Hi guys, I'm Diangello Rossi from Philadelphia I'm here to get some advice from Lex Fellas , I've always wanted to buy Lexus GS or IS but mostly GS 300 or 400 98 up 2nd gen, I always was part of community for whatever car i owned , was part of Eclipse, Volvo , VW ,BMW and it's now time for place where I think I belong Lexus GS club but for this I think first of all I need to have Lexus GS and this is where i need your help, I've got $10k cash just sold my 02 Passat GLX (i'll post pics of my prev cars) so I've been looking through Craigslist and some other internet places and some dealerships, i have few cars that I'm looking at but with high miles and as I don't know Lexus I will need some advice from pros like you, sincere honest advices are much appreciated, here some cars I'm looking at 99 GS400 141k miles for $8,500 98 GS400 135k miles for $7,000 (no body damage few scratches but as seller mentioned needs little tlc , engine and trans is good but he said little tlc so i have to check that but kinda want to avoid this one) but anyways you get idea I need to know what price, what mileage is right and what and how should I make right choice withing my budget , Thank you guys in advancre and looking forward of becoming real Lexus good fella of yours.

here is my previews cars.

1. 02 Eclipse GT



2. Volvo S70 T5 (Still Own It)



3. 02 VW Passat GLX V6



4. BMW X5 4.4i Sportpackage Black

 

Those are pretty good prices. That's about what the market is seeing right now. The main thing you need to check on is if they have had the 120K maintenence. It's a pretty big maintenance pricewise and it is a must.

 

pics of the cars u lookin to buy would help give a better opinion

 

Welcome hope you get your GS soon, yeah the timing belt and water pump must be done if your planning on getting a 400 very expensive maintenance for this, mileage wouldn't worry about this, you can see 250k with proper routine work

 

Here is one for sale 98 GS400 154,000 miles
Color (exterior/interior) - white/tan

Added options are the high intensity discharge lamps (HID), power moonroof, heated seats, traction control and the Nakamichi upgraded audio system with a 6CD changer.

Priced for $8,400 by dealer (just checked N.A.D.A. and it low retail is $10,300)
what you guys think ?

 

looks good, price is good, check ball joints, the key you must get maintenance records, drive a few around before buying

 

here is one from Craigslist by dealer 2000 LEXUS GS400 BLACK/ BLACK 173,000 miles NAV RX330 RIMS! - $9000 needs little cosmetic work i think well maybe even mechanic you never know dealers are shady , some of them , miles are pretty high on this one , but it's 2000 with Navigation and looks not bad what u fellas think?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...499877724.html

 

Thanks RI you guys seem really helpful around here, just like it was in eclipse 3g forum it was the best times people helped me lot , i can feel same support here thanks all of you so far, about bolt joints how do i check and whatelse should I check , should i take it to mechanic any random mechanic if you pay them should tell you everything that is wrong with car right, not everything but most important staff right? This milage thing is killin me it's seems really high miles for the price range where I am does any of you have 130,000 over mile GS is it reliable any problems should I be worried over 130K man it is hard

 

1998 Lexus GS300 - $7950

150k miles
black exterior
black leather interior
automatic transmission
AC
power windows
sunroof
power front seats with 2 memory settings on driver's side
heated seats
6-disk CD changer







question!? what is the difference between GS300 and GS400 other than engine ?

 

That's pretty much it. Some stuff comes standard for the GS400 but is still available as an option for the GS300. The 98-00 GS400 had steering wheel shifter buttons while the GS300 didn't.

 

welcome to CL I have an 01GS3 with 65K and I just bought a 98GS4 with 150K. you shouldn'thave any issues with thse cars to 250K ey with basic maintenance. just to reiterate wat others have said

ball joints
water pump
timing belt
electrical issues

 

hey thanks guys, that really helps about mileage this biggest thing that I am concerned so I guess with on time maintenance high miles not as bad on GS, what about electrical you mentioned , what exactly I should check and how?

 

well i've known some used car places who reset the ecu before a sale to hide cel lights. that is just a trust issue. I know in the state of ga if you sell a car private or through a dealer it must pass emissions. some minor electrical things are the dash board lights like in the gauges and stereo screens. those go out often. check for water under the floor mats and in the trunk under the side panels where the spare and jack are located. some gs-es that have been involved in minor accidents may experience a crack or split of the rubber grommet on the rear windshield which allows water to enter and pool in the trunk. that is rust heaven. make sure the speakers all work by using the fade front to rear and balance side to side and check to make sure your cd cartridge works and isn't stuck, there are many things you can do to make sure the car you are getting is worth what you are paying, now that i've said that you've got to bargain with the seller. not to be a cheapskate but to ensure you get the best deal possible. good luck and happy hunting

 

thanks dude, you are the best i would have never thought about checking all those things, appreciate it

 

In my opinion, as you been the owner of many cars your feelings will be good enough to make a good decision based upon your personal criteria .
Take a look under the hood, the trunk and under, the tires for uneven threads. Drive it and look for vibrations and general response. Pay attention to transmission changes (up and down)
Check how the oil looks like and a possible oil/coolant leak around. The A.C. cooling, etc.
Based in your history of a car owner... how long are you planning to stay with the GS? How long you roll daily?
The most common failure of the GS are the lower ball joints and the starter.
Good luck!