Johnny G

I currenlty own a 1999 Lexus GS 300 and looking to upgrade to a 2006 GS or 2007 GS. A friend of mine is a car dealer and will be buying one through similcast at a Manheim dealer only auto auction. My only request is that is must be starfire pearl, with either gray or tan leather. I had a couple questions for all the experts I see post stuff on this site. I don't mind buying a GS 430 as it has more power, but is it as reliable? I know for the 99 to 05 Lexus GS, there were NOT as reliable. I live in Florida, so I would prefer not having the AWD. I figure its another option that could potentially malfunction. I was told the NAV and back up camera go hand in hand with options. Is this true? I bought my girlfriend a Garmin, I figure that would take the place of having NAV in this car. Would you agree? I understand lexus offers a factory 4 year 50k warranty. I will likely buy a car with 35k miles, and would be prepared to buy the extended warranty for $2k. Is there a way I could get this cheaper?? I likely wouldn't sign up for the warranty until the car has 49k and change on it. So, what everyone might want to hear, what will I be paying?? Through my weeks of research, even at a dealer auction, because the car is starfire pearl, it looks like i will have to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $23 to $24k. Anyone know which part of the country they may be the cheapest?? I kind of think it's either orlando or palm beach in florida. Comments and critics appreciated!!

Oh gee, there must be at terrible flaw in my research methodology. Perhaps you can guide me back to the right path so I won't make the same mistake next time. Let's see, I researched for 3 months every conceivable source (i.e. the web, local dealers, private party sales.) and could not find this vehicle anywhere near my ultimate purchase price. Please direct me to the sources that render my deal as "average". As to the "Deal of the century" quote,that was obvious hyperbole and was meant in jest. Don't sweat it, these forums are famous for EVERYONE saying you got ripped off, and they paid $19k for an '08 GS 460 with 9k miles loaded blah blah. No one ever beats a 'forum' deal. : I got ripped off by a long shot, having paid $35,000 a year ago for my '06 gs 300 awd with 20k mint loaded. And yes, I know your frustration, I did a ton of research looked for about a year, finally found the used one I wanted in the color/equipment/mileage etc. and I could not find that car for under $40k until i found mine a giant lease return center. Auto Lenders in Toms' River NJ. that car was over $50k in the showroom in 2006. I thought $15k off two years later was a good deal at the time. Yet I came in here and apparently everyone else has a secret link to Lexus's for half price. It IS Annoying. I am a new (pre-owned) PROUD owner of a 06' GS 430 (fully loaded). It had 77k, bought for 24k. I am not even going to ask if I got a deal on here cause after reading some comments I could easily feel like I got ripped off, but my reality is, I could not even find a 06' GS 300 for 25k (all going for 26k and up), let alone a GS 430! So when I did come across one, I JUMPED at the chance to get it. GS 430 fully loaded w/ 77k miles for 24k. It was a deal to me, I know others will sigh, but I feel like a got a really good deal. Reason I feel it was cheap was because of mileage, but we all know Lexus breaks in at 150k miles or more. I was not sweating the miles one bit! Just glad I had my Lexus...finally!!!!.... AND A GS 430 AT THAT!!!! Only problems it came with was a burnt out sterring wheel motor (warranty), I can hear air through driver door (slightly) and squeaky brakes (at times)... Does not faze me one bit. If you have some advice for the minor problems, Please help by commenting. I just joined this forum, very cool!! I had a couple comments. Wasn't the Lexus GS 430 out of warranty, they fixed the steeriing pump?? maybe the car was hit, which is why the windy drivers door. did you test drive the 300? I bet your car is a lot more power. I wonder what the difference in mileage is??