Well, I'm looking for some help here on deciding which Car I should get. There's 2 that I'm trying to decide between. Obviously I'm looking at some 2g GS's. any input here is appreciated! Here's the breakdown:

car#1: 2001 GS430
This is Black with Tan interior. 105,000 miles, pretty much bone stock. has yet to complete timing belt replacement. clean title, body's straight interior is a little dirty from her kids, but no tears or anything major. Should clean up just fine. Asking price is $15,000

car#2: 2000 GS400
This one's Black also, with grey interior. (I'm thinking it'll hide dirt a little better) 130,000 miles. Major services already completed. Bone stock except for some 19" wheels (comes with originals). Body and interior are very clean. never wrecked. interior almost like new.... Asking price $12,000

Neither cars have GPS. both have spoilers. I'm thinking the 430 will have a little higher resale value if I ever decide to get rid of it, but there's already a 3k differance.... Is there that much of a difference between the 2 motors? they're both pretty reliable right? Also, this things going to be kept stock as far as the motor goes, so if ones a better platform to mod with, it won't mean much to me.....

Thanks in advance for any input/help!

-David

 

I would go for the GS400. I think the grey interior looks better with black and also sounds like the interior is in better condition

 

im going with car 2 also...

 

Both sound like a good deal.. but how fast do you want a GS? FOr 15k you cold probably get one with less miles.. YOu may even be able to negoiate the 12k down a little for the 400.. IF all major services have been done like the timing belt you should be good to go.. GL.. its a tuff choice..

Welcome to CL.. BTW..

 

Go with the 400, maintanance on these cars are $$$, and that's very important fact when buying a vehicle.

 

I would work down the price of the 430 based on the lack of maintenance. Newer car with 25k less mileage. Also the interior should be able to clean up with detailing.

Good look.

 

I'd do the gs400. Less money, has maint. done already. Blk with grey interior is a really nice and a pretty rare combo.

 

I would go with the 430, but make sure you talk the price down.

 

car#2: 2000 GS400
This one's Black also, with grey interior. (I'm thinking it'll hide dirt a little better) 130,000 miles. Major services already completed. Bone stock except for some 19" wheels (comes with originals). Body and interior are very clean. never wrecked. interior almost like new.... Asking price $12,000

 

GS400. and talk him down a little bit more (tell the seller s/he'd make more money if s/he sold the wheels separately). I got my car for 11k with 120k miles and perfect carfax serviced by Lexus till i got it (I'm more DIY ).

 

if i were you, id keep looking for a better deal. you can find these cars for the same price in better condition with less mileage, possibly even better color combinations regarding the interior, maybe even score one with ML/Nav if you look hard enough....have you checked ebay, cars.com, autotrader.com? i just went through this whole thing buying another gs, i went with the 430 this time (had the 400 before)... if i learned anything, its DONT RUSH into buying a car just to have a car. eventually you will find something you really like.

 

But if you have to choose one I say car number 2!

 

Wow thanx for the replies (and welcome) guys!

Well, after today I'm kinda shying away from the 430... finally was able to set up a time to see it in person. aparently this thing was sitting for the last 4-6 months. (they got a new car) The interior was better than it looked in the pics. (maybe lighting...) but the exterior was a little scratched, and some of the panels (drivers side) have been repainted. they had no records of anything. not even oil changes. tires will need to be replaced soon. and it sounded like the rf hub assembly was WASTED! It drove nice, but the coolant was low & old, and I thought I heard a little tappage upon first startup. All the electronics worked flawlessly however.

what would you guys offer if it needs:
tires, coolant flush, timing belt, hub assembly, tune up, and a good detail?


I'm not in any rush to buy a car, but there is a time limit on using the loan... I did however find 2 other cars to take a look at. these things just go for too much out here. There's people askin 20k for 2000 GS400's private party! And they've got around the same mileage as the one I'm looking at now.

So I guess as of now I'm leaning towards the 400, but I'm gonna take a look at a couple of pearl white ones here soon. thing is they have the damn Tan interior that i can't seem get away from. Lol!

Thanx again guys!

 

Well, initially I said go with the 430, but if you have already seen so many problems, you better run the other way.

 

I would get the second car cause the maintence has been done and you can probably talk them down to 10K with out the wheels, its good that you are no longer looking at the 430 cause even if you bought it for 14k you would still need to add about $3000-up to ensure all maintence is current like spark plugs, rad flush, timing belt, serpentine belt, ball joints, brakes, oil change tranny fluids and more. I am sure you get the picture.