I'm looking to get a used GS400 and was wondering what to look for when inspecting
it? what are the common problems? are they reliable? high maintenace? when should
the timing chain be done? water pump? is there much difference between 98-01?
how much should i expect to pay for a decent GS400?

i checked out a 98 GS400 this weekend and i could say it was beautiful.
fully loaded with the NAVI and the whole nine.. i loved it.
the only problem is that the car has 104k and noisy lifters. is that a common?

appreciate any feedback, thanks

 

Use of the "search" function in this forum would answer all of your questions

I wrote a fairly lengthy summary on pros/cons of buying privately / cpo in this thread; may be worth a look.

You can buy a used 98-00 GS400 with confidence if you folllow some of the steps decribed in the link above.

From the research I did before I bought my 99 GS400, I would say there are no year specific reliability issues between 98-00 GS400. Some say the 98 is more prone to interior rattles; I did not experience this with the 98-99-00 GS4's I've been in thus far. These are some of the most reliable vehicles you can buy, period.

btw...a good online used car value estimator tool can be found at Edmunds.com

Good luck!

 

Straight6, what do you mean by noisy lifters?

 

quicksilver, i meant that the lifters were ticking. i know Hondas are known
for ticking lifters, but wasn't sure if it was the same thing for toyotas. I used
to own an Acura Legend but never had that problem. only during start ups
til the oil flows.

Tom, thanks alot for the info.

 

If the 90K service isn't done, then you are looking at $700 90,000 mile service and the timing belt and water pump is an additional $850. After you find the prices at Edmunds.com, KBB.com to get an idea on the price of your GS, search GS400 at cars.com and autotrader.com with your price range for all areas. That will give you an idea whether there are any better deals out there. Have fun finding your GS400.

 

Lexus main selling trait might be reliability. Make sure the previous owner took care of the car.

 

thanks for all the feedback.. glad this site is helpful to those who are looking
to join the club.... (not like the cocky bimmer owners) the hunt continues for a GS400.....
thanks all!

 

Have you found one yet?

 

Cadd he found one last year , I mention the Cl Member Straight6 yesterday remember I help him put that bottom moulding on the door back on october.

 

If you get a high mileage GS, try to get one with maintenance records and good Carfax report. 90k mile service with water pump, and timing belt is aroune $1,600 at Lexus service. You can use advanced search at autotrader for all areas to determine whether there are other GS4 with less mileage about the same price. 98 is also out of basic warranty so no longer gets free navigation update.

 

yup.. i found a silver/black with navi..
hey angelslex, do you still have your car? i thought you were selling it?

 

I checked out Angel's car yesterday.....VERY VERY VERY SHARP looking!

 

what about these 2 - gs400 both 2000, both loaded with nav and tiptronic, one 40k miles and xenon - $ 27k still under warranty , one with 80k miles no xenon at 20k ! which one would be a better deal ? thx a lot !

 

I thought all GS4 comes with Xenons. Hmmmm.

Personally, I would get the 40k one. I'm looking to buy the car and keep it for a pretty long time. So the extra $7k is worth it TO ME.

But if you plan to keep the car for only a year or two, I would get the $20k car and save your money for you next purchase.

 

Nah they dont, I have seen a few GS4's without HID. Seems like your checking out quite a few CL members' cars, any closer to purchasing?