jayhatch

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jalen and I'm a proud new owner of a 2000 Lexus GS400 Platinum Series. I got it with 115,400 miles on it. I'll post pictures, but it's currently snowing in Michigan so I want to clean it up a bit first. I flew down to Fort Myers, Florida to buy it, and drove it over 1,500 miles home to Michigan and it was fantastic. It even gave me my first speeding ticket, so to say I enjoyed my time is an understatement. It is completely stock, but I am considering an axle-back exhaust and possibly coilovers. I have the Nakamichi sound system, so are there converter kits to incorporate bluetooth/aux input?

I'm new to the ClubLexus forum, so I wanted to get my feet wet and say hello. I also wanted to ask, does anyone know of a good independent mechanic in the Metro Detroit or Lansing area? I did notice a very minor leak when I got it home, but didn't see overwhelming. I would prefer to not have to fork over an arm and a leg at the Lexus dealership. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Jalen

SaiyanGS3

iTrader: (8)

Welcome! As a new member, you should definitely take one day to read through the pinned threads at the top of the page. Click on suspension and read those too. 99.9% of your questions can be found by searching the site or reading the pinned threads. Has the timing belt been change? If the answer is no, you need to do that ASAP, along with changing crank and cam seals. Did the previous owner change the lower ball joints? Replace ASAP. How does the power steering and atf look? I can keep going, but it will serve you well to start reading. We're big on helping, but you will learn quickly that we don't spoon feed here lol. Unfortunately you have the 98-00 model...so your transmission solenoids and lower control arms are on borrowed time.

kevin3344

Congrats and welcome! I crossed 100,000 miles back in 2008 IIRC so there is a lot of life left in that car. To think I almost traded her in at 150,000 miles before "problems started". Coming up on 230,000 miles now with no problems whatsoever. She runs and drives as if she has a lot less mileage.

There are a few things you will need to pay attention to, however. As previously mentioned keep an eye on your ball joints and control arms those are the big ones. Also be sure and change your timing belt / water pump if it hasn't been changed already. It's also common for the power steering fluid to leak at the reservoir. Because of the location it can take out your alternator. Not a big deal but keep an eye on it. I usually check mine whenever I check the oil.

Other than that, enjoy your purchase!

jayhatch

Thank you both for the advice! It seems to have been extremely well taken care of. The interior looks legitimately brand new, and the timing belt was changed at 96K.
The leak is at the very front of the motor, so I wonder if it is power steering, or if it's simply a hose that has gone bad. It wasn't driven much the last couple of years, so a drive from Florida to Michigan, and climate change could have had an effect on a hose. I'll be sure to look into it, but I am looking forward to lots of good years with this car!