GS42NV

if you're gonna get the 3GS 300, then WAIT!

the GS350 is sure to be coming out soon, and should be relatively the same price as the 300. At least you'll be getting a faster car out of the deal

You might want to check the 3GS forum for release information, since I'm not too up to date on my 3GS info

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Why spend that kind of money for a used car with over 100k? Just get an 06 IS350. Wait until September when dealers have to clear out the showrooms to make room for the 07's.

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

We're only talking what - 16-17k here... compared to the 45-50k for the IS350...

Huge difference in price.

If you get the 350, it will depreciate for the next 3 years probably 12-15k. $3k right after you drive off the lot! That's all lost money man. The GS4 will depreciate maybe another 4-5k and you can turn it quick when you're done with it.

Seems like a simple decision to me.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Guys, we gotta remember that the market for GS4s (esp. 430) in california is priced differently than a comparable GS4 in say Kentucky.

I was lucky to find my 99 GS400 with 125k for $13.5k. That's cnosidered a good deal in california (unless you're in the middle of nowhere). GS430s usually go for 18k or so. GS400s are still at the $15-16k range. You wont find a low mileage (say under 90k) GS430s for $16k. I've seen plenty of GS430s in other states selling for $14-15k, but this is california. Prices are just higher, like everything else in cali. Asking $12k for the car when the car is listed for $20k, is like walking into the Lexus dealer showroom saying you want to buy a brand new GS430 for $40k out the door. More than likely, you'll be escorted to the door, or in this case, the front lawn.

Billh2

As far as value goes, NADA lists the car, with 122K at $19075. average trade in, and $22650 average retail. They say the high miles are worth a $3250 discount. That's based on buying from a dealer. Private party price should be lower. I didn't look at Kelly, NADA is the standard used in the legal profession, Kelly prices are inflated in favor of the dealer. It looks like he is trying to get absolute top dollar for this car. Personally, I would pass. You should be able to find one with a lot lower miles for around the same cost.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

It's his money. I personally would not spend that kind of money on a used car with over 100k on it. If I were in the market for a Lexus GS today and I had 20k to spare, I would get one with less miles. If I can't find one to my liking, then I rather use that 20k towards another make and model like a BMW 330I. You can get an 01-03 version with 50 k on the clock for 18k right here in NYC. The 330I's I've seen for that price are decked out with the Harmon Kardon system, sport package, leather and all the goodies. I would use the extra 2k to take a family vacation to Disney World

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Come to think of it, I agree with Dashocker. 330i coupe in manual trim..yuummm...

Of course your priorities might be different

kkeppler

I agree wtih the last few posts - however, I was in the same situation a year and a half ago concerning a 98gs400 with about 100,000 miles.

I was looking at the gs and a 330ci. I'm glad I made the gs decision because it was at a great price, and since I have put about 20,000 and change miles on it and the car is running strong. I think I will keep this car for at least another few years before buying something new becuase it was so cheap and it is so easy to get your value out of the used gs's.
can't really go wrong with that.

merchant26

Well, I offered him $17,500 and the bartering begins. I also asked him if he has replaced the timing belt and the water pump. The only reason that I am interested in this one is, it's only one I can find in California that is black on black with navigation, I will keep you all posted on the progress of it!

merchant26

So I offered him $17,500 and he came with $19,000. Then I asked him about the timing belt and the water pump and here is answer

"That's true, but they're also in places like Florida and Ohio, and they're
lacking in features like black-on-black, nav system, Mark Levinson sound, XM
installed, and sunroof. An extra 20,000 miles on a Lexus may look scary on
paper, but in real life, there's not too much difference between that car with
100k miles and the same one with 120k.

The timing belt was replaced at the 100k service and the water hose didn't need
it at the time (or at the 120k either, according to the mechanic). The ball
joints are solid and the brake system is strong. The front pads have about 65%
left and the rear pads have about 45% left"

Then I made a counter offer of $18,275. So is this a good deal, or not?

thanks
Adam

BklynJay

iTrader: (3)

I think $16.5k is the most I would. It is a 430 with the service up and running. Just make sure that ext and int is mint.

Good Luck!

Billh2

He is asking absolute top dollar for this car. He is also playing hardball and he thinks he has you hooked. Best advise I can give is to walk away. You will find one in THAT price range with a LOT lower miles.
One particular item I have to take exception with is his statement about the water pump. These work fine right up to the time they fail. They give no warning and one day you have a puddle of anti-freeze under the car. Changing them entails removing the timing belt. $$$ labor. Sometimes they last a long time but that's the exception. Not worth the risk.
You are laying out a LOT of money. It's to your best advantage to make a decision based on fact and not emotion.
Good Luck

merchant26

So true guys I will just wait, I guarantee know one else will pay that price for that car, especially with that many miles. I just remember 2 weeks he was listing his car for $22,000 and now he offered to me for $19,000...So I will just wait. I have waited this long for a Gs, what's another month or two, and I can also maybe find another one in the process.
Appreciate all the feedback!

PetesLS400

In the last 6 months I helped my mom purchase her '99 GS400 and then I picked up my '98 GS400. I consider myself a very savvy buyer and dont just go and buy the first car I see, I spent a lot of time looking, comparing and educating myself about what you get for how much. There is no way in hell that car is worth 14K like some are saying, its an '01 430 with Navi. Its worth around 17K.

For 18K I think you should really think about it because if you look a little harder and longer you should be able to pick up the same year with around 20K less miles. At the same time you might pick up one with less miles but not have had the service done and then youre out $1K getting that done.

I would definatly not spend over $18K on that car unless it was already slightly modded with decent wheels and suspension.

Vette Boy

Hold fast at this price, if he doesn't take it, he's a fool.