jwynalek

I know nothing about Lexus cars, I've been a consumer of products from the other side of the pond.

However, I'm in the midst of looking for a new luxobarge and stumbled across a really good deal on an 06 LS430. To convince me that I should get this over an XJ8 I wanted to ask you folks in the know a few questions:

What can you tell me about the engine?

Any weak points? What about routine maint? Does this thing have a t-belt or chain?

I assume the transmission (6 speed?) is solid given the lineage of Toyota?

Is there anyway to disable the steering wheel from retracting everytime you stop? Albeit cool I'm looking for a long lasting relationship with a car and it has been my experience that such electro doohickeys break, and I'd hate for it to give up in the retracted position..... what about all the electrics in this vehicle? What is the life expectancy?

What other bits of information have you on this car? Why should I consider it?

(I noticed that you had a really nice buyer's guide for the LS400, but I didn't see one for the 430, if there is one please direct me.)

TIA

I have had 4 Jags (2 XJ-12 and 2 XJR) and 3 Lexus. On balance, I have found the Lexus LS to be the better product. It is extremely reliable and has outstanding fit and finish. My wife has an '04 LS 430 and we have had no reliability issues at all. The LS is an outstanding trip car with the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. I am 6'3" and really enjoy the movable seat cushion and cooled seats. After 6 years and 45K miles, all we have ever had to do is change tires and brakes.

Where it will really beat the Jag is in electrical and electronics reliability. I think that any model between 2004-06 should be able to provide you with the options that you will want. Good luck.

I know nothing about Lexus cars, I've been a consumer of products from the other side of the pond.

However, I'm in the midst of looking for a new luxobarge and stumbled across a really good deal on an 06 LS430. To convince me that I should get this over an XJ8 I wanted to ask you folks in the know a few questions:

What can you tell me about the engine?

Any weak points? What about routine maint? Does this thing have a t-belt or chain?

I assume the transmission (6 speed?) is solid given the lineage of Toyota?

Is there anyway to disable the steering wheel from retracting everytime you stop? Albeit cool I'm looking for a long lasting relationship with a car and it has been my experience that such electro doohickeys break, and I'd hate for it to give up in the retracted position..... what about all the electrics in this vehicle? What is the life expectancy?

What other bits of information have you on this car? Why should I consider it?

(I noticed that you had a really nice buyer's guide for the LS400, but I didn't see one for the 430, if there is one please direct me.)

TIA

I am looking for a 07-08 GS350.

I bid on a 2008 GS350 a week ago and I must have been really low since the dealer never responded to my offer! I have read the different forum responses on how good or bad a deal may have been. Does anyone think that I can purchase a 08 GS350 w/o navigation for $32-33k? How about an 07 GS350 for $28ish?

Any response or input would be awesome.

I think it would be hard for you to find a GS w/o navigation. There are some out there, but like the LS, most of these vehicles are equipped with a navigation package. To answer your question about price, you need to provide more info (e.i. mileage, color)

There are some 08 GSs w/o nav for sale on Autotrader in the $32-33 range. $28 for an 07 is a decent deal.

I need to replace the serpentine accessory drive belt on my '04 LS. Dealer wants $250 to do it. Are there any special techniques to doing this? or, is it a simple job of just pulling back the tensioner and threading in the new belt? Thanks in advance for any input.