GS300 mk3 or IS250

send2kimi · February 19, 2016

Hey all I'm a new bird here. I want a Lexus for a long time and now I am making a move. My budget is up to 7000 pound and looking at either GS300MK3 or is250. I prefer GS300 but may I ask the is there a change in engine at 2007 since the Co2 emission changed? And is there any major issues with 05/06 engine? I have looked around and are told don't buy 05/06. This is what he said:

The 300 has a DI V6, which Lexus launched with the GS in 2005 and it's the DI which causes carbon deposits to build up in the engine, which effectively strangles the engine, causing excessive oil consumption, low oil pressure and sometimes complete engine failure. O5-06 engines also suffer with defective piston rings, which effectively worsens the oil consumption to the extent that owners are often driving around with low oil levels in between services, which in turn can cause premature failure of the engine over time.

I found out the hard way when my 06 GS300 with Full service history and around 60k miles started to make a rattling noise, followed by a loss of oil pressure. Subsequent investigation found the engine filled with a sludge like substance, despite scheduled services with the correct synthetic oil.

You are looking at a bill for over four thousand pounds to rebuild the engine and this will not stop the carbon deposits returning as they a result of the DI. I believe Lexus redesigned the engine in 07 to address both issues but I'm done with Lexus, so you will have to do your own research.

Just search LEXUS GS300 Oil Consumption, Carbon Build Up or Piston Rings for more detailed info.

Thanks in advance

Jingqi

AmbroseJohn · February 19, 2016

I went through the same process and dismissed Lexus totally because of the problems with the first of the V6s. However I wrote to Lexus and they explained that, there were problems with cars supplied in the USA but the same problem was not evident in Europe. They went on to say that the issue had never been a problem anywhere with the 450h V6s. I decided to buy the Hybrid for peace of mind.

No doubt the GS300 guys will be around soon to dispel your fears.

Mike Hartland · February 20, 2016

I had an '06 GS300 for two years, which I recently sold at 110k miles, without any sign of these problems. Nor have I seen what would be a major problem discussed on this forum in that time. Maybe someone with longer ownership could elaborate.

Mike