Mk Ii Or Mk Iii Gs ?

The Swede · January 5, 2011

I feel I am going to ask some really stupid questions, but I'd appreciate your advise

Two years ago, my lady needed a first car. It was to be used as runabout and reliability and safety were most important. She hence ended up with a Lexus IS300. It had 100K on the clock, had a FSH and has been perfect ever since we got it.

I've meanwhile been so pleased with the car that I'd like to "upgrade" her to a GS300 (or GS430).

I noticed that, within the price bracket, I could find a nice MkII GS300 (or GS430) or MkIII GS300 with 90 or 100K on the clock.

What would be the better choice? An early MkIII (any teething problems?) or a late MkII ? Are the MkIII's as reliable? Does the MkIII still have the straight six engine?

Any other big differences?

I've driven the MkII few times but never the MkIII.

Thanks for the reactions. :)

kam05 · January 5, 2011

I'd go for the mk3 GS300, perferably in SE-L spec(if funds allow)- it uses a v6 engine, not a straight 6 engine.

The Swede · January 5, 2011

I'd go for the mk3 GS300, perferably in SE-L spec(if funds allow)- it uses a v6 engine, not a straight 6 engine.

Can I ask what your main reasons would be to go for a MkIII over a MkII?

And what does an SE-L offer over anther version?

Thanks.

jad · January 5, 2011

Looking at what has been written on here the early mk3s do have issues with the ECUs going wrong plus other bits and bobs.

Problems occur on most new models of car and then are ironed out through the period of there life meaning the last ones made are the ones to have.

The Swede · January 6, 2011

The driving of the Mk3 any different of the Mk2 ?

Ashman7286 · January 10, 2011

tbh mate i'd go for a late mk2. not only do they look better but being a later version of the mk2 they won't have so many niggly problems to deal with like the mk3's will have such as the ecu. having a mk3 would be nice, there's no doubting that.

you could always go and test drive a couple.

The Swede · January 10, 2011

tbh mate i'd go for a late mk2. not only do they look better but being a later version of the mk2 they won't have so many niggly problems to deal with like the mk3's will have such as the ecu. having a mk3 would be nice, there's no doubting that.

you could always go and test drive a couple.

If I'd still live in the UK, I'd be on my way straight away. But here in France Lexusses are rarer than hen's teeth :(