1stREALCAR

I bought my GS400 a little over two weeks ago from a private dealership (Landmark Motors in Redmond) and I'm already having significant problems with the starter. I've searched through here and found its a common problem with GS400's but I'm wondering if there is any purchase laws on having a car that doesn't work after two weeks of purchase? Everything else seems to be fine and the car LOOKS really nice, but I'd prefer for it to WORK!! So any suggestions or am I gonna be stuck spending another $1000 on a car I just bought?

Sorry, the symptoms are that I put the key in and all the power is fine. There's about a 8 second whirring after my squeaky steering column cinches into place. I turn the key and it clicks, all the power goes out for a quick second but no ignition of the car starting. Occasionally I'll get it to just barely start to turnover but than dies, and usually the very next attempt the car will start like normal. But it can take about 10 turns or more to engage the starter.

TLW

symptoms please ?

merlin70

yeah what exactly is it doing? Is the battery good, cables good and tight, no corrosion, etc? Make sure it really is the starter before dropping a grand, that's for sure.

Regarding the dealership, check your state laws first. Some states mandate a short warranty for all used cars, some give no protection whatsoever. If you have no legal protection, you could try to ask the dealership for help and could even sue in small claims. Probably have to prove they knew about the starter though which could be difficult.

Skulinex

Hope you ran a carfax, most cars with a clean record are elegible for lemon check or can't remember what they call it which would cover repairs or even your money back in certain cases

TLW

if you have an autozone near you, have them test your charging system

chuckb

maybe starter contacts. how many miles? did you ask the dealer. they usually have a 30 day, 1000 mile warranty or something.

maintrain

iTrader: (1)

My car did the same thing. Had to replace the starter. $600+ @ Hennessy (ATL)

redbaron

iTrader: (2)

im in washington state looking to purchase one.

thanks
bryan

chuckb

I don't know how different the starters are, but my es was just click sometimes when you turn key, I replaced solenoid contacts and sanded plunger, worked like a champ. $15 for the contacts from toyota.

this showed me how......
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/

UTGS400

I paid about $800 to have my starter replaced a few months ago.

1stREALCAR

Hey redbaron. I bought my GS400 in Redmond at Landmark Motors. They were selling it for $18900 but I got it for $16900. Its a black/tan w/navi and sport package and 100,500 miles. I think if you go to the Landmark Motors website its still in their inventory. I even bought the Powertrain Plus warranty for $1500, I wonder if the starter is covered at all. I need to go home and read it word for word.
BTW- If you go to Landmark, make sure you work with Chuck and Frank. Chuck is the coolest car sales guy and Frank is the co-owner. Both guys were really cool and not stuck up like the other dealerships with high end autos. Tell em Ryan S with the black GS sent ya.

redbaron

iTrader: (2)

I think you bought my car. Im looking for one just like yours. Good luck in getting your problem fixed. Once I get mine, maybe we can meet up sometimes. Im in Shoreline.

Peace
Bryan