WHERE to buy a GS4 ?
07-17-06, 05:03 PM
#1
WHERE to buy a GS4 ?
Where would you buy a GS4 ?
I always thought that buying from a Private Seller would be the best option.
1) you're getting it at a lower price than a dealer
2) the Seller is getting more than what a dealer would give in trade
3) you (should) get a better service history from the previous owner
But I'm finding that this is not always the case when dealing with Private Sellers, the 2 I have actually met were glued to their NADA/KBB pricing no matter what state of disrepair the car is in and when asked about basic things (i.e. timing belts, accidents etc.) I get responses like I think so, I think the last owner did it. I especially love when someone claims it was "EXCLUSIVELY Lexus/Toyota Dealership Maintained" and I have it checked agains teh North MAerican Lexus-Toyo Service database and see that the last time the car was there was for a warranty claim in 2001.
The next place I would shop is an actual Lexus dealer ... though they now seem to ship out 98-00 GS400s off to whilesale rather quickly. At least they can look up the service history ... but the downside is they will always charge the most.
The last place I would go to is an independent used car dealer. I assume most of the cars are from auction and that as a rule the independents will straight up lie about a car to make the sale.
Where would you buy a GS from and why ?
I always thought that buying from a Private Seller would be the best option.
1) you're getting it at a lower price than a dealer
2) the Seller is getting more than what a dealer would give in trade
3) you (should) get a better service history from the previous owner
But I'm finding that this is not always the case when dealing with Private Sellers, the 2 I have actually met were glued to their NADA/KBB pricing no matter what state of disrepair the car is in and when asked about basic things (i.e. timing belts, accidents etc.) I get responses like I think so, I think the last owner did it. I especially love when someone claims it was "EXCLUSIVELY Lexus/Toyota Dealership Maintained" and I have it checked agains teh North MAerican Lexus-Toyo Service database and see that the last time the car was there was for a warranty claim in 2001.
The next place I would shop is an actual Lexus dealer ... though they now seem to ship out 98-00 GS400s off to whilesale rather quickly. At least they can look up the service history ... but the downside is they will always charge the most.
The last place I would go to is an independent used car dealer. I assume most of the cars are from auction and that as a rule the independents will straight up lie about a car to make the sale.
Where would you buy a GS from and why ?
07-17-06, 08:02 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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I agree, if you can do some of the homework yourself such as checking if service was done at Toyo or Lex, your ahead of the game.
Wait it out. Remember, your going to pay a bit more for a car private party where the guy can tell you what was done to the car and when, but if the car is together it's worth it. You'll still pay less for the car than at a dealer. Also private party should let you take the car to a dealer / your shop to be checked out at your cost. I dont know of any dealers that will do that and not harass you to no end about it.
Stay away from the independent dealer unless your objective is to get screwed. I have found a few that are really reliable and honest but they are a rare breed and are still in business to make a buck.
Good Luck
Wait it out. Remember, your going to pay a bit more for a car private party where the guy can tell you what was done to the car and when, but if the car is together it's worth it. You'll still pay less for the car than at a dealer. Also private party should let you take the car to a dealer / your shop to be checked out at your cost. I dont know of any dealers that will do that and not harass you to no end about it.
Stay away from the independent dealer unless your objective is to get screwed. I have found a few that are really reliable and honest but they are a rare breed and are still in business to make a buck.
Good Luck
07-18-06, 09:39 AM
#4
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The key is to take your time and dont jump on something unless its a fair price and it has the features you are looking for. Impulse buying can hurt you in the long run.
I looked on autotrader, cars.com, various car club sites till i found my gs4 back in the day. It took over 2 months...same w/ my current mercedes, it took over 2 months. Had 2 deals fall through, but i stayed picky and didnt just jump on a car cuz i was desparate. In the end I am EXTREMELY satisfied w/ my purchases.
I looked on autotrader, cars.com, various car club sites till i found my gs4 back in the day. It took over 2 months...same w/ my current mercedes, it took over 2 months. Had 2 deals fall through, but i stayed picky and didnt just jump on a car cuz i was desparate. In the end I am EXTREMELY satisfied w/ my purchases.
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