Lexus GS 300 Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

The Lexus GS300 has a lot going for it and would probably rate as the finest car in its class if a) you're not particularly interested in a sporty or involving drive and b) you plan to keep it for a while and rack up some serious mileages. The build quality bar has been raised to another level and everything about the car's cabin is beautifully thought out, albeit in a rather soulless fashion. It's not a car you'll love but it is vehicle you'll grow to admire hugely. Just remember to factor in depreciation when you make your decision.29th August 2006

Overall:

Models Covered: Third generation GS300 – Four door saloon, 3.0-litre petrol [base, SE, SE-L]

SMOOTH OPERATOR

By the time the third generation Lexus GS300 arrived in 2005, the public were well and truly clued in to what this car could do. The Lexus brand stands for peerless reliability, amazing refinement and smart use of technology. In many ways, the GS300 established a benchmark which, for the money at least, its German rivals were quite unable to meet. When it comes to badge equity, however, Lexus is still a couple of notches below the top European marques and this is reflected when it comes to valuing a used GS. If you want a genuinely class competitive executive car with a couple of thousand off what you might expect to pay, this third generation Lexus GS300 could be just the ticket.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale

History of the GS 300

The old Lexus GS was first launched in 1993 and although it was extensively revised in 1998, the underpinnings of the car being sold in Lexus dealerships in early 2005 were at least twelve years old. It was in the handling and ride department that the GS was really showing its age, its rivals having left it behind. Given that ride refinement is a Lexus trademark, this left the GS rather high and dry. The third generation car thoroughly updated the GS line. Better to drive, better to look at and absolutely packed with technology, the GS300 was, once again, a car that could mix it with the class best. The SE model has been the biggest seller, sandwiched between an entry level car and the SE-L range-topper but the GS300 range was rather under promoted, Lexus appearing to devote much of their initial marketing resources to the GS450h hybrid model.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale

Lexus GS 300 Road Test

Certainly the GS300 is as fast, as smooth, as refined although not as entertaining to drive as the best of its rivals. A glorious 242bhp 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine with variable valve timing gives near 150mph performance. If that's not enough, Lexus also provide the option of a 4.3-litre V8 in the GS430 variant or the petrol/electric hybrid GS450h. The six-speed automatic gearbox used by Lexus in these models is one of the world's finest. Handling is predictable and aided in extremis by a new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which enhances performance, traction control and vehicle stability. A further contribution to safety is made by the radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), which automatically ensures optimum emergency braking performance and pre-tensioning of the front seatbelts.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale

Buying a Lexus GS 300

As with the LS series, there is, amazingly, almost nothing to report. Toyota were determined to make these cars as faultless and long-lasting as possible and it seems they've succeeded. The main worry with a Lexus will be accident damage or mileage clocking. The panel gaps on both LS and GS series cars astound even now in terms of consistency and flushness of fit, so a second-rate repair will be obvious. If you can, check the car's service records and cross-reference mileage with the dealers who carried out the scheduled maintenance. That way, you'll have peace of mind that the immaculate, low-mileage car you're looking at, really is just that.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale

Lexus GS 300 Typical Pricing

Perhaps it has helped used buyers that the GS's thunder was rather stolen by its beautiful IS little brother, but you'll be able to pick up a GS300 on an 05 plate from £24,500 and an SE from £27,250. Contrast this to the price of, say, a Mercedes E350 which retails used at around £8,000 more expensive and you'll appreciate why the Lexus makes a shrewd buy. The SE-L version has depreciated the hardest and starts at around £28,250. Insurance is surprisingly reasonable given the cost of these cars the GS300 and the SE being rated at Group 16 with the SE-L tipping into Group 17.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale

Lexus GS 300 Parts

(Based on a 2005 GS300) A new exhaust, excluding the catalytic converter will be just over £800. Brake pads are roughly £70 each and a headlamp is around £195.
Used Lexus GS 300 for sale