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I've owned this Lexus since 2006 & 90k miles, purchased for $12, its a CA car, then WA, now Boston since '17. Just passed 305k miles & going strong.
April 2022 - GS300 1999
Best car ever owned (had 2 ford tbirds, still have '88, Sebring hand me down)
My mechanic brother-in-law very impressed w it, parts well designed. 2 trusted mechanic & Lexus parts guy says these cars can go to 500k.
Almost no part changes up to 250k.
I use fuel upper cylinder additive most of the time since bought.
Then began my once a yr replacements, starting with:
- coils & iridium plugs
- tie rods & 1 wheel bearing
- front struts ( due to someone hitting fender)
oil began burning at 285k, qrt every 600 miles, heard valve tick starting when cold.
- valve cover gasket, stopping minor oil leak.
- Barrs engine repair additive helped valve seals big time, now use an additive every oil change, burn reduced to 1qrt in 2000 miles. Try not to go over 65mph anymore. Changed to 10w-40 from 5w standard, tick went away completely.
- engine compression check (dry) shows 175-180. I read new is 180.
- timing belt, water pump, thermostat, cam & crank seal kit replacement - front brake calipers & PowerStop no rust coated disks (still look brand new, no rust after a yr) - got emissions code right front bank cat issue at 295k, just replaced cats&pipes, code gone.
- tensioner & harmonic pulley & belt replaced at 304k
- started losing heat at 300k (hadn't flushed in forever) got flushed cleaned for free w cat replacement, heat back.
- didn't do regular transmission fluid changes till 250k, now have replaced screen, & drain-fill 2 quarts every other oil change myself (Lexus dealer won't touch it anymore) never had any transmission issues
I bought my 99 six years ago at 120K. now it is about to roll over 200K!
I have been very happy with the journey so far.
and am encouraged by you to even go further.
any tips to help me go over 300K?
I strongly recommend engine oil additives to keep seals soft. Valve seals are a major repair & once leaking will burn oil fast. Also fuel lubricant to help compression & fuel cleaner to reduce carbon build up. Iridium plugs are great. Replace 2 quarts of transmission fluid every other oil change w synthetic at a transmission shop.
Thanks MrBooby. Let us know when you hit 300k mark, we shall plan to celebrate the event with both cars .
satiger, I completely forgot to share with the forum or maybe I did just can’t remember anymore.
The miles have slowed down a lot after I got the 2010 ES350 and the pandemic hit, so it took longer than expected to get to the milestone, but we finally hit 300k in May 2021! The car is still in service and is currently over 310k, however it’s having a lot of rust related issues being in NJ and sitting outside.
Currently dealing with a pesky CEL for the knock sensor circuit - I have a strong feeling on where the issue is so that’s a work in progress.
The rear brake lines are very rusty and concerning me about their safety - a common flaw on this chassis due to lack of a coating on the lines.
Also one of the gas tank EVAP holes rusted away and is leaking from the top/venting fuel vapors. So yeah there is a lot that needs to be taken care of but I’m holding on, planning to take care of them in late Spring, early Summer when it gets warmer again.
Added some badges of honor to commemorate the achievement. I’ve also been noticing less and less of these cars around, so it’s always fun to run into one on the road. Saw a couple at the local Lexus dealer the last time I picked up some parts and that made my day.
satiger, I completely forgot to share with the forum or maybe I did just can’t remember anymore.
The miles have slowed down a lot after I got the 2010 ES350 and the pandemic hit, so it took longer than expected to get to the milestone, but we finally hit 300k in May 2021! The car is still in service and is currently over 310k, however it’s having a lot of rust related issues being in NJ and sitting outside.
Currently dealing with a pesky CEL for the knock sensor circuit - I have a strong feeling on where the issue is so that’s a work in progress.
The rear brake lines are very rusty and concerning me about their safety - a common flaw on this chassis due to lack of a coating on the lines.
Also one of the gas tank EVAP holes rusted away and is leaking from the top/venting fuel vapors. So yeah there is a lot that needs to be taken care of but I’m holding on, planning to take care of them in late Spring, early Summer when it gets warmer again.
Added some badges of honor to commemorate the achievement. I’ve also been noticing less and less of these cars around, so it’s always fun to run into one on the road. Saw a couple at the local Lexus dealer the last time I picked up some parts and that made my day.
How is yours holding up?
Congratulations Hyak !!!. She is such a reliable car & you take care of her very well. ES looks immaculate . Welcome to 300k miles club .
I am so sorry about late response. Last few months have been hectic due to work and such.
Much like yours , my ES progress is also slowed down due to pandemic . Currently at 370k miles. Noticing some oil leak, most likely from the oil pan drain plug. Will address after winter.
Once again, congrats. We need to catch-up, will msg you. Take care.
09-11-22, 11:22 AM
'99 GS300 @ 305k miles
. Welcome to 300k miles club 
.
