Bhubb18

Hey guys,

I'm from Australia, and I'm looking to buy a GS300. I've spotted a few around my price range (which is the lower end of the market), and I'm just wondering what to look for.

I know of the common issues - LBJs, high speed shaking / suspension things, door locks etc, anything else that stands out in these cars? Had a search but can't really find any definitive topics on it.
The one I am interested in at the moment has about 180,000 kms / 110k miles, so will it most likely be up for a timing belt, or should this have already been done? Current owner is unsure, but will it be stated in the log book? Car is located a bit away from me so I can't just check.

Cheers guys.

egs21

I'm a new GS300 owner so I can't speak much to many of your questions, however the timing belt should be done at 90,000 miles. The current owner should know if this was done, so I suspect it has not been done with the car you are looking at. A decent local mechanic should be able to do the timing belt for $300.

Bhubb18

The car was for sale about 6 months ago, with 170,000 km. Apparently it was a one owner car, given to his son (I assume the original owner died), and the son sold it again. Car has supposedly been serviced at lexus its whole life (will need to see logbooks though), but current owner is unsure.
The current owner says he's traveling overseas, but it seems a little odd to sell a car within 6 months of buying it (IMO, anyway).

AndrewThai

Hello, another australian lol, maybe sunroof rattle? mine rattles when im driving but its nothing serious, listen to see if your air con servo motors are dying when car is running, itll sound like a kettle, or a mouse, or a bird is behind your dash. My timing belt was done at 140,000 km service so im pretty sure yours would've been done, not sure though.

Ava92

iTrader: (3)

Hey just curious why not go for the GTE aristo? aren't they widely available in aus? we have a lot running around in canada and they are about the same price as an equivalent GS300

Bhubb18

Very rare in Australia. Lots of the older shape, but with factory sold cars, they're not available to import, so only non turbos are around.
And other than that I'm on my 'P-plates', aka a probationary license before going onto my full license. This means I can only have a sub 200 kw car, and no turbos / v8s etc.

talbott

iTrader: (10)

I love that! They should make that law in th US. When I first got my license I built a 450hp Talon and got in all sorts of trouble.

Do a search on here about servo motors, mine just went out and while it won't affect how the car runs not being able to use a/c or heat is a real pain, plus it's not exactly a cheap fix. Plan on a timing belt and be prepared for a lot of bushings.

CodPiece

Hey mate, another Queenslander here. If he claims it's been serviced at Lexus then the Lexus mechanics would have filled out the little book that's in the leather Lexus folder (the one which has the owners manual in it). At least that's how mine was.

Bhubb18

Sweet. I should be having a look at it on wednesday, so I'll look for all of this stuff. Is there any way to tell if LBJs have been done? If not, I'll order some through work, not 100% sure on quality of them though, as they are Australian brands.

talbott

iTrader: (10)

Only way to tell is if they're still shiny (meaning no, there isn't) mine were about to collapse and there was no creaking or cracked boots, just like with a timing belt, if you don't have physical receipts showing them done, you better just do them.

Bhubb18

Had a look at it today. Drove very well, smooth and quiet. Passengers door doesn't look with keyless entry, only physically pushing the lock. I assume this is the motor gone in it? Had a little rattle on the dash, couldn't tell where it was though. Sunroof operated well, apparently has no high speed rattle. Couldn't really tell though, didn't get the car up to highway speed. Looks like I should be getting it, if all goes to plan.