lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Just interested in everybody's input on purchasing a 2000 Lexus GS300 with 221K miles on it.
The car is silver with tan interior, and is in overall nice shape. Most of the miles are highway miles and it was owned by one owner.

The car drives fine and doesn't feel like it has that many miles. Should I look for anything particular that might be an expensive fix. I know the timing belt has not been done on it recently. I would probably do the front ball joints right away.

What is a reasonable price to pay?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Here is a pic with my IS300.

GS300OC

If it's clean $5 to $6K is a good deal. These things run forever.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Is this a interference engine?

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Here is another picture. The paint in in good shape for the year.

Bhubb18

lol at 5 or 6k for 200k miles. Id say 1200 - 2k would be an okay price, depending on condition. Timing belt will need doing, and they are an interference engine. Check front suspension bushes + Lower ball joints

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

I agree. I will do the from lower ball joints since I know they are a common issue. I think the suspension is original on the car but it was a corporate highway vehicle according to the owner and his team.

Aron9000

I don't know what the bottom end of the used car market is like where you live, but if that Lexus runs/drives great and the leather isn't all ripped up, that's a $3000-3500 car around where I live, even needing a timing belt. We just sold an old beat up 1992 Oldsmobile 88 for $1500 that had like 80k miles on it, sat for most of the past 10 years, all the rubber hoses need to be replaced, and it was in a really bad accident that completely warped the body to where nothing on the front end of the car lines up, plus the paint was falling off it and the headliner was sagging.

$1500 in my part of the world buys you JUNK.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Wow that is surprising you got that much for that olds.

The car was listed for $2500, the interior and exterior are very clean with no paint flaws. The center armrest needs to be replaced or the leather needs to be replaced on it. I offered $1200 for the car because I will have to do the water pump and timing belt on it soon. Should last another 100k, these cars are pretty solid.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

That's a $2500+ car all day long in the DFW area.

Also, that arm rest is a ~$25 fix as well.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-armrest.html

sade04

iTrader: (1)

I think that's a really good deal. With those miles and condition, I see them going for atleast 2.5k or more in the philadelphia area. You'll spend I guess another 1k doing the timing belt and refreshing the suspension.

Btw I think my buddy just bought an exhaust off of your is300?

TableSyrup

In the Minneapolis Metro area (Minnesota) ... anywhere within an hour from Minneapolis as a baseline - this would be minimum $2500 as a steal, and probably an average of $4000. Extra mint, or with added features or service records it could go up.

I'm amazed at the $1200 comments.... not that they are wrong... I just wish I could buy cars for what you guys can lol

I got one with a pretty jacked up body (caved 1/4 panel) and 203k on it, for $800, and that was a steal and a half around here. Only reason it was so little was because of the body work needed.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the link. Looks like an easy fix.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that does seem like the average price. I think the timing belt was done at 150k so it will need to be done again soon. I am considering just swapping in a 2jzgte VVTI motor rather than doing any maintenance on this engine. For under $2500 I should be able to do a full swap.

Yup that was me, Ken with the blue IS picked up my Greddy exhaust. After seeing that blue, I wish my IS was that color.

lexusdog

iTrader: (1)

They are hard to find that cheap. I have looked at many different Lexus cars in the area and some are in nice shape and some are pretty beat up. As long as the previous owner took care of the car, the high mileage doesn't seem like much of a factor. The GS seems like a very solid platform.

ems

iTrader: (1)

Shorty you got a good deal, with your skillset it allows you to get a fixer and work from there.