KingNasGS4

iTrader: (22)

Ok I also posted this in the GS forums, but I figured that I would get some more response here also...

So im looking to make a deal tomorrow on a 01 GS 430

Im providing a link to the car listing.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...e&aff=national

okay the price is actually going to be 8900... thats what he told me over the phone.

the salesman obviously said it was a great car ETC.
I looked on the lexus website to see if I could get some dealer records

I see some dating back to about 65K miles but none after. so I have NO clue if the timing belt was ever done.
I want to use that to help negotiate also...

I was wondering If I should worry about the high mileage

133k isnt much for a lexus engine... but its everything else that I am worried about.. would you guys take a chance on this car?


all the assistance and feedback would be appreciated

RXSF

see if he lets you bring it to an indepedent dealer, or at least have him produce the records of the car. Most likely at 133K miles, the timing belt would have been changed because I dont think a timing belt can even last that long. GL tomorrow

KingNasGS4

iTrader: (22)

well it IS a dealership...
and timing belts are very unpredictable.

Ive heard of people that havent changed their timing belts WAY past the due changing schedule. going into the 120's 130s and even 140k's on the GS or LS430 engines

even a old LS400 went over 180K miles on the FIRST timing belt.

so thats not a given that it's been done just because of the mileage.

the belts can last long past their due date, but its unpredictable when it will pop... godforbid it could pop a few days later.

mmarshall

Since it is at a dealership, see how much more they would want for the car with a brand-new belt on it....or if they would sell it for the same amount. You could use that as a bargaining point.

Even so, and with a new belt, keep in mind that, with 133K, you aren't buying a new car by any means. Other things could also be ready to fail, like weatherstripping, drive belts, water pump, wheel bearings, etc.....

If it were my money, I'd look for something newer and with fewer miles on it, even if it was a cheaper, less expensive car to begin with, instead of a GS.

IS-SV

Agreed, timing belt is instant discount, too important to take for granted at that mileage.

And keep shopping.