I am confused on the price of this vehicle. Edmunds says that the dealer value is $14.4 and then KBB says $19.1. I have done a search and many people paid about this much about 2 years ago. I would think it would be cheaper in 05 and the newely aproaching year of 06.

 

I think it depends where you buy.I just paid 18.5 for an 01 gs3 with 48k

 

I am debating on either a 1998 LS4 or a GS4. I am approaching about $5k in saved up money. I can sell the car I drive now for like $4k. I have a very stable job working at Steak n' Shake where I make about $500+ per month. So I would hope to get a good deal as I am sort of tight on cash. But cars are my number one passion in life and I would have no problem with spending money on a car.

 

Future Lex Owner,

You will have no problem spending money on this car.

First, its a gas hog (though better than alot of other V8's).

Second, maintenance is expensive on these cars (though they dont break down like many other makes, and generally very dependable and reliable).

Third, if you have any money left over after Gas and Repairs, the mod bug will finish off whatever funds you have left. You will be putting bigger Rims, Suspension, Brakes, Tint, etc,........

However, if cars are truely your passion as you state, you will love the GS400. Still one of the finest cars on the road

Good luck
b

 

i second that opinion!!!

 

Not sure if this will help, but i just bought a '99 GS400 w/ 42K miles on eBay last month from a Lexus dealer in NJ for $18,900. The car was in perfect condition. Buy it now price was $21,000.

The same car here in AZ sells for $21,000 to $24,000 and typically has more miles and is not in as good of condition. It was definitely worth the trip out there and the drive back!

I think a lot of the price depends upon your location and if you're looking to buy from a private party or a dealership.

Hope this helps. Best of luck on your search!

I also have to second the other remarks ... the GS4 is a great car and i LOVE mine. I drove a '96 4Runner for the last five years and would never go back.

 

I wish I could get my wife a 98-newer GS, but I think I will be getting her a 96-newer 4runner instead. I don't have the luxury of snow and iceless streets and don't want her to have a RWD car.

I have seen 98's go for $12,000 with 100+K. I plan on selling my 93 GS in the spring after I dyno 550RWHP.

 

I'm a fan of the 4runner but if you're going to get an SUV for your wife - perhaps an AWD RX300 would work?

And it may win some brownie points with your wife for the same cost.

 

I already brought up that possibility, she doesn't like them that much. Maybe in 6 years or so I can get her an AWD GS

 

kbb price you usually knock off another 1 to 2k

 

Ive seen 98 GS400 last week at the dealers auction going for 10-12k prob even cheaper for way over 100k miles on it. I wouldnt pay more than 12k for a clean 98 now.

 

I bought a pretty nice '98 GS4 in April with around 73k miles for 19k, because we had a son. It was by far the best money I have ever spent. I agree with the gas hog--- but not nearly as bad as my Bronco. Maybe get double the mileage. As for performance, I went down to South Coast Plaza last week and was cruisin on the 405 and before I knew it I was over 100mph and the only reason I slowed down was because the roads were so bad on the carpool lane. Smoothest ride as can be.

As for comparison, we test drove many GS4s and also BMW 540i/6s. I may get flamed for saying this, but styling wise I think hands down the bimmer wins. But test drive any of them out there.... Every Lexus wins by far in terms of "craftsmanship" or "newness" small things like creaking of interior parts or rattles on the road just can't be polished up with Armor All. Especially since it was going to be my "Albertson's Express" for the wifey, she didn't want to worry about any potential issues. The GS4 that we bought was like a brand new car. Every person I show it too can't believe that it is a '98.

I would say that the GS4 is one of the best buys out there. Any post '98 should be an incredible car. All I can say it is a steal at any price to get the flagship V8 Toyota motor that goes 300k+. (I haven't driven the first gen, but those are probably as good!) But you should watch out and check the front fender bolts under the hood and also pull up the weather stripping on the trunk to make sure it hasn't been in an accident. I saw a few at used car dealers that had obvious front damage.

Good luck!

 

i spent $16,000 even for a 98 gs400 in Texas 70k miles

 

Manheim Dealers Auction is the way to buy cars, you guys are over paying. I got my gs 300 3 yrs ago with 60k miles for 18,500. Only last week I was at an auction for 16-18k you can get a 2000 gs400

 

I paid $14,500 CASH for my 98. Loaded with everything but navigation and heated seats. I live in florida so I don't care about the seats. And I wanted the better audio system more than I wanted the navi, since It is outdated. The guy I bought it from was a car nut (just like us) and serviced the car every 3,000 miles at lexus for whatever they told him it needed. I searched for about 6 months until I found the right car, and I'm very happy I waited. I have a whole folder filled with service records. He wanted 17,000 but I told him 14500 cash and he agreed. Best money spent, in my opinion. Look around in autotrader.com, e-baymotors, and in local car buyer's mags, I'm sure u'll find a good deal. Also see if u can find a private owner,u can tell a lot more about the car's history by meeting the previous owner. Hope this helps.