I have approx 14k cash, what should I buy?
#16
I have a silver 2002 GS300 i am asking $14,000 if you interested let me know i will send you pictures this is my direct email chris.gabriel@alston.com send me your email address
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Lexus ES300 2000-02, with Nak stereo if possible.
GS 300/400 Probably out of my price range?
Nice LS400 probably out of my price range too
Toyota Avalon XLS with JBL stereo
Acura TL-S with the Bose stereo.
Infiniti I-35
Anything I should stay away from out of my list or to watch out for??
GS 300/400 Probably out of my price range?
Nice LS400 probably out of my price range too
Toyota Avalon XLS with JBL stereo
Acura TL-S with the Bose stereo.
Infiniti I-35
Anything I should stay away from out of my list or to watch out for??
The ES300 would be my choice on the list but the 2000-2002 models that you mention have a gel/sludge issue with the 3.0 V6, and service records, particularly oil changes, should be documented. Also check out the transmission shifts....tranny quirkiness was high on the list of owners' complaints for those model years.
Also, on this car, while I think you can run regular gas in a pinch, premium is recommended.
The GS300 is an OK choice, too.....but runs on premium, and is a slightly sportier setup than the ES. Its suspension is not as soft. If you decide to get one, you might consider frotiss's offer above.
Since handling and performance are not an issue with you, another recommendation on my part would be to look at a used Kia Amati. It is Kia's U.S.-market flagship, has high depreciation so used ones are a good deal, a long warranty (not necesarily transferrable), a VERY soft ride and roly-poly handling by today's standards, and runs on regular fuel (I think). It makes a great highway cruiser for straight-line roads with no sharp curves. Consumer Reports rates its repair record as average overall.
I test-drove one several years ago but did not formally write it up.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-04-07 at 07:25 AM.
#18
If you can find a CL type S 6-speed, take it. It's a pretty decent car with good punch. Handling is decent for a front-drive car too. And that thing sounds and goes like a Honda should
#19
Lexus Champion
I have a silver 2002 GS300 i am asking $14,000 if you interested let me know i will send you pictures this is my direct email chris.gabriel@alston.com send me your email address
#20
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#21
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
I have a silver 2002 GS300 i am asking $14,000 if you interested let me know i will send you pictures this is my direct email chris.gabriel@alston.com send me your email address
Take it to PM please. Thanks.
#23
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies. I've scratched the Infiniti and the Acura off my list.
Looking out for a southeastern GS but they are few and far between and I can't see spending 12/14k on a car with over 100k miles making much sense from what I've seen out there so far.
There are more ES300 and Avalons available but this sludge issue has me worried. I assume it's pretty rare? Knowing my luck I'd buy one with the issue so are there any tell tale signs when looking over a car? Or is just a case of making sure the oil has been changed religously?
The 2004+ Solaras have caught my eye too, a coupe isn't a problem. How do these rate? I also wouldn't rule out a good ol Honda Accord aslong as they didn't have the transmission/J series engine problems?
Thanks again.
Looking out for a southeastern GS but they are few and far between and I can't see spending 12/14k on a car with over 100k miles making much sense from what I've seen out there so far.
There are more ES300 and Avalons available but this sludge issue has me worried. I assume it's pretty rare? Knowing my luck I'd buy one with the issue so are there any tell tale signs when looking over a car? Or is just a case of making sure the oil has been changed religously?
The 2004+ Solaras have caught my eye too, a coupe isn't a problem. How do these rate? I also wouldn't rule out a good ol Honda Accord aslong as they didn't have the transmission/J series engine problems?
Thanks again.
#24
Lexus Champion
There are more ES300 and Avalons available but this sludge issue has me worried. I assume it's pretty rare? Knowing my luck I'd buy one with the issue so are there any tell tale signs when looking over a car? Or is just a case of making sure the oil has been changed religously?
As I mentioned b4 the Avalon is actually the best way to go in your price range/ what ur looking for BUT if ur gonna go w/ a coupe the Accord coupe(unless u want convertible) is better than the Solara from a looks/ handling/ ride/ interior ergonomics standpoint and about the same in reliability. From what ive seen the '04+('03 was 1st MY=ok but not amazing) 4cyl. Accords are Top Level in reliability
Last edited by JAC JZS; 08-04-07 at 02:24 PM.
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for all the replies. I've scratched the Infiniti and the Acura off my list.
Looking out for a southeastern GS but they are few and far between and I can't see spending 12/14k on a car with over 100k miles making much sense from what I've seen out there so far.
There are more ES300 and Avalons available but this sludge issue has me worried. I assume it's pretty rare? Knowing my luck I'd buy one with the issue so are there any tell tale signs when looking over a car? Or is just a case of making sure the oil has been changed religously?
The 2004+ Solaras have caught my eye too, a coupe isn't a problem. How do these rate? I also wouldn't rule out a good ol Honda Accord aslong as they didn't have the transmission/J series engine problems?
Thanks again.
Looking out for a southeastern GS but they are few and far between and I can't see spending 12/14k on a car with over 100k miles making much sense from what I've seen out there so far.
There are more ES300 and Avalons available but this sludge issue has me worried. I assume it's pretty rare? Knowing my luck I'd buy one with the issue so are there any tell tale signs when looking over a car? Or is just a case of making sure the oil has been changed religously?
The 2004+ Solaras have caught my eye too, a coupe isn't a problem. How do these rate? I also wouldn't rule out a good ol Honda Accord aslong as they didn't have the transmission/J series engine problems?
Thanks again.
Just make sure the maintenance records show oil changes, you will be fine.
Solaras are great cars to own, reliable and nice feeling of entry level luxury.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
#27
Lexus Champion
Correct, doing a nation wide search on Autotrader.com used Azera's(UNDAMAGED) start at $17k. Wont find them clean for much less anywhere else besides a Dealer Auto Auction.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
C&D just finished their long term test of the Hyundai Sonata and were very lavish in their praise of the quality of the materials inside and how they held up and the fact that the car needed NO unscheduled trips to the dealer.
I'm point to Hyundai because 14k isn't a whole lot and so to get into a Lexus means getting one with high miles or it's pretty old. If I was to get a Lexus and wanted reliability and low maintenance cost I'd get an ES300. You can certainly get an old LS400 for that money, but get ready to pay for some kind of expensive maintenance at some point.
I'm point to Hyundai because 14k isn't a whole lot and so to get into a Lexus means getting one with high miles or it's pretty old. If I was to get a Lexus and wanted reliability and low maintenance cost I'd get an ES300. You can certainly get an old LS400 for that money, but get ready to pay for some kind of expensive maintenance at some point.
#29
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