ingoodtime

I have grown lazy and take the car to the dealer every 5K for a 60.00 oil change. But, the car is under extended warranty and I don't want to screw that up. They claim the lexus oil is a blended synthetic. I would much rather use an extended interval fully syn oil and even do that myself if I must but, I think that would just give them a way out if I had any engine problems.

I have the same issue with my palm pre. It is a compatibility issue. I wish Lexus would offer some bluetooth software updates. It is really sad that this company does not offer this on these high priced cars. I also loose bluetooth connection with the cars system even though my phone shows we are connected. This happens frequently if the network terminates the call or the other party hangs up first. Also, if I pick up a call waiting, I am done with the bluetooth connection. The only way to reenable everything is to shut the car off and then start it up again.

Yup. Skittish is a good description. I love the style and comfort but hate the way it seems to have it's own mind on thevhwy

I totally agree, though what we think is better, may feel different to someone else. Most of the time, the handling of a FWD car is better in the rain or snow. if thats what the OP was talking about, then I agree. The GS is not the best handling car in its class but it is rock solid doing high speed. If the OP's GS is drifting all the time on the highway, there is something wrong with it. It is lots better and enjoyable but but still not how I think it should be. When you have to concentrate hard to keep from ending up somewhere else, something is not right. I am going to the dealer this weekend and going to ask to test drive another CPO 06 GS300.

He probably didnt test drive it on the highway. I probably got the car up to 60 mph for a short burst on a congested Hwy during my test drive (state Rd 7- U.S 441). Lots of traffic and lights in a very commercial area. The car rode and steered nicely during the test drive. On slower roads, it is great to drive and very relaxing doing it. Since the adjustment to the steering rack and electromechanical power steering was done last Friday,( and I was off on Monday), Tuesday and today were the real test driving in I95 traffic. It is much more stable on the hwy and I am able to concentrate less and enjoy the ride more and I have to say, enjoy it I did tonight. I absolutely think the styling is second to none and have wished I could own one and, now I do. I am blessed to have such a beautiful car. I also own the ES350 which my wife bought the same day I got my GS and that feels much more nimble and sure footed than the GS and I think that is what surprised me. The GS has a much heavier steering feel and seems to respond more to bad road surfaces including bumps and dips. And, my tires may be a part of that issue. In any event, I think I'll be ok now. I appreciate the responses I have received from you guys. All I can say is, If I was shopping for me again today, I might entertain an ES for myself as it has great comfort, smooth ride and good handling although stylish in a different way than the GS but still easy on the eyes. I'm lucky, I get to drive both although my primary ride is the GS. Have a great night. P1080060.bmp

Took the car to work today. It is much improved. No BMW for sure but still driveable and more enjoyable. I still wish it handled better though.

Took the car on I95 today. It was a windy day. The car seems improved but still not the way I would expect it to be. Perhaps it is from the weight of the car and the suspension? This car looks like a million bucks but unfortunately doesn't handle as I thought it would. Maybe I'll save some money when I can and take off the all season tires and replace with a touring tire?

Well, there is your problem, Flaken are bargain basement tires. You need something that will grip better. UPDATE: Took the car into Lexus today and explained that over about 55 MPH and especially at higher speeds, the car needs constant steering corrections and almost feels that as soon as I compensate in one direction, it almost seems like to much and then I must adjust some the other way. Also told them that the car handling also seems very compromised based on road conditions such as one bump or dip forcing me to start making corrections again. My Jetta was easier to drive. I don't dare drive this Lexus one handed. I said no way should this 46 thousand dollar car be handling in such a dangerous way. This is supposed to be a sport sedan competing with the 5 series BMW. Mechanic went for a ride with me. He said he would check the alignment and also would look at the settings for the electromechanical steering. He informed me that there was a campaign and the steering racks were replaced. I don't know if that was on all 06 GS300 models or just part of the CPO program. He had heard of this steering issue before. He told me he cleared the rack/PS settings and reset everything, alignment was spot on. He feels this will take care of the problem. After this repair, on lower speed roadways, the car felt better. I only got up to about 60 mph for 20 seconds on a very flat well paved road. I will get it onto the hwy within the next day or so and update you. I sure hope this helps. By the way, they said they use Falken tires all the time with no problems. My 2006 GS430 had the racks replaced before I bought it. No problems with mine, but the GS is notorious for having steering with less "feedback" than its BMW and Benz competitors. I believe "uninspired" was the term that was continuously used in reviews. Uninspired steering feel does not bother me as I am looking for the luxury feel more than a sport feel. If I wanted inspired, I probably would have gone with BMW. I bought the GS for myself as I have always been a fan of the looks and of course, the roads that I test drove it on portrayed it to be a stable nice riding car. To me, the third gen body style is pure genius with really sexy lines. And, the interior is not to shabby either! . But, I do want a car that doesn't make me feel that I am always in a compromised situation. I need to feel safe and secure. I never got to go on the hwy today as I spent a good part of the afternoon detailing my GS and the wifes ES. Tomorrow, I hope to enjoy the fruits of my labor and go for a cruise. And, I hope the steering is better.

Well, there is your problem, Flaken are bargain basement tires. You need something that will grip better. UPDATE: Took the car into Lexus today and explained that over about 55 MPH and especially at higher speeds, the car needs constant steering corrections and almost feels that as soon as I compensate in one direction, it almost seems like to much and then I must adjust some the other way. Also told them that the car handling also seems very compromised based on road conditions such as one bump or dip forcing me to start making corrections again. My Jetta was easier to drive. I don't dare drive this Lexus one handed. I said no way should this 46 thousand dollar car be handling in such a dangerous way. This is supposed to be a sport sedan competing with the 5 series BMW. Mechanic went for a ride with me. He said he would check the alignment and also would look at the settings for the electromechanical steering. He informed me that there was a campaign and the steering racks were replaced. I don't know if that was on all 06 GS300 models or just part of the CPO program. He had heard of this steering issue before. He told me he cleared the rack/PS settings and reset everything, alignment was spot on. He feels this will take care of the problem. After this repair, on lower speed roadways, the car felt better. I only got up to about 60 mph for 20 seconds on a very flat well paved road. I will get it onto the hwy within the next day or so and update you. I sure hope this helps. By the way, they said they use Falken tires all the time with no problems.

You cannot alway feel when an alignment is off, you should check it anyways, but your problem sounds more tire related. How old are your tire? My tires came with the car and look to have lots of life left on them. unfortunately they are mud and snow instead of a touring tire. Probably a purchase by the original owner near lease end. Falken ziex ze912 225 50 R17. Maybe they are part of the problem?

____________________ Thanks guys for the feedback. This helps me feel better. I went by the dealer last night and put a hold on the GS - mercury over black with spider wheels. Will pick it up right after Christmas I purchased a 2006 CPO with just under 40K miles on it. I am noticing that on the hwy, I make lots more steering corrections than I did in my Jetta. Especially when another vehicle or truck passes you at a higher rate of speed. The car feels very good and easy to drive off the hwy but takes more concentration and effort in high speed traffic. Anyone else notice this? The alignment feels spot on.

Thanks Scott. Glad that you found me here and for the warm welcome to the Lexus side! All I can say is, I even look forward to my ride INTO work. Now, if only I could really look forward to getting there. The car makes it harder because, I don't want to get out of it! (LOL)

Thanks. Here is a cell phone picture. I'll take some better ones this weekend but I have no doubt you all know what the car looks like. Guess I should add a picture of her car also. What an exciting weekend it was but we all know how stressful car shopping can be.

Well, the Mrs and I went car shopping this weekend and had the fortune (or misfortune) of stopping at a Lexus dealer. We ended up leaving about 6 hours later with two CPO cars. I got a beautiful 2006 GS300 in Glacier in pristine condition. It has black leather with heated and cooled seats and many toys. My wife got a 2007 granite ES350 with black leather lower miles but less options. We took out extended warraties because we would like to keep these babies at least 5 years. We previoulsy had two VW diesels which we bought a month apart in 2005. I'll miss the fuel economy we got but hey, I have so much more comfort and quiet now and heck, I drive about 2 hours daily as does she. The car trip computer was showing over 25 MPG as Avg for that tank. I don't know if it is accurate. Tonight, I filled up and on the way home it said the tank average was 32 MPG. All I can say is, not bad for such a big car (if it is accurate). I'll post some pictures this weekend after I give them a bath (or run them through the dealers free wash.)

While I have bluetooth and a touchscreen, I don't have the Nav system. To bad for me! Fortunately, my cell phone has GPS albeit on a small screen.