differences in reliability or other aspects between '98,'99,'00 GS400
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 15
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From: KS
differences in reliability or other aspects between '98,'99,'00 GS400
Are there any major differences or reliability issues between these model years?
any issues w/ getting the 1st year 1998 model?
are they all drive by cable?
which ones are easier to mod?
do any of them have any head sludge issues?
any feelings one way or the other on which would be a better option?
any issues w/ getting the 1st year 1998 model?
are they all drive by cable?
which ones are easier to mod?
do any of them have any head sludge issues?
any feelings one way or the other on which would be a better option?
98 seems to experience more problems than 99-00 (door actuators). Other than that, you still need to do the regular 30-60-90k servinces to keep it running. There's also a TSB on 98 but i forgot what it is.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: KS
yea, I think I'll have to jump right into the 90k mile service with the cars I'm looking at.. and I'm sure as a lexus it will be reliable, I just want to hedge my bets as much as possible and get something that'll be fine all the way up to 150,000 miles
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 390
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From: Canada
My memory is a little shot right now, but there is an adjustable part of the steering mechanism that was added in mid-99 or 2000. If I recall correctly it reduces the dead spot and tightens the steering a bit when adjusted. Try a search, it's been discussed at length elsewhere.
My 98 doesn't have door actuator problems. It's reliable and I would recommend the car to anyone interested, but I would encourage the 01+. Although they're almost identical, the tails, cluster, steering wheel, additional wood, etc. etc. add a lot to the car and keep it fresh. Albeit you would only be a few mods away from that look anyway.
If you're set on the 98-00, I would recommend you try to find a 99 or 00 over the 98. A car that's a year or two newer surely has a year or two more left in it. Again, you won't be disappointed in a well-kept 98 either. Best of luck in your search.
My 98 doesn't have door actuator problems. It's reliable and I would recommend the car to anyone interested, but I would encourage the 01+. Although they're almost identical, the tails, cluster, steering wheel, additional wood, etc. etc. add a lot to the car and keep it fresh. Albeit you would only be a few mods away from that look anyway.
If you're set on the 98-00, I would recommend you try to find a 99 or 00 over the 98. A car that's a year or two newer surely has a year or two more left in it. Again, you won't be disappointed in a well-kept 98 either. Best of luck in your search.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 390
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From: Canada
I decided to refresh my memory on the steering adjustment matter. It's referred to as the steering pretensioner or rack guide adjustment. Apparently early 98s used an older style pretensioner that wasn't adjustable with the turn of the hex nut. You can find more info here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/55801-do-you-have-a-vibration-at-highway-cruising-speeds-mine-s-fixed.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=210644
This is certainly an issue you will want to look into before making your purchase. Take the car for a cruise and check for steering wheel shake from the range of 55-85 mph. On my car it occurs at 55-65 mph. This is common, and a pain in the *** to be frank. Don't fret because it can be fixed/minimalized and some cars suffer more than others. Just be wary of early 98s with that shake because as rominl states in the last link - early 98s cannot be adjusted and will likely require more work.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/55801-do-you-have-a-vibration-at-highway-cruising-speeds-mine-s-fixed.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=210644
This is certainly an issue you will want to look into before making your purchase. Take the car for a cruise and check for steering wheel shake from the range of 55-85 mph. On my car it occurs at 55-65 mph. This is common, and a pain in the *** to be frank. Don't fret because it can be fixed/minimalized and some cars suffer more than others. Just be wary of early 98s with that shake because as rominl states in the last link - early 98s cannot be adjusted and will likely require more work.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
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From: Austin, TX
In used car market, the most important factors are care (maintenance) and abuse. I would weigh these above anything else.
Every thing eaqual, I would lean towards the newest model-low milage.
On '98 check to see if you open the rear door, the light comes on.
98' doe snot have head (side) curtains .. it does have side airbag though.
Salim
Every thing eaqual, I would lean towards the newest model-low milage.
On '98 check to see if you open the rear door, the light comes on.
98' doe snot have head (side) curtains .. it does have side airbag though.
Salim
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Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: WA
In engineering, first year models often have better individual parts (because market timing is more important than cost), but later models often have better intergration and more efficient (can be lighter too due to lighter parts). After first releases, manufactures then fix defects, at the same time, cut cost.
So, there wouldn't be much different for years 98 to 00 (same version).
So, there wouldn't be much different for years 98 to 00 (same version).
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