Lexus GS300 (S190)
Discussion
Anyone any experiences of these cars?
I assume standard Lexus in that they are V comfy, reliable, smooth etc.
How quick are they, moreso in the pulling away and especially overtaking rather than b road blasting?
What, realistic, economy would one get on A/B road 15 miles commute?
Any negative points (I hear they have somewhat vague steering feel which is part for the course on most cars these days!)
I assume standard Lexus in that they are V comfy, reliable, smooth etc.
How quick are they, moreso in the pulling away and especially overtaking rather than b road blasting?
What, realistic, economy would one get on A/B road 15 miles commute?
Any negative points (I hear they have somewhat vague steering feel which is part for the course on most cars these days!)
Right then. The Lexus GS300 3.0L V6
In my opinion when pushed these perform surprisingly well. For overtaking they are good however I find the kickdown on the auto box could be quicker so and overtake has to be carefully planned and the kickdown has to be anticipated correctly and within the right time. But what you have to remember is they are primarily a luxury cruiser first and a performance sedan very much secondary.
In terms of reliability they are pretty much solid. Although they do have a couple of weak points. 1, the water pump is known to leak but this is very common on most modern Toyota/Lexus vehicles. 2, the rear dampers are prone to leak although this is fairly uncommon. Of the top of my head that's just about all I can remember.
The big thing that I would keep my eye on is the oil level. I have known a few at work to come in with excessive oil consumption (1 litre of oil for every 1000km is deemed acceptable by Lexus) this will lead to a full engine strip down and new piston rings at a minimum. If I remember correctly this work is carried out under warranty as its a known problem, providing however its got a full main dealer service history.
As for the steering feel its very common on a modern Lexus as they all utilise an electronic steering rack but I come back to the point that it's a luxury comfort cruiser not a B road bruiser.
Finally, I just though I would mention the GS450h which is the hybrid model. For overtaking this is in a different class to the GS300 as the hybrid motor gives you instant torque and will overtake in a lot shorter time.
Hope this helps you
In my opinion when pushed these perform surprisingly well. For overtaking they are good however I find the kickdown on the auto box could be quicker so and overtake has to be carefully planned and the kickdown has to be anticipated correctly and within the right time. But what you have to remember is they are primarily a luxury cruiser first and a performance sedan very much secondary.
In terms of reliability they are pretty much solid. Although they do have a couple of weak points. 1, the water pump is known to leak but this is very common on most modern Toyota/Lexus vehicles. 2, the rear dampers are prone to leak although this is fairly uncommon. Of the top of my head that's just about all I can remember.
The big thing that I would keep my eye on is the oil level. I have known a few at work to come in with excessive oil consumption (1 litre of oil for every 1000km is deemed acceptable by Lexus) this will lead to a full engine strip down and new piston rings at a minimum. If I remember correctly this work is carried out under warranty as its a known problem, providing however its got a full main dealer service history.
As for the steering feel its very common on a modern Lexus as they all utilise an electronic steering rack but I come back to the point that it's a luxury comfort cruiser not a B road bruiser.
Finally, I just though I would mention the GS450h which is the hybrid model. For overtaking this is in a different class to the GS300 as the hybrid motor gives you instant torque and will overtake in a lot shorter time.
Hope this helps you
Thanks Lexusboy. I like the 450h but they are a) more expensive and b) less luggage space. If they were as cheap as the 300 OR had same luggage space, I could justify it.
Whilst the 430 would also be nice, I think it's overkill for my needs.
It's a pity there's no estate version.
Also, being tall, will I have a problem? (I tried an early LS400 and couldn't fit - headroom was poor). My uncle has the previous shape (MK2) GS430 so I must try and see if I fit in that as I assume the MK3 is no worse than that?
Whilst the 430 would also be nice, I think it's overkill for my needs.
It's a pity there's no estate version.
Also, being tall, will I have a problem? (I tried an early LS400 and couldn't fit - headroom was poor). My uncle has the previous shape (MK2) GS430 so I must try and see if I fit in that as I assume the MK3 is no worse than that?
The LS400 seats were placed very high up IMO.
The GS is a lot better. I'm 6 foot and fit with ease and my friend who is 6'5" can fit comfortably. They do have fully electric seats and electric steering wheel adjust so I would imagine its just pressing the buttons until you find the right position for you
The GS is a lot better. I'm 6 foot and fit with ease and my friend who is 6'5" can fit comfortably. They do have fully electric seats and electric steering wheel adjust so I would imagine its just pressing the buttons until you find the right position for you
Thanks Lexusboy. I'm 6'4 so head/legroom is important. Do you know how much a sunroof takes out of the headroom? I'd like the ML stereo that the SE-L offers but not fussed about sunroof or should I resign myself to the SE? Is the non ML stereo good?
Anyway, have now decided to do it(assuming I fit OK) so the search is on. Looking like GS300 but 450H is not out of the question. Other than smaller boot, are there many other pitfalls?
Do you happen to know if a local Lexus dealer will relocate a car from another Lexus dealer? I've seen some that fit my requirements but too far away.
Anyway, have now decided to do it(assuming I fit OK) so the search is on. Looking like GS300 but 450H is not out of the question. Other than smaller boot, are there many other pitfalls?
Do you happen to know if a local Lexus dealer will relocate a car from another Lexus dealer? I've seen some that fit my requirements but too far away.
Dracoro said:
Thanks Lexusboy. I'm 6'4 so head/legroom is important. Do you know how much a sunroof takes out of the headroom? I'd like the ML stereo that the SE-L offers but not fussed about sunroof or should I resign myself to the SE? Is the non ML stereo good?
Anyway, have now decided to do it(assuming I fit OK) so the search is on. Looking like GS300 but 450H is not out of the question. Other than smaller boot, are there many other pitfalls?
Do you happen to know if a local Lexus dealer will relocate a car from another Lexus dealer? I've seen some that fit my requirements but too far away.
I've never noticed any difference in headroom between sunroof and non sunroof vehicles. Anyway, have now decided to do it(assuming I fit OK) so the search is on. Looking like GS300 but 450H is not out of the question. Other than smaller boot, are there many other pitfalls?
Do you happen to know if a local Lexus dealer will relocate a car from another Lexus dealer? I've seen some that fit my requirements but too far away.
There is, IMO, a world of difference between the ML and non ML stereos. Much bassier and better mid and treble so I will always recommend that to anyone.
As for relocating a car, I wouldn't have thought so unless it's the same franchise.
Thanks.
I visited Lexus today but had no GSs apart from the new model so I had a sit in that but barely fitted (headroom-wise) so not confident now that the mk3 will be OK. Still need to try one though, problem is finding one to sit in!!
I did try a Merc CLS at the weekend and that had a great driving position so if the GS doesn't fit me then the CLS it is.
I visited Lexus today but had no GSs apart from the new model so I had a sit in that but barely fitted (headroom-wise) so not confident now that the mk3 will be OK. Still need to try one though, problem is finding one to sit in!!
I did try a Merc CLS at the weekend and that had a great driving position so if the GS doesn't fit me then the CLS it is.
6'1" - headroom is an issue with the sunroof option on the SE (standard for the SE-L), but then I do prefer to sit pretty much bolt upright.
Laid back a bit, then it's probably not a problem.
Mine has drank a litre and a half in around 2K miles! Not sure if 0w-20 was in, but it's now got Millers 5w-30 (C2) mixed in, while I decide what to put in soon at its 80K mile service.
It will be getting a BG CF105 (engine flush), that's for sure, then the oil monitored more closely to see if it's still drinking it excessively.
If so, then Lexus will be getting a call.
Laid back a bit, then it's probably not a problem.
Mine has drank a litre and a half in around 2K miles! Not sure if 0w-20 was in, but it's now got Millers 5w-30 (C2) mixed in, while I decide what to put in soon at its 80K mile service.
It will be getting a BG CF105 (engine flush), that's for sure, then the oil monitored more closely to see if it's still drinking it excessively.
If so, then Lexus will be getting a call.
I have tried non-sunroof models and fit no problems!
Old car sold so now looking to buy, have narrowed down to two. A 450h and a 300. I can't decide between the two!
The 450 will be less to tax but has a little higher mileage (50/60k), the 300 is in *exactly* the colour I want and is from a main dealer with lower mileage but costs more to tax and is a little more expensive to buy.
Head says 300, heart can't make it's mind up
Old car sold so now looking to buy, have narrowed down to two. A 450h and a 300. I can't decide between the two!
The 450 will be less to tax but has a little higher mileage (50/60k), the 300 is in *exactly* the colour I want and is from a main dealer with lower mileage but costs more to tax and is a little more expensive to buy.
Head says 300, heart can't make it's mind up
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