FireFrost

Hello all! I'm rather new to the board, been lurking somewhat, but I've come across a Lexus for sale that I've wanted for a while. It's a '95 GS300 with 248K on the odometer. The seller is asking $2895 and I am in need of a new vehicle, so I figured why not get what I want? NADA placed it at $4500 - $4900 so I am thinking maybe it's a good deal? But, I am wary since the mileage is so high. I am hopeful though for the Lexus bullet proof reliability, but any thoughts? Is this something I should go for or hang back and wait? I saw on MSN reliability ratings, for the 95 are infrequent or no problems at all compared to my '98 Buick LeSabre with 186K and it needs at least $2400 in repairs. :/ Thoughts, comments, what have you is appreciated. And a btw, I know the Buick repairs are expensive, but I know I know I can't make that back if I sell it. The Lexus, I'd gladly do any and all work on it.

Driver53

Have you looked at the car in person?

Remove the oil filler cap and peer in there, does it look clean or sludged?

Does the seller have any maintenance records?

Where in TX is the car located?

Good luck

link13

I would keep looking and spend a little more money initially on a car with lower mileage. Years ago, it was said that headgasket failure was uncommon on these cars. Mine went last year. A couple other guys on here had them fail. Based on the way people take car of their cars generally (they don't), I would expect the car you're looking at to need quite a bit of work.

rapollon

iTrader: (4)

5 speed tranny

94 would be the year to get. OBD1 is your friend.

link13

My understanding is the 5 speed was introduced for the 1996-97 models. Same with OBDII, which was required for cars made after 1/1/96.

FireFrost

Thanks for the advice. I also came across a few more examples on Craigslist, the first was from Autotrader:

'95 GS300, 160K miles, seller asking $2500 (I have had this car garaged packed for 4 years(work overseas), drove it few times this year good motor, A/C blow cold, leather interior, new tires. Just needs painting job ready to drive.) Parenthesis are what the seller stated in the ad.

'94 GS300 200K, asking $1700, (looks good runs good. clean inside out) Parenthesis are what the seller stated in the ad.

And '94 GS300, $2600, mileage unlisted, seller says, Car runs and drives good. I bought this car as a project car and has been sitting in my garage for almost a year. I was going to put a supra turbo engine on it, but i am getting rid of my project cars this year. The car has brand new 2010 is 250 wheels and lug nuts. Will need inner tie rods though, since it does have slight play on the front wheels.

I have about enough to fully pay for or make a good offer on any of these, just seeing from Lexus owners and maybe older first-gen GS owners, if they sound like it could be worth it, considering what you have and such.

I just don't want another money pit like my Buick; although that was from a buy here pay here place and I NEEDED a car, my first. NEVER AGAIN. And the reason I'm looking at these also is because I don't want to make payments; I own my car and it feels nice not having to worry about payments in these tough times and such. Also, I hope I'm not coming across as like I am DESPERATE to get into a Lexus or something, that's not the case. I am just in need of a vehicle and if I can get a car I really want, (GS), I'm all for it. If not, I can go to a stand-by like a Camry or an Accord; reliable and all. But I REALLY don't want to if possible, hehe.

Any advice is welcome.

PS: Also, the cars I'm looking at are in and around the Houston metro area.

rexx93gs30

I BOUGHT MINE WITH 240 AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS I FIND THOUGH THE MAITANENCE IS A LITTLE HIGHER THAN MOST CARS AND SOME PARTS ARE HARD TO FIND LOCALY(I LIVE IN OTTAWA ont AND THE IS NOT ONE IN NE SCRAPYARD HERE DUE TO HOW RARE THESE CARS ARE HERE) BUT OVER ALL DO YOUR REASEARCH FIRST

gs300_94

i bought my 94 with 122k for 1600 from a friend. the only thing ive had to do is tune up, valve cover gasket, and alternator. purrs like a kitten. now im just doing body work and ext. but keep looking you could possibly find a better GS is surrounding areas if you dont mind driving to take a peep at one.