GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Shady deal on a GS430

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Old 04-18-06 | 11:17 AM
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Default Shady deal on a GS430

Guys,

Been talking to a guy and found an awesome deal on a GS430. I was told it has not been in any accidents and never had any paintwork done.

So I run a carfax and it has been in an accident. RED FLAG 1

So I confront him. Seller says he did not check the ad but it had been in one His salesperson must have accidentally written that it hadn't. But he had told me on the phone prior to me running the carfax that it had not been in any accidents. RED FLAG 2

Then I call the dealership where he says all the service history was done and they said they had replaced the front bumper several years ago. It had been in a light accident. Again, seller told me it had never had any paint work done. RED FLAG 3.

I can get this 02 GS430 fully loaded with 93k for $19,000 OTD. Everything else on the Carfax looked clean.

Should I walk away?? The car is 10 hours away so I don't want to spend the time and money going down there if I have reservations.

I just know the seller has given me 3 red flags which worries me that there may be other things he has not told me.

What do you think?

Jonny
Old 04-18-06 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Dx3
Guys,

Been talking to a guy and found an awesome deal on a GS430. I was told it has not been in any accidents and never had any paintwork done.

So I run a carfax and it has been in an accident. RED FLAG 1

So I confront him. Seller says he did not check the ad but it had been in one His salesperson must have accidentally written that it hadn't. But he had told me on the phone prior to me running the carfax that it had not been in any accidents. RED FLAG 2

Then I call the dealership where he says all the service history was done and they said they had replaced the front bumper several years ago. It had been in a light accident. Again, seller told me it had never had any paint work done. RED FLAG 3.

I can get this 02 GS430 fully loaded with 93k for $19,000 OTD. Everything else on the Carfax looked clean.

Should I walk away?? The car is 10 hours away so I don't want to spend the time and money going down there if I have reservations.

I just know the seller has given me 3 red flags which worries me that there may be other things he has not told me.

What do you think?

Jonny
Personally I would stay away. I am sure you can find a "cleaner" GS much closer. Considering that this will be your beater, I would say keep looking.
Old 04-18-06 | 11:28 AM
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DX,

In all honesty, with your situation (I don't know the details) of having to do some liquidating, I wouldn't venture into any deals where you may have to set aside a reserve for unseen circumstances. I would tell you to continue your search until you find a deal you can feel good about. Those 'worries' will never go away no matter how thoroughly you get the car checked (trust me on this one) because you'll any problem that comes up on that car you'll always wonder if the 'accident' had something to do with it. From the little I've been piecing together from your recent posts, I'd tell you to get some peace of mind out of this deal. Hope my .02 helped.
Old 04-18-06 | 11:31 AM
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Pretty high $$$ considering the mileage. Well, I can tell from my own knowledge and experience if a car was in a severe accident. Have a friend who familiar with body work roll with you to look this car over so you don't buy a headache.
Old 04-18-06 | 11:39 AM
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why waste time and money to get a high mileage GS Jonny Just get an 01-02 IS300 for 14k. For 19-21k, you can get a brand new daily driver.
Old 04-18-06 | 11:46 AM
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I say stay away , besides it waaay overpriced , i mean 93K + accident
Old 04-18-06 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by DASHOCKER
Just get an 01-02 IS300 for 14k. For 19-21k, you can get a brand new daily driver.
Great choice and a fun car to drive!
Old 04-18-06 | 01:11 PM
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I'm sure you can find a nice gs4 with about the same miles and nav again that is clean. Just keep searching, If you have issues again will you drive up 10 hours to take it back and confront them?
Old 04-18-06 | 01:15 PM
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I say walk away. You'll be much happier in the long run if you wait for that perfect car.
Old 04-18-06 | 01:27 PM
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blk on tan with Nav

white on tan with Nav

Blue with tan with nave only 650 miles away from tulsa

cinnabar with tan with nav

red with tan and nav

gold with tan with nav only 600 miles away

white on tan with nav

red on tan with nav

Last edited by bluelex; 04-18-06 at 01:32 PM.
Old 04-18-06 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Dx3
Guys,

Been talking to a guy and found an awesome deal on a GS430. I was told it has not been in any accidents and never had any paintwork done.

So I run a carfax and it has been in an accident. RED FLAG 1

So I confront him. Seller says he did not check the ad but it had been in one His salesperson must have accidentally written that it hadn't. But he had told me on the phone prior to me running the carfax that it had not been in any accidents. RED FLAG 2

Then I call the dealership where he says all the service history was done and they said they had replaced the front bumper several years ago. It had been in a light accident. Again, seller told me it had never had any paint work done. RED FLAG 3.

I can get this 02 GS430 fully loaded with 93k for $19,000 OTD. Everything else on the Carfax looked clean.

Should I walk away?? The car is 10 hours away so I don't want to spend the time and money going down there if I have reservations.

I just know the seller has given me 3 red flags which worries me that there may be other things he has not told me.

What do you think?

Jonny
stay away there are many more Lexus out there just be patient and keep looking..
Old 04-18-06 | 01:49 PM
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You are a good man - thank you

I have decided to walk away - thank you everyone

jonny
Old 04-18-06 | 02:25 PM
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Why gamble with 19,000 dollars? Since you have three red flags so far you are going to think about them with every squeak the car makes. I'd pass.
Old 04-18-06 | 07:30 PM
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If he already lied about the accident, I'm sure there are many other things he could possible lie about.
Old 04-18-06 | 07:33 PM
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I'd bail on it.


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