Greggx0x

Friend is looking for a car

Looking for something that is reliable, luxury, and budget friendly. Something that is well rounded, good in every attribute


Also, looking for information to support the reasoning as to why the specific car your promoting is the best. And a bit of background information as to why Lexus?

Greggx0x

The Lexus GS is rear wheel drive, that may shift the balance in favor of it.

Unless there is some sort of notoriety for transmission troubles/ engine troubles with these generation lexus.

Also, is there a better, more well rounded lexus than the GS model?

Greggx0x

- read the GS 350 utilizes a double wishbone suspension, --- That feature is another plus in the quest to find the ultimate lexus, unless, then again, -- these models are plagued by some sort of engine/tranny notoriety

Greggx0x

I hear that the

2JZ-GE

engine is the best Lexus engine,

now,

is there this engine configuration with rear wheel drive and a double wishbone suspension for the GS lineup, anywhere?

xjokerz

You won't find much of a Lexus under 3k, especially in this market. Maybe a 90's Camry with relatively low miles but that's about it.

Forget about the GS. Even that car isn't invincible to wear and tear. If he is limiting himself to 3k for a car, that indicates he has money issues and shouldn't think about properly maintaining a luxury car.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

at 3k, the car's going to have some problems or a LOT of visible wear.

best of luck.

Greggx0x

I thought Lexus was a good car for long term reliability...

xjokerz

It is but 3k is nothing for a luxury car. As bit said, it'll be heavily worn out cosmetically or will have mechanical issues.

Your friends best bet is a Camry. I'm sure he can find a '97-01 or hell, maybe an 02-06 with relatively low miles.

Carfan94

at $3000, Luxury should not be part of the equation. Mechanically simple 4 cylinder cars in the best condition possible or old GM sedan with 3800 V6. You will be lucky if you can even find a decent Camry or Corolla or 3800 at that price in this market. Any Lexus at that price point is going to most likely be in terrible shape. There are 3 Lexuses for sale in my area under $4000 and they are trashed and have mechanical problems.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

A late 90s early 2000 ES300 would be a strong candidate

xjokerz

That's going to be impossible to find in this market. Anything with the Lexus name for that low of a price is going to have major issues or 300k miles and 25 years old.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

which is different than luxury. no disrespect, but for $3k, as suggested, forego the luxury and try to find a corolla, camry, or something. it will still likely be at least 15 years old.

not only is $3k very little to spend on a car, but everything is marked up right now due to supply shortages. i think your friend should look at spending at least double that amount.

i remember a friend buying a mazda 6 for $6k about 10 years ago. thing was terrible. they later got a 2006 civic coupe for $7k and that's basic but very solid.

have you looked at prices lately?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

quick autotrader look... i did 200 mi. radius of 90210 lol... this 2003 ES is $4K
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=606298413

RNM GS3

Is there really running cars under $3k especially Lexus?

xjokerz

Lol that thing has a million miles, the driver seat is heavily worn, likely needs a timing belt done, and after taxes and fees he's looking at around 5k for that thing not including the belt.