DXGS400

Hello everyone, I am new to this board. I have done a lot of reading here, and information has been very helpful. I am so glad I found you guys :P.

I am in the process buying a 98 GS400 with 135000 miles on it. I know it has lots miles, but the price is right.

I have test drive the car today, and I loved very second of it. What a great car the Lexus has made.

However, before I make a decision, I would like to hear what your guys have to say about it. Is there anything I need to double check? Is there any known problem with this year model? I never had a car over 100k miles, so, I am not too sure what to look for, and do you guys think is it even worth to buy a car with 135K miles on it? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dillon

bluelex

well 98 was this models new version production year so its had its squeaks and rattles but nothing major like tranny or motor issues..we have a bunch of members who have 98 gs's with a lot more miles than that one has. try a quick search 4 98 gs rattles and problems and u'll find many threads on the car but as long at is was taken care of and the services have been done than u shouldn't have any mojor problems if any except rattles hear and there...good luck

JellyBean

Assuming that it's been well maintained (get a maintenance history from Lexus) and the price is right, then don't worry about the mileage. These cars will last forever if properly maintained. The build quality and attention to detail are second to none. Maintenance and repairs can be pricey at Lexus deales, but it's my understanding that you can get them repaired for less at Toyota dealers and definitely at independent repair shops. I say that it's my understanding because I haven't had to repair my 01 gs430. Good luck and enjoy.

DXGS400

Thank you all the the reply. The car does have all the records, and it's in very good shape. For a 98 GS400, black with tan leather, plus NAV, 135K miles, the guy is asking for $15000, and I am pretty sure I can talk to him down to $14500 at least, or maybe even $14000, so, do you guys think this is a good deal? I am worry about the resale value on the car with such a high mileage.

Thanks again,

Dillon

TLW

i 'd say save up

and find one with lower miles

i mean i know these cars will last forever

but just for piece of mind

i would try to find one with fewer miles

have you tried autotrader or cars.com or carsdirect.com

DetMich1

Dillon, go to kelly blue book and look up the trade in value of the car with the mileage, equiptment and condition factored in. That will give you a pretty good estimate of the car's wholesale value. Negotiate from there. The 4 liter V8 is an incredible engine. My SC400 has 331,000 miles and my 1998 GS400 has 89,000. Both run strong smooth and quiet. That black/tan is a nice color scheme too.

Dislexic

I would say don't pay more than $16,500 for the car if it is in excellent shape... High Mileage IS High Mileage!

R.U. IN AW?

Dillon,


Have you taken a look in the classifieds? For $8,000.00 more you can buy my car, it's a '99 with 70,xxx miles but a GS3. Of course price is negotiable. Let me know......and good luck on whatever you decide to do.



-R-

DetMich1

Hey, Dislexic. Maybe your advice was meant in general terms but how could he pay more than $16,500? He SAID the seller was asking $15,000!! What do you want him to do, negotiate the sale price UP?

Dislexic

Oops. Didn't see his later post. WELL, if he can get it for 14.5k, than that is a DAMN good deal IMO. Sorry bout the retarded post

DetMich1

Well, sorry if I sounded like a smart*ss. If he is looking for a car to keep and drive for a long time, and resale is not a high priority, then a well maintained GS4 at a good price with 135K is not a bad option. The engine/tranny should easily have another 200K of useful life and maybe even a lot more. I paid about $14,300 for a 98 GS4 with 87,000 mi without Navigation (which I hear adds about $1000 to resale value). I purchased my SC400 new in 1992 and it now has 331,700 miles. My daughter drives it every day, runs great. I had to replace tie-rod ends and control arm bushings, motor mounts, and steering rack bushings recently, but now it drives like it did when it was new. The engine/drivetrain have not required anything other than routine maintainance and fluid changes these last 12 years.

Lexy GS430

IF IT'S CLEAN,AND I MEAN CLEAN,AND NOT WRECKED AT ALL,AND HAS ALL SERVICE DONE TO IT THEN BUY IT, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

Rexdr

Wow, initially I thought that was price was too high. I used to work auto finance and ran a couple of numbers, and also ran it on Kelly Blue Book and Nada Guides. He's actually selling below book value (that is if the car is in excellent condition). Good luck.

LsportGS4

If its clean... talk em down to $14k .. and get it. Im sure he will take it.

DXGS400

Thanks for all your help. I checked the car out, get under the car, everything looks clean, cleaner than my 2000 passat with 67K miles on it. Inside is very well taken care, there's some rock chips on the hood and bumper, but, I think I can get them touched up pretty good. So, I bought the car at $14,500, and I did through a friend who's dealer, sold my passat, so, I didn't even pay any sale taxes at all.

Right after I got it, changed all the spark plugs to the denso ones, change the engine oil to the mobil 1 5w30 syn, changed the ATF oil. Everything is running great, and I love every minutes of driving it.

Thank you all again,

Dillon