It was rear ended. The dealer 'spent' $9k getting it back to normal. No frame or suspension damage. Bumper cover, trunk, and both left doors. Lots of moulding replaced around the windows. The impact was not enough to break the rear glass.

Here is what they did.
paper1.doc
paper2.doc
paper3.doc

Nothing important (affecting ride quality) was affected. I took it out for about an hour on the highway, averaged 80mph but went to 110 a couple times. The whole trip the car rode like it was on glass. The paint looks very, very good. I can't find where the new paint was feathered into the old paint. Anyway around here, 98GS's with 70,000 miles go for over 20,and I have to be honest the only way I'm getting into a Lexus with less than 100,000 miles is this car.

I know some of you are going to have a kneejerk reaction to repaired cars, but I would like to hear some thought out feedback.

I forgot to mention, the work done is warranted for as long as the next buyer owns the car. This particular one has everything except the Nak sound and navigation. It was owned by an older woman who bought it new at this dealer, and they have records of every service she brought it in for. And she brought it in for everything.

 

sounds like you might be OK with this ride. The only other thing I might do is take it to a shop that has a machine that tells you how straight the frame is. If it checks out Ok with them........then it might be on!!!

Good luck!!


Eric

 

which does the title fall under? You could find something not wrecked if you look hard enough.

 

if it's a clear title, go for it!

 

well, if you have chemistry with that car, id say go and buy it.. if you dont, i suggest you to be patient and keep on shop around, FYI i got my silver 98 GS300 66K on 8/03 for 17.5 in TX, privately owned and in immaculate condition (with little wear and tear like chips, minor wheel curb, broken bulbs..not something noticable)... autotrader might be your best friend good luck

 

That car IS frame damaged. Avoid it unless you can have it for 15k.

 

u know..for about 18k you can get a 98 GS4.... dont buy from a dealer unless you are desperate

 

My car is for sale for 16k, 86000 mile, super clean, no acciedent.

www.1112studio.com/forsale/gs300.html

 

Thanks for the replies guys. The title won't be clear when if it's put in my name. I didn't think it would be a big deal if I plan on driving it a lot.

I'm going to spend another day or two looking for a GS400 like koreanper said.

 

HI, just to let you know, the difference is very noticeable between the GS3 and GS4. We drove a GS3 and the dealer tried to tell me that there is basically no real difference that you can feel. That is BS. ONce i drove the GS4 i was really surprised. It really accelerates fast. Take your time, find a GS4 and you will not be dissappointed.

Otherwise, if you buy a GS3, you might be wishing you had a GS4 within a month or so.

 

Just read this thread and wondered if boosted96 got this car or not. I personally wouldn't buy it, especially for $18 K. I think that's too much money for a car with so many repairs to it. The inflated KBB value is only $20 K for a clear titled GS 3 in good condition. After glancing through the papers on this car, this would most likely have a salvage/repaired title which would make it worthless if you tried selling it later. They may guarauntee it but who wants to go through the hassle of taking your car back to the dealer all the time. A 98 GS with the same mileage and a clear title can definitely be attainable and give you better piece of mind. Just my 2 cents...

 

exactly what i was saying...you can buy a 98 gs4 for that price

 

I personally would not buy any car that was in a accident like that. Spending 9k to fix the car is alot and it could have been titled "salvage". Minor fender benders are ok, but when the frame needs repairing, it is risky.

 

You guys are right about the title. In the state it's titled in now it is not required to indicate damaged, but if I had bought it, my state would give it a damaged title. Truth is I was going to buy it but took too long and someone else got it. But I appreciate everyone's comments.