Noob requests input: Thinking of buying 98 GS400 w/208k miles
07-26-16, 11:15 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Noob requests input: Thinking of buying 98 GS400 w/208k miles
Preface: We're a Toyota/Lexus family. We own 3 Land Cruisers, my uncle has owned 2, other uncle had one, and they're bombproof. The GS400 seems, to me, like the Land Cruiser of sedans.
So naturally I'm intrigued by the 1UZ engine. If it's any bit as good as the 2UZ, then I have little to worry about. The vehicle I'm looking at has 208,000 miles, has been rear-ended and needs a slight rear-end alignment, has a small power steering leak, nonfunctional driver's seat heater (and the leather is thrashed), had timing belt and water pump done at 175k, ball joints and tie rods replaced at some point after 2007, and the ABS/Traction control isn't functioning (which is probably a buggered wheel sensor from the suspension work). Averages 25mpg on the highway.
Seller asking $1600.
My Land Cruiser is at 214k miles, my mom's is at 218k, my uncle test drove one over 300k that felt about the same as the younger ones. Obviously not the same vehicles, but similar year, similar parts configuration and same engine class.
Input from high-mileage owners would be appreciated. In the mean time, I'm scheduling a trip to go inspect it in person.
Thanks in advance. Hears hoping this works out!
So naturally I'm intrigued by the 1UZ engine. If it's any bit as good as the 2UZ, then I have little to worry about. The vehicle I'm looking at has 208,000 miles, has been rear-ended and needs a slight rear-end alignment, has a small power steering leak, nonfunctional driver's seat heater (and the leather is thrashed), had timing belt and water pump done at 175k, ball joints and tie rods replaced at some point after 2007, and the ABS/Traction control isn't functioning (which is probably a buggered wheel sensor from the suspension work). Averages 25mpg on the highway.
Seller asking $1600.
My Land Cruiser is at 214k miles, my mom's is at 218k, my uncle test drove one over 300k that felt about the same as the younger ones. Obviously not the same vehicles, but similar year, similar parts configuration and same engine class.
Input from high-mileage owners would be appreciated. In the mean time, I'm scheduling a trip to go inspect it in person.
Thanks in advance. Hears hoping this works out!
07-26-16, 02:12 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
I have a '99 GS400 with just over 220,000 miles and these cars are bulletproof. However, if mine were totalled I would look for one in the 100-120k mile range...lots of examples out there. Also, be sure there are maintenance records. I have all dealer service (and almost every indy receipt) since I bought it 16 years ago. Choose wisely and you'll have a car that runs for a long time! I plan on keeping mine for the foreseeable future. Love it and don't want to drive anything else!
07-26-16, 02:24 PM
#4
Just keep in mind that the car 17 years old and there are other things aside from the engine and transmission to worry about. You can fix one thing and have another to fix after that.
07-26-16, 03:45 PM
#5
If you buy that example and fix everything you mentioned, i'd imagine you'd be close doubling the purchase price of the car. I say that because I don't know how bad the accident damage is. And the abs issue you mentioned is probably due to the entire unit being bad, not just an abs sensor. At that rate you're better off increasing your budget and finding one with 120 to 150k like someone mentioned above. You'll be much happier to have a car without a million little things wrong with it.
Edit..
I randomly work as a valet in center city philadelphia and we got a gs400 in with 300k+
Outside was as expected for age and mileage, interior was trashed, and suspension clunky, but motor and tranny were smooth. Can't comment on whether it was on its original drive train but if it was, props to whoever kept it going that long. I thought to myself what I would pay for that car if it was for sale and the answer is probably very little. Unless I was looking for a complete beater, i'd end up spending too much trying to make everything nice and presentable.
And you're spot on about the land cruisers and lx series. It doesn't matter what mileage they have (50k or 300k), they all feel the same. Most solid feeling cars I've ever driven. Same goes for the Lexus gx.
Edit..
I randomly work as a valet in center city philadelphia and we got a gs400 in with 300k+
Outside was as expected for age and mileage, interior was trashed, and suspension clunky, but motor and tranny were smooth. Can't comment on whether it was on its original drive train but if it was, props to whoever kept it going that long. I thought to myself what I would pay for that car if it was for sale and the answer is probably very little. Unless I was looking for a complete beater, i'd end up spending too much trying to make everything nice and presentable.
And you're spot on about the land cruisers and lx series. It doesn't matter what mileage they have (50k or 300k), they all feel the same. Most solid feeling cars I've ever driven. Same goes for the Lexus gx.
Last edited by sade04; 07-26-16 at 04:01 PM.
07-26-16, 04:09 PM
#6
Intermediate
Thread Starter
From texting the guy it sounds like the ABS is the biggest issue, the rear alignment being second. From the pictures I can see where the rear bumper is repainted but overall in ok shape.
Like I said, I'll make an official decision once I see it and drive it. At this point, I'm figuring that for $1600 (which is the tip of my college budget at the moment), the GS400 is the best for sure. Any car purchased for $1600 wouldn't exactly resell and I figure it's a temporary thing until I graduate in two years and can afford something nicer. If I do decide to upgrade, that is. The GS400 has a much smaller chance of me actually wanting to get rid of it, if it's in reasonable shape. It's entirely possible that if I buy it I may do so with the intent of driving it until it dies.
Like I said, I'll make an official decision once I see it and drive it. At this point, I'm figuring that for $1600 (which is the tip of my college budget at the moment), the GS400 is the best for sure. Any car purchased for $1600 wouldn't exactly resell and I figure it's a temporary thing until I graduate in two years and can afford something nicer. If I do decide to upgrade, that is. The GS400 has a much smaller chance of me actually wanting to get rid of it, if it's in reasonable shape. It's entirely possible that if I buy it I may do so with the intent of driving it until it dies.
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07-26-16, 09:12 PM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I keep rationalizing that I'm driving a project now and for an additional $1600 I'd be able to drive a project that gets twice the gas mileage and can at least go the speed limit.
I really want the thing, if you can't tell.
Still just gotta go test drive it.
I really want the thing, if you can't tell.
Still just gotta go test drive it.
07-27-16, 11:32 AM
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Found another one. $2500. It was a front-end wreck rebuild title that's been professionally repaired. The family that owns it is very car-savvy and kept up on routine maintenance. 187k miles. No problems other than minor things like the A/C switch being replaced with a light switch and a crack in one of the headlights.
07-27-16, 11:42 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Maintenance records are key, but I would pass on a car with a rebuilt title. That's just me though. For $2,500 I would wait and look for more examples in the $5-6k range with less miles. I saw a one owner GS4 once with 120k on Autotrader not too long ago.
07-28-16, 11:19 AM
#15
Found another one. $2500. It was a front-end wreck rebuild title that's been professionally repaired. The family that owns it is very car-savvy and kept up on routine maintenance. 187k miles. No problems other than minor things like the A/C switch being replaced with a light switch and a crack in one of the headlights.
