Lexus GS300...worth it?
 

Hi all! I have an opportunity to purchase a 2001 Lexus GS300 with 165,000 miles for $3000. I've been told it needs rear brake pads and a new serpentine belt. Is that a reasonable price for needing those repairs? Any idea how much it would cost to fix both issues? I'm a woman who knows very little, well not much at all, about cars. I do know that the seller, my daughters teacher, is very trustworthy and has taken very good care of the car. Any help or advice, however, would be much-appreciated. :)

Welcome to CL. :)

The main issue what that particular engine (late 90s/early 2000's) was that the oil had to be kept changed at the proper intervals....it was not forgiving of laggards, and could sludge/gel and, in extreme cases, cook the engine. Sounds like your daughter's teacher is trustworthy, but, to make sure, try and get documented service/oil change receipts to make sure the engine has been properly serviced.

I think the key question is what are your other choices for that cost? I'm sure you could find an Accord or Camry that is newer with less miles--although not from a known seller. The 165,000 miles/14 years old would give me pause, personally.

For $3000, a Camry or Accord is going to be similar miles and year around in my part of the woods.

I'd say $3000 is a very fair price for that Lexus if you have some service history/reciepts with it.

As for the belt, is the serpentine belt or the timing belt that needs to be changed? Serpentine belt I can change one of those in 15 minutes in my driveway, timing belt is usually a $700-1200 service item. Check to see when the timing belt was last done, I think on the 2JZ engine like that car has its every 60k, so it would be due in 15k miles or if you don't have proof that it was done in the past it needs to be done RIGHT NOW before you put any miles on the car.

As for rear brakes, expect that to run you $200-500 depending on what needs to be replaced.

rear brake pads, no biggie, $100. sepentine belt replacement... a bunch more?

but $3k for the car sounds great if it seems to drive great to you.

That year GS with that mileage would go for 4.5k here in the bay area. I would say that's definitely a reasonable price and would jump on that purchase if it shows to be well maintained. It would more than likely outlast a honda, as from my experience their transmissions are first to go. You also have to weigh whether you mind sacrificing fuel economy for the added luxury.

you gotta factor in the body/interior condition, drivabilty, leaks/tires.

Also i find it ironic that the 01+ gs3 gets the steering wheel tiptronic and the 01 gs430 don't, when in fact the 98+gs4 had it

I can personally assure you, you will love the GS 100x over the Camry and Accord. Just test drive all three and you will see how much better the GS is. My previous car was a ES300 (Lexus version of the Camry) and I think the GS is far better in terms of driving and quality. I'm sure you'll have to do some repairs to it, but that almost always happens when buying a used car.

$3k is a good deal in my opinion provided that it's in good mechanical and cosmetic shape.

I have a 99 GS300 with 270k miles. The 2nd Generation is a well built car and fun to drive. The timing interval is 90k. $3000 is a good price especially if you know the previous owner.

Never in my life heard this about the engine so I'm sure you're wrong. Especially since its the same engine from 98-05. Now I think you have this engine confused with the ES300 which is a known sludge engine due to poor oci's. The GS engine...has never been considered a sludge engine.

Agreed, mmarshall must be thinking of the 1MZ-FE, which is plagued with sludge issues if not taken care of properly.