Hi ,
My wife and I are looking for an early-generation GS300. We spotted a nice enough one
then took it to the Lexus dealer to check out. It has 109K miles and we got the
price down to $6750 from $8k. However the below is a partial 'hit list' from the dealer:


rear rotors and pads need replacement
leaking inner differential seal
Lower ball joints need replacement
Oil leaking from valve cover gasket and dist cap seal on to alternator (I could see this)
alternator brushes worn out
dying battery
trunk struts (support pistons) need to be replaced
Hood struts need to be replaced (ouch)
water in trunk
factory radio dying (all speakers crackling)

All of this was about $3500 worth of stuff (seattle) - we're disappointed even though I'm pretty sure
can fix everything except for the diff seal and the ball joints - never done
anything like that before but I have done brakes. Unless we get him down to about $5k or fixes some of
this we're walking.

I'm surprised this is in such bad shape - CARFAX told us it was a rental car for
the first year of its life.

We're looking for another one and thought we'd found something but the seller
admits that an accident would show up on the title...

Oh well, we're going keep looking - it sure seems like there are a lot more ES's out there
than GS's but we like what we see of the GS300 so far..

Anything else I should look for while we're looking ?

TIA
John

 

John,

We have a forum specifically for first gen GS, I'm moving your post there Good luck with your search

 

I just inheirited a '93 GS with 158K on it and am slowly working my way through most of the problems on your list. The alternator gave out about 500 miles ago, $150 for the part and the replacement was easy. The water in the trunk is a common problem...I think most everyone with a first gen has this problem. Rear rotor replacement is strait froward and will probably cost around $150 for pads and new rotors if you do that yourself (rockauto.com has rotors for ~$100 depending on the manufacture date of the car). Watch out for seized calipers. The passenger rear on mine was stuck and needed to be replace, about $150. Trunk strut replacements have been identified (see post in first gen section) and will cost around $50 at pepboys, or $250 at the dealership. This is also a common problem. Check the tranny fluid and make sure it's red or atleast a reddish. Black and you've got problems. Driver side window molding!!! Drive the car over 60mph and you'll know if it's bad...It will sound like a wind tunnel. There are was to fix, I used JB weld but it took some time. Cracked center console wood...again common and can be replace for about $60. I'm not familiar with the dealships in your area but the dealership here in houston would try to replace the engine if a plug went bad. I'm not saying they want to rob you..they just assume money is not a concern. All in all this is an excellent car, good luck on your search.

 

Thanks Bridge for the info ! Sounds like common stuff we have ...Yes, I looked at some parts prices and they looked good - a lot cheaper than what was quoted by the dealer.....

I always got my Supra OEM parts at Jay Marks Toyota in houston, TX (not sure if they have a lexus dealership but their prices beat all others by 30-40%) I'm not afraid of doing the brakes and the Valve cover gaskets, etc, but that diff seal (if necessary) sounds kinda spooky..I've used rockauto with success before, too..

So is the leaky trunk caused by a failing gasket or something else ? I haven't checked the tranny fluid but I'm pretty sure the dealer said it was OK - they did say the Power steering fluid needs to be flushed (done that before on the Supra). The wood grain is in excellent shape and it rides very nice and quiet on the highway...

I also noticed the low beam intensity is pretty pathetic - I'll be looking to ++ the wattage or put a better bulb in there first thing..Kinda funny - I never really paid any attention to GS300's on the road until now that we're considering one-I also noticed their low beams are weak, too..

We just faxed over the 'hit list' to the owner last night and said we'd give him $5K for it considering all of the defects...The brother here wants to get rid of it so maybe we'll at least get close.

So either he'll take our offer or something close , or just tell us 'where to go' and wait for a potential buyer who won't check it out like we did.....


PCRO - thanks for the info on your car ! The only bummer about it is that we don't like having lowered cars - we got a pontiac grand am for our daugher which was lowered - kindofa pita since we have a '1/2 curb between our driveway and the street and every time she goes out it scrapes...you've a very nice looking GS, tho !!

 

I must be retarded because I love the low-beams on my GS. Way better than any other car I have had, but I have never had HIDs before. If the bulbs ever go out I'll probably get the Junction Produce bulbs. I used them on another car and they are fantastic.

PCROLAND your GS looks beautiful. Is it lowered at all?

 

My lights were quite dim b/c 1) they had the normal yellowing and 2) the alternator was on the brink of destruction. I used some rubbing compound, plastic polish, brake fluid and a drill with a buffer attachment to clear the lenses. Has to be done about every other month to keep them from clouding over. I also put in some sylvania silverstars after I replaced the alternator, MUCH better now. I noticed after changing the alternator the electrochromatic gauge needles started fully working again...anyone else notice that side effect?

I think the leaky trunk is caused by a combination of the trunk gasket that and the antenna drain. There is a piece of plastic tubing that runs from the antenna motor to a plastic bowl behind the trunk trim. I think it allows moisture to condense in the trunk. Not good for the cd-changer and amplifier.

 

hey Bridge

Thanks for the tips/info ! My Antenna , when closed,still remains up about 3 inches so I'll check that little bowl this weekend when I can put it into the garage.(on second thought, I'll make time tonight) Luckily the rainy season started here in Seattle a few weeks ago ago so, so despite it being wet in the trunk, there's no mold/mildew just yet...

And an alternator is on my 'hit-list", too regarding the lights


I also was 'playing around' with it last night while getting gas and pushed a button between the gas and the trunk release button. It stayed in so I put my key in to release it...It was too dark for me to read the letters identifying it...

Anyone have an extra owners manual laying around for a 93 GS300 ? I'm looking on ebay, too...

Incidentally , the seller took our offer of $5K for the car. I know it needs some work and TLC, but I think I got a pretty good deal and man, does it ride smoothly !!

thank you all for the help and this list, btw...
john