Nunzie

Ok here's the deal.
My wife just totaled our 2000 Passat and we need to replace it. My current ride is a 2004 Toyota Sienna (stop laughing, we have three kids and it can hold 4'x8' sheets of plywood).

I thought about giving her the Sienna and getting a Magnum R/T hemi. I test drove a used one and am on the fence...until a guy I work with that is into his heavily modified turbo Supra told me I should look at a GS300.

I've owned three Toyotas and always had the best of luck with them. I never owned a Lexus and know zero about them (i thought the GS300 was a fwd version of the Avalon.)

Anyways, I'm looking at a 1998 GS300 and a 1999 GS300 this Thursday night.

What should I look for on these cars that can be a deal killer?

Bigbea

IMO, a GS is a overall good car. Since your a Toyota man, it's pratically it's rich cousin. Carfax is a saving grace. I just bought a 98 GS300 and I couldn't be happier

Nunzie

Carfax is the best! I couldn't tell you how many cars I didn't bother with because they had a shady past.

The two GS300's that I'm looking at are one owner, super clean history.

fatmike

Welcome, another Mass member!

GS FONZy

iTrader: (6)

nunzie, you do know their is a gs 400 too; right.

Nunzie

Yes.
I'm tring to keep the cost under $13k

6HIDsGS300

hehe.. what a coincident.. i was trying to sell mine at around 13K
mine is kinda rare.. 99 with lexus navigation and original Lexus car phone
* i guess car phone was hot back then*
I haven't seen a '99 GS 300 with GPS in it in my area..
the phone is still working.. although no one want to activate it.. but it still able to dial 911.. hopefully i never use that phone

i'm thinking about upgrading it to GS 350 AWD

mvallido

GS300 is a good choice. I've been driving my wife's GS more these days than my FI E39.

BossGS4

iTrader: (2)

Buy a GS300 if you are going to turbo it (since the motor is the same as a n/t Supra)

Buy a GS400/430 if you don't want to mod the engine a whole lot but still go waaaaaaaaaay fast

The GS3 betters the GS4s mpg by a 1-2mpg

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Buy a GS4. There are plenty of GS400s around that can be found at that price. I bought my GS400 for $13,500 that was maintained by the dealer throughout its lifetime. Not to mention, its black on black which isn't as cheap in southern california.

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

WELCOME Nunzie

thetopdog

I live in Boston (Allston) and I need to sell my 99 GS400 to make room for a Corvette. It's got 119k miles which may be more than what you're looking for but I'm willing to part with it for $13000. Pm me if you're interested

Nunzie

Yes, I'm taking your advice. I test drove two GS300's tonight and was not impressed with the off the line power.

Nunzie

I'm still looking for a GS3 or GS4, but now I can take my time to find the right one.
I found a 01 Avalon that I was very impressed with. My wife and I will trade off between the Avalon and the Sienna.
When I find a GS, it will be my summer car.

If its a GS3 I'll go turbo and 1" drop (~$4000)

If its a GS4 I'll go 1" drop (~$800)

I'm guessing at the 1" drop prices but I know it will be more by the time I add new brakes and ball-joints.

Thanks for all your help guys. Now I have to find a site like this for the Avalon.

bighitbike

Turbo=More like 10k -15k. You ALWAYS want at least double what the kit/parts cost in case something breaks.