I am buying a 2001 GS300 w/71K miles. Please advise if historically this car has any common issues such as transmission problem, etc. and if there is anything I should watch out

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Steiner

 

Transmission and motor are know to not have problems for atleast 150k miles all they way up to 300k. You have to look out for all of the little things (as with any car) and the ball joints. You must replace those the second you buy the car if they have not been replaced recently. If you do it now it is a $100 plus your time or $alot at the dealer or the entire front wheel can come off and become a huge fix. Make sure all the services have been done and oil has been changed atleast ever 6k miles. Also check with your local dears to see how much replacing the ball joints / tie rods will be if you dont feel comfortable doing it yourself. Also get a PPI and carfax for any accident damage. Good luck, and if you get it at the right price these cars are pretty good.

 

Thanks for the info. I never heard of this problem on any other model. Is this a special problem with this car?

 

It kind of is, do some searching for "gs 300 ball joint" you will see all kinds of discussion, disasters, and DIY's on the subject.

 

actually on the 2001+ models the ball joint issue was fixed but being that your coming up on the 90k maint. i would still change them anyways BUT no need to do the minute you buy your car lol . OP u a long time member just search around for issues/problems (there really arent many)

although he is right you should make sure all maint is up to date

 

Congrats and welcome!

Be sure to check in to the southwest section for meets and events (see my sig). Hopefully we'll see you soon, we have quite a few locals with 2GS'.

FYI, I know two great shops, hit up Motortek in Mesa or Kyoei USA in Tempe for your maintenance and repair needs. If you need anything aftermarket, Kyoei is the place for that too.

 

-balljoints
-caster arms
-door lock actuators
-climate control servos

not a question of if, but when. However these are quick and relatively cheap fixes. A GS will not require nearly the maintenance of a 5 series, E class, or A6.

 

DO your searches... some great DIY and write ups of BJ's, bushings, tranny and engine related..

BIGC.. your first sentences is unclear? Are you saying the Tranny and engine have problems after 150k..

 

did you buy it yet? If no, go test drive a 400/430. I am pretty sure the 300 won't even be considered at that point.

 

Not necessarily. I wouldn't buy my car after 100k miles though

 

Me either...

 

x2.............

 

Thank you!

Do you know a good place to do window tinting? I always bought new cars (so far) and had the dealership (Lexus of Chandler) do the tinting. I know they subcontract out. It is crazy now to have the dealership does the tinting on a used car. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

the dealers use huperoptik tint. to have it done is i think $600 at dannys family car wash with that tint.

 

Picking it up tomorrow. Strange that I feel more excited picking up a used GS300 from a private party than picking up my brand new RX350 from the dealership a few years back.