Hey guys, this is my first time here. I'm looking to buy a GS400. I found one and it's a white 1999 with black interior. It has 86xxx miles and is $8500. That seems like a really good deal to me. The seller is some dealership. I'm going to CARFAX before I buy. The only thing I'm worrying about is cost. I'm 17 and have a part-time job. I'm worried that I won't be able to afford the maintenance and repair costs if something happens. Right now I drive a '98 mustang v6 5-speed(hate ford so much) and I'm selling it for $3k (PM if interested.. i doubt anyone is though). People are telling me Lexus's are really expensive to maintain/repair but I find it hard to believe since they are Toyota's. So what do you guys think... give me some advice. Thanks.

 

Welcome to CL.. at only 87k miles for a 10 yr car isn't bad. I've had toyota, scion, and now a Lexus so I've been within the Toyota family and for the most part, change the oil and drive...

See if you can bring that car to a local mechanic to check it out first before you buy...

 

Well be ready to spend anywhere from $800-1k to up to 2k for that 90k service.
Nice find though.

 

Where in VA are you, and where is that GS4????? (I won't buy it from under you!) I looked high and low and bought a GS3 a couple weeks ago.

I might be willing to sell you my 1999 Black GS300 at a sweet price; if you don't end up with that GS400. (If i can get it!!)

 

How long are you planning on keeping it?
If youre just going to drive it for a year then run it and dont do a thing to it (apart from oil changes, etc.)
If youre in it for 30k or more then be prepared to spend a few grand (ball joints, belts, wheel bearings, etc.)

Looks like a good find if it checks out (and if you like white )

 

I had a feeling someone would ask me where i found it... not telling anyone though! How many miles are on your GS300?

I am planning on keeping this as long as possible and could someone give me some estimates to how much the lower ball joint job will cost?

 

i bought my set of lower ball joints for 186 at the lexus dealer and had it installed for 15. Dont be like me, if you buy the gs4 change it right away. i waited untill it broke on me and now i had to add tow truck fees and ABS senors to the total cost.

 

K... still no one has anwered my question from my first post. How expensive is a '99 GS400 be expensive to maintain/repair?

 

very expensive compared to the mustang, starter at dealer $800.00, figure the 90k mile service $1500, ball joints $250.00, alot more than your average corolla for sure. GL

 

Do you think a 17 year old with a part time job can afford it?

 

unless that part time is on the block i doubt it..but even though maintenance is expensive, its not often..so if i were you i'll do it and cut back on other stuff.. just let the gs fill that void lol

 

k thanks.... what are all the things that i should look for when i go see the car and how

 

i got my GS300 white yr 2000 8 months @ 97K miles. So far i did the timingbelt/waterpump, new belts new tensioner and a whole tune up with all OEM fluids for around 800$ with a local mech. Im a brokeass college student w/ no part time job and i maintained it. i have to say i love this GS to death. I treat her good and she does the same for me. Other than that i got new rims and new exhaust. didnt put expensive parts into it but every1 likes it. So i spent around like 1600 all together so far... no other major changes to do until further notice. Just treat her good!

 

I think the costs for the gs4 and gs4 are alot different... you should swap yours if anything goes wrong...... if and when you get money

 

welcome to CL...nice to see an interested in GS...just make sure to check all of the service records..but if you need parts you can always search on here to find out what you're looking for..Im sure a friends in the forum can help you to guide in the right direction and save some money...we're all friends here ( i hope ) haahah