Murfs66

Hi I'm a newbie with questions. I'm wanting to buy a GS300 for the family and wondering what years to stay away from if any and what should I look for when buying one. I'm not wanting to spend much so I'm looking at older years like 98-2002. Also If I lower it how is the ride.

Any insite would be appreciated. thanks

Murfs66

come on someones gotta help me.................. any input is better than none

e-diddy

I have a 98 GS3 which I purchased back on 2001 with 39k original miles. To date I almost have 110k and the car has never even blinked on me once. I am not completely sure, but I would dare to say that in the year range you're looking into ( or any other year for that matter ) there is no such thing to stay away from. The car does not only look good but it is amazingly reliable as well.

Welcome to CL and good luck in your purchase. You will not regret it.

xravexboix

You can tell the condition through the owner's attitude toward the car =P Overall, there were no 'problem years'... but you may want to stay away from the first year of the new body style (general rule for all vehicles...)

You also may want to look into Certified Pre-owned ones (if you're worried) because they offer a 100,000 (original) mile warranty... and it covers just about everything except trim pieces, adjustments... and ... a few others things (don't remember the exact things).

STONER

Consumer Reports doesn't lie. And as far as the ride goes, there is probably a weeks worth of reading material here. The search function is your friend. I am a new owner of my first Lexus, and I find myself taking the long way to work. I love my car. Good luck.

Murfs66

Thanks guys ,,,,,do you know how the car will handle if I put the lowering springs on it. I had everyhting from Mustangs to Hondas and they all ride different after I put the springs on. Anywhere from bouncing to way to stiff... i'm looking at the older years so I can add stuff to it. My wife gave me a limited budget for my toys.

Lex_Fnatic

There ain't any "years to stay away from" in Lexus. Ya know it is the most reliable in

ratings...

1998-2000 is one big slump 2001-2005 is another where there are major changes.

Gs300 is considered the cruiser - quick, the Gs4 =fast. But very comfortable and sooo

quiet. Great value plus very good looking.

For common problems you should search to find a thread like this one .

But ya know these are minor annoyances no engine blowing up in any lexus.

Lowering springs are pretty much same ride. (l tuned a good recommended choice?)

If your an enthusiat then you can get something like Tein which is controllable so you can

decide the ride quality. As a family ride should be so happy. Check on the maintenance etc.

You should search specific each of your questions cause there this forum is HUGE. Check- 500

+ pgs in this section you'lll be amazed at any info you ever needed.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Hi Murfs66. Welcome to CL.
98 is the first year the 2nd gen. GS came out and for a first year car, there's hasn't been any major electrical/engine/transmission problem posted here.
I have a 99 GS300, bought used at 6k and now with 122k miles, no problem.
Where in Cali are you from? If you're local, maybe you can check mine out. I have 18's, but not lowered, yet.
HOwever, in this lower price range, I would look for a 400 because gas mileage will also be at the same. Basically a 98 GS400 would be about the same as a 99 GS300 with comparable mileage.

Do spend some time reading in this forum and you will get a feel of the pros and cons (pros mostly and cons for draining your $$$ on mods )

Good luck.

Murfs66

I'm over here in southern Cali by Ventura ,,Thousand Oaks area and near Pasadena for work. So you think I'll get the same MPG's on the older GS400. If thats true I'll be looking for a 400. What kinda miles should I stay away from over 150? How much is an engine rebuild and when should I do it (before problems occur).

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

you don;t have to rebuilt a lexus v8 until 200K 300K or 400K???
they are the best built.

Murfs66

Does anyone esle agree with blacksc400 on the engine bebuild?

jaja

Yep - I think there was a guy on here called highmiles or something with like 300k+ on his GS4. I've only got 70k on my '98 GS4 and it rides smooth as hell.

I can tell you one thing. Its all about the owner. If he loved the car, then he most likely had it taken care by the dealer and everything should be nice and in order. I think Lexus is all about the service (mechanic) at the dealer.

On the '98 there was a recall for the Yaw rate sensor and something on the ECU. I checked the records of the guy who I bought it from and it was all there.

But I can say that the GS4 is the best ride I have had, not to mention its 300HP. Didn't even consider the GS3, simply because of the motor. Getting a late model Lexus with the flagship motor for under $20k is simply a bargain to me.

Just make sure the owner's not trying to make a quick buck on you. Lemme put it this way, when I drove the car off the previous owners parkway - last thing he said was 'I'll miss you - buddy we had some good times' and he just stared at it while I rode off with it.... kinda broke my heart, but I felt better because he had my cashier's check