Scott1258

It's a 2000 GS400 with about 75,000 miles. Price is $18,500

Car is white with tan interior, Navigation, spoiler, SSR GT 18's with new tires.

Car is in good condition. However, current owner had a little accident about a year ago in the right rear and there was some slight frame damage. All was fixed and put into factory specs. He's got all documents on this.

Does this look like a good deal on the car? Should I be concerned about the body work or frame damage? Let me know your thoughts and comments. Thanks!

Scott

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Don't get it!!!! GS400's Sucks @$$! -- Just Kidding

It looks like you found a decent one except for the wreck ( you should be able to get the car alot cheaper since it has been wrecked atleast $5K more off the sticker..)

You got any pics of the car?

-- I'm sure you already know this, the 1998-2000 models are more sought after since they have the E-Shift and that they are easily modded without any problems--

VirtuousE

12-13k tops....

sung35

If the rear end frame were damage, I suggest you stay away from it. I did have a Cressida long time ago with rear end problem. The car had terrible alignment that ate up new tire every year. No shop can fix that, even the dealer told me nothing they can do.

GWELEX

As others have mentioned, that collision will always stay with the car, even if it has been reapired to specs, when you go to sell it, that collision will still be attached to the car making it harder for you to sell. Also, as mentioned, there could be tire wear issues, PERHAPS that's why there are new tires on the car?

Shogun

The price is up to you and your judgment...

The wreck, well that's another story. If the wreck was fixed competently then you've got a car that might be better looking and more in spec than a car that's never been to the body shop. If it wasn't fixed to spec then you're going to have issues that might be difficult to address.

With a car this old and this many miles, a wreck isn't going to be huge factor for depreciation IF it was fixed to spec.

The quality of the framework can easily be determined by:

1> The easy test: drive through a puddle of water - do the back wheel tiread marks track directly over the front treads; i.e. do you see two tread strips or four? Four is a problem.

2> Alignment: go have the alignment checked - is (or can) everything be put within spec?

Good luck,
Eric

Scott1258

Here's a pic of the car.

As for the price - 2000 GS400's here in California are going anywhere from 21/22 to 25K. The only cars that are in the 12 - 13K catagory are 98's with 150,000 miles on them. The SSR wheels it's sporting I think were around $500 a wheel when new. I'm thinking not a bad bonus on this car.

Thanks for the easy test Shogun!

bmgs400

Sound like you most definitely must have it inspected if you're serious. Always good to do before buying any used car. Pre-owned certifed from Lexus is a safer bet. Let Lexus do the inspection.
BTW...SSR GT3 wheels are hot.

alexulan

comment on the wheels, having a pair of SSR myselft. (i'm a big fan of SSR)

Those are not SSR GT3, They are simply GT1 wheels and they are about $250-$300 range.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Displ...t+Silver+Paint

Scott1258

Are these wheels lighter than the stock lexus oem 17's?

alexulan

yes, they are lighter but I doubt by much

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

From my wheels knowledge - the stock wheels is a cast aluminum -the 17's weigh in about 23.5 pounds. From what I know about the SSR GT1's they are amongst the lightest for 18's - weigh in at 19 pounds.

Scott: according to the prices you quoted for the 2000 GS400 - those are full retail prices and thats too high for a wrecked car no matter if it has been fixed right or not. Once a car has been wrecked or damaged the assement value is different - it always go down in "rough" category in the N.A.D.A. Black book. I'm telling you don't buy it for more than $14K - theres plenty more GS400's out there in better condition for around $18-19K.

If you don't believe me - I advise you to check kelly blue book online : www.kbb.com

Good hunting.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Scott1258 heres what I always do and it always works. You are right about what current cars are going for because its always based on whats out there when you a ready to buy. You aways hear lower figures but, that does not mean you can buy one for that now or ever.

I always ask if I can have the car checked out at Lexus dealer. I ask dealer to put best their tech on inspection and want gone over with fine tooth comb. With 75K they should find something. Take that to owner with a check$ and say, I love the car. Can we work out the price based on the inspection needs ? I would also get Lexus certified Body shop to look at the body repair done.
If it needs Alingment, Battery weak, Window rolling up slowly, fluid changes, blown dash light bulbs, and brakes worn 85 % and rotors cannot be turned, owner will be a little more nego and you will not be stuck.

Hey I liked that GS I would buy if all is what you said. Don't let it get away. The Navi ones are nice. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

BTW Rough Value is used mostly in Dealer Wholesale trade. A dealer whould try to get 18K + + TTT all day long. And yes even certified Lexus cars can have body repaired damage if repaired correctly if I remember correctly.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

A little info. I use to be a Manager at a Dealership. Not Lexus, my buddie was a Lexus Used car Manager.
Lexus certified : What Dealer Does and spends $.

- Buy a Car from the off lease or steal on trade for $ 22,000.
- Recondition Bumpers sprayed, paint touched up, all dings removed, Full detailed, Interior Leather sprayed and touched up. Minor Fluid service. $ 450- $850.
- Buy Lexus Certification $ 1000

List Car for sale at $ 29,000 + As Certified.
Things you may not know about Certification.
1. Is not fully like New car Bumper to bumper warranty. About 70 % of coverage.
2. Is not tranferable if you sell car.
3. Reason why most lexus dealship will not take a direct payment for other extended warranty companies.
For $ 7000+ you will get membership in the Lexus Family, and Great customer service and, never knew what hit YA ! .

DetMich1

That is correct. The GT 3 are a 3 peice wheel with exposed bolts and look like this: