Considering a Lexus GS

As the #1 Son nears completion of his college degree, my wife and I are considering the purchase of a graduation gift.  He's a car guy, has driven everything from our RX-7, Shelby GT-350, various models of Mercedes, Porsches, and some exotics at one of those "driving adventure" events.  Currently in a stick-shift Dodge RAM 4x4, of all things. 

While he really enjoys manual shift automobiles, he has suggested the well-regarded RWD Lexus GS.  Budget is under 20k.  I'm not even sure what generation is the best bet here, but age alone will likely push us to the last-gen models, from 2012 to the model's demise in 2020.

So, what to look for?  What to avoid?

TIA!

IIRC, the GS is one of the best-engineered, longest-lasting cars out there. 

I've had three, but none of that generation. All were well built and solid cars. All were bought as projects: (1) had a few hits from parking lot dings, a 1998 GS300 that became my wife's. (2) was a 2001 GS430 that someone neglected to change the water pump on when doing the scheduled timing belt service and it took out the belt and cylinder heads, I bought as-is and repaired and enjoyed the heck out of it. As far as I know mtn here is still enjoying it. (3) was a 2007 GS450h I bought here with a bad primary (traction) battery. I replaced some cells, enjoyed it, had cells go bad again. I replaced some more cells, enjoyed it, and had some cells go bad again. I got tired of the whack a mole and had no real application for the car in my fleet so sold it broken again.

I don't have any advice on the 2012-2020 models. But that car in general is a good, solid choice, just perhaps make sure not to buy a broken hybrid and try to piece together a good battery unless you are serious about it. I could have gotten it reliable pretty easily but didn't want to spend the money or time.

Both 1 and 2 are well over 200k miles now. Non-scheduled repairs that needed done was stuff like door lock actuators which were pretty straightforward. I think those were a weak spot on the Lexus of that era for some reason, though they did last for 200k miles and I only replaced the lock motors with genuine Toyota parts and it was a reasonable price. It's been long enough that I am having trouble thinking of any other repairs. I'm sure there was some, but I doubt you'll be looking at 200k+ mile examples which is what I was dealing with.

In reply to dculberson :

Thanks for the info.  I'm likely looking at the GS350, but you never know what might come along.  Probably hold out for something in the 120-140k miles range.  Or lower, of course.  These things do seem to hold value very well.

I would explore club lexus and other forums to find out any issues that may exist with them. 

So I'd go explore and see what you can turn up for a buyers guide. 

a quick look at club lexus shows they wenrt to an 8 speed auto on the RWD models in 2014+

 

I would explore club lexus and other forums to find out any issues that may exist with them. 

So I'd go explore and see what you can turn up for a buyers guide. 

a quick look at club lexus shows they wenrt to an 8 speed auto on the RWD models in 2014+

 

I've got an '02 GS430 for sale. Haven't listed it yet as I hate dealing with FBM. LMK if you want more details.

Is he going to like having a vehicle that he never has a reason to get rid of? I thought a car guy should have something that will breakdown so you can get another "interesting" vehicle?

I did like on the auto for at least the first few generations you could bounce off the rev limiter while in a selected gear without it upshifting for you.

In reply to bbbbRASS :

If he's anything like his parents, this will be the first in his car collection.  We tend to buy cars, but sell very few.  

I had the previous generation- a 2006.  Flawless.   Sold it to my best friends daughter at 245k.  Still going with no issues.   I had one alternator replacement and a fluke tranny replacement at 150k.   But that car just ran and ran and I never had to even add an oz of oil between changes.  

The Car Care Nut on YouTube in his best and worst Lexus/Toyota 2023 review  has the 2013-2020 GS 350 as one of the best..