Hey y'all, I was wondering on your guy's take on the gs400 is the upkeep too much? Although I really love a GS I don't know if I would have the funds to keep fixing up small problems on my first car.

 

Nope, assuming you just do regular maintenance like oil changes, belts, and other fluids etc. Lexus/Toyota are among the most reliable cars ever made. Plus, the 1UZ V8 in the GS400 is probably the smoothest and most reliable V8 ever, no biased, it really is..

 

If reliability is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with a 2GS. Keep in mind all cars will need maintenance - like brakes, tires, etc. That's just part of automobile ownership.

But as for unexpected repairs I've seen very few in 18 years.

 

Remember, if you are not a DIYer it is cheaper to take it to Toyota than a Lexus' dealership. I have a 2002 GS430. In 15 years, not counting regular maintenance I have replaced the y pipe, the MAF sensor and a brake light bulb.

 

Had a 97 sc400 with 270k+ miles, multiple owners and never knew what was done with it. Never left me stranded.

Currently have a 01 IS300 with 250k+ miles, I'm the 4th owner, just did whole front of the motor. Never left me stranded.

Also own a 02 GS300 with 140k miles, I'm the 3rd owner, don't know the history, just did new oem valve cover gasket with new platinum plugs along with new battery and filter. Never left me stranded. Prior to tune up and after.

Owned several MK3 Supras as well and all never left me stranded. Point is, Toyota and Lexus are very, and I use that term real heavy, reliable cars. Just freshen them up with a nice tune up and you can drive them for as long as you want.

 

Thanks so much reassures me knowing all this!

 

the suspension is a weak point in the 2gen gs series, other then that there pretty much solid with the proper preventive maintance.

 

Just wanted to add while I've had very issues, there were a couple things on the 2GS you have to pay attention to. Here were mine:

1. Power steering leak - common issue, and if left unchecked it will leak on your alternator and take it out. So keep an eye on your P/S level (all fluids really). Easy fix.

2. Vacuum hoses - over time these can degrade, and will cause a P0440 or P0446 CEL. It's a $5 fix, but something to keep an eye on.

3. Ball joints - common wear area on the 2GS. Mine were changed back in 2011 but have them checked out if they haven't been changed.

4. Timing belt / water pump - this is part of regular maintenance, so plan on having it changed every 90-100,000 miles. I've done mine twice, at 120,000 and 220,000 miles.

That's about it, as you can tell none of these are deal breakers and most cars can only dream of being as reliable as any 2GS, even neglected ones. One that is well taken care of will give you many, many years of trouble-free service.