Harley Rider

If you want smooth, quite, roomy luxury, go with the LS. If you want a firmer ride with better handling and don't mind a little more noise (still quieter than the "domestics"), go with the GS. Both are relatively bullet-proof, providing you have a knowledgeable tech do the regular maintenance (timing belt every 90K on the Gen II GS300, and watch the ball joints). Also, check maintenance history and don't forget the CarFax reports. Good luck.

:) I can live with the exterior, and I really like the interior - particularly the third row fold-flat seating. :( I'm really disappointed, though, that they kept the 6,500 lb tow rating. 7,500 - or more - would have been nice. A significant bump in tow rating could persuade me to seriously consider it, but with just 6,500 lbs I'll stick with my '05.

The travel trailer we are considering weighs 6,000 lbs empty - probably near 7,000 lbs with clothes, stocked kitchen, water, propane, awning, etc. Our '05 GX handles 6,500 lbs of car/tandem trailer combination without breaking a sweat (without a weight distributing hitch), but we are a little concerned with a high profile trailer that is 500 lbs over recommended gross, even with a weight distributing hitch. Anyone have any experience with high profile over-gross towing?

On the highway our GX catches the wind more than our GS, and the GS certainly feels more stable on winding roads. My wife loves to ride in the GX, but would rather drive the GS - she said she always feels like she is going to "tip over" in the GX. But, then again, she hates to drive at all. I've driven several other SUVs, and IMHO the GX is hands down the best riding and handling SUV in the $50K price range.

We've been driving our 2005 GX between S-E Michigan and DC area every other month or so for the past 3 years. We've tried 87, 89, 91 (sometimes mixing 89 and 93 - 91 is hard to find), as well as straight 93. Using 93 costs around 10% more than 87, but regularly gets us 10-12% better mileage - same trip, same driving habits - so I have been using 93 (or an 89-93 blend when I have the time). Averaging around 17 in my 34 mile daily commute and 19-plus on our DC trips (as high as 22mpg on one trip with a tail wind) - staying within Ohio's posted speed limits. All mileages from calculation, NOT from the trip computer, which always registers 1.2 to 1.4 mpg higher than calculated.

Small adults can fit in 3rd row - as long as they have a good sense of humor. Just came back from a ski trip, 6 hours each way. Started with both grand kids in center row (4 yrs and 1 yr old), daughter and son-in-law in 3rd row. After a couple of hours son-in-law (5'9") moved to center and put 4yr old in back with his mom. That's the way they rode the rest of the way up and all the way back. Daughter is only 5'2" and her only complaint was cold feet. (Skis and luggage are another story - good Thule Atlantis box and EverThere hitch carrier.)

Anyone have any experience with a waterproof (water resistant?) roof-top bag that fits between the front and rear cross bars on the GX? (the max space between front and rear bars is only 30") Every bag I find on-line is longer than 30". What about wear to the paint on the roof from using a bag?

Traded our 2004 ES (and an 02 Tundra) in Feb 06 for a new 05 GX - last one left on the lot. Our first SUV. Miss the ES gas mileage, but love everything else about it.

The "drone" started on our '05 GX right after the 10K service. Noticed at 70 mph and above, but it went away on deceleration. Mentioned that to my service rep (Lexus of Ann Arbor) for our 15K service today. Talked to the mechanic when I picked it up and he said he reversed the left front axle shaft and removed a damper. On the way home the "drone" started in at 58 mph and was pronounced over 60. Service rep said she'd get with the mechanic and get back with me. (Original Michelin tires - DEFINITELY NOT tire noise.) Stay tuned.

We LOVE our GX. Traded an '04 ES330 and an '02 Tundra - loved them both, but have absolutely NO regrets! It seems quieter than the ES and rides almost as smooth, but still pulls a trailer as well as the Tundra, all while packing 5 adults (okay, wife and daughter are shorter than 5'3") and one child in comfort. Wife likes it better than the ES and may take it over, leaving me with the Mustang. We just wish it rode a couple inches lower for easier entry. :)

In all the posts regarding the "clunk", I don't recall anything that correlated the clunk to the times the rear A/C is operating. When my grandson was here he apparently turned the rear A/C off (week ago) and I haven't had the clunk at all during that time. Turned it back on today and clunk is back. Seems to coincide with the throttle changing when the A/C compressor kicks off. ('05 GX with 6K.) I haven't talked to my dealer about it yet. Anyone heard of anything similar?