Hi everyone,

So I've been entertaining the idea of upgrading from my 2005 Kia Sorento to something like a used luxury sedan for a while now. I really like what I've read and seen about the GS430, and found what seems like a good price for one semi-locally. They're asking in the 13,000's and it is loaded with Nav, Mark Levinson, Cooled seats, etc. My concern is that the car has 105,000 miles - only slightly less than my Sorento (still a heck on a upgrade). It seems like an awful lot of car for the money, but how big of a caution would you put on buying one of these that has that much wear? I've heard great things about Lexus build quality and maintenance costs, but I'm looking for additional opinions.

Looking forward to any thoughts you might have!

Thanks,
J

P.S. Hoping I've posted this on the right sub-forum!

 

13 grand! Wow thats a steal if its clean title and in good shape jump on it. I would replace timing chain, water pump, and plugs and you should be good.

That car retail would sell for 16grand. Good Luck!

 

can't really say... 13k sound about right...

GS430 still use the old V8 engine, don't remember if it was a belt or chain but Toyota are pretty reliable so i wouldn't worry too much

 

Timing belt, you wouldn't need to change if it was a chain.

 

For $13K I would jump on it.

 

Mine is gs430 & got my belt change at 100k. Good reliable car. My alternator died at 118k. It wasn't fun. If I knew I would have it change too.

 

these cars are beast and easily can get 200k out of them. if its only 13k, i would jump on it if it comes back with a clean title.

our company car is a 07 gs350 and it has 160k on it now and it still run perfectly.

 

Jump on this car, if its clean title. Because that price is auction rough book. If you dont jump on it give me the guys number I will buy it.

 

damn! thats ridic! im at 98K right now and saw others in this range going for 19,000

that price sounds too good to be true imo

 

Do it! LOL. If everything checks out, I would jump on it. Just look for basic stuff or take a mechanic friend with you. Just look for leaks, cracks in hoses or belts etc etc. Doubt you will find much though, as these cars are built like tanks.

Heck, I bought my GS430 with 139K miles on it, because I needed a ride right then (old car was totaled)....it was a gamble but the price was sweet at 17K.. (so I thought....but compared to your price..lol) Also is loaded with Marklev, cooled etc. everything but the pcs and laser cruise.

At 13K.... yours sound like a sweet *** deal. Just have some extra money aside for usual wear and tear, i.e. brakes and tires.

I was lucky enough to get my car from an 'obsessive' owner... was able to see all service records performed, and everything was done at the dealer. Oil changes, timing belt, etc. Mine was probably a lease. See if maybe you can pull up any records on how the car was maintained.

In my case, so far, it worked out pretty well. Not one thing had to be 'fixed'. Just usual brakes and tires, but that's after 15K of driving. Engine and tranny are still silky smooth. A dream to drive. Drove to Miami twice already (from Atlanta. That's a 670 mile/9 hour trip). Drove it non stop twice. Both times without a single hiccup.

 

I hate to come back without a success story, but I checked in with the seller today to find out about some of the maintenance records, and it turns out it sold yesterday!

(Now, which one of you sleuths found it from here and snapped it up?) :P

No big deal though. It sure seemed like a great buy, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for the next one, and I'll feel more readily assured about handling high mileage.

Thanks for the responses everyone, and hopefully I can proudly join the Lexus owner's club one day!

 

in 'Murica, we have a saying "Buy first, think later"

 

Seems that central and south Florida always have auctions and venues where you can get great deals on vehicles. I have a coworker that purchased his 09 GS350 near Orlando for about 22k. Research which you want to have the most and start hunting!

 

I did search for it, couldn't find it. But deals like that do not last, you have to be quick and ready with cash on hand. When you find a good deal like that again, call the seller and drive there, inspect the car, take it to a mechanic if needed.

Theres a saying! Snooze, You lose! But, dont worry tax season is starting to taper off, so you will find more deals out there.

 

do check it out, but do not worry about the miles. I had over 180K on my 01 when I traded it in and never had a problem