Thinking to buy a used GS300, suggestion?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

03-24-05, 09:17 AM

kelvinjai

Driver School Candidate

Thread Starter

Join Date: Mar 2005

Location: AZ

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Thinking to buy a used GS300, suggestion?

I am thinking to get a used GS300. Because of the budget (~$15K) I think I can only get a high mileage one...

Anyway, I want to ask you guys some opinion. Is the car reliable? Any major mainteance need to be done around 100K? When should I replace the timing belt/water bump?

Any ideas are welcome!

Reply Like

03-24-05, 03:44 PM

UDel

Lexus Fanatic

Join Date: Feb 2005

Location: ------

Posts: 12,274

Likes: 60

Received 296 Likes on 223 Posts

Welcome to ClubLexus. I am looking for a GS too. Most people are going to tell you to search past forums for these often asked questions but here is a few. I am mainly talking about a 98+ GS. A properly maintained GS300 is extremely reliable with very few trouble spots. You definitely want to run a carfax on potential purchases and have a specialist inspect it. Things to look out for are moisture in headlights, rough idle, rattling sunroof, and all gauges, electronics, and stereo work properly. If you are buying a car with high miles make sure 90K mile service was done which includes timing belt and water pump change. You might want to make sure there are no problems with the headgasket. Look to see if the car was in previous accidents like non matching VIN # on body panels and evidence of repaint. 15K can still get you a decent 98-2000 GS300 with under 85K miles, but you will probrably need to bargain down to that price. Many people and dealers tend to ask alot for used GS but you can still get deals. Even moisture in headlights and a bad stereo can cost alot to fix so make sure the car is in good condition. You can certainly get a pre 98 model with low miles if you can find one for below your budget but I am not very famiar with that model. You can check cars.com and autotrader.com for listings in your area. Good Luck

Reply Like

03-24-05, 03:54 PM

TLW

Lexus Fanatic

Join Date: Dec 2003

Location: new jersey

Posts: 14,523

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelvinjai

I am thinking to get a used GS300. Because of the budget (~$15K) I think I can only get a high mileage one...

Anyway, I want to ask you guys some opinion. Is the car reliable? Any major mainteance need to be done around 100K? When should I replace the timing belt/water bump?

Any ideas are welcome!

Reply Like

03-24-05, 03:56 PM

TLW

Lexus Fanatic

Join Date: Dec 2003

Location: new jersey

Posts: 14,523

Likes: 0

Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

and welcome to CL

Reply Like

03-24-05, 05:35 PM

GS3Tek

Moderator

iTrader: (8)

Join Date: Jan 2003

Location: so cal

Posts: 12,361

Likes: 165

Received 165 Likes on 126 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by UDel

Welcome to ClubLexus. I am looking for a GS too. Most people are going to tell you to search past forums for these often asked questions but here is a few. I am mainly talking about a 98+ GS. A properly maintained GS300 is extremely reliable with very few trouble spots.

You definitely want to run a carfax on potential purchases and have a specialist inspect it. Things to look out for are moisture in headlights, rough idle, rattling sunroof, and all gauges, electronics, and stereo work properly. If you are buying a car with high miles make sure 90K mile service was done which includes timing belt and water pump change. You might want to make sure there are no problems with the headgasket.

Look to see if the car was in previous accidents like non matching VIN # on body panels and evidence of repaint. 15K can still get you a decent 98-2000 GS300 with under 85K miles, but you will probrably need to bargain down to that price. Many people and dealers tend to ask alot for used GS but you can still get deals.

Even moisture in headlights and a bad stereo can cost alot to fix so make sure the car is in good condition. You can certainly get a pre 98 model with low miles if you can find one for below your budget but I am not very famiar with that model. You can check cars.com and autotrader.com for listings in your area. Good Luck

Seems like udel covered most of the topics there.
I have a 99GS300 with 117k miles now. No problems regarding engine/tranny whatsoever.
I did my major service at 100k (some were done earlier): timing belt, accessory belts, water pump, transmission flush, fuel filter, spark plugs and some others I can't remember.

I have condensations on a cold day after turning off the headlight, but dries up afterward. If its a pool of water, then that's more major.

LCD on the stereo will not be visible if it goes bad. You can buy a used one in the classified or swapping out for a better headunit.

Check the brakes, test drive it for shaking and vibration. Check the seals around the doors.

I have no rattles, squeaks, peeps, rough idling or stalling

I had a headgasket replaced during my warranty. It was during the shifting you can hear a fffshhhh? Hard to describe.

Good luck.

TLW: like your new welcome wagon

Reply Like

03-24-05, 05:46 PM

ARISTO*7

Lexus Champion

Join Date: Oct 2004

Location: New York

Posts: 2,176

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

why a 300? go get yourself a 400

Reply Like

03-25-05, 09:38 AM

kelvinjai

Driver School Candidate

Thread Starter

Join Date: Mar 2005

Location: AZ

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Thank you all!!

You guys are goooooooooooooood

I am looking for a 98+ GS too.. I kinda change my mind now and wanna shop for a GS400

I found some over 100K. If the previous owner has the timing belt, water bump etc. done earlier.. it should be good for at least another 100K I assume?

Reply Like

Thinking to buy a used GS300, suggestion?

Thinking to buy a used GS300, suggestion?

Trending Topics