kit cat

iTrader: (6)

I'm thinking about buying a GS400 soon. My budgets up to 13k so it limits it to like 1998ish models, and most of them have high mileage. I know its a Toyota and they are reliable, but it kind of worries me buying a car with over 100k miles and paying that kind of money. So my question is, could you guys tell me what kind of maintenance you had to do at what mileage?

and thought id make a template so its easier for everyone to read for future reference.
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Model:
Mileage:
Problem:
Cost:
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Hameed

Model: 1999 GS400
Mileage: 60K miles
Problem: headlight condensation
Cost: no cost as the dealer replaced my headlights as a goodwill gesture (warranty had already expired)

Never had any other problems other than the headlight condensation.

I don't drive the car 3 - 4 months of the year during our harsh salt encrusted roads, (that's part of the reason why the mileage is so low for an 8 year old car going on 9).

bmgs400

Model: 1999 GS400
Mileage: 160K miles

Problem: Failed starter, happened around 140k miles
Cost: ~$1,200 at the dealer

Problem: Failing door acturators
Cost: nothing yet...lock'em manually when needed.

Problem: worn ball joints, happened around 90k miles
Cost: ~$600 at the dealer

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Hameed>
headlight condensations are the only problems you had huh? thats what I'd like to hear

bmgs400>
failed starter set you 1.2k back?? That kinda worries me...i could probably do it myself, but eeek, I hope it wasnt the parts that was expensive.

and ball joints seem like the only common problem problem.

pardo

iTrader: (2)

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Model: 1998 GS400
Mileage: 97000
Problem: Bad ball joints, Bad A/C blows hot air in summer
Cost: $400
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blue99GS4

Model: 99 GS400
Miles: 102xxx
Problem: Other than regular maintainance, no problem so far (knock on wood)

bmgs400

Other GS400 members have done the work themselves with just a stater rebuild kit; less than 100 bucks I think.

The dealer cost was about $400 for the starter and $800 for labor...from what I remember...I have the invoices, but they're at home. The reason for the high labor cost is the amount of work to remove the starter since it's built into the motor; quite an effort I was told.

But if you're mechanically inclinded then it's something you could do at home.

toy4life86

iTrader: (4)

blue 99 gs4 where did you get ur car from and when also what options does it have chrome wheels gold package non nav and xenon and heated seats rear spoiler? if so i think that was my boys x car i also have a blue 98 on grey i had a 98 on tan wid my friend

toy4life86

iTrader: (4)

also my new car has currently 72k miles yah its low i paid the extra money for a lower milege gs i think its worth the extra couple grand for the lower miles eventhough these cars are ubber reliable id buy one with higher miles but with higher miles always comes some type of additional problems

o2GS43o

02 GS430
50k miles
Door actuator
Dealer took care of it...

o2GS43o

If you can find a place, you can get a starter put on for a lot cheaper...

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Model: 1999 GS400
Mileage: 130k currently
Problem: starter died at 126k
Cost: $600 (part + labor)

Problem: front lower ball joints
Cost: $130 shipped

Problem: Engine mounts (vibration at idle)
Cost: $200 for mounts, $200 for labor

Problem: Shocks
Cost: $280

Problem: Loose steering
Cost: $40 for steering rack bushings

Problem: vibration at 62mph
Cost: $22 to balance tires (after I got new tires..our cars are sensitive around 62mph)

Problem: Can't stop modding
Cost: all of my money

The starter seems to be a problem for the 98-00 GS400s. They usually die around 100k, but it really depends on the previous owner. The starter you can get for $200 (after core) from an online lexus dealer. Mine was $300 ($30 more than retail) and $300 for labor ($50/hr local import mechanic).
But you'll feel relieved after you change that out. I dont worry about it anymore because the starter will last for at least another 100k miles.

bighitbike

80k and nothing serious at all

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

Model: 98 gs300
Mileage: 136,000

Problem: accessory belt tensioner pulley.
Cost: $30 - replaced pulley bearing myself

Problem: Lower control arms
Cost: $800 for the lower control arms.

Problem: 60k service and 90k service
Cost: $1500 total

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

Model: 2001 GS300
Mileage: 70K

Problems: Drivers heated seats button sometimes does not turn on.
I've also had a problem with passenger headlight condensation. I changed my LED bulbs in inners, back to original shaped bulbs (not sure what they called) and the problem with condensation is gone now.