Golfinbill

The 03 GS300 I referenced above is at 11.9K and the guy is firm. 64K milles, extremely clean inside and out. All service documented and on time. I think this is a little high, but again, a very clean well kept vehicle.

Thoughts?

littlebird

i debated between an IS and GS and went for an 01 GS300 as it had more room inside of it than an IS. as long as the car is maintained regularly as far as oilchanges and such, it will be reliable and last. My GS is sitting at 340+k miles on it and i've had no major issues with her. definitely the best choice in a car i've ever made

gsbs300

My thoughts are as followed:

I would not pay 11,900 for a gs3

littlebird

^
unless that thing is seriously modded, i wouldn't pay that much

gsbs300

My thoughts are as followed:

11,900 seems a bit steep.i would hold out... Where are you located?

Golfinbill

I am in Houston Texas and have about 4-6 weeks to secure a vehicle. Can you guys give me some targets to shoot for:

* 03-05 GS300, clean w/ 85-120K miles
* 03-05 GS430, clean w/ 85-120K miles.

Seems to be pleny of inventory that fall into the above categories.

offbad

iTrader: (5)

use edmunds for better pricing

gsbs300

Just looked in your area.now I see where your coming from with all your previous statements.everything is 3-5k more over there than it is here in south Florida.good luck with the search.

bonesnj0

Just bought a GS400 48K mint under 9K a "I love the car" a little tiny vibration at 60mph but that's it!
Only thing is NAV is outdated but I also can live with that.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Hey Golfinbill, shoot me an email. I have a few questions for you. Thanks!

thomasp23@hotmail.com

egs21

Sounds like you are on the right track. There aren't too many lower miles, mint condition 2nd generation GS's left. I wouldn't haggled over a $1,000 for the right car. In the long run this car will pay for itself with many years of trouble free service. Plus it is a bigger, heavier car which should be safer for your son.

For reference, I bought my 2002 GS300 with 84k last summer for $11k. Price was a bit high based on "book value" but this was not a normal used car. It was flawless and a one owner with perfect service history. Dealer also did several maintenance items including a door lock actuator, brakes and all fluids flushed. I did the 90k maintenance early for $600 a few months later just for peace of mind. I've never regretted buying it and a year later I'm perfectly happy.

To sum it up, I wouldn't be afraid to pay $11k or so for one of these cars. You are getting a lot of car for the money at that price.

gsean400

My advice would be to find the cleanest gs300 for 10k and save the rest for wear and tear parts and things that would usually break over age. If you do that your son will be set, prolly until he decides to sell the car, I agree with 1 of the members on here that the gs400/430 will have a little more power then he actually needs, my first car was a gs400 and looking back, I could have easily killed myself with that kind of power

aneidiaz

The GS series cars are super solid. Especially from 2001-2005 ☺☺... Only difference between the 300 & 430 is the power and gas consumption. That's it. Same reliability. I have a GS430. Bought it when I was 19. Definitely a maturing experience. Very nice luxurious and fast automobile for a young man to adapt to. Coming from a Honda Civic. These cars are great if you maintain them and drive them very conservatively. $11,900 for a 2003 with 64k on the dash IS NOT a bad price AT ALL. Especially if the thing is bone stock and in meticulous condition. I'd pay that. I paid $12k + for my 01' GS430 and it had 76k on the dash. HOWEVER I would at least TRY to talk that price down. Don't go with the first price suggested. I'm sure you can talk the price down. Good luck with your purchase. Don't think twice on a GS from Lexus. It's RELIABLE LUXURY QUALITY. Hands down. And that's coming from a youngster your sons age group that's been daily driving the car for the past 3 years straight. Solid driving experience.

marshun

how is that laughable? i know since we're on this forum you are more biased for our GS's.

but this guy is looking for reliable. hondas are stupid reliable too. IMO just as much as toyotas. i think a honda fit is a great choice. if the kid knows how to work on cars (like really work on cars. not like many people on this board that immediately say "take it to a shop") then a used honda is a good choice as well. if the kid can take care of a car then he's going to have a very long lasting honda (if he gets one)

good luck with the purchase!

littlebird

i think he meant laughable in that the father specifically stated he was looking for a GS or IS, and the person out of nowhere just said to get a Honda Fit. yes they are reliable, but if he wanted to look into Hondas, he surely wouldn't be looking on CL. that's like me going to a paint shop looking to get my car painted, and the guy saying "hey instead of that, why don't you go get an oil change from Juffy Lube?". or like asking someone to pick a number 1-10 and they say 89.

It wasn't want was originally asked for by the OP and came completely out of left field.

and i don't recall him saying that his son knows how to work on cars, so that's not really relevant :/