Hardaway33

Newbie 1st post.... I am in the market for a 400 or a 300, but I have a tight budget (getting married soon!) Is it worth buying a 400 with higher mileage (90k+) or a 300 with lower mileage (50k+)? I can really use some sound advice . Thanks in advance!

bluelex

Both would be a great worry free purchase in my eyes. I know many people with 400's that have high miles, no issues except the starter which tends to go a lot on our cars. Same with the 300.

Gs Dreams

i don't know if this gonna be much help but i seen lexus's on here with over 200k miles and still going strong! Myself im looking to replace my 430 that i sold a little over a year half ago, i notice the prices drop like crazy from then to now. so i said that to say this it depends on the price, the engines on that bad boy are very very reliable so you don't have to worry about the mileage ( as long as the previous owner took care of her). but im pretty sure u can find a nice mileage lex 300 for under $17k and a 400 under 20k and a 430 under 27k (don't quote me on this). for myelf i found a 2002 gs 430 blk/blk fully loaded for 26k so that should give u an idea on what u looking at. Like i said sorry if i wasn't to much of a help but just giving you a little of my opinion

Hardaway33

I'm really looking to spend $17,000.... I know that is not much! In this price range mileages are going to be on the high side, but I guess my question is: What is the better deal at this price considering the model and it's mileage?

antbo

iTrader: (1)

just buy one from an old person. those are never abused and they pretty much are serviced through the dealer. there toyota's anyhow, why worry

happypanda

i got a 300 with mods..160k miles...not a bad price at all..$14999OBO....running super strong =)

Hardaway33

I just don't want to buy a car at 100k and have to replace it in a year or two because the engine or tranny is going. I don't put alot of mileage on my cars anyway only about 12k a year. Which one is a better buy in your opinion?

merlin70

I would get the 400 even if you have to go higher mileage. I would not be too concerned with a 100k purchase as long a general condition and price was good. As stated if taken care of they will last a long time.

The main thing around 90k is try to make sure that service was done, it is a big one and pretty important (timing belt)

Hardaway33

How much is it, and how can I prove that the 90K service was done? Dealers will tell you anything!

antbo

iTrader: (1)

when i got my timimg belt done. the dealer put a sticker in the engine bay of when the timimng belt was replaced: dated with mileage printed on it. plus its saved on the computer. they can run the VIN and they can tell you all the service it has had from any lexus.

Hardaway33

Thanks for that bit of information! So I guess the 400 is the best move, even with higher mileage... right?

BLAZE

iTrader: (2)

go to autotrader.com. If ur in the 5-borough area check out carbuyer's market. It's a newspaper magazine with many cars. Also they are online just go to carbuyers market.com. good luck. and by the way go for the 400. I bought a 98 with 100,000 miles for 14,500 and I'm very pleased.

Gs Dreams

that true because when i just took my car in for a oil change the doc it then and there. So if you buy from a lexus dealership u will get all the records if the car was service there. But the thing is which seris you want, the 300 or 400? Me personal i say get the 400 the are going for around 18k or so. with this you will get the e-**** (which make the 400 slightly quicker then the 430) and a raw a$$ V8 powerplant that get good gas mileage. But if you get an older 300 (98-2000) you will probably spend around 15k or so wit mileage under 100k give me a few mintues i will hit autotrader.com and see what i can pull up for you

Gs Dreams

aight my friend i just hooked you up..............

i found one of each (300&400) but the catch is are you trying to travel? i notice that your in Ny so i found one at a mid class dealership

lexus gs 300
jamaica, ny
25k for 16,000

lexus gs 300 (white)
65,178
$15,995
this is at rockville lexus in Md

lexus gs 400 (green)
66k
$16,000 (i think)

i don't know what colors or options you're looking for but this just give you a picture of what you looking at. You need to hit autotrader.com because i did a search on the 300 seris (98-00 under 100k, 300 miles from my zip, under $18k) came back wit 64 results. and for the 400seris ( same setup) came back with 94 results so your options wide open good luck

Hardaway33

After hearing all this advise I guess the concensus is to get the 400, and don't worry about the miles that much! Now I have to start combing the listings....