Which one would you buy

I strongly agree on the Lexus. Reliability is also dependent on how well the previous owner took care of it. Anything is better than a Subaru. Even a Yugo.

The Lexus hands down. I own both a RX300 and a Forester so I know.

I agree with the other guys that the Lexus will be much more reliable. The Subaru likely has a head gasket replacement coming in the very near future. Replacing the head gaskets will run North of $1500.

I just donated a 2003 GS300 with 2006k in 2005. Reason: although I took exceptional care, and regular services, I was facing approximately $10k in repairs, per my regular trusted shop, mainly due to wear and tear. I purchased the car as a pre-certified with 19k mileage, so I consider it a one-owner car. Never had a real problem until recently. Last week, purchased a 2019 Outback Limited. While I was debating repairing the Lexus ( I really enjoyed driving it), I went on the Club Lexus forum for 2nd generation GSs (1999-2005). Everyone there touted the reliability of the 2nd generation model. They went on to say later models of all types of Lexus are not up to snuff in comparison. My point is people will find fault with nearly every model, and CW says on average 2% of anything made on an assembly will be a dog. IMO the best advice I can give is to negotiate having the car inspected by a shop you trust..