Finally, bought a 2001 GS430
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Finally, bought a 2001 GS430
Hi all,
I drove 4 hours to pick up this car from this small dealership today. We had the car inspected at the Toyota dealership and here are couple things I would like to ask.
1. Driver side door lock doesn't work but all others worked with remote or the power door lock buttom from the driver side. I had to use the key to open the driver's side door and manually lock it. I am thinking the actuator migth be bad??
2. The Toyota tech said the power steering pump is leaking. Is this a common problem? I wasn't sure if it was the pump or the hoses connected to it though but I guess I have to either trust him or inspect that myself later.
I am going to order new spark plugs, air filter, clean mass air flow sensor and throttle body later. It needs new timing belt, water pump too
Anyways, I love the power on this car and always wanted one.
I drove 4 hours to pick up this car from this small dealership today. We had the car inspected at the Toyota dealership and here are couple things I would like to ask.
1. Driver side door lock doesn't work but all others worked with remote or the power door lock buttom from the driver side. I had to use the key to open the driver's side door and manually lock it. I am thinking the actuator migth be bad??
2. The Toyota tech said the power steering pump is leaking. Is this a common problem? I wasn't sure if it was the pump or the hoses connected to it though but I guess I have to either trust him or inspect that myself later.
I am going to order new spark plugs, air filter, clean mass air flow sensor and throttle body later. It needs new timing belt, water pump too
Anyways, I love the power on this car and always wanted one.
Door lock actuators are common. It's popular on here to buy them on ebay. Cheap and easy to replace.
Timing belt and water pump will set you back about a grand. From Lexus.
No idea about the steering pump.
Timing belt and water pump will set you back about a grand. From Lexus.
No idea about the steering pump.
not sure about the door actuators being cheap. parts alone will cost u 300+. you gotta do wut u gotta do. i already replaced 2 of mine =(
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 1
From: California
I know the power steering pumps were common on the sc300/400, but I'm not sure about the GS'. Anyway, you'll love the GS. I really miss my GS430! However, I needed a truck more so I had to give up my GS. BTW, my GS430 had over 223k before trading it in for a 04 Tundra. The GS never gave me a problem during my ownership.
I bought it at 180k and the mileage never scared me. The only thing I had to replaced was the battery. That should tell you how reliable these cars are!
I bought it at 180k and the mileage never scared me. The only thing I had to replaced was the battery. That should tell you how reliable these cars are!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Thanks for the answers. As I am discovering more about this car, I realized the wheel lock nut key is missing and the tire wrench 
Also, I only have 1 key to the car with remote. Do I have to get one made at the dealership?
EDIT: I found a thread saying that I could buy a used reconditioned uncut key and take it to the dealership and have them cut it. I can program the key myself but this thread is for SC430, will this instruction work on my car too?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ogramming.html
Also, I only have 1 key to the car with remote. Do I have to get one made at the dealership?EDIT: I found a thread saying that I could buy a used reconditioned uncut key and take it to the dealership and have them cut it. I can program the key myself but this thread is for SC430, will this instruction work on my car too?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ogramming.html
Last edited by MattVR4; Oct 14, 2009 at 11:08 PM.
Trending Topics
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Welcome to the Club, now that your here, your knowledge of your 2GS will almost multiply. How many miles do you have on your GS? I have 140k on mine, bought it with 89k. No problems, or anything that is notable. My actuator goes in and out, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. If you choose to buy one of eBay you will save tons of bucks, however you need to make sure your buying the right actuator, search here and you will find a few threads regarding this info. Another weird thing about these Lexus' is that the battery cables sometimes become corroded or loose causing some weird issues. That being said, there are no MAJOR common issues, like oil leaks, bad trannys, etc.
Take a couple of photos and show us what your working with.
Take a couple of photos and show us what your working with.
get them pics up..
and u shoulda had the dealers replace the door actuator
how much did u pay for it?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
It had 90K on it with good interior and exterior condition. No accident on Carfax and I made sure the Toyota checked for that too while they were doing the PDI.
The bad about this car.
-Need timing belt and water pump, spark plugs .. etc. (maintenance service)
-Found out missing wheel lock nut key and tire wrench
-Only had 1 key with remote
-Exhaust leak (small hole) on Y-pipe right before cat. converter
-driver side door actuator is bad
-Cabin air filter in the glove box (it was super dirty)
Anyways, I found good info on here under the "Search" buttom. Thanks for all the welcome
The bad about this car.
-Need timing belt and water pump, spark plugs .. etc. (maintenance service)
-Found out missing wheel lock nut key and tire wrench
-Only had 1 key with remote
-Exhaust leak (small hole) on Y-pipe right before cat. converter
-driver side door actuator is bad
-Cabin air filter in the glove box (it was super dirty)
Anyways, I found good info on here under the "Search" buttom. Thanks for all the welcome