BLK13X

Hi guys,


Here's the story,

Currently I own 2 Soarers, a 1997 VVTi single turbo (my toy) and a 1991 V8 (our daily driver). My fiance gave birth recently to our gorgeous baby girl and of course due to the interior space, everyone is uncomfortable except for the baby (thanks TEMS suspension).

I've owned 2 turbo and one V8 Soarer and I'm accustomed to the response from the 1JZ and 1UZ motors.

So I'm selling the 1991 V8 Soarer and looking at picking up a late model (00~) GS300 within the next few weeks (fingers crossed). Plans at the moment are to keep it stock however I know I'll be hungry for more power. I would pick up a GS400/430 if they were brought into the country but thanks to regulation we don't have it here and I can't bring one over.

I'm currently looking at the following:
* 2002 Beige/tan with 126k on the clock for $26k
* 2001 Black/tan (no GPS) with 145k on the clock for $21k
* 2001 Blue/tan (no GPS) with 95k on the clock for $24k

I'm looking to use the GS as my daily driver. I don't want to buy an imported V300 because 1. they're rare as hell and 2. the ones I've looked at have no books and are interstate.

First of all, what should I be wary of with these cars? Common problems? Any links and info would be fantastic (I was searching around last night, couldn't find anything definitive).

Secondly, for the parents on here, how do you guys find the GS as a family car? It looks to be large enough to fit the babyseat into the cabin without being squashy and the stroller too while still being able to take groceries etc etc but it'd be nice to hear/read of members here that actually use their vehicles.

Lastly, if I was to upgrade the power, would it be feasible on a late-model 2GS? Looking to do engine/tranny swap later on down the track (time/funds permitting). Looking to swap in a late model 2JZ or 3UZ but that'll be later on.

Any help would be fabulous, hopefully I can jump ship and be part of the 2GS family pretty soon.



Cheers,


Jose

o6spdracer

iTrader: (5)

First, congratulations on the baby girl! It'll put the mod bug on hold for sure!

The GS300 most common problem is the ball joints, but if you replace them once you hear them clicking, you're good to go (See Here). You will not be happy with the power, especially coming from your previous cars. But a 2jz-gte or 3uz is definitely an easy fix for that. I'm not a parent, but I do take my niece out all the time. Her babyseat and now childseat fit without any problems. Plenty of space in the trunk for a stroller, when we used to carry it. Once we didn't need the stroller anymore, I put 2 10's back there and I can still fit 3 sets of golf clubs comfortably.

Good luck and congrats again!

EN_VY

Wait, over 20 thousand for a 2001 GS?

BLK13X

Cheers, sounds even more tempting now

That's right, Australian motorists definitely got the short end of the stick when it comes to car prices I'd be lucky to find a low-km 3GS for under $55k over here

BLK13X

Ok.

So I test drove one yesterday... 01 black/tan all options except for GPS. One owner car, serviced at the local Lexus dealer since new (Lexus of Sutherland) with all books. Power's not the best but should be ok in Sydney traffic (for now). Has a few scratches here and there (all light superficial, no biggie), yellowing headlamps and a few interior marks (should be able to be removed by a good detail) but that's all I can really see. Drives nice and still feels tight, didn't check for suspicious ball joints so I'll go back and check that over, but pending finance I think it's the one and will hopefully be mine within the next 2 weeks.

Fingers crossed!!!

Oh, and here's the reason why I need a bigger car than a Soarer/SC.



Jose

7DOOBIE7

^^^^^^Future CL member CONGRATS MATE!

BLK13X

Thanks And for sure to be a CL member down the road... doesn't matter if it's a girl or not

young's 96

congrats on the baby those prices are high as hell for a Gs.

BLK13X

Tell me about it!

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

x2.....those are way to high

BLK13X

I know! Unfortunately no real way around it. The prices for a new 3GS in Australia range between $120k (GS350) to $153k (GS460)... converted to USD is $107k to $138k.

FYI converted to USD it works out to be around the 18k mark. Still sounds like too much?

Anessa

A bit considering the kilometres on the odometer but you have no choice in AU. I hope to join the 2GS family soon myself

duby1

iTrader: (7)

i would say pick up a 02 LS. That's even more space and for sure everyone in your family would love the comfort. I personality love my GS, but towards the end of the year (2010). i'm thinking about picking an LS400 - 430. Just for the luxury look and how clean it looks like.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

x2...LS has alot of room

i been thinking for last year of getting a ls430 or ls460

BLK13X

If they were in my price range then hell yes! But unfortunately they're both not lol

Brand new LS460 over my side of the pond will set you back AUD$215 or USD$194k (not a mis-type). I spent that money on property instead