hi guys, my first post on this forum.
i'm considering in trading my 03 v6 accord for a 2000 gs400. is there anything i should look for mechanically or in general before i purchase it?
it has 135k km or ~85k miles
i test drove it and i loved how plush it was compared to my accord. but there was some definite front end vibration. the sales rep said it was cuz its been sitting around for awhile.
thanks for any advice

 

If your serious, bring to the Lexus dealer and have them do the " Certified Lexus" inspection. I costs around $230 but they will give you a laundry list of everything that is wrong with the car.

After you receive the printout, ask the service manager to talk to the Mechanic who did the inspection. Ask them if they would buy the car.

Also ask the Service manager for a list of all service records that Lexus has. Also, look at the Owners manual, often 3rd party shops will input their service in the spaces provided in their.

@85k, it would be nice if the 90k service was done, which is a pretty expensive one (Timing Belt, etc).

Also, consider the new Accords, they are a fair bit plusher than the '03, although still not a Lexus. I drove the V6 Coupe 6-Speed ( the performance Accord) and it was an amazing vehicle

 

the dealership has all the service records but the vehicle is from ontario (i'm in vancouver, BC)
i thought the expensive maintenance is at 100k miles (160k km).
my accord is overly stiff compared to the lexus. it doesnt help that i put in a sway bar in my accord, but in general the lexus is still far more comfy.
i havent driven the 08 accord but it does look sweet but i'd rather have the luxury of a lexus

 

make sure the brakes work

 

interesting you mention that cuz the brakes were really spongy when i drove it. the sales guy said its been sitting there for awhile so that might be a reason why. the calipers had some rust on them but i'm not sure if that has any bearing on the use of the brakes.

 

try searching.

 

already have
i know the vibration i felt can be caused by either unbalanced tires or the ball joints need to be replaced.
i know the 90k/100k mile maintenance is the pricey one because it includes a timing belt and water pump change.
i was hoping someone would know something exceptional or significant i should look for when buying a gs.
but i appreciate your input

 

FYI, I bought a 2001 GS430 this week. It too had a vibration that virtually disappeared in last 2 days. I believe it was related to sitting for so long in the winter.

 

research the vibration issue some more, you've listed two possible causes but there are even more than that. there are some folks who have never been able to get rid of nagging vibrations.

 

jack the car up and have a mech check it over, since it's from ont, check for rust. Also, since it's from ont, lower it's price.

 

i got my personal mechanic to look it over today... he says there was definitely front end damage at one point....
so i'm back to searching

 

Probably should have told us that then. As you said, lower ball joint, timing belt. also starter if a V8, and door lock.