bmartin325

Just bought a 98 GS300 with only 117k miles. The car is in pretty rough shape as far as I am concerned. Issues I know of are: non-working gas gauge, 2 front door lock actuators, rear seal oil leak, oxidizing paint, and who knows what else.

I need to get some life back into this car but was looking for suggestions on a good shop that will work with me as I progress through the repairs needed.

I am sure I paid too much for this car considering the condition ($4500) but am now trying to decide if I want to try and sell and find one in better condition or just fix this one.

Plus I know very little about cars, which makes it much more frustrating.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Bryan

Bryson808

Man U Should of bought my 1999 clean gs for that prices.vip out

raytseng

the car is not too hard to work on.

Finding a shop that works for you is always a tough. As it is difficult to judge "Value". Some people are happy with the lowest cost, others are willing to pay more for better service, still others want premium service and go dealer only.

This car is not special. You can go for any shop you trust, but what you can filter on the following priority:
1) Toyota Specialist
2) Japanese car specialist

3) Shop seems to use computers for servicing and writing up your bill. The old mechanic who has 45years of knowledge has a particular place, like if you have a classic car you need restoring. But if they aren't using computers and not keeping up to date with the correct service manuals, i'd cross them off.

4) Avoid if they say specializing specifically in BMW/Porsche/MB/Volvo. You're paying a premium for a eruopean specialist skillset that doesn't help your Lexus.


Use Yelp or other review site to just get a local recommendation.

702GS

I just got a 2000 GS here in the valley, if I had to pick a place to send my car to get worked on I might send it up to the guys at Hondoctors.

But I just work on it myself, I think you are forgetting the lower ball joints and tie rods. I just swapped those out last weekend, along with a set of coilovers. Glad I did, they were in rough shape.

mex lex

iTrader: (4)

Go pay Yoshi at Samurai Motors on Spring Mountain road a visit. A lot of Vegas Lexus guys and VIP guys will vouch for Samurai. I don't live in Nevada but I can vouch for them. While I was on vacation in Vegas two years ago, I had a power steering reservoir hose leak on my GS300 the day I left Vegas. Yoshi took care of me on a Sunday and I made it home safe on my 5 hour drive.

BTW, Yoshi himself owns a highly modified GS300. He's no stranger to these cars

angus

iTrader: (4)

Some of those things are pretty easy to DIY and you can save a bunch.

The rear main seal I would try AT 205 first.

bmartin325

Thank you for all the replies. Already talked with Yoshi and he seems to not be interested in working on it. That may not be a good sign.

Going to take to Precision Performance tommorrow and let them take a look.

Good looking everyone.

bmartin325

So Precision Performance got me running. There was a valve cover gasket leak that was puking oil into spark plugs. We are running now but next is getting new tires/rims.

Anyone in Vegas got any rims for sale to fit 98 GS?

702GS

I just got a set of IS350 rims, so yes I do have a set for sale! However they are my stock rims, interested?

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

yoshi may come off like that but its mostly just because he does not speak very good english, but if you are serious and have the money hell take care of you.