Hi All,
Just joined because I hope to be the proud owner of a 2000 GS400 soon. I have never owned a Lexus and was wondering about the overall operational costs of this car as opposed to an average American sedan.
Things like gas mileage. reg or premium needed?
Service costs, routine and major.
Also, insurance..in NJ I understand they attach a premium as it is classified as a "high Performance car" like a Vette or Viper!
I can afford the car, I just do not want to spend a ton on maintaining this vehicle.
Your input is appreciated. I drove the car and love it...Help me justify it to my wife if that is possible!

 

Welcome !

First, you wouldn't have to worry about engine problems, thats for sure ! The gs gas mileage is pretty good, between 17-21mpg are the average from people on this board.

Also where are you getting your car from? An independant seller? From a lexus dealer? If its the latter one, you should be fine with the warranty that you are getting.

 

Lexus dealer service is expensive, but the service is generally very good, and if you factor in free loaner cars, that brings it down a bit.

Reliability is exceptionally good, so while you may pay a lot for scheduled maintenance, you won't have things break on you like on 'average American sedans'.

(deep breath - long story) - you need premium gas.

Don't know about insurance in NJ (a hellishly expensive place anyway). Mine didn't go up much here in GA ($50 every 6 mos I think) over my last car, a 94 Legend GS 4 door.

Overall - owning a high performance luxury car isn't 'cheap' (like say, an Accord), so you have to decide if you just want 'transportation' or an 'experience'.

Given your handle - I can't see ya in an Accord

 

Also, without saying anything else, rest assured that if you have shopped any other veicles that are supposed to be in the "same class"(based on price) as the GS400(what the mags deem as the GS competition)......
It will outshine them in reliability hands down...never mind the performance and luxury...For me, knowing the car is going to start every time I get in and run correctly goes further than any other aspect.....Just MO, Tiny

 

I am buying this car from a private party. It will have original factory warranty only but since GS has only 11000 miles on it that gives me another 2 1/2 yrs and 39000 miles plus even longer for the powertrain wty.

 

Speedracer, welcome!! Excellent choice of vehicle, but then, you're not likely to find too many unbiased opinions here (though original shopping, in many cases, was).
Since you are buying through a private party, it would be prudent to run the VIN through CarFax just to be on the safe side.
Nothing to add to previous posts otherwise; the other members have summed things up nicely.