Need your help guys..
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 50
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From: Illinois
Need your help guys..
I am the current owner of a 2002 IS300 MSM 5Speed. Yesterday night, I went to the dealership to get an oil change and saw a 98 GS400 for sale. It is in Mint condition, Silver(my favorite color), Charcoal Interior, No HID's or 17's, spoiler, and 61K on the odo. The interior had little to NO wear on the leather, the wood was smooth and unscathed. Their price for the car is 24,900. I took it for a test drive and was very impressed with the power.
I am seriously thinking about trading in my 2002 IS for this 1998 GS. What are your thoughts and what else should I look for. I did a carfax and the results came out clean. It turned out that is was a leased vehicle that was traded in.
I am seriously thinking about trading in my 2002 IS for this 1998 GS. What are your thoughts and what else should I look for. I did a carfax and the results came out clean. It turned out that is was a leased vehicle that was traded in.
GX and 2IS Moderator
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 1
From: New York
Should be CPO
given the limited data you gave it should still fall under the CPO category..if not I'd be concerned...otherwise like GS4Will said do a once over for serial/vin numbers on the panels, try to get the maint. history on the car.
Tech Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,280
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From: Texas
check for leak or other abnormal wear inside and under the car, any sign of water or metal particle in the engine oil... pretty much the common thing to do when you buy old car.
Lexus built their car to last, but you never know what the previous own did to the car. Have a good mechanic look at the car is your best bet.
I am sure you will like the GS4 over the IS for a list of reasons, but you are taking a risk also
Anh
Lexus built their car to last, but you never know what the previous own did to the car. Have a good mechanic look at the car is your best bet.
I am sure you will like the GS4 over the IS for a list of reasons, but you are taking a risk also
Anh
Last edited by BananaGS; Nov 19, 2002 at 01:59 PM.
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Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 50
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From: Illinois
Thanks guys for all your input.. Unfortunately, it was sold this morning...DOH! I did however find another Silver GS4 with HID's and this one is a 99 instead of a 98. Best part is that sells for about the same price with slightly more (1000more miles) mileage. I'll do the S/N check as well as get the Maintenance records. My best friend is a hardcore Tuner (he just bought a used GS4 for his next project car) and he is coming with me to check this bad boy out. Here is another Newbie question for you...where can I purchase service manuals for the GS4? Does Helms make a copy? Thanks for any help you may provide.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 456
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From: northern ca
Hey, man! The GS is a nice car and you probably will be happy with it.
However, consider the fact that you are trading in a 2002 car (regardless of the make) for a 98 or 99. There are two downsides to that (potentially):
1) You're buying a used car.
2) You're loosing a lot on the trade-in of your new car.
Financially, it makes no sense. But if GS400 tickles your driving receptacles in all the right ways and you know what you're doing, go for it!
However, consider the fact that you are trading in a 2002 car (regardless of the make) for a 98 or 99. There are two downsides to that (potentially):
1) You're buying a used car.
2) You're loosing a lot on the trade-in of your new car.
Financially, it makes no sense. But if GS400 tickles your driving receptacles in all the right ways and you know what you're doing, go for it!
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