I had a couple SC's before and loved the Lexus brand so when I stumbled on a minty '98 GS300 locally, I grabbed it. It's got about 180k and everything seems to work. The only things I can be picky about are the front brake rotors vibrating a bit and the hood struts are blown, very simple fixes. I've been searching around for common problems/known issues but didn't come up with anything specific. Besides the ball joint issue, is there anything else I should be checking?

As for plans, I'm keeping things fairly modest for now. Probably just tint, better speakers, TTE lip, some version of a newer style Lexus GS wheel and maybe a super slight drop, probably springs. I have some research to do but otherwise all in all, I'm stoked. Here's a couple shots from the first fill up, I'll get more as time goes on.

 

Looks to be in great condition!! As for known problems - none that I know of. A few months ago my brother-in-law purchased a '98 GS300 with 282k for $3k...he's got about 288k now. I asked him if he had any issues and he said not one. I've got a '99 GS400 myself with 225k and I think the most recent repair I've done were the motor mounts.

 

Nice find, be sure to get the maintenance work done if you do not know the service history. Definitely do the ball joints and steering rack bushings.
Oh, hurry up and change those tail lights to the 01 plus lol.
Yes some nice wheels and a slight drop will set her off nicely.
Have fun with her.

 

Congrats on the pick-up.

 

Nice! Love to hear it! I bought this with 188k, so far, I have no complaints.

Thanks! Good advise, I checked out those tails, they look way better, are they plug and play? I have a lot of reading up to do on the forums for things like this. As for maintenance, I'll be getting it up on the lift this weekend for the diff, trans, oil, coolant and brake flush. They didn't have any records of maintenance besides the sticker from the last oil change on the windshield. lol

Appreciate it.

 

First problem has risen, I'm getting a P0440 EVAP code, I checked the gas cap and cleared the code, came right back after about 20 miles. I'll check some vacuum lines and the charcoal BS and see what I can come up with. On a positive note, my car is at the tint shop as we speak, I'll post up some pictures afterwards. I ordered some hood struts, front OEM rotors and dropped in a new air filter. I also read through the "2GS FAQ" thread and saw some awesome info, I'll be doing a few of the DIY's soon. Guess I'll have to start a mini build thread since the mod bug is likely on its way lol..

 

The P0440 code is almost always a cracked vacuum hose...you may have to take the engine cover off and shine a flashlight but you'll see it. I found 2 on my SC430.

 

Got a few things done over the weekend, nothing major.

Tinted the windows, 15% all around and 50% on the windshield.


Had a slight vibration during heavy braking so I replaced the rotors and pads. Just went with some Brembo blanks and Hawk pads.

Replaced the cabin filter, and wow, it had to have been almost completely clogged, the air blows so much better now. Here's a comparison against a white envelope lol.

Lastly, sanded and painted the grill black. It was tattered and faded. Looks a lot cleaner now.





I guess I may have to start a build thread, I'm beginning to think this is going to become a project lol

 

See if you can track down the clear side markers for the front. They look great on silver, really clean.

I also bought these to fix my front plate holes, painted them with touch-up paint. Not as fine as what you get from bumperplugs, but I am happy w the results.

 

Ahh good stuff, I'll definitely grab those clears. I may or may not get those plugs too, Missouri requires a front plate but I never run one so I'm on the fence.