brm98

A few years ago I owned a 99LS400 and LOVED the hell out of that car. Just recently I was looking at a '01 ES but the car was in very ruff condition, not worth the money.

I expanded my search to the GS line and I think I have found my new love. A 2001 GS 300 white/tan with 97K on the odometer. The car has a clean carfax and has had all services done (checked out by a friend that is a service advisor at a local dealership). The most recent was the 90K service.

I am going Saturday to drive the vehicle and inspect it. If all goes well I will be handing the owner a cahiers check for $13,000!

I know this is one of the most reliable vehicles out there but is there anything I should be on the look out for?

Any "typical" problems with this model/year?

Any help is very much appreciated. It almost feels like Christmas Eve all over again.

huddleston

iTrader: (3)

check the ball joints, listen for sounds that are a result of them being worn out. clicking when turning or creaking at slow speeds.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

Balljoints for sure. Its our most cursed problem!

toeb

im with these guys deff check the ball joints!!

Zishan

If ball joints are bad....whats the $$$ damage?

augdogg

Not too sure about the ball-joint question, but as far as problems go, if you don't mod it you could be mistaken for an elderly person and get winks and numbers from elderly women or men.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

99 gs300 with 97k on the clock for 13k? not bad. i'd keep looking though. i'm sure u could get the 8 banger for about the same price.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

the sponsor here lexus-parts.com sells the balljoints i got it from them. I think its like $100 or so per side?

Well worth it though, search this forum for balljoint and you will find that a good amount of members have had their balljoints fail and have their cars fall face first on the floor. Happened to me. Now i have busted fenders.

DavesGS

Just got the joints and tie rods replaced. labor was like 320.00. even if you don't hear any noise just change them out for peace of mind.

ocean350

u might want to try a GS4 before you get the GS3.
if the budget is too tight, never mind...
check for vibration at 60~80mph.
quite a few GS has vibration issue.

GL

swollio

i got that problem and dont know what is causing it..... very irritating....

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Balljoints are about $120 a pair through sewell lexus (lexus-parts.com) Use the coupon code: CL911M to receive 10% off your order.

If you can DIY, then go for it. Just make sure you have a pitman puller ($12 or so at your local store). Definitely not worth paying $100+ for labor.

TRD911

Check to make sure the doors unlock and lock with the remote. Make sure you get a remote key. Check under the mats to make sure it's not wet. Make sure the lights come on when you open the doors.

Check the cabin air filter just for kicks.. I dont think anyone ever changes them.

And the ball joints.

Thats all I can think of.

BP

carbongs

iTrader: (13)

please use the search button. there have been many threads about this topic. good luck with your search for the gs. if I could do it again i'd look for the 400. unless you plan on boostin the the 300 is the way to go.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ommon+problems

lostgs400

don't rush into it. you can get a v8 for around that price keep looking.