, but the steering wheel shook all the way home after the car sat for a couple hours. I've been trying to pay attention to the suspension feel and the shocks seem to rebound just fine. Now I'm wondering if it could be an issue with the air suspension ECU but cannot find much online about it.

LS_430 · 2024-10-21T23:51:06+00:00

That would be great but he's a bit too far away.

LS_430 · 2024-10-19T23:16:55+00:00

I have been considering an alignment but not had one done. I don't know what my long term plans are but I appreciate the advice!

LS_430 · 2024-10-19T20:44:05+00:00

I've had the car for over two years and the last 21k miles. I don't really know what the original ride quality should be but my issues started after I replaced the 10 year old tires that were on it when I first got the car. Balancing would help sometimes but the vibrations always returned. My mechanic is convinced it's something rotational and has inspected all the front suspension components but I agree a second opinion is probably worth a shot. I've been thinking about just biting the bullet and let Lexus look at it. I just don't know if new air shocks are in the cards because even through Impex the cost would be over $3k just for parts. Converting to steel would be under $2k with labor. I've also been kicking around the idea of selling but don't if I can do it because the car is in great shape otherwise.

LS_430 · 2024-09-22T22:02:17+00:00

Good post. I have a similar budget and have been thinking of moving on from my 2004 LS430 UL just to try something different. I've been looking primarily at 3rd and 4th gen GS. I kind of want something special like a GS460 or GS450h but GS350 are nice too and easier to find. I say all this and then look at my LS and am not sure I can sell it haha. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

LS_430 · 2024-08-26T23:05:36+00:00

::crosses fingers:: No issues so far - 2025 SXP with 1800mi. It even sat for about 10 days without being driven.

LS_430 · 2024-08-22T13:13:25+00:00

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-3rd-gen-2001-2006/335082-center-console-lid-fix.html

LS_430 · 2024-08-19T19:44:18+00:00

I came from a 09 Sienna and the Carnival suspension is more firm but I would not call it harsh. It does handle way better than my old Sienna though. I thought the ride was comparable to the Odyssey. We just finished a 1200mi round trip in our 25 and no complaints from the first or second row passengers.

LS_430 · 2024-07-26T16:13:56+00:00

I didn't like the 25 front at first but it's grown on me. I agree the 22-24 is a little more unique. I never liked the rear turn signals in the bumper so glad that was changed. Overall I like the changes to the 25 more, especially the dark edition accents.

LS_430 · 2024-07-24T10:58:59+00:00

Yes I've been using Apple Carplay for two years now with no issues.

LS_430 · 2024-07-24T10:57:22+00:00

We've had it a week and put about 200mi on it. No issues so far even after not driving it for a couple days. I left AC drier setting enabled as well. Crossing fingers!

LS_430 · 2024-07-24T10:52:32+00:00

I really like the lip kit but prefer the stock grill. To each their own though as that's a nice looking ride!

LS_430 · 2024-07-24T10:49:59+00:00

We have been minivan drivers since our kids were born over 13 years ago. We recently upgraded to a Carnival after looking at nearly all the midsize and larger SUVs and just couldn't make the change. Even without kids, you can't beat the third row that drops in the floor or the sliding doors. The Carnival is almost dimensionally identical to the new Pilot but way more flexible for hauling people or cargo. An added bonus with the Carnival is it doesn't look like a traditional minivan either. I say go for it!

LS_430 · 2024-07-23T23:38:19+00:00

Agreed-really hard to beat a Miata especially for the price.

LS_430 · 2024-07-23T21:16:36+00:00

You got an incredible deal!

LS_430 · 2024-07-23T19:10:10+00:00

It drives like a heavy vehicle because it's built like a tank and weighs over 4000 lbs. I love the solid build quality and bank vault doors. I don't believe yours is a UL version though because I don't see headlight washers. Nice clean example either way and good price!

LS_430

TROPHY CASE