laumouth

found a black on black gs300 and according to the seller the car is mint inside and out and he'll be sending me pics. hes asking around 9k for the car and the car has been serviced at 100-110k for timing belt, waterpumps, brakes, etc. regardless of what he tells me over the phone, i will be taking a look at the car on saturday morning at my mechanic's garage. i'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to buy the car or wait and spend more on a car with lower mileage. then there is also the idea of swapping the engine out after i purchase the car (thats IF i can afford it).... basically i'm looking to make the most cost-efficient decision and your imputs would be greatly appreciated.

HoracioGS4

If you would be the second owner, and he has all the service records, 9k for the car sounds about right and might be a good deal.

If he has changed the oil religiously, and you continue to do so, it should last you another 100k....i have a gs300 with 132k miles and it still runs great. when people drive in my car and i tell them how many miles it has, they can't believe it....

just to be on the safe side, take it to a mechanic to make sure everything is running good. good luck!

laumouth

i currently own a 92 sc3 with 103k and its running great. i've read alot of good things on cl about the gs and its reassuring to hear that the mileage shouldnt be that big of a concern

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I haven't had anything major done when I had my 90k service. Kept up with the usual oil changes.

Check the suspension parts: lower ball joints, upper and lower control arms/bushings...(go into the suspension subforums and read on)
Since your're under the car, check for any loose parts, oil leaks (i haven't had any except for a crappy oil filter).....

Still drives smooth, no problems at all. Seems like I'll be keeping this car for a very looooong time

sc lova

i dont know it may seem like 140000 is alot of miles however you may luck out, but just keep driving your mismatched sc300 for a while it is pretty cool, 3000 miles in 1 year is a good thing right?

laumouth

the seller is the second owner and he bought the car with 60k. i was wondering how much am i looking at with each servicing ...approximately? also, i searched and learned that i can order the ball joints, bushings, etc if i'll be needing it for about 600...how much is the install?

Lexcis

Sounds like a good deal if everything checks out. I just bought a 400 with 146k on it. I did a tranny flush, fuel injector cleaning, air filters changed, mobile 1 and detailed it and drives like new now. I'm hoping it will last for years to come. oh yeah also did spark plugs...

SoCal_VIP

^^Likewise, when I picked up my GS she was clocking 145k. Brough it to Lexus had them do an inspection and check the compression on the motor. Checked out with 5 stars, couldn't believe it and at the price I got it at who can resist owning a Lexus for the cheap. From the day I bought my car I changed out the motor oil, tranny fluids, diff fluids, flushed out the brakes and re surfaced the rotors w/new pads of course. Had the A/C recharged, radiator flushed and re filled w/that red toyota stuff, brand new air cleaner, new A/C filter. The list goes on but she runs as good as new, to be honest as good as my 05 GX!

Good luck bud on the inspection and hope the car checks out!

ShunDee

^^^ how much did you get your gs for? I got my 99 gs400 for $11,000 with 112,000 miles and its currently at 146,000 and running beautifully. I say go for it for 9k. Perhaps try to get it for 8k. Lexus's are great cars and it will probably last you a long time but dropping that kind of money on cars with 150,000+ miles starts to get risky