susan07

Hi, I bought this 2003 Lexus GS300 3 years old in 2006. I love it. See pic under attachment. I keep it well maintained. It currently has 159K miles on it and drives great. Around 153k, the cat code P0430 came on. It also needed upper control arms, and tires. I got the suspension work and tires done so I don't have to rush into a decision. My local mechanic replaced the 02B2 sensor and that did not work. He said a new cat is $3700 but he could try to revive it through sequencing. I took it to lexus. They confirmed that I needed the suspension work and that there was an exhaust leak near the cat. They said get the suspension and drive it for a while and debate the money. I went to meinke to see if they could patch the leak; they said no and quoted me about the same for the work. So now if you say around $3700 plus an oil valve cover leak, plus potentially a lower control arm and then the timing belt at 180K, I will probably need to sink about $6K into it. I do know there are other forums on the P430 code here but I can't seem to find anyone who says to do anything other than new cat. I am not mechanically inclined at all. I live in Central NJ.
If I was operating on pure practicality, I would buy a used camry or Altima for like 15K and move on. However, I am not sure I am ready for an appliance car yet.
That leaves me with:
1) drive it as is for another year until emissions is due and then get another car
2) buy a used GS350 for $30K to $35K.
3) sink the money into it and hope it doesn't need more expensive repairs before I get at least 3 years out of it.
4) the alfa romeo giluia sure is pretty, but I know the reliability isn't there.
5) resign myself to the practical option and get like a new 2018 camry (they aren't too bad).
I do plan to get another opinion on the car to see exactly how much it would be to keep it running for another bit.

Any thoughts are appreciated. I am also willing to write more about my car repairs over the years if anyone is interested. Overall, it has been a great car.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

That exhaust leak could be causing the code... Just sayin.

SpectraBlu

iTrader: (1)

$3700 sounds crazy. You can get one from rock auto for $150-$500, then have a independent mechanic install it.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Probably replacing all 3 and all OEM parts. The front 2 Cats are one piece with the manifold ($1530 each) the third is $400. Not thats its ok

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

From my point of view, when a car gets to 15+ years old, people keep them either because they can't afford anything else or there is an emotional attachment. As good as the GS's are, they require maintenance (such as exhaust , suspension, timing, oil leaks, etc. ) All of this can amount to substantial dollars if you are not savvy to efficient and economical repairs. For the most with normal, routine repairs these cars provide very reliable service. They rarely leave you stranded on the side of the road and usually provide sufficient warning of impending ailments to allow you to keep the car running well. It is really up to you to decide if you prefer to maintain the car or to simply get something new that would probably provide several years of relatively trouble free service before you need to start performing more of the expensive types of repairs. It sounds like you have some attachment to your car but you can (fairly easily?) afford a newer car. Whether you buy new(er) or repair, you are going to have to spend money. Just think about whether you would rather have something new or do you like your 15 year old GS?

For my self I have 1998 GS400. It's got close to 300K on the odo. I am lucky enough to be able to do most repairs myself so it is relatively easy for me to keep the car running. I am also fortunate enough to be able to buy a newer car. In fact I did buy a 2012 Lexus about three years ago as a replacement for my GS but I decided to keep both cars because I still like my GS as a daily driver. I am also interested to see how long I can actually keep the car going with reasonable maintenance expenses. Once I find that the GS becomes too troublesome to repair I will probably let it go.

Good luck with your decision making.

kevin3344

If you love the car I would say keep it. But you need to find a reputable indy not a local mechanic! That means someone who has worked on the 2GS before and understands the vehicle, not replaces a part and hope it works. Have the most important items fixed first. If your inspection is not up a P0430 code will not stop the car from running. It's just a nuisance. I had a P0430 code for a year, and finally had the dealer replaced my y-pipe (it was unrelated to the cat so be careful yours might be as well). The timing belt on these vehicles can last a while, and as you know can be pricey, so don't let someone tell you to add that on top of all the other repairs. I had mine changed the first time at 120,000 miles and the second at 220,000. Make the repairs manageable for your situation.

Bottom line is this vehicle will last you a long time if you take care of it. Most of the items I've changed on my 2GS in the last few years won't have to be replaced for another 7-8 years (like spark plugs, motor mounts and the timing belt). So once you get over this hump I think you will be good for a while. But take your time.

susan07

Thanks to all for the tips. NewGSMan, we saw a GS400 in WV this summer from Canada with 300K. That is great. I just really love the car so I will probably take kevin3344's advice and fix what is needed as needed. Then, when it becomes a total money pit, I will upgrade. It is good to hear the 99 is up to 228K. I will definitely take care of the car. I will look for a reputable indy.

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

*Keep or Sell

BayAreaLex

Wait what? $3700 for a new cat?

Back up and avoid accepting that.

MedicalDoc

You forgot to mention that you have really,really sticky tires!