tps3443

Me and my wife are buying two Lexus's in the next week or so. Were going to finance the wifes GS430 through our local credit union, and pay cash for my MINTY FRESH 98 SC400. Id like to find a 2005 GS430, without spending more than $7,000. Im trying to find a super clean gs430 hince the higher price. She loves the body styling, and i know it'll be extremely reliable.

anything i should look out for? Im looking less than 100k miles, i want her to have a newer loaded GS430. She likes fast cars, not fast like a supped up racing car lol, but a car that just moves smoothly with minimal engine revving. she likes a fuel efficient V8 with 4 doors, and rwd.

are the 2005's rare?

im not to big on the 2006 and up styling, plus cost for a super clean one is to expensive.

kevin3344

You're making the right decision purchasing a 2GS. With proper maintenance it will last a long time. Just find one that has been well cared for and you'll be fine. As for maintenance you may want to make sure the timing belt/water pump was changed at 100k. I've had mine done twice at 120k and 220k. These motors are rock solid. The only weakness on the 2GS is a leak from the power steering reservoir...because of where it is it can take out the alternator. Oh and the ball joints. Other than that it's been mostly regular maintenance for me. Sometimes you will get a CEL for a P0446 and that's usually the gas cap or a vacuum hose. Cheap fix. Remember these cars are over 10 years old and those things will happen.

As for rarity, here are the production numbers someone posted a while ago:

GS400
1998 (11,912)
1999 (7,485)
2000 (5,089)

GS430
2001 (5,982)
2002 (2,597)
2003 (2,271)
2004 (1,537)
2005 (422)

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

Blame George W for the 430 being rare. I had a chance to get the 430, but turned it down because I assumed they burned more gas...major mistake. If you can find any 430 in great condition, go for it. You won't gain anything by purchasing a 05

tps3443

We are financing it through credit union, so I need the car to book out. And be worth the money.
so the newer the better. And I guess less sun damage, other than that I don’t care what year.

lextout

kevin3344

Not really. I did my caster arm assemblies back in 2013, but considered that normal maintenance due to the roads in NC. When I got to 200,000 miles I had a vibration around 2,200 rpm. New motor and transmission mounts fixed that. If you can believe it I changed the original spark plugs on 2/20/17 at 223,418 miles. No kidding. Over the years I had my indy pull them and they said they were fine. The dealer, too. I'm like how?? lol. Finally I was at the dealer for regular maintenance last year and said look just change them and they did. I sleep a lot better since they've been changed lol.

One owner with excellent service history? I would buy this car!

Arcadian

Normally it would seem crazy to finance a car that old, but in this case, nope. The 2GS is hands down the best value in a used car. For relatively cheap, you can find a well-cared for car that will last you 200,000 miles and do so with V8 power and a beautiful, comfortable and durable interior. I was thinking to go from my GS400 to an LS430 in a year or two, but now I'm thinking GS430 like you.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Make sure to check service history to confirm timing belt was done - should have been at those miles

daddyduke

I'm tired of my Lexus it's reliable but to me it's so not worth it I would look at g35s 2007 the lex is disconnected from the road no matter what you do to it your always looking or feeling like something is missing my Qx56 is more fun to drive than my GS430 and I changed out all the bushings new rack PS pump and coilovers with new tires don't get me wrong its a good car but no fun at I say Infiniti if you don't want to go German or get 3gs 460 or a is350 for that price

tps3443

We are actuallimg getting her a 2007 Lexus gs430. It is a 3GS. Car looks phenomenal! As long as everything works out we should be good to go.

HedgeFund

post some pics once you get it