Hey guys,

I am new to the Lexus scene, mainly having driven VWs. Last year, the wife and I traded in both cars and went down to 1 SUV. We live in Chicago and have access to the train to go to/from work. Now, we started looking at getting a second car. I am looking at 2nd generation GS300s. I have been finding many upon many like this:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/4337696540.html

Is this a good buy? 2 owner, documented maintenance, timing belt unknown (I know i will have to change). Body and interior in good shape. All I am finding is the $5500-$6000 for 160k miles. In the VW world, that is a major gamble.

THanks in advance!

 

that year that mileage is 5K tops
bargain down even more for the bumper

 

I agree. I would offer him $4000. Mention the bumper and also mention timing belt. Unless you do it yourself the timing belt job will run you near $700-800. Also mention that it is going to need all new valve cover gaskets, cam seals....test drive it and tell him the ball joints and control arms need to be replaced as well (unless he has documentation showing they were just done) ball joints go quickly on these cars. Just throw a bunch of knowledge at him showing you did research and that the car is a little overpriced and also needs a bit of work. Good luck bud

 

yeah, seems a lil steep for a 300 with that mileage. i paid $5k for my GS400 with just about 200k and All interval maintenance had just been completed on it

 

Black interior is worth a premium as it's far less common than the grey/beige interiors and doesn't tend to look as dated.

Here in Dallas that $6k price tag would be a good deal. But we don't have rust to contend with.

I'd go in offering $5k firm.

 

In my honest opinion I'd try and talk her down to 5k or maybe 5500, as long as everything checks out, silver on black in my opinion is the best combo for this GS, 01+ is what you want too because it has the updated grille, taillights, hid headlights, if that car has been maintained properly it will run a long time, mines at 200k and runs like the day I bought it, just regular maintenance like fluids, brakes etc, people always seem to try and sell these for more than they're worth however so shop around

 

BUT living in Chicago be prepared to buy snow tires or another means of transportation in the winter, I live in Minneapolis and I can tell you these cars are not good daily drivers in the winter with regular tires, after putting blizzaks on it's completely fine though

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am hearing a resounding theme that it's a little overpriced. I appreciate all the help. As for driving in Chicago winters with a RWD, unfortunately I know all about it. I learned how to drive on my mom's Lincoln Town Car and my first car was a 1978 Mercedes 280SE. Blizzaks are an almost must. I will let you guys know the outcome. I hope to pull the trigger by next week Friday.

 

If you can get em down to 5K I would say go for it. They are awesome cars. But if you are going to spend 6K….dude look for a GS400. I love my GS3 but deep inside I wish I had that 8 cylinder lol

 

My thoughts as well.. just needs more torque to make me happy.. and that v8 sound.

 

I agree. The GS3 motor is a great engine, but given the size and bulk of the GS, it isn't overly fast. However if speed isn't your thing, it will be more than enough for you. Plus this engine is bulletproof. There is a guy selling a 98 GS300 on craigslist in my area with 300k on the original engine/tranny and the car looks and runs very well.

 

Clearly, we all love the GS300 !! lol

However, Chicago has brutal winters and the GS sucks in the snow because it's rear wheel drive. Other then that I say go for it.

 

As others have said barsitar that car is overpriced regardless of where you are.

A couple words of advice.

Obviously your not getting a GS cause you want a fast car,so if I were you I'd decide this first.Do I want a gs3 gs4 or gs4.3. None are "fast" but the sluggishness of the gs3 is REAL.GS4 is probably the best choice because it's torquey and gas mileage isn't compromised,and it's not over priced like every gs4.3

Now as far as interior take it from someone with both tan and black interior cars.YOU WANT BLACK INTERIOR.

Take your time and good luck with the search.factor ball joints timing belt,AC servos,trans oil,motor oil,and the most common leaks,valve cover gasket ect.

 

With stock exhaust you barely notice the car is running so it's the same if it's V6 or V8.

 

The GS300 is not "sluggish". It more than powerful enough for all driving situations. Sure, its not going to run with Mustangs in drag races, but that isn't what the car was designed for. Using the word "sluggish" is highly inaccurate.