The gs that im going to be picking up is a 99 gs300. It has 220xxx miles seems super high but the price is pretty cheap.

My question is, what kind of things are common problems and what kind of issues should I be looking for that are deal breakers?

 

I too just picked one up with 257000 and was wondering the same thing. Mine is a 2000. And hello to everyone as well!

 

Search!!!!!!

 

front suspension, timing belt and water pump

 

...Also things that go out often is the MAF, and catalytic converters. Take pics when you get the chance. Enjoy your new Lexus Gs's!

 

Ahhhhh just buy it knowing ur gonna need to put about $1500 to bring it up to par

Ball joints
Control arms
Steering rack bushings
Maybe motor/transmission mounts
Door lock actuators
Maf
Timing belt
Water pump
Shocks
Tires
Cats
Charcoal canister
Gasket cover
Misc sensors
Tensioner
Oil/transmissions/differential fluids
Intake/cabin filters
Upper/lower control arms
Misc links

Seriously we can keep goin ... Deff search like ****-Adkt said. Obviously previous maint history is gonna help u check some of this stuff off... But with that mileage even if it was originally done at the rec mileage u are pretty much due for most of this anyways. $1500 wont cover that list but it will keep u running till u can address everything... And there is prob just as much that i didnt list here. Again u may not need some of this... I'm just basing that list off the mileage.

 

Cats dont usually go bad on these cars it's the o2 sensors instead and the code says cat so people think that. The cats on these cars usually last forever. Worry about the sensors, spark plugs, motor mounts and front suspension if u want to make it new again

 

Welcome to CL with your first GS... I suggest look at the sticky topics above in the GS section.. All your questions can be answered in those threads and posts. Mikefoxx made a good list and thats a great start if u can accomplish that...

Post some pics when u can...

 

lower ball joints is usually the first that comes to mind

 

I wouldn't have touched that car with that kind of mileage.

Be ready to open up your wallet.....WIDE!

 

Hello and welcome. I wouldnt care about the mileage if you got the car for a great price. Before i bought it though i would drive it and judge it and see when the maintenance intervals and fixes were complete. Most owners keep receipts or will at least be able to tell you what the last few expensive fixes were. If they just say "never had a problem" with 250k + Miles then i would be leary. I have over 200k on mine and it purrs like a cheetah. Expect to put some money into basics like ball joints, oil change etc...