Keep my '03 and make needed repairs?
07-14-18, 06:41 PM
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Keep my '03 and make needed repairs?
My 2003 GS300 has 205K on the odometer. I purchased it in '05 from Lexus dealer certified pre-owned with 19k on the odometer, so for all intents and purposes its been a one-owner car. The car runs fine (I have always maintained it by the book), the exterior paint is in good shape considering the miles, the wood trim interior is to my liking and in great shape, seats are still comfortable, and nothing wrong with the electronics, but there is work recommended that totals $2,568, with the possibility I may need struts down the road (approximately another $2k). Even though it rides and corners fine, the struts are original. I'm not one who requires a new car every few years. My question is for opinions whether I should I keep it, making the repairs, or get a later model? I should mention that as I am now retired, my driving will be approx 6,000 miles a year, and the car has almost always been in southern California weather. We have a newer 2nd car in my household. Thanks in advance.
07-14-18, 08:46 PM
#2
Keep it. This is one of the last of a good overall top quality built Lexus with no real major problems (especially the 01-05 models). If you do decide to get another Lexus, research and look at all the recalls and problems people have around the mid to late 2000's with the different models. The newer Lexus models later on from those years did improve and get better.
If the Lexus rides good then I would not worry about replacing struts. If you see oil leaking from around the top of your struts or you start to notice it is taking bumps harder, then I would change them. My friend bought a 99 GS300 with 13K original miles about 5 years ago and he is around 55k today with the original struts still and it still rides very good and solid. I would just worry about the maintenance in the book such as the tune-up, timing belt/water pump and fluid changes.
If the Lexus rides good then I would not worry about replacing struts. If you see oil leaking from around the top of your struts or you start to notice it is taking bumps harder, then I would change them. My friend bought a 99 GS300 with 13K original miles about 5 years ago and he is around 55k today with the original struts still and it still rides very good and solid. I would just worry about the maintenance in the book such as the tune-up, timing belt/water pump and fluid changes.
07-16-18, 10:48 AM
#3
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I would keep it just space out the repairs. Most of the fixes I've done on my 2GS the last few years have been pricey but I won't be doing them again for a while - things like motor mounts, spark plugs and a second TB/WP change a couple years ago. I'm coming up on strut replacements, too, but I'm in NC and only driving 5,000 miles a year now. Eventually I'll get to them but no rush. This car has been utterly reliable and save for a fuel pump that started to go on the way back from the beach I haven't had an issue.
07-16-18, 03:45 PM
#5
Do you have the abilities to do the work yourself? Those $2568 worth of repairs would probably be just a few hundred bucks. $2k for strut job? I just did my own for $100 
Is it worth keeping it? I believe so, but if its in need of work and you're unable to preform the work on your own, its probably best to part. Thats a lot of $$ to put into a car thats only worth about the same as the next maintenance job (and thats coming form someone who's put almost 10 times its value into his own GS, but at this point it IS worth for me to repair). But then again, if you dont have the extra $$ to front for a new car, step repairs are the way to go.
Is it worth keeping it? I believe so, but if its in need of work and you're unable to preform the work on your own, its probably best to part. Thats a lot of $$ to put into a car thats only worth about the same as the next maintenance job (and thats coming form someone who's put almost 10 times its value into his own GS, but at this point it IS worth for me to repair). But then again, if you dont have the extra $$ to front for a new car, step repairs are the way to go.
07-20-18, 10:00 PM
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Thanks to all for your advice..As I don't have the facilities nor expertise other than fluid changes, I'll repair piecemeal. I love my '03 too much to give it up.
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07-23-18, 12:39 PM
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Keep it. In your situation this car will go many more years with a relatively small amount for repairs, rather than a monthly lease/payment. It also has far more character and quality than anything new.
07-24-18, 03:23 PM
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08-01-18, 10:02 PM
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Recommended repairs to my 2003 GS300
2. Replace front lower control arms
3. Replace rear knuckle bushings
4. Brake fluid system fluid flush
5. Four wheel alignment
Work would be done by Auto Club with 2 year, 24,000 mile warranty.
08-02-18, 09:23 AM
#12
gemalter,
That sound like a lot of money and I suspect someone is looking to make work - and a fast buck.
Are the control arms actually worn or just the ball joints? Non-oem ball joints are readily available at half of the Lexus price.
My '98 GS300 with 197,000 miles just passed the MOT (statutory UK annual test) with the original struts.
From my other post on this forum and responses, you will be pressed to find a more worthy vehicle, Lexus or otherwise.
That sound like a lot of money and I suspect someone is looking to make work - and a fast buck.
Are the control arms actually worn or just the ball joints? Non-oem ball joints are readily available at half of the Lexus price.
My '98 GS300 with 197,000 miles just passed the MOT (statutory UK annual test) with the original struts.
From my other post on this forum and responses, you will be pressed to find a more worthy vehicle, Lexus or otherwise.
08-02-18, 10:18 AM
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08-02-18, 10:22 AM
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gemalter,
That sound like a lot of money and I suspect someone is looking to make work - and a fast buck.
Are the control arms actually worn or just the ball joints? Non-oem ball joints are readily available at half of the Lexus price.
My '98 GS300 with 197,000 miles just passed the MOT (statutory UK annual test) with the original struts.
From my other post on this forum and responses, you will be pressed to find a more worthy vehicle, Lexus or otherwise.
That sound like a lot of money and I suspect someone is looking to make work - and a fast buck.
Are the control arms actually worn or just the ball joints? Non-oem ball joints are readily available at half of the Lexus price.
My '98 GS300 with 197,000 miles just passed the MOT (statutory UK annual test) with the original struts.
From my other post on this forum and responses, you will be pressed to find a more worthy vehicle, Lexus or otherwise.
08-02-18, 12:19 PM
#15
Part Number: 11213-46030
Positions: Left, $12.60
Valve Cover Gasket
Part Number: 11214-46011
Positions: Right, $14.35
2. Lower Control Arm
Part Number: 48069-30300, $208.39
Positions: Left Front, Left, Left Rear, Left Lower
Other Names: Front Lower Arm, Arm Sub-Assembly, Suspension
Lower Control Arm
Part Number: 48068-30300, $208.39
Positions: Right Front, Right, Right Rear, Right Lower
Other Names: Front Lower Arm, Arm Sub-Assembly, Suspension
3.Bush Assembly, Lower Ball
Part Number: 42210-20010,$35.03 X 2
4.Lexus / Toyota Factory DOT3 Brake Fluid 00475-1BF03, $ 12.00 X2
5. $ 60.00, depending on location
Total cost for OEM parts, if these are the parts that you are really changing: $600.00.
That is a $2000.00 charge for labor.
I'm Just Saying,....
