Hello all,

I had a post about buying a GS400 before, but I actually never went through with it. I just sold my E39 540i 6 speed, and wanted something a little more comfortable and reliable, without looking at performance much.

I found this 98 GS 300 with about 90,000 miles. Now, my friend has a Lexus (SC300) that has over 200,000 miles without anything major replaced. I know it's different from car to car, but are these cars reliable in general? The car is in really good shape (better shape than my BMW was actually) What should I be looking out for?

Thanks

 

No you'll love it and

WELCOME

 

The only thing that I might suggest would be to determine if the 90k Service has been done. It appears that this is a very important step for a Lexus. Not only the Timing Belt and Water Pump, but there is something done with Valve Lashing I believe that helps it last longer.

I am a new GS owner and I will say that hands down, this is the best car I have owned. Even my wife tells me to shut up about it because I talk about it all the time. I am only 37 and have owned over 30 cars since being able to drive and this GS is my 4th in two years and I think that it will make me keep it for some time to come.

Call your local Lexus dealer and they are nice enough to run the VIN and can tell you anything that has been done to it if the previous owner took it to a lexus dealer.

Good luck and welcome!

 

These cars are just about as reliable as it gets. If you haven't bought the 300 yet, I recommend you get the 400. The mileage is pretty much the same & although you don't seem to care too much about performance now - it'll make the transition from a 540 a lot easier. There will be times where you'll need the extra power and miss the V8. Just my 2 cents.

Welcome! If you're in the Chicago area, post in the Local forum as well. We're gonna have a meet soon.

 

Welcome,

The GS3.0 is reliable period. However, you should be looking out for GS4.0/4.3.

cheers
GS3 searching for GS4.3 or maybe the new GS3.5

 

if you don't need performance, i am pretty sure you will be satisfied with the gs300.

 

Thanks.

I don't really want something too torquey. I hated driving the 540i in the snow. Plus I heard great things of the I6s from Lexus.

 

I too recommend the GS400 over the GS300. When I first looked into purchasing this 2nd Gen GS car, I wanted the GS300 due to gas miles per gallon and gas prices at that time.

However, upon doing a comparison between the 2 models, I found that the GS400 only got about 1 Mile Per Gallon less than the GS300. This was enough for me to opt for the V8 vs the V6 of the GS300. Im really glad I did because in my previous experience, I usually end up wanting more acceleration and thereby ad mods to my car to obtain it. I too am around your age and have owned over 20 cars.

Regarding the snow in Chicago, you will have the same difficulty with either car. Im not sure about the GS300, but the Gs400 has a snow mode which essentially starts the car moving right from 2nd gear thereby reducing the wheel spin.

I would say the major drawback to the GS400 is the cost of insurance being higher, and then the maintenance is slightly more as well.

Good luck with either choice.
b

 

I can get a 2000 one instead of a 98 one with slightly more miles for the same price. But for some reason I like the looks of white one (98) better. Were there any changes made between those two years that should make me pick the 2000 one? They both have the same options...

 

GS300 is an inline 6.

 

can't beat the the cast iron block on the 300.. = bulletproof!

 

If you have driven both and are happy with the 300, then go for it. These cars are pretty reliable overall. You do have to keep in mind that it is an 8 year old car so there will be wear and tear.

If you ahve not driven both, the 400 is nice and if you are planning to keep the engine as is, you might want to consider the 400. I have a 300 and 80% of the time on daily driving, it is fine. The gearing on the 300 really helps. I have had some 400 owners drive my car and were surprised at the response. This is for just short around town driving, not mashing the pedal driving. Sometimes, though, I do wish it had a little more oomph.

As for 2000 vs 98, the body did not change. The main visual refresh came in 01 and even that, it was more peripheral replacement parts and not body line changes. I am not sure why you are drawn more to the 98.

 

The 300 is a solid engine but it just doesnt have the power to pull that body. If you are coming from a v8 stay there and get the 400. If you dont need power then get the 300 it will do the job. Lexus is the most reliable car there is, thats one thing the Japs got on the Germans.

 

I would be sure that all the door locks work, as the actuators in the GS' are prone to break down with age...

 

I like the color of the 98 one better, it has less miles and it costs about $1000 less. Since there wasn't really a change, I don't see why I should choose the 2000 one.

Also, I've been driving a civic for the last week since I sold the 540, so even the GS300 is a performance upgrade right now. When I test drove it, it felt perfect. I don't need more power than that.