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GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Thinking about a GS

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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 04:59 PM
  #1  
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Default Thinking about a GS

I am forum newb but I am trying to save up to buy a GS300/400. It's more like waiting for tax money and other funds to be released.

The question I have is mostly about maintenance cost, reliability and is it worth buying a higher mileage car(100k-150k) range now or just fully save over time.

My previous car was a 1994 Chevy Caprice which I wrecked in Dec in the rain half sleep 4 in the morning. It was pretty much mechanically trouble free 52-135k I drove it. Though it was a car theft magnet with 4 break ins, 2 thefts(one while wrecked lol).

I am trying to find something similar without the steal me magnet on it and maybe a bit smaller and less love boat like. I don't want to be in the shop like every other week like I was with my Cadillac STS I had before it blew a head gasket at 80k.

Anyways, I found a GS 400 with 158K for $4500 and 300 for $6500 I like with 106k. Is it really worth getting these cars with that many miles or should I just save for something with a lot less mileage?
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 05:04 PM
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If you look around, you'll see owners with GS3s/GS4s with over 300K miles. As long as the car was properly maintained I wouldn't worry about it. Check out the maintenance records. Both cars should have the 90K service done. If you do buy the GS4 though, you're going to have to replace a timing belt and all that soon.

The GS4 is much faster than the GS3 if that's what you're looking for.

If you purchase either one, have the suspension looked at and replace any necessary parts, mainly the ball joints and the tie rods. I would also replace any old filters. I just changed my 3 year old STP intake filter with a new one and it makes a world of difference.

That's all I have for now. It's dinner time lol.
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 05:17 PM
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Pick up one of those clean GS's in the classifieds...
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tmf2004
Pick up one of those clean GS's in the classifieds...
Yeah what he said.
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 06:08 PM
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Go for the gs400. It'll be worth the extra money. You can thank me later
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 06:54 PM
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1. use search button to determine gs3 vs gs4 theres alota stuff out there on it including a thread on the first page right now

2. The cars are ridiculously reliable if driven properly (waiting to heat engine before flooring it, not slamming on the brakes to bend the rotors etc.) and will last longer than you do, but there are some catches

the door locks and suspension can break
have the suspension looked at and if its good then buy the gs4
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 07:08 PM
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Thats a great price. I got my gs4 for 7700 in August 09 with 150k Miles on it. Came with an extra pair of rims and a diff grill. But your price is a steal. I had a 99 Honda Prelude previously, and when I did the switch my insurance went up about an extra $500. So insurance to me was the main thing to worry about.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 12:55 PM
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gs4, and find one for 6500 with less mileage. Better can than 300.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 04:08 PM
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If you can hold off a little longer and stack up more money go for the GS4. Take your time, do the research and find one with lower miles. Clean GS4's are not as common to find in large quantity as GS3's because owners hold on to them. I flew to Atlanta to buy my '02 GS4 with 71K for $6200 and dorve it home averaging 100 mph all the way to South FL...smooth and powerful ride!
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by PremiumG
If you can hold off a little longer and stack up more money go for the GS4. Take your time, do the research and find one with lower miles. Clean GS4's are not as common to find in large quantity as GS3's because owners hold on to them. I flew to Atlanta to buy my '02 GS4 with 71K for $6200 and dorve it home averaging 100 mph all the way to South FL...smooth and powerful ride!
That's a good price. Clean title?
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 05:22 PM
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Default Welcome to CL

Here a link so you know what you up againts if you decide on owning a second gen GS, and what the members are saying get a GS4

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ou-search.html
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by werewolf
That's a good price. Clean title?
Yeah, clean title...I got lucky, good find at the right time!
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 05:34 PM
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simple answer to a simple question: Do It.


I sold mine a year ago and I regret it EVERY DAY. I'm hoping to get back into one as a project car soon.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 08:33 PM
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WELCOME Raventhal go with the GS 400
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 09:45 PM
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Crazy how cheap I guess these cars are getting older . Welcome
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