guzzy92fs

Guys I need your help! I sold my 2004 RX 330, just found a 2006 GS 430 with only 36k miles, very clean, after a quick test drive I just noticed some vibration when applying brakes, probably needing some brake disc resurface or changing, and for some reason the steering wheel wasnt as smooth as I would expect, maybe faulty steering wheel pump? i connected my scanner and no codes registered. What do you guys think? owner is asking 13k for the GS.

What do you guys think? should I pull the trigger?

Anything I should look after the car? here are some pics for your delight

Fausty

Car looks really nice and low miles! I would create a account on lexusdrivers to see the maintenance history. As far as the steering goes these cars use electronic steering not a hydraulic pump. Things to look for on the 430 is the abs pump crapping out( it runs non stop you can tell by the buzzing sound) and the timing belt which should be done closer to 90k miles which you have plenty of time still. Other than that the 430 motors are one of the most reliable. It's hard to tell about the vibrations while braking but hopefully nothing major. If it's a car from a dealer have them take a look at it or bring a mechanic.

Sodium

The lack of smoothness in steering feel could be anything from wheel alignment to bad bushings to a bad tires, or everything may be fine and the only reason it doesn't feel smooth is that you're used to the RX steering feel – if you haven't already, get a pre-purchase inspection to be sure everything is fine!

As for the timing belt, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it replaced despite the low mileage – the belt is under tension whether the car is on or off, and after 10 years it may well have stretched or weakened a bit

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

13k is an absolute steal

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

34k miles and theres wear on the drivers seat. I would be weary of it! It may not be actual miles

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Have you thought of buying a GS350 instead? The 430 and the 350 are about the same as far as performance. For that price range im sure you can find an 08-up GS with more newer option.

430 is a good reliable engine just make sure to do timing belt, water pump, etc imo

speedkar9

I noticed that too. The driver's seat and floor mats have a lot of wear for 36K miles.

In my opinion $13K can get you into a newer GS with slightly more mileage.

The steering on the GS is electrically assisted which should make it feel very smooth. On the RX330 it was driven by a hydraulic pump, though it may have been overboosted in that vehicle giving you the impression that the steering is not smooth in the GS. The GS also has 18" rims with a much slimmer tire profile which lends to more steering feedback.

Sodium

Is it reasonably doable to change the displayed mileage on our cars? Since it's digital, you'd have to go into the computer to change it, and I'm sure Lexus software engineers wouldn't make that easy to do!

Lol on the other hand, I read a while ago that on the W220 S-class, it is very easy to change the displayed mileage with the Star diagnostic tool

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

There are different ways of fooling the ecu to have lower miles, its easier then you think. But your right most of the mileages are either stored on the tach or the ecu of the vehicle.

guzzy92fs

Thanks guys for the comments, After a second test drive, the brake disc definately needed resurfacing, they feel rough even on the touch, as for the steering, the car was equipped with bigger tires. I think I will pass this on up, after doing some research on the car, it looks shady, there have been almost no record of maintenace at the drivers lexus page, its leaking under the car, probably transmission, the front inner fenders are all busted up, maybe because of the tires being bigger, and a lot of plastic pieces missing inside, like one of the covers of the steering wheel rear cover. Those details doesnt matter much but for the price-age the guy is asking, the car should be super neat, i tried to make him lower the price but refused, so I will pass on it. I think I will be looking after a GS350.

You guys mentioned that as for performance the GS430 and the GS350 are almost the same? One of the things i really liked about the GS430 is the nice performance on low revs, gas mileage is very good as well.

Thanks again for all, you are the reason I keep on buying Lexus!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Brake rotors warped, different tires, missing parts (maybe from an accident) I think you did a good thing walking away from that deal. But keep looking you will find a killer deal, as this is the time to buy before new years then prices will climb up for tax season.

Always run a carfax aswell, because many people will claim the cars title is clean but end up being a rebuilt/salvaged. Especially in FL, and more so if you live in the S.FL area. That area is the worst as far as shady car sales. Also another tip before you contact the person google their phone number, many times youll find a shady car dealer posing as a private seller, and jumping titles.

speedkar9

Yes, I did it myself without special tools:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...ogramming.html

Sodium

Well I would guess that the procedure is beyond the skill and/or bravery of most people selling a 10 year old car

But still, damn that's quite a bit easier than I expected!