Satyamdas

Wow, I can feel the passion and love for this car and I share in it, it is butter smooth. You guys clearly know your stuff, so I hope you can help me with a few questions.

I just bought a 93 GS300 with only 82,300 on it, yet it has the driver side warped window trim problem mentioned earlier. I see it is expensive to repair, what can I expect to pay to fix this?

Also, the wood veneer and leather are in bad condition and need to be replaced so I've decided to reupholster it. I've asked a few friends if they had any idea what it would cost to have the entire interior redone, and they are as clueless as I. My gut tells me it will be about 1500, if not more. What say you?

I'm in Los Angeles and shudder at the thought of going downtown to save some money to fix these things, but I also don't want to pay more than need be. I plan on keeping this car for the duration, so I am prepared to pay what it takes to keep it in tip top condition. It is truly a beautiful automobile.

Any advice on what to expect or where I should go would be greatly appreciated.

JonCAGS300

Welcome to the forum and congrats on buying a great car!

I paid $523 to have a body shop do the driver's door window trim. I think I got ripped off though; I didn't shop around. Mine was so bad that I couldn't roll the window up properly, so I had to do it. If you DIY, you could junk yard and install for much less. Maybe a yard in the valley would have the part.

There are several threads on this forum about replacing the shifter center surround (wood veneer). You can get the part for about $50. My mechanic installed it for $40 labor.

We often have group buys on this forum for leather seat covers. I bought a complete set with shipping for $714: front/rear seats, head rests, center consoles. I had a local upholstery shop install for $300. It looks/smells new. Probably the best cosmetic investment I've made.

Living in LA? I suggest getting the cabin air filter. Part is around $40 and easy to self install. Again, there are threads on this forum.

Good luck

Diemellz

just gotta watch out for the suspension, cost me 3 grand to keep her running like she suppose too, after that, she ran good for 3 yrs str8 an counting "after the suspension issues"

LexusCA

I have a 94 GS300 I bought it over a year ago with 160k. I now have 201k, it runs great. The engine was blown out by the previous owner before I bought it off my mechanic. The only problem is that my alternator went out, and I have to fix my passenger back window, there seems to be a electrical problem it does not roll down. The driver side window is warp just exactly how it was mentioned earlier. I have a rattling noise on the right passenger side sounds like there is a lose metal part that I need to look into. I am not sure what it is. All in all it is a great car.

JonCAGS300

Congratulations!
I replaced my alternator this year. It is pretty well jammed down in there; a bit of a pain to get out. took some time and twisting in all over, but I did it. Not like the old days when it took 5 minutes.

ATL/FLGS3

you guys need to find a good mechanic and hang on to him for all its worth.....

i just bought a 94 gs300 w/ 292k mi... it didnt make it home but i kind of expected that....i thought it was the alternator but turned out to be the water pump and tensioner...i blew the head gasket but ill be putting in a new one next week....how much you ask? a case of beer(for me and the mechanic) and the $75 i have to pay a machine shop to clean and surface the head....i will be changing the timing belt while in there.....

i have no complaints about the car so far aside from the gas mileage....probably the only thing making me consieder selling the car after i do the maintenance....

any body know the gas mileage of a stock 2jzge w/ a 5spd? and 2jzgte /w auto and 5spd tranny?

JonCAGS300

My auto was rated 17 city/23 highway. Still gets about that.

link13

Any time you consider buying a 15 year old car, you have to expect to throw some money at it. Mine has had a few issues over the years, but it's never left me stranded and the overall reliability has been good. The next thing on my list is to replace the cracked exhaust manifold. It is much cheaper than having a car payment, though.