jgoodtimes

Well i'm looking at buying my first Lexus, and I found a 99 GS400 at a local dealer with 164k miles. The lowest he will go is $8k, which I think is fine. The car is completely stock, and in overall average shape (maybe 7 out of 10), other than it needs new tires. The engine runs great, and has tons of power. Nothing stands out as wrong with this car.

With this many miles, are there any issues that I should have looked at before I buy? Or is there going to be any expected major maintenance coming up soon? High mileage cars don't bother me (I just sold my 02 Acura TL type S with 145k miles, and my daily Accord has 176k), but I know nothing about these Lexus models.


Any coments or opinions would be appreciated, I plan on buying it in a day or two, unless something else pops up.......

carbongs

iTrader: (13)

nah just ask to see if the water pump and timing belt have been serviced. other things are really minor. i.e. valve cover gaskets, spark plugs etc... look for leaking oil around major gaskets like the head, tranny, etc... good luck. i just purchased a 98 gs400 not too long ago with 147k on it and all we had to do was a minor tune up and valve cover gaskets.

Chenzo26

Just like the post before said, make sure that the timing belt and water pump have been replaced AT LEAST once. Also, see if you can figure out if the starter has been replaced, since that is one part that commonly goes bad on our cars.

nytoy

Just purchased a '98 GS400 with 125k, I had to do the following and this car was well cared for:

Starter ($200) plus labor ($800 dealer) I did mine for free
ball joints, tie rods, lower control arms - parts were around $800 I did the install
Shocks/Springs (you could get away with just shocks) $250 shocks $200 springs
Brakes- $150 for front rotors, $130 for a frozen caliper, $200 in pads

I'm meticulous, so some of this stuff may not bother you, but they are all wear items past 100k. Also I would check the alternator and power steering pump have been replaced at the mileage.

Oh yeah check to see the ABS/Brake Master Cylinder is in good working order, when they die, usually around 130k it's $1100.00 from the dealer or $400-500 used. If you hear the pump running excessivly and the pedal feels spongy that's a good sign it's on it's way out.

KayGee

Get the Ball Joints replaced and make sure that the door lock actuators are working.