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I am currently in the market for a GS400. I am new here to the forums and to Lexus but I have been in the car scene for a few years, I have worked on a friends Volvo V70R and 850R as well as worked on an endless amount of farm trucks and tractors. I enjoy going to car meets even though I don't have an interesting car to bring ( 1999 Toyota corolla ). I want to get a Lexus GS400 for many reasons.
1. Reliability
2. 300hp from a 4.0L V8
3. If something does break, I can fix it my self
4. V8's will soon be a thing of the past and I want to enjoy them before they are gone
My goal with the car is to keep it clean and feature it in a YouTube channel in the making. I really just want to keep the car running as long as possible, I believe this car and this generation of Lexus was so outstanding and surprisingly not well known.
I am looking for a clean 2nd gen GS400 under 150,000 miles in any color. PM me if you have an offer. Also if anyone knows of any things that are problematic when looking to purchase these cars I would appreciate any advice.
Welcome to the forum! You can't go wrong with a well taken care of 2GS. I purchased mine new in 1999 and next year will mark the 20th year I've owned the car. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned and is like a part of the family now. I couldn't imagine driving anything else.
As for problem areas, not many. The only things I can think of you might need to pay attention to are ball joints, motor mounts and vacuum hoses. You know, things that may wear out due to age....but certainly not a deal breaker. Be sure the timing belt / water pump has been changed and you'll be good for many years.
Here is a pic of mine from a year or so ago. Like I said buy one if you can!
I cannot find better words than kevin3344 has used.
I've had mine since 1998 (GS300 bought slightly used) and it's been a pleasure to own and drive.
Kevin's right about the ball joints but add to that the aircon compressor and door-lock actuators. On the plus side, the exhaust and shocks seem to last forever (mine are original) and others on this forum report 300k+ mileage on the original engines and gearboxes. Try getting that from a Merc or BMW!
Go for it but don't expect the best fuel economy! Our gas prices in the UK are about double those in the US.
Welcome to the forum! You can't go wrong with a well taken care of 2GS. I purchased mine new in 1999 and next year will mark the 20th year I've owned the car. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned and is like a part of the family now. I couldn't imagine driving anything else.
As for problem areas, not many. The only things I can think of you might need to pay attention to are ball joints, motor mounts and vacuum hoses. You know, things that may wear out due to age....but certainly not a deal breaker. Be sure the timing belt / water pump has been changed and you'll be good for many years.
Here is a pic of mine from a year or so ago. Like I said buy one if you can!
Alright so it seems like I should just look for typical wear and tear. Thanks for the pointers man, also that's a really nice car what wheels do you have on it?
Alright so it seems like I should just look for typical wear and tear. Thanks for the pointers man, also that's a really nice car what wheels do you have on it?
your best bet is to get a 2003-2005 GS430. It's the same thing as a 400
Alright so it seems like I should just look for typical wear and tear. Thanks for the pointers man, also that's a really nice car what wheels do you have on it?
Actually those are the factory 17" OEM rims from Lexus that came with the car. There was a 16" and 17" option back then.
I would also check all the positions on the climate controller because any of the 4 servos can go out or be not working. On that move all vent positions, both driver and passenger temp cold to hot and the air recirculate button and check for any noises and make sure they work. I suggest you take the servos completely apart to clean and grease them with dielectric grease right away when you get your new GS so you do not have any problems in that area. I did that to mine 3 years ago and 18k miles later they have been problem free.
Great choice to buy a GS400. These cars are so durable and reliable, not to mention well made. It still surprises me they aren't more popular. The upside is that makes them cheap. With care, these are cars you can own and enjoy for 20+ years. My own car has 200K miles and the interior is like new. The exterior is nearly new but for rust on the top of the windshield, sadly due to a shoddy glass replacement. I daily drive mine and I live where there is up to 6-months of snow-on-the-ground winter, any weather, it starts.
Definitely a GS400... I'm going on my 14th year with my 99 and still think its the best car. Its been a second car for me all these years and now looking into a GS350 in the next year and half.
Not sure whether I want to sell it yet. Biggest issue I have is valuation. How does one figure out how much these cars are worth?
Value is hard to determine sometimes. A low mileage 2GS is hard to find....but then again it still is an almost 20 year old car. You have to find someone that appreciates it. But $8-9k is not out of the ordinary if maintenance has been kept up.
09-08-18, 01:15 PM
In the market for 2nd gen GS400
