Opinions: Is worth getting (2000 -2002) GS300 with 250k+ kilometers ?
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Opinions: Is worth getting (2000 -2002) GS300 with 250k+ kilometers ?
Hi guys,
I would like to get some opinion from those of you who already own 1998-2002 GS300. Basically, I am currently in the situation where I need a car for about 2 years, somewhat a beater but at the same time not too boring. I decided to look into GS300 and in the area where I am Ontario, Canada, there are a few (about 10) on the market available, prices range from 4k to 6k.. millage from 250-280k kilometers.
I am not expecting to keep the car more than 2 years, I need a reliable daily beater, with minimal repairs.
I really don't want to spend over $6k total (taxes included) for the car, knowing I will only keep it for 24 months, or maybe sell earlier before it hits major breakage.
What are your opinions, how significantly I should expect to cash out on parts and fixes for the next 2 years, if I decide with 2000 - 2002, GS300 with 250-280k milliage ?
If you would suggest any other cars, which run minimal repairs after 250k, I would really appreciate it !
1. I have looked into: 2001-2003 Acura 3.2 TL, but I read alot they have transmission issue especially with 250k milliage range.
2. Toyota Camry (same milliage 250k) years 2002-2003. Not sure if they are more reliable than GS300.
3. Nissan Maxima 2002-2004.
4. Accord 2001-2003 (same transmission issue as with Acura 3.2 tl)
Please share your thoughts.
I would like to get some opinion from those of you who already own 1998-2002 GS300. Basically, I am currently in the situation where I need a car for about 2 years, somewhat a beater but at the same time not too boring. I decided to look into GS300 and in the area where I am Ontario, Canada, there are a few (about 10) on the market available, prices range from 4k to 6k.. millage from 250-280k kilometers.
I am not expecting to keep the car more than 2 years, I need a reliable daily beater, with minimal repairs.
I really don't want to spend over $6k total (taxes included) for the car, knowing I will only keep it for 24 months, or maybe sell earlier before it hits major breakage.
What are your opinions, how significantly I should expect to cash out on parts and fixes for the next 2 years, if I decide with 2000 - 2002, GS300 with 250-280k milliage ?
If you would suggest any other cars, which run minimal repairs after 250k, I would really appreciate it !
1. I have looked into: 2001-2003 Acura 3.2 TL, but I read alot they have transmission issue especially with 250k milliage range.
2. Toyota Camry (same milliage 250k) years 2002-2003. Not sure if they are more reliable than GS300.
3. Nissan Maxima 2002-2004.
4. Accord 2001-2003 (same transmission issue as with Acura 3.2 tl)
Please share your thoughts.
Last edited by Gs300Rus; 03-18-14 at 02:16 PM.
#2
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Knowing you will only keep it for 2 years, I wouldn't hesitate at all. I drove my last two 300's ( a 99 and a 2001) up past 150k miles and replaced only a transmission solenoid on 1, and a radiator cap on the other. Try and go with a 2001 or newer, due to the redesigned ball joints that hold up better with high mileage.
#3
Avoid the acura tl honda accord, I looked at both and every consumer review said they replaced the transmission, bad like 99-03ish Take into consideration these cars are not good at all in snow, since you live in canada you'd almost have to buy snow tires for winter, I'd probably buy a civic or maxima something like that you could get with less miles but if you find a GS with all the service records it can be a very reliable car
#4
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If you are still interested in the 2nd gen TL, and see an ad that says anything about a replaced transmission, take the VIN to an acura dealer and they will give you a service history. It's a great car and the engine is a lot better than the 2jzge imo. (No hate to the 2jzge, still a great engine, but it kind of lacks personality compared to the J32 vtec)
As for your topic question, personally I wouldn't consider any GS300 with that many kilometers. Sure these cars are very reliable but that's still a lot of KMs for any car, especially with all the salt on the roads where you live. Good luck in your search.
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Thanks for the responses, especially when they come from GS300 owners. I really appreciate it.
I really did not consider the fact that GS300 is a rear wheel drive, and with Canadian winters I might have to buy winter tires, which probably will run into an extra $800 (used).
Seems like Acura and Honda are out of the game due to transmission issue.
I know it may be silly to ask, what do you guys think of Toyota Camry 2002-2003 ?
I really did not consider the fact that GS300 is a rear wheel drive, and with Canadian winters I might have to buy winter tires, which probably will run into an extra $800 (used).
Seems like Acura and Honda are out of the game due to transmission issue.
I know it may be silly to ask, what do you guys think of Toyota Camry 2002-2003 ?
#7
You can't really go wrong with a camry, it's not going to have "personality" like the others but it'll be the cheapest to maintain, and heck you could probably find an xle camry that's got heated leather and all the goodies, avalons are nice cars you can get around that price range too, my sister has one with about 230k now and no problems very soft cozy ride
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Awesome community it is.
I did more research on Camry's, they are positive, nothing fancy tho, and they are FWD ... I read GS300 dont have much weight at the rear, I am not sure if winter tires will really prevent from spins and drifts during turns.
Like I said before, I have never driven a RWD car, and right now there is not much snow in the area, I cant really test drive it and see how it feels. If I decide to buy it within one month, I can test winter performance next winter.
One thing I wonder, if GS's are bad at winter season, there should be some explanation why Lexus made it RWD versus AWD OR FWD. Anyone know why these cars are factory RWD ?
P.S. I really love how they look + the price $6000 for these beauties is extremely reasonable.
I did more research on Camry's, they are positive, nothing fancy tho, and they are FWD ... I read GS300 dont have much weight at the rear, I am not sure if winter tires will really prevent from spins and drifts during turns.
Like I said before, I have never driven a RWD car, and right now there is not much snow in the area, I cant really test drive it and see how it feels. If I decide to buy it within one month, I can test winter performance next winter.
One thing I wonder, if GS's are bad at winter season, there should be some explanation why Lexus made it RWD versus AWD OR FWD. Anyone know why these cars are factory RWD ?
P.S. I really love how they look + the price $6000 for these beauties is extremely reasonable.
#12
Awesome community it is.
I did more research on Camry's, they are positive, nothing fancy tho, and they are FWD ... I read GS300 dont have much weight at the rear, I am not sure if winter tires will really prevent from spins and drifts during turns.
Like I said before, I have never driven a RWD car, and right now there is not much snow in the area, I cant really test drive it and see how it feels. If I decide to buy it within one month, I can test winter performance next winter.
One thing I wonder, if GS's are bad at winter season, there should be some explanation why Lexus made it RWD versus AWD OR FWD. Anyone know why these cars are factory RWD ?
P.S. I really love how they look + the price $6000 for these beauties is extremely reasonable.
I did more research on Camry's, they are positive, nothing fancy tho, and they are FWD ... I read GS300 dont have much weight at the rear, I am not sure if winter tires will really prevent from spins and drifts during turns.
Like I said before, I have never driven a RWD car, and right now there is not much snow in the area, I cant really test drive it and see how it feels. If I decide to buy it within one month, I can test winter performance next winter.
One thing I wonder, if GS's are bad at winter season, there should be some explanation why Lexus made it RWD versus AWD OR FWD. Anyone know why these cars are factory RWD ?
P.S. I really love how they look + the price $6000 for these beauties is extremely reasonable.
#14
Knowing you will only keep it for 2 years, I wouldn't hesitate at all. I drove my last two 300's ( a 99 and a 2001) up past 150k miles and replaced only a transmission solenoid on 1, and a radiator cap on the other. Try and go with a 2001 or newer, due to the redesigned ball joints that hold up better with high mileage.
Thanks.
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By the way, at what millage do timing belts must be changed on GS300's ? (please mention whether it is in Miles or Kilometers )
Also, what are the most common problems that usually emerge after 250k (kilometres) or 155k (miles) ?
I will see one of the GS300's this weekend at local used dealership. Year 1999, 270k, asks $5000
Thanks in advance!
Also, what are the most common problems that usually emerge after 250k (kilometres) or 155k (miles) ?
I will see one of the GS300's this weekend at local used dealership. Year 1999, 270k, asks $5000
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Gs300Rus; 03-19-14 at 11:31 AM.