Looking...

[MNP]

My first post outside the LS forum as I am now considering a GS300.  I think I was very lucky 5 years ago to get a good LS and

now is the time to look for something a bit newer as I had to sell her before working abroad for 15 months.

My question is,  if I find a GS around  2005 with the CVT transmission, is there anything I need to particularly look for? 

I know nothing about CVT transmissions except it's a development of the old DAF Daffodil!!!

There is a GS in Bolton from a specialist, a little pricey but only 71000 miles.  Looks nice.  Thanks, Mark.  

[OldTrout]

Mark,

The only CVT in a GS comes in 2006 onwards with 450h. Its CVT is done with planetary gears. It is not the same as DAF which was pulls and belts.

Dampers are the main things to check.

Good hunting!

John

 

[Farqui]

Exhausts can blow/split at the rear Y piece, which should be visible looking under the rear bumper.

Have seen that rear mufflers can be holed too, as mine was.

The car was still quiet and passed its MOT with these faults #gofigure

[MNP]

Thanks.  I am on a mission then, after this snow melts!!

Mark.

[AmbroseJohn]

CVT is more reliable than a standard auto, so go for it. If you go for the hybrid, get a health check done. It only about £50 but if the car has a Lexus history, it's done as part of the service anyway.

The rear brakes on the hybrid tend to seize too.

[MNP]

Thanks John, don't think I can afford anything as new as that, I always seem to be near the bottom

of the food chain, so mid 2000's really.  I'm also considering the Honda Legend too....

Mark.

[Guest]

And shocks of course as they always seem to pop up on advisories and are expensive.

I take it your talking about Moses gate in Bolton as the specialist,keep in mind that they often advertise cars that have sold ages ago which you only find out once you enquire.

Good luck with the search.There were some nice GS300 LE's(limited Editions) for sale recently which have great colour combinations.

[Zotto]

Hybrid drive is a big change from traditional thermal only motors, and in my point of view a great improvement in comfort and mpg, BUT you are well accustomed with a LS, so a GS 450h would be a good choice; in alternative if you dont care too much to mpg a traditional GS NOT hybrid could be good, provided that the automatic gear is not a cvt but a traditional one with torque converter. While I love hybrid with eCVT (I am at 2nd Hybrid GS, first one was a 2008 GS450h and now I own a 2014 GS300h),  choosing a older than 10 year hybrid is a good idea if you have a guarantee about HV Battery.

[AmbroseJohn]

1 hour ago, MNP said:

Thanks John, don't think I can afford anything as new as that, I always seem to be near the bottom

of the food chain, so mid 2000's really.  I'm also considering the Honda Legend too....

Mark.

Available from 2006

[MNP]

Many thanks for all the great advice.  Probably better after the Christmas holidays now, may be able to pick up a bargain in the dark January days?

Mark.