New to Lexus, where to start?
10-12-15, 06:36 AM
#1
New to Lexus, where to start?
Whats up guys and gals!
I am new to Lexus but I am familiar with Toyotas. I am currently selling my MKIII Supra, which has been in the family since 1996, to fund my next car.
I finally made the decision on my next car, I'm currently shopping around a nice GS3, and I plan on purchasing one as soon as my car sells but I have a few questions:
Is a car without ML a deal breaker and how can I tell if the car has ML?
I'm familiar with inline 6 engines, should I stick to a GS3?
Where should I starting searching for a car to get a good deal?
Do the GS models have any problems I should look for when searching?
How do I know if a car has HID headlights?
Thanks,
Justin
I am new to Lexus but I am familiar with Toyotas. I am currently selling my MKIII Supra, which has been in the family since 1996, to fund my next car.
I finally made the decision on my next car, I'm currently shopping around a nice GS3, and I plan on purchasing one as soon as my car sells but I have a few questions:
Is a car without ML a deal breaker and how can I tell if the car has ML?
I'm familiar with inline 6 engines, should I stick to a GS3?
Where should I starting searching for a car to get a good deal?
Do the GS models have any problems I should look for when searching?
How do I know if a car has HID headlights?
Thanks,
Justin
10-12-15, 09:08 AM
#2
Welcome and beautiful MKIII!
1.) As far as Mark Levinson (2001+ MY), it truly isn't a deal breaker. In fact, it is often times more of a hassle as the ML system likes to blow the terrible factory sub it came with. Generally, if you have a 2001+ with Navigation, you'll have Mark Levinson. I have seen a few cases where it's a standard headunit, but quite frankly, you'll know as it says Mark Levinson on the headunit, as well as the presence of a center speaker in the middle of the dashboard.
2.) The 2JZ is a great engine if you plan on doing any sort of modifications. As I'm sure you know, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts available for the engine. That said, if you don't plan on modifying, go for a GS400/430. Gas mileage is essentially the same as the I6, so no worry there.
3.) I purchased my GS400 from a Lexus dealership, but that was over 7 years ago. I suppose your best bet is from the classifieds section here, cars.com, and craigslist.
4.) As far as issues go, there aren't many; just make sure to check for door lock actuators, timing belt/water pump service, and lower ball joints.
5.) You'll be able to tell if the car has HID headlights from the factory. Other than the color, HID equipped models came with yellow foglights, as well as auto-leveling headlights.
This thread here will give you a good wealth of information too.
Like I said, welcome and happy hunting!
1.) As far as Mark Levinson (2001+ MY), it truly isn't a deal breaker. In fact, it is often times more of a hassle as the ML system likes to blow the terrible factory sub it came with. Generally, if you have a 2001+ with Navigation, you'll have Mark Levinson. I have seen a few cases where it's a standard headunit, but quite frankly, you'll know as it says Mark Levinson on the headunit, as well as the presence of a center speaker in the middle of the dashboard.
2.) The 2JZ is a great engine if you plan on doing any sort of modifications. As I'm sure you know, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts available for the engine. That said, if you don't plan on modifying, go for a GS400/430. Gas mileage is essentially the same as the I6, so no worry there.
3.) I purchased my GS400 from a Lexus dealership, but that was over 7 years ago. I suppose your best bet is from the classifieds section here, cars.com, and craigslist.
4.) As far as issues go, there aren't many; just make sure to check for door lock actuators, timing belt/water pump service, and lower ball joints.
5.) You'll be able to tell if the car has HID headlights from the factory. Other than the color, HID equipped models came with yellow foglights, as well as auto-leveling headlights.
This thread here will give you a good wealth of information too.
Like I said, welcome and happy hunting!
Last edited by ThomasGS4; 10-12-15 at 09:33 AM.
10-14-15, 04:48 AM
#3
Welcome and beautiful MKIII!
1.) As far as Mark Levinson (2001+ MY), it truly isn't a deal breaker. In fact, it is often times more of a hassle as the ML system likes to blow the terrible factory sub it came with. Generally, if you have a 2001+ with Navigation, you'll have Mark Levinson. I have seen a few cases where it's a standard headunit, but quite frankly, you'll know as it says Mark Levinson on the headunit, as well as the presence of a center speaker in the middle of the dashboard.
2.) The 2JZ is a great engine if you plan on doing any sort of modifications. As I'm sure you know, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts available for the engine. That said, if you don't plan on modifying, go for a GS400/430. Gas mileage is essentially the same as the I6, so no worry there.
3.) I purchased my GS400 from a Lexus dealership, but that was over 7 years ago. I suppose your best bet is from the classifieds section here, cars.com, and craigslist.
4.) As far as issues go, there aren't many; just make sure to check for door lock actuators, timing belt/water pump service, and lower ball joints.
5.) You'll be able to tell if the car has HID headlights from the factory. Other than the color, HID equipped models came with yellow foglights, as well as auto-leveling headlights.
This thread here will give you a good wealth of information too.
Like I said, welcome and happy hunting!
1.) As far as Mark Levinson (2001+ MY), it truly isn't a deal breaker. In fact, it is often times more of a hassle as the ML system likes to blow the terrible factory sub it came with. Generally, if you have a 2001+ with Navigation, you'll have Mark Levinson. I have seen a few cases where it's a standard headunit, but quite frankly, you'll know as it says Mark Levinson on the headunit, as well as the presence of a center speaker in the middle of the dashboard.
2.) The 2JZ is a great engine if you plan on doing any sort of modifications. As I'm sure you know, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts available for the engine. That said, if you don't plan on modifying, go for a GS400/430. Gas mileage is essentially the same as the I6, so no worry there.
3.) I purchased my GS400 from a Lexus dealership, but that was over 7 years ago. I suppose your best bet is from the classifieds section here, cars.com, and craigslist.
4.) As far as issues go, there aren't many; just make sure to check for door lock actuators, timing belt/water pump service, and lower ball joints.
5.) You'll be able to tell if the car has HID headlights from the factory. Other than the color, HID equipped models came with yellow foglights, as well as auto-leveling headlights.
This thread here will give you a good wealth of information too.
Like I said, welcome and happy hunting!
Also I have a few more questions if you dont mind or hopefully someone else can chime in.
Where can I find a wood shift **** in the correct shade of wood for these cars?
Also is there is a website to source exterior parts outside of eBay?
Thanks again
-Justin
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post