fire88

I am looking into picking up a 300 or 430.

I have been researching so much and mostly found to look out for ball joints and timing chain replacements. Actuators, motors, etc. . . . I'm also looking for those detailed lexus service records. Anything else I am missing?

They all have so many miles and I am kind of scared to buy once since it will be my daily. How long do these typically last without major repairs? I have been told they last to 300k like this, but I would like to confirm it with the pros here.

How much are maintenance costs? spark plugs? timing chain? belt? coolant service? trans service?

Anyone selling theirs or know of someone selling?

My daily will be gone next week so I need some wheels soon

Thanks!!

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

What part of cali are u in? There is a 1998 gs400 with only 90k for $10,900 and a 2002 gs300 sport design for $9,900 but doesnt list mileage. These are in NorCal Rio Linda

fire88

I'm in LA county. If the deal is worth it, I wouldn't mind flying up and driving it down.

fire88

I found a 2003 GS430 with 125k miles. No major service has been done to it. Just oil changes, tires, and brakes. No plug changes or belt changes or anything at all. He is asking 11k and I offered 9k. He is firm at 11k. Good deal? How much in service $$$$ am I looking at here?

The basic services were all done by his personal/mobile mechanic that would come to his place to change the oil and that is about it.

Only thing wrong with it are the passenger side actuators.

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

www.cal-auto.com
I've bought 2cars from the no issues with either but u should be able to find something closer to home

fire88

Thanks for your help and a speedy response!!! I truly appreciate that.

DosyBoy

iTrader: (1)

We got belts not chains, but yea their awesome cars, maintenance is the same as any other car Price wise

lextout

Go for the 430 or 400, truly a joy.

SSxblazer

I have a 2003 Lexus GS300

1) What makes you want the GS series?
2) Keep in mind there isnt a huge backing in aftermarket for the GS line (IS has a bigger following)
3)
4) I had the sparkplugs changed with valve cover gasket , and just fixed up some a/c issues. All in all, almost 700$ (400 for a/c work, and 200 for valve cover gasket and spark plugs).
5) Parts can be cheap, or used. As long as you change the fluids when you get the car you should be good (tranny flush, oil, brake, ps fluid). NEVER change the diff fluid....its lifetime and there are articles from toyota engineers stating do not change.
6) If you still choose a GS, buy from here.....some cars come with no issues, some with issues (and price is adjusted for that). But some solid cars here.
7) Have fun!


PS< that pic is old, I now have about 6k more miles.....all I do is oil change......oil level light turns on maybe once every 5 months....add a quart and I am good till next oil change.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Do a car fax if you find that the car was crashed and it did not show up on the car fax they buy it back. I really don't understand why people buy a car without doing one. Look up service record on Lexus web site. I also don't understand why people don't have it checked by a mechanic. They charge less than 200 and every time I have bought a used car I have gotten more back Than I paid for the mechanic (in negotiations) and even if you don't it gives you peace of mind. I also assume that I will spend 10 to 20% of what I paid to get the car the way I want. First thing I do is change all the fluids with the highest quality stuff, then I usually end up changing the rotors and brakes, maybe some ball joints, new rims and tires, maybe some paint ( like bumpers) polish and detail. Then there is taxes and registration. And fixing all the little details, alignment ect..

Watch wheeler dealer and learn. You can probably find it on YouTube

fire88

I want the GS series mostly because of the size. An IS is just too small for me. It's not that I am a big guy(i'm only 5'9), but I have always driven larger vehicles and cannot get used to something I feel crammed in. I'm coming from the truck world and my 2005 F150 will be sold next week. It's time to get a more practical DD and 11mpg doesn't cut it anymore. Plus I am keeping the family wagon which is a 1990 F350 4x4 crew cab long bed with a 460(very roomy but a poor choice when it comes to a DD with 9mpg). I use it for work + play. I will never sell it since my dad passed it on to me and it has always been in the family since day one.

So a GS feels roomy and nice. It's a damn good looking car too.

I will be carfaxing and probably take it into a lexus dealer to have them inspect it before I buy it.

Thanks for the help fellas! Can't wait to find the perfect GS!

fire88

I do prefer to buy from CL since I know forum participants love and take care of their vehicles. Craigslist and autotrader vehicles seem very sketchy but I am optimistic to find a well maintained good deal GS.

neegroy

iTrader: (19)

nice to see 280k still running strong!!

SSxblazer

It was running amazing with a busted valve cover gasket and oil drenched the spark plugs.....


Check out the spark plugs.....still drove like a dream!!

str8lucky

iTrader: (11)

I would of picked up a GS430 with the knowledge I have now instead of my 300. Still love my 300 but wish I had more power.