I’m thinking about buying a 01 gs430 with about 165xxx on it for 4.9k





what are some common problems and fixes I should expect?

I do plan on bringing it to a mechanic after I purchase it so he can take a look through it as well.

any suggestions???

 

Take it to the mechanic before you buy it. If the seller won't let you do that, there's probably something major they know about and aren't disclosing.

 

I test drove it yesterday, and it runs pretty good.
I have my mechanic coming to look at with me later today in case I missed anything yesterday. Hoping he doesn’t find anything.

 

Test all door lock actuators, test HVAC system (HVAC motor tend to go bad), check lowe ball joints, check if you can smell gasoline after the engine is fully warmed up and check for valve cover leak - those are not that major issues but it could help you to get the price down.

 

thanks good looking out.

 

These cars rarely have any major issues that cannot be easily addressed. Mostly just wear and tear stuff. The picture seems to show that either the headlights are not quite right or the hood is maybe out of alignment. The headlights look aftermarket. I would also confirm no major accidents. The color looks interesting. Is it a dark brown? Don't think I have ever seen one quite like that. I like it.

 

Yes, the headlights are definitely aftermarket. No accidents. Also, in the photo the hood was closed over, not completely shut. I had just looked around under it with my flashlight to see if I spotted any oil residue etc and decided to take a pic for the thread with my follow up questions. The color is like a black cherry or maroon. I’ve seen the color on a few

 

I have seen many of these cars with sticky hood latching cable or latch mechanism. You might want to check that as well.

 

The hood is fine I just didn’t shut it all the way completely before taking the photo. Good looking out

 

Looks to be in good shape. When was the last TB/WP change? That's the only major need for these cars every 10 years or so. I changed mine at 120k and 220k, other than that no major issues. Just minor stuff like door lock actuators and servo motors for the A/C. One thing I wish someone told me was if I ever replace the starter to also do the knock sensors. Because they're pretty much in the same location and I had to pay double the labor to replace them about a month after my starter went. Other than that these cars are rock solid.

 

Does it have both factory keys? If not do you have a master key? If you don't know what that is then you need to research.

If motor mounts have not been replaced then that is a potential issue. Do all the power door locks and switches work? As noted by others this is a big flaw in these cars.

I have also had to replace the alternator on both of the two recent GSs I have had. I hope that helps!

Also $4,900 is way to high for that car. Getting closer to $4K would be ideal if you're paying cash.