lextout

I must admit the engine and tranny are a class act for these cars, but the suspenison it total garbage. From the ball joints,rear creeking noises to the shaky steering wheel and all the suspenionin between, If its not one thing then its another. The cost of parts is not an issue, its the downtime i have to put up with. No wonder why the corolla is the best selling car in the world, apologies if i offended anyone.

Arcadian

I hear ya bro. In the space of 120,000KM I've replaced every single front suspension piece and am starting round-two. And the Canadian prices are 2-3X that of US for OEM. When I got the car 6 years ago, a buddy that's a service manager for a Ford dealer said, "beautiful car, hope you like buying suspension parts." But, I'm so far into this thing, I'm pretty much stuck, good thing that 1UZ and the interior make up for it! Now I just need a Nakamichi amp that works.

lextout

yea i hear ya, even a ford guy new about it, so the suspenion on these cars must be really known. Keep looking for that amp, you'll find it soon enough.stick with the originality of the interior and seriously theres no other stereo that compliments that dash.

liazon

iTrader: (1)

that sucks. sorry to hear.

just another man's story, but this is my 4th gs4 and i can't say i've ever had to replace a suspension part. (knocks on wood)

MattyG

Can't blame you for the expenses you've had to rack up. You have the GS400 and IIRC, that generation is prone to more suspension problems. Did Lexus change the ball joints to lower the stress on the suspension?

Another thing to remember is that a lot of the current crop of GS owners modify their cars so I don't know if you have modified this car, but my bone stock 02GS430 doesn't show any problems so far (122,000 miles and fingers crossed).

It could use shocks and I will admit that I've spent a fortune too. About $4K in three years. But that does include the tb/water pump change and assorted other things, and Michelin Pilot Sport AS3's all around.

Now the question is... what would you replace it with other than a new car on a warranty

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Well God forbid a car go hundreds of thousands of miles with no problems...

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

It is a pretty frustrating suspension to chase noises and vibrations in. The payoff when it all works is good though. Smooth, quiet, and sure-footed. I too am really fed up with fixing one suspension part only to have something else go in a few weeks. At least at this rate, I'm only a few bushings away from having completely overhauled the front suspension, so nothing will be left to go wrong.

JLAWS

I had a 2002 GS300, 1999 GS400 and 2005 GS430 and they all had the notorious 55-70mph steering vibration. My old faithful 1994 Camry drives smoother at those speeds. I've since moved on to a 2007 GS350 awd with oem 18" and it is smooth at all speeds even with a regular non road force tire balance.

lextout

Im seriously considering a 3rd gen gs430, more modern look, but the curves and bubble lights on the 2nd just cant be beat. I guess we win some and loose some. Has anyone drove a 3rd gen gs430? feedback on your experience would be nice.

JLAWS

2006 GS430 drove great but has older technology vs a 2007+ GS350/Gs460. Also timing belt to still worry about. 3GS are far more superior in every way to the 2GS. It has a more modern look which still look great today vs what is currently out there. Much more refined and still has very usable technology which I enjoy Keyless entry is very cool as well as playing dvds while parked while the wife takes forever shopping or play movies driving long trips (override kit).

Of course go to the 3GS forum section to see much more details.

kevin3344

I've tried everything to get rid of my shimmy at high speeds to no avail. I'm just glad I no longer live in NY...the roads were terrible up there. Now that I'm in NC I find I replace a lot less as far as my suspension goes. Only ball joints and caster arm assemblies for me. Still, at 220,022 miles (as of this morning) I'm willing to live with a few repairs. Love the reliability of this car...can't see myself driving anything else.

lextout

good stuff, i really like those pearl whites with the bluish hue to it,I did sit in one yet seems the cabin is smaller then the 2 gens.

dreamcar88

iTrader: (1)

Any car from early 2000s 16 years later are going to need alot of work. Like stated in the other thread these cars are not for everyone. Specially if you dont feel like tinkering alot and fixing things here and there. That being said ill take my 01 lexus and 95 toyota over any new car or car payment.. One thing a time one day at a time. If it becomes to the point of dumping constant 1000s into a 16 year old car thats alot different. Upgrading is nice sometimes as well but even if you upgrade from a 2001 to 2010+ they will also still need love .

litesoarer

This is precisely why I didn't buy a 2GS again.

I've dealt with cars that have continuous suspension problems and it is NO fun.

Dangit2001

I hear you, I'll take my 01 GS430 over a car payment. I've only had my GS for a few weeks but I like working on the car. Plus i don't need to drive on the highway to get to work so I don't ever get up to high speeds on a day to day...lol.