Gs300Rus

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.

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

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.

Lukas99GS

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

Ava92

iTrader: (3)

I had a 2nd gen TL-S (2000 or 2001 cant remember) and yes some trans were bad, but a lot were fixed under warranty. Mine had the whole longblock and transmission replaced under warranty at ~100,000km, way before i bought it, and had 300,000+km when i sold it. The updated trans still worked perfectly after 200k+ kms of use. Also the very early 2nd gen models have a 4 speed auto which has no problems.

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.

offbad

iTrader: (5)

yes hondas from 98-06 have that tranny problem

i'd even stay away until past 08

Gs300Rus

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 ?

Lukas99GS

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

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

Camry is an awesome beater. Thats what I'd go with if I only needed a car for 2 years

offbad

iTrader: (5)

260000 km is only about 161000 miles also...

so if you want it it wouldn't be such a high mileage, at the very least not unheard of

Gs300Rus

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.

offbad

iTrader: (5)

GS was supposed to be more performance oriented for the driving enthusiast, hence RWD.

Lukas99GS

Apologies, I didn't know the kilometers to miles ratio, 160k is not much for these cars at all if they've been taken care of, also I live in minneapolis so I get winters I'm sure just about the same as you, with blizzak snow tires on driving through snow is not a problem whatsoever, it's not an SUV or anything but definately manageable, pretty much any true sports cars are rwd, allows for better handling, even though the gs isn't that great handling wise compared to say a bmw, but likely handles a lot better than most fwd cars

Ava92

iTrader: (3)

IMO the GS is fine in winter, i live in calgary and get winter tires every year anyway, even for my FWD cars. Hey it has the "snow mode" button, it must be good right?

egs21

Wait, the 2001+ GS doesn't have the typical ball joint issues? I didn't realize they changed them out. Do you have any links to document this? (Just curious for my own learning purposes).

Thanks.

Gs300Rus

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!