luda42688

iTrader: (2)

Hello again, I posted on this website a while ago regarding this but never got around to buying it. Well I finally sold my car and my uncle is letting me use this gem.
INFO: 1998 Lexus GS400, 45550 Miles, Black with Tan leather. For 10 years of its life, it's been kept in a heated, carpeted garage driven occasionally. I can also vouch for this since he is my uncle and I see it every week.

After driving it the past couple days its been growing on me more and more. The car is in flawless condition and all the maintance has been done without question. I was currently in the market for buying a new car, the 2011 kia optima lx. after not getting approved for the rate I want (they offered me 6.9% for 60 months) I told them to screw. Now I have a 20 mile to commute to work and 20 miles back. I know its the all mighty V-8 wjhich kind of blows on gas but I want to see what you guys thought. Think I should buy this for HALF the price of the stupid kia or go new. I know you answers will be biased but I want to hear it lol

Salil022

iTrader: (1)

Day & night difference between the kia & GS400...Even though its an old car but if its well taken care of, i would say go for it.

luda42688

iTrader: (2)

Oh without a doubt, The kia is ideal for the daily driver commuter car, but the lex is just so sexy.
The only thing is i just sold a 20 year old car wanting to buy and brand new one, but do i really want to buy a 13 year old car?

jasonb75

iTrader: (1)

13 years old, but only 45k miles. Since you know the PO, and the maintenance history, I'd say it's a no brainer, forget the Kia and go with the Lexus.

luda42688

iTrader: (2)

I guess what I'm asking is are there any known common problems with the 98 gs400?
I know the starters for these cars can go bad but anything else? I know the lexus can go as far as you want it as long as you take care of it.

Also while driving the car, i noticed a bit of noise coming out of the front end. Is this because its on the 17" chrome factory wheels? I know its got smaller meat of the tire but I've never experienced the difference between stock and rimed car.

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

Lower ball joints, which are cheap to replace, and door lock actuators. I've been driving my 98 GS4 for 9 years w/185K on the clock. I've only had to replace starter once at 68K, lower ball joints twice, and have only had one door lock actuator go bad. I've decided to keep it several more years, and just swapped in a black interior. And I'm about to do new headlights as well, I'm tired of polishing them.

I also just put in a bluetooth kit, and wired in an aux input to my factory nav/stereo for my ipod/iphone, which helped stifle my desire for a new ride. Now if I could only figure out how to do some steering wheel controls....

Yea, it's probably not the fiscally smart choice, but I know the car will last, I enjoy it, and it's cheaper than a new car. I'd be jumping all over your unlce's car if I were you.

Also if you keep your foot out of it, you can get 23-24mpg on the highway, which IMHO is respectable.

J$mooth23

iTrader: (14)

lex hands down r u kidding me?!

raytseng

Get the Lexus for the car, but you may need to set aside for maintenance.
Even if it's been sitting, you may find yourself needing to change out things such as the shocks and other maintenance items that are reaching replacement time.

But, if you like new things, such as more hp for the $ due to engine design technology, better MPG, bluetooth and other electronics improvements like USB drives for music, voice recognition and all that new stuff you might want to take a look at new car.

luda42688

iTrader: (2)

I appreciate all the feedback. Also since i live in new england, he's giving me the 16" alloys that have never seen rubber so ill mount snow tires on those. I really wanted a modern car but with my current salary, it might bite me in the **** even though i should expect a big raise soon. My commute is pretty much all highway but i feel bad putting miles on this garage queen.
I think I'm going to buy it off him if the next week or 2 goes well while driving her. Ill post some pictures of her real soon for you guys also.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

The GS400 was fantastic new and is still fantastic 13 years later.

The Kia on the other hand...

luda42688

iTrader: (2)

lol well I'm going to talk with my uncle this week and buy her off him. I got some plans for her already. can anyone guide me in the right direction to take care of this outdated radio bezel

TLcoats

iTrader: (11)

To put things in perspective. You don't see many 400hp 13 year old Kia's driving around town looking like new.

charris

iTrader: (4)

45K miles, garage kept Lexus. No brainer...
Get the GS. Who wants a Kia Optima...

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

BTW, I realize the miles are low, but you may want to do some maintenance now that normally wouldn't need to be done until much later down the road. Specifically the belts, including the timing belt. You could probably skip the pump if you wanted, but I wouldn't take my chances with belts that probably have started dry rotting.

Just my opinion. I'm not a gambler.

luda42688

iTrader: (2)

yea I was thinking about doing the belts. Before I order anything I'm going to inspect all the belts and the lower ball joints. The car was in a heated garage and never seen incliment weather so i dont believe it would have any problems regarding dry rotting.