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

Buying 99 gs400 Tomorrow...*guidance*

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Old 09-19-11, 09:31 PM
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NEbiker10
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Default Buying 99 gs400 Tomorrow...*guidance*

Hey guys been MIA for a few months. sold my sc300 and went all summer on a honda ruckus and no car!! I have been really wanting to buy a gs400 just love the power and the way that thing sounds.


I found a good deal on one close by: 99 gs400 $5200 128k 2 owners gray color timing belt was replaced at 86k.

Anything I need to look for or double check out of the ordinary,

Few things I remember:
hesitation problems
suspension bounce test
tranny test
etc...

Anything that could go wrong with these cars and any other suggestions on what to look for. Thanks!!
Old 09-19-11, 09:45 PM
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V8drummer
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Seems like a really good deal if clean title and everything checks out.
Old 09-19-11, 10:12 PM
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xl715
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Check front suspension, upper and lower ball joints. Or have a shop check em for you.
Old 09-19-11, 10:24 PM
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GSteg
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Test the car around 60-65 miles per hours. Many GS have steering wheel vibrations at those speed. It's not as simple as a tire balancing issue either.

Last edited by GSteg; 09-20-11 at 12:43 AM.
Old 09-19-11, 10:36 PM
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2gs4u8
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wow ur buyin ur GS for a hella go0od deal!!!
Old 09-19-11, 10:37 PM
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2gs4u8
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Originally Posted by GSteg
Test the car around 60-65k miles. Many GS have steering wheel vibrations at those speed. It's not as simple as a tire balancing issue either.
gsteg..ur right bout that..why does it do that anyways????
Old 09-20-11, 12:46 AM
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Oops, I mean to say 60-65 mph, not 60-65k miles

The vibration could come from a lot of things. Caster bushings wearing out (esp on 98-00), steering rack bushings, ball joints, tie rods...

There is simply too many variables. Everyone seems to have their own fix for vibrations. In my case, the tie rods were worn out. Luckily it was a cheap fix. There are people who have replaced almost everything and still get vibrations. Definitely check it out because it could drive you nuts.
Old 09-20-11, 02:52 AM
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Sounds like a great deal. 5.2k for a gs4.

Another thing to check is door actuators.. I'm not really specialized in the GS field so thats all i got.
Old 09-20-11, 05:34 AM
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Originally Posted by GSteg
Oops, I mean to say 60-65 mph, not 60-65k miles

The vibration could come from a lot of things. Caster bushings wearing out (esp on 98-00), steering rack bushings, ball joints, tie rods...

There is simply too many variables. Everyone seems to have their own fix for vibrations. In my case, the tie rods were worn out. Luckily it was a cheap fix. There are people who have replaced almost everything and still get vibrations. Definitely check it out because it could drive you nuts.
I've been reading a lot of old threads about these caster bushings...are you talking about the tension rod bushings??? Is this what you call caster bushings? I never heard of this until I came to this site? Tension rod bushings are what you can press in/out of the rod itself. My car has 89k on it now and I haven't replaced anything yet. First thing I plan on doing is replacing the lower ball joints and outter tie rods. I'll do timing belt service at 100k. I will have to take a look at my tension rod bushings to see how they are holding up. Luckly there is a shop local that has a press that I can use to replace bushings. Did it for my old Infiniti. Good thing my baby doesn't have the vibration shake.

Oh check door actuators. My pass side door is on it way out. It works 60% of the time but I might fix it later but currently...I don't mind reaching over and locking it when it doesn't work. Now if it was the pass back door, then it would be a must fix.
Old 09-20-11, 06:22 AM
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rstreidl
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The caster arms are basically a second lower control arm that go from the main lower control arm over to the A Frame attachment point. They have a large rubber bushing that when you look at it might seem ok, but when I took mine out and pried it with a tire iron, it was torn significantly. After replacing it cornered alot better and also got rid of some clunking noise when going over even small bumps at speeds less than 40 mph.

OP I would test drive on surface streets that have some bumps, and also highway speeds for vibrations, braking, and steering issues. Also make sure the AC is blowing cold on both sides, there's a valve/solenoid that has had failures to where it only blows cold on one side. Check seat heaters too, mine went out and have read about others doing same.
Old 09-20-11, 06:49 AM
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vanquish2
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If you want shoot me the vin via PM and I'll run service history on it.....good luck
Old 09-20-11, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by vanquish2
If you want shoot me the vin via PM and I'll run service history on it.....good luck
Or he can do it on his own if he wants to educate himself.

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
Sign up and input VIN number OP.
Old 09-20-11, 08:28 AM
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vanquish2
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Yeah know I've tried that site in the past and I wasn't terribly impressed.....especially compared to what the dealer can provide. Most dealers are willing to help you out....some will even email the complete service history to you!
Old 09-20-11, 01:17 PM
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NEbiker10
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Thanks for the insight everyone. Hopefully the car is as good as i hope it is.

@Vanquish thanks I will pm you in a few hours with it.

*fingers crossed*
Old 09-20-11, 11:47 PM
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Car is in pretty good condition. No shakes and everything is in good shape. Couple of things slight 1$ coin size rust spot near drivers tail it seemsand that ita Can be repaired and still is solid. Rafio lcd doest really work but the radio still is good. Decent power. Has 128k timing belt and water pump were done in 06
@91k

I agreed on the 5200price and left a 200 deposit. I Think i got a decent deal.


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