Hello everyone,


As I get closer and closer to pull the trigger on a 1998-2000 GS400 as my Daily, I came across this Black on Black GS400, it has Tein Coilovers and 19-inch wheels, the owner has done the recent repair of the water pump, timing belt, and a Fan bracket. Which is great since I will be driving 120 miles daily. Now as we are getting closer to the date of purchase, I ask the owner if he has taken care of the smog and if there is a check engine light that comes on. (which the check engine is on)

The owner has mentioned to me a couple of other things are needed to get repaired:

• Smog is needed (check engine comes on and off)
• O2 Sensor
• It has a small power steering leak
• O ring
• Rear brakes are needed
• Left CV joint

The Owner has promised to take care of the smog which I believe he will have to repair the O2 sensor, But what about the following repairs? I don't know what an O-Ring is or where that goes to. However the other repairs I feel might be $500-600 in repairs plus the front driver fender is damage which that would cost $150.00. Should I ask the owner to come down on the price of about $500.00 less?

the asking price is $4000.00

here are some pictures of the car.







Thank you for reading this and for everyone input.

There are some red flags. Other than that damaged fender, it's a nice looking car. But the way OBD2 systems work is when a system has a problem, it illuminates the engine light until the the problem is fixed and or the code(s) cleared. The only exception is when the car has intermittent misfires as the only issue. The light will flash when the problem occurs, then go out if if doesn't persist long enough to keep the light on. I would invest in a small hand held scanner and check for codes yourself. Look at the readiness monitors too. Research a little on how to look for these, Its very easy. But he could be constantly clearing codes and trying to get the car by on a smog somehow to sell it. I suspect a cat or two are bad. If you find that no readiness monitors are set, don't walk RUN. The car has issues and he is a liar.

Thank for you for your help with this!

This is a questionable purchase. As previously mentioned grab a OBDII scanner and run the code. It's could be an exhaust leak at your y-pipe which is a common issue on the 2GS4 and something I had fixed on my GS400. You'll definitely want the power steering leak fixed asap. Because of the location it leaks on the alternator which means you'll have to replace both if it continues. The o-ring is probably the oil dipstick o-ring which is not too bad. You'll also have to have the rear brakes replaced which is something he should have done. All in all unless you have a 2GS mechanic lined up I would pass or offer a lot less. You're likely looking at $1,000-$1,500 in repairs.

WOW thank you so much for the advice