I am looking to buy a 2001-2003 GS300 pre-owned. How reliable are these vehicles? Does the 2001 model year have more reliability issues than the 2002 or 2003? Also, how smooth is the shifting on the automatic tranny? I test drove a IS300 and I noticed the shifting to be rather harsh.

I currently have a 2002 BMW 330ci and am looking to buy a more reliable car capable of going the distance. What is a good price if I were to purchase a vehicle with 30000-40000 miles? Would KBB.com provide a fair estimate as to how much I should expect from a dealer or private party? Any feedback/advice would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

welcome to CL

YOU can thank Dave gs4

welcome to ClubLexus! You'll find most all of the questions you have as you're getting started have been asked over and over again and you can get an instant answer using our forum search feature. I'll post some links for you in a second that will help get you started

Should I get a GS300 or GS400? (found by searching with "which gs300 gs400" in the GS forum)

Sample Related threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs400

GS300 or GS430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ich+gs300+gs430

Typical GS problems you should be aware of (most consider these minor)
Moisture in Healights
Low/rough Idle Issue
Door Actuator Problems
Dash Rattle
Sunroof Rattle
Vibration at Highway Speed
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...S400+Rough+Idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=Door+Actuator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ght=Dash+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=Sunroof+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=GS400+low+idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...dlight+Moisture
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Gs400+Vibration


Is it worth getting a CPO vehicle? (found by searching for 'CPO worth"

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&threadid=76991
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=CPO+worth
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=CPO+worth
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=CPO+worth
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=CPO+worth
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light=CPO+worth

 

Thanks bro!

 

ajy1013, welcome to CL. now that the 3rd gen has been released you may find
even lower numbers for GS3's pre-2006. good luck and let us know how you make out.

JOHNNY, you buckin' for Moderator now? LOL
-d.

 

nope ..just helping out my fellow members

 

Another question. I am looking at various local dealer websites and seems like CPO 430's are cheaper than 300's. What gives?

 

TLW you werent kidding when you said that you live on this site, werent you?

 

I am also looking for a 01 GS300. The shifting is smooth in all the GS's I have been in so if it is rough it means there is a problem with that particular car. IS300 you tried may of been abused more since it is sportier but they do shift a little more noticiable then the GS. KBB I have always found to be a little high compared to what people actaully pay. Prices vary depending on options, mileage, and year. A NAV system usually carries a much higher price and dealers generally stick to that higher price. The 2001is not known to have any glitches that were addressed on later models. The car has changed very little since 98. It also depends on what part of the country you are located in. California generally has some of the highest prices for used GS as well as Florida for some reason. You are lucky if your on the East Coast because they tend to be much lower and dealers are more willing to give good deals to sell them. You can save anywhere from 2-5 thousand and more on the east coast. I know a few people who have bought 2001 GS300s for 17-19 grand and 2001 GS430s for 22-24 thousand on the east coast. The GS is very reliable if properly maintained but the 300 does get poor gas mileage cosidering engine size and power. The v-8 gets a little less mileage but is much quicker. I don't see any reason to pay over $20,000 for a Non Nav 2001 GS300 considering a new body style with more power,features, and better gas mileage is out and most family sedans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc now have more horsepower, get much better gas mileage, and have all the features plus more. If you can get a 430CPO cheaper then a 300 then go for it, only reason I can think of is the 300 has NAV, less miles then 430. You can get 99-2000 GS300-400 anywhere from 14-22 grand and the 400 is a little quicker then the 430. It will still be a very reliable car if you buy a good one. If you want more specific feedback and opinions on prices I would list exact year, mileage and options because prices can very greatly.

 

lexus gs will make your bmw look like it was made in china : D . Lexus is overrall reliable car, if you currently have a bmw you might want to get a lexus gs-400-430 because you will notice the lack of power.

 

i own a 01 gs300 and haven't had a single problem with it.... i just keep up to date with the maintenance and thats it. the only prob is i have condensation in the driver side headlight but who cares... also my car has 50k on it.... no a problem love the car to death

 

The car I was looking at was a 2001 silver gs430 without nav for 29950, but when I got to the dealer today, it was sold! I test drove a gs300 and although the ride was quite nice, the acceleration was definitely lacking. But performance is not the biggest factor for me. We'll see what happens. I wish the gs430 was still there...I would have taken that in a heartbeat. And I am in Az.

 

you have no idea

before i go to bed its the last thing i see besides the back of my eyelids

and the first thing i do when i wake up

 

Alright guys. I am almost seriously considering the GS300 I test-drove. Its a 2002, black, no nav, and although it feels a little sluggish (AC was on, which could have been why), it drove real smooth. The guy told me he could probably do a even trade for my BMW for it. Its listed at $32000 with 32000 miles. Is this a good deal according to some of your guys' past buying experience? Edmunds seems to think so. Thanks.

 

i bought my 2001 gs300 blk/blk with 45k in january for 25k out the door

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=159154