w8lifter21

Been eyeballing this GS430, but the price feels like there has been an accident despite there being a clean carfax. Worth the price if it's legit? Is $3300 too good to be true?

Vadim540i

It looks like the car had a rough life. I would rather get one that's in better shape. Often, you think that you get a good deal but after you're done fixing everything - it will be the same price as if you bought it in a better shape. I mean for $3k it may be worth it but are you really going to be driving a car that's in such a bad shape? It will probably need at least another $3k to get it into a decent condition (probably more).

Also, it definitely looks like the car was in a few minor accidents (looking at its bumpers & body).

w8lifter21

I mean I don't mind tackling some of the common wear and tear items and i can work on the body bruises as needed but, just that it seems to be hard to find decent GSs in my area that are reasonably priced. Stealerships are asking $6k+ for some that have well over 200k.

SoCal seems to be the place!

marshun

look like its been in an accident. that grill is tweeked to all hell. why not get in there and take a look? if its all straight then i think you'd be coming out on top. thats if you did all the work yourself.

w8lifter21

Does it look lowered too?
Does the fact that it has wood grain steering wheel/accents indicate a "special" model? Most GS I see have a standard wheel.

Sykotic336

iTrader: (1)

imo keep looking dont jus jump the gun, to me it looks like its been in some sort of stuff lol, if it was me i would pass on this

DosyBoy

iTrader: (1)

That car looks destroyed...

Vadim540i

All GS430 2001 - 2005 come with wood ash tray, and the wood steering wheel.

Lutkis

Except the 2000 model. I don't have that kind of steering wheel, it isn't even the same shape.

JLAWS

If the transmission and engine runs smoothly then it could be a project restoration car if you choose.

First things to do is do the timing belt service if it hasn't been done and change out the lower ball joints. Then additional stuff like:

-Body work and paint
-Suspension parts
-Cat converters
-Motor and transmission mounts
- Getting rid of the 98-2000 Gs300/400 wheels. (They look decent though)
- Door lock motors. I bet a few are bad. (Some people live with it)
- Climate control airflow servo motor. (Check for clicking sounds)

So I could see you spending $3 to $4K easily

DMPesso

NOT true sir, the wood steering wheel is an OPTION

DMPesso

IMO, since I have the same car (2001 430) which I paid $12,000 for about 3-4 years ago and that was considered a good price back then since it had low miles and it was super clean to the point where i was getting stopped asking how much I wanted and where did I find it because apparently its REALLY hard to find a CLEAN one thats why I had to drive to PA for it. The 430s like this one are a dime a dozen and I wouldnt suggest purchasing it unless you dont care about driving a car that looks and feels beaten up. If I were you I would honestly wait until a clean one came around for around 5-6k because the extra 2,000 you spend will EASILY be repaid due to the fact that MUCH less things will need replacement. Just based on the pics the suspension will need replacement along with the body will need some work but thats optional.

Vadim540i

Okay, I always thought that all GS430 models had it...

GeorgeGS4

Agreeing with everyone so far. I'd take a 200,000 mile well taken care of car over a 100,000 mile beat on car any day. It's not the amount of miles a car has, but how the miles added up. That car looks beat up, I'd pass

gsean400

Ouch, looks pretty bad. If he didn't take care of it, he prolly didn't change the oil either.