Just getting in from making an offer on a 2002 GS430 with 71,000 mi. Has most if not all options(Nav,ML,rear wing,SR,Chrome 17 inch wheels etc..). One owner. Clean carfax. $19,500. Owner has most service records. Changed oil every 3.5K -4.K mi. Black Cherry Pearl. 30 and 60 k service done at dealer.
Only thing left is inspection by my mechanic. Car looks great and drives well. Slight pull to the right on highway(could be due to crown of the road). I looked at the tires and they seem a bit worn. Only downside I saw.

I've been hanging out at this forum trying to gain some knowledge and I think that the only thing to look out for is the ball joints and maybe the ML sub?

What do you think of my deal and should I have the mechanic look for anything else?

 

hm. if he hasn't replaced any of the OE parts i'd say:

lower ball joints
outer tie rods
upper control arms [if they're bad]
new tires
alignment
check all fluids

other than that i think you'll be fine, even my list could be a bit much. ^_^ good luck!

 

i'm with kharizma on this one. also, dont forget carfax-its helps. GL and if you pick it up, welcome to CL!

 

price looks good, I'd go with the stuff kharizma said, at least have that stuff looked at during the inspection.

Tires being worn sounds vague... are they worn on one side or the other? Eevn this would be pretty common for the GS as they are hard to align and keep that way, or could be a sign of suspension issues.

 

Three of the tires are worn almost evenly accross. The outside treadblock on the front pass just bearly there. Tires are the Bridgestone RE030's 235/45 ZR17. He didn't remember how many miles on them but they are not the originals.He used these all year round.

Thanks for the responses. I'll keep you posted.

 

Crank the heater
Crank the A/C
Look for evidence of moisture on the carpet near the firewall (leaky condenser $1000+ repair)

Sunroof rattle could be from roof itself or shade

Check for headlight condensation

Should have 4 keys
~ 2 X Master Keys
~ 1 X Valet
~ 1 X Wallet

All Owner's Manuals Intact ?

Full toolkit (espcially the WHEEL LOCK)
Full First Aid Kit

 

Go ahead! Look for the obvious.. motor, transm & drive train...interior cond. motor compartment and trunk. IF looks good take it. Others are minors. Price is good.

 

She be mine!!! Thanks for all the advice. All areas checked out perfect excluding the tires. He had all manuals, 4 keys,complete tool and first aid kit and even the original window sticker. Had to cut the bra to put on the front plate. Next project is to do a search for tires and wheel suggestions.