joeyl

Hey guys. I'm in the market for a classy car that's fun to drive and it seems the GS400 has beat out other offerings from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Acura. I don't have alot to spend, only around $15k. I realize that I'm probably going to have to purchase one with 75k+ miles and I'm worried about super expensive repair costs after reading some of the threads on this forum. Are the GS400's expensive to own, fix, and maintain? how reliable are they? I don't have alot of money so reliability is a huge factor for me. It seems Lexus leads the high-end market in reliability though, from what I hear. I have a full shop and I'm good with a wrench, are these cars difficult to work on and is the info out there on how to fix problems yourself? or are you pretty much stuck with taking it to the $tealer? Am I going to regret purchasing a GS400 with 75k+ miles on it? I've seen a few for around $15k, do you guys think I could get a clean one for that price?

Thanks!

3dog

iTrader: (1)

These cars are very reliable. Much more so than Audi Acura Bmw and Mercedes
They do need repairs now and then. Some parts can be expensive. But we have vendors here that can save you a lot of money over what a dealer charges for the same parts. There is a wealth of knowledge on here if you want to work on the car yourself. The "search" function is your best friend. Also Club Lexus has a group of people that are eager to help you solve whatever comes up.

If you can get one with 75 thousand miles on it for $15,000 and it is in good shape jump all over it. You'll love these cars. The big problem on here is the modding bug which assures you that your credit card will get a good work out.


Don't waste any more time thinking about this.


Just go buy one and start having fun.





Ivan
3dog

blueGS400

i have one in your price range with less mileage than you said and all the maintenance already done for you, let me know, its for sale in the lexus vehicles classifieds in that forum

joeyl

Thanks for your reply 3dog, it's helped ease my worries. I'm sacrificing alot to get one of these cars right now but I believe it'll help with my business.

blueGS400 - I really wish I had the cash to look at your car right now, but I don't think I'll be able to do this for another couple months. I need to sell my land cruiser first and raise some additional funds.

3dog

iTrader: (1)

Blue is a great color!

Here is what Bluelex has done with his

Adrian I hope it is okay to share your pictures with a prospective member

Here are a few more
Of course this at the top end of what you can do.
But how do you like the color?


Ivan
3dog

GeorgeGS4

i never get tired of lookin at his car

lexus are at the top in reliability and customer service (just read consumer reports almost every model is/was a best buy) there are reasons these cars are so expensive new, you do get what you pay for.

So buying one used you're getting the same car, just for less money...which was HUGE for me since i just got out of college, and am not making nearly enough to pay for a 2005 lex. i still have to work my a$$ off to make the payments but its worth it everytime you sit down in the comfy-as-hell leather seats, wrap you're fingers around the wood grain wheel, turn the laser key and hit the gas pedal....and to all those nakamichi's out there why not add; turn the radio up

youll be happy, trust me

jonathancl

But that'll run you a little more than $15k.

quedawg

Have your car sold yet?? I have been looking for one for about 3 months!! I am in the Charlotte AREA.

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Go to the Lexus classifieds

Neo

iTrader: (3)

It is sold.

DetMich1

Yeah, he must have like $200 in mods in that car. Yeah RIIIGHT! Bet you could buy a house for what he has sunk in that car!

Vette Boy

My buddy at work bought a clean 98 GS400 last year for $16,000 with 65K miles, no ML, no nav, no heated seats. His wife was pissed he bought a 6 year old car for $16K. In the first year he's spent $400 on rear suspension bushings and $700 for a new AC evap in his dash. I asked him if he regrets getting a older GS instead of a new Ford/Chevy and he said something like, "Never a moment, a Lexus is sooo sweet."

You are buying a 7 year old car, it will need some work, esp compared to a new car w/warrenty. As long as you have cash/credit to get it fixed you'll be happy with an older Lexus. You can work on a Lexus just like any other car, if you can DIY things like brakes/plugs/cam belt you can save lots of $$.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hahaha damn i shouldn't have read this thread..... make me wanna sell my blue gs4 again!!!!

ocean350

the blue gs with those mods.......
that's damn HOT!
too bad i dont have enough $$$ to have those mods.....

as for the original thread, 15K for 2nd gen gs400 is a bit tight...
but, keep looking, maybe u might get lucky...
but, try to get more fund if u really want a gs400.
And, try to get one with existing warranty, cuz it may save u big $$$.

cheers~

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well, actually, for example, my 98 gs400 with 72k miles, i think 15k to 16k is a fair price