Hey everyone,

This is my first post. I've searched on around the forum and couldnt find what I was looking for. So here's my dilemma, I am heading out of town next week to look at an 03 GS3 SD with 85k.(Dealer)

I got the car fax: 1 owner, been serviced at same lexus dealer with routine maintenance. I called the lexus dealer and they went over service history with me. Trans fluid exchanged, spark plugs replaced, drive belts, oxygen sensor replaced, etc. Water pump not replaced though.

What cuaght my attention was it was inspected at another lexus dealership and few months later sold. So I called the other dealership and asked what they found in their inspection, and this is what the notes stated for the most part. " check engine light on, engine misfire code?,struggle to start, low RPMs, bubble in radiator, failed block test.

After that I called the dealership that I am going to buy the car from, and asked if they knew about it and the raised some red flags. The dealer that I have been talking to for the past week or so said he didnt know exatcly all the terms and what not. He let me talk to their service department and the guy explained that their shop fully examine and inspected the car and found that " air filter hosing (or something of that nature) was cracked and too much air was being seeped into the radiator causing the bubble in their.

After that the check engine light went off and the car has been running fine. They have drove it 1000 miles since the fix and no issues. He said it was an easy fix and the dealership should have examined it better.
They offer 30day 1,000 mile warranty free with option for extended.
So yea I dont know, I have been talking to the for week or so. Same guy. All their reviews have been postive on Cars.com. seem sincered. Im pretty good at evaluating people. But that just threw me off.

Are selling me a junker or what? Im not really sure what to think. My flight is booked so regardless I am going to go check it out. I would really like to know if these thing are common or is his explanation even possible? Ive never owned a Lexus but have been reading up and researching them the past month or 2 and have not found too much info on these issues. Cuz I know these are built to last.

Any help would be great! Sorry for such a long post but I dont want to throw money to a lost cuase? Thanks guys I appreciate any help.

 

How much are they asking for it?

To be honest I love my GS, I can't imagine a better car for the price I paid but in reality it is an 11 going on 12 year old car, there are bound to be some natural wear and tear things even though the GS is a very solid car. If the price is not justifiable then I wouldn't bother, I'd look for a newer vehicle. I personally have never had any problems out of my car mechanically.

Follow your gut, if you think they're giving you the run around and you're worried that you'll run into problems after your purchase of the vehicle then look elsewhere. If you think they're trustworthy and all the issues have been fixed then go ahead.

 

You mentioned the drive belts had been replaced. What does that mean? There is a accessory drive belt (serpentine belt), and the timing belt. The serpentine belt is easy to do. However, with only 85k miles, it's a little early to replace the timing belt. Since the water pump has not been replaced I would think that the timing belt has not been replaced either. Look for a sticker on the timing belt cover showing the date and mileage it was changed. If its not there, it probably hasn't been done.

The good news is these 2G GS are tough as nails; practically indestructible with proper maintenance. I would be a little concerned about these messages, assuming they are accurate. I would get more information about them if you can. Nevertheless, more good news - Lexus dealers are notorious for overstating/incorrectly diagnosing what is wrong with a car. So, the info may not be accurate/complete. Anyway... like Mikobangz said, go with your gut. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys, its refreshing to hear a little feedback, much appreciated. They are asking 12.5k but to me personally I would pay 10.5 maybe 11k. Im pretty sure i could get it for somewhere around that.
Im in CA so prices seem to be a bit steeper, at least imo. To be honest I never had that "neg" feeling speaking with them. So, Im just gonna go down there test drive it and see how it goes. Like you guys said, my instincts will be in full effect.
Oh yea, I spoke with the dealer and just the serpentine belt was replaced and not the timming belt.
Also, would you suggest the lower ball joints be replaced? Or is that more for when you lower your whip you should replace them? Some of the posts I read about the ball joints failing, scary!

Again, thanks for the help. I'll let you guys know how it goes. If it all works out im driving it home from the dealer. Its a 400mile trip. So, that will sure put it to the test.

 

No way I would spend that amount for those unknown issues. Then you will be spending another $1k shortly just for the timing belt fix. Also if you read the full lbj thread, why ask rhetorical questions??

The radiator is a sealed system once buttoned up, so I have no idea how a vacuum hose leak would cause air in the radiator. That's usually typical when you change the fluid bc you introduce air into the system, that's why you bleed it. If it has bubbles in the radiator best believe it's running hot. I would trust lexus diagnosis over some random cars.com service person!! Of course they are going to tell you what you want to hear. Do you expect him to say "yeah the car had major problems and we fixed everything" lol?

This is what likely happened. Someone traded in the car with problems, lexus decided they didn't want to deal with the problems and cost to fix it, they sold it to cars.com for dirt cheap, they "fixed" it and now trying to sell for super profit.

 

No way dude, easy pass...

 

can you do yourself a favor and test drive a 01-05 gs430 or even a 98-2000 gs400 first before you consider a gs300? The difference is like night and day. I immediately sold my gs300 and bought a 400 after driving freds.

 

That price is a bit steep and yes you should replace the lower ball joints if you haven't seen in any service records that they've been replaced. Regardless if the car is lowered or not, I was in a GS3 backing into a parking spot when the LBJ gave out and the car was completely factory.

I would talk that price down, like others have posted the cost of replacing the timing belt and other little things you'll find that you feel you want to address will quickly push the car to about 14k if it was bought for 12k. For that price I would probably find a well taken care of GS430 with lower miles or look at a different car completely. From what you've told us about the car, the cost of fixing the timing belt and LBJ among other things, and that price doesn't seem to add up to me.

 

If you're spending that much on a 2GS, find a 430 with less problems. It might take some patience but it will be worth it in the end. Also, what kind of driving will you be doing? Daily driver, weekend driver? You can find a mid-mileage (125k - 150k) 2GS for about $6-7k. If it was properly maintained it will be good for another 150k - 200k miles easy. BEST bang for your buck imo.

 

listen to this ... if you are going to take a 400 mile trip at least take a 15 min test drive in the big brother. I think it will help you pass on your dilemma. Price is steep even though its a SD imo. $500 more and you could have bought my 2007 IS350

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate all your your input. Its going to be a dialy driver. 20 miles to work and 20 back. Thay makes a lot of sense. I dont really want to invest 1 to 2k in a car . Im still just learning and you guys have really helped me out a ton.

I actually test drove an 02 gs430 with 95k. And you guys r right. Night and day. There def. are a few availabe (gs430) for a little bit more than 6 to 7k. But the car just feels more powerful and just a lot more juice. Im not in a rush so jm not just gonna buy it to buy something.

Gonna keep looking, I really appreciate tje feedback. Thats the reason I posted here to get some quality advice and feedback. Its still a learning process with me.. so be patient. .lol ill keep you posted.