RalAegidius

Hi folks, I was actually a long time member here and apparently my account lapsed. I was RalAegidius.

I'm shopping to replace my '92 SC300, and this '08 GS350 caught my eye. Does anyone have any opinions about the apparent aftermarket wheels and the box of springs in the trunk?

http://www.stevenscreekbmw.com/used/...b419e8ae6.htm#

The price is too high, I know. I intend to haggle for it if the car meets my expectations.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

Hmm well, the price is ok, but I think you can find one with Mark Levinson audio for that $.

Looks like the car is lowered, those are the OEM springs in the trunk.

onephatguy

iTrader: (3)

Have Stevens Creek move it over to their Lexus dealership (I'm pretty sure it's all the same ownership) and make it a CPO, then it would be a deal. Looks like someone who loves cars owned it before. Painted engine cover and modified suspension. Usually this devalues the car, but if you like what they have done, then go for it. Offer them 30k OTD.

RalAegidius

Wouldn't the dealer be reluctant to do that? The salesman wouldn't get a commission then, right?

As for Mark Levinson audio, a GS350 that has the features I want and is affordable for me (and which isn't black) is hard to come by in this area. I've looked at a few different makes and models and apparently I'm just too picky. Is the OEM audio in this car difficult to replace? I know very little about the integrated displays in newer cars.

I don't have a problem with the car being lowered as long as I consider it capable of daily driving. I'll have to test drive it to see how the huge wheels work out. They give a hard ride sometimes.

Also I notice that the entire roof of the car is a dark color. Is it a panoramic roof or something?

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

Nope, GS does not come with panoramic roof. He painted it black, the grille was also painted.

onephatguy

iTrader: (3)

It is either vinyl or painted on the roof. Definately the previous owner was in to modding. They would be reluctant, but the salesman would still get the commission if it all belongs to the same owner. It's worth looking in to. I wouldn't buy one with out being CPO.

Brabusx2

meh.. bought a BMW X3 from them 7 years ago, salesperon was a noob

M K S

The grill looks good painted like that.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

I don't think this car could be a Lexus CPO since its older than 3yrs. I think you could still buy an extended Lexus warranty based on the "in service" date. Wheels aren't too bad, if you like chrome. Brake rotors look aftermarket as well.

RalAegidius

Did some more research on this dealership and discovered that they have a terrible reputation. I would only consider buying a car that had been modded like this from a dealer I trusted, and I can't say that I trust this one.

Welp there are other GS350s out there. I might have to (gasp) extend my acceptable color range to the Smoky Granite gray. I really, really don't want a black car. I owned one once and they are a huge pain in the neck. That color is high maintenance.

sprtdsgnGS

I bought an 07 at the end of last year as a cpo.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

ok..my mistake.

From Lexus site:
HAND SELECTED

Not all pre-owned Lexus vehicles are worthy of the coveted Lexus Certified Pre-Owned designation—only the best. If a model is older than six years or driven for more than 70,000 miles, it's immediately rejected. No exceptions.

ferrerski

I'm in the Bay Area, and there are some great deals to be had for a GS350.

TWong350

iTrader: (8)

Not to mention they won't CPO a modified car.

Lex6583

iTrader: (1)

If you're having a bad feeling already..don't go with it.