greenpea

First real post here. I have, well the wife has a LX ,that we love very much and has been a great vehicle for us as a family. I also have a '94 80 series Land Cruiser with 195k on it.

The reason that I'm posting is that I found a '98 GS 300. What would need to be done to get it up to speed? The timing belt has not been done yet and fluids would need changing.

I know the other 2 vehicles and what to expect as far as problems but the GS is brand new to me. I've done some digging but am still looking for answers. What better way to get the answers than asking you guys.

Is the first year of the VVT-i and issue to stay away from? Whats the truth about mpg? I've seen/heard some descent numbers but whats the real world have to say?

Thanks in advance guys!

burma

i'd say if it looks in good condition, and drives good then it should be ok.
One of the main issues that seem to arise is the vibriation at speeds between 60miles/hr (100km/hr for me) and 80miles/hr. i think its not only a nth american issue because i also have that problem when i first drove it on the highway. something to do with the balancing of the wheels or something.
try using the search button for other issues as the information on here is excellent. Its a awesome car regardless mate and it looks pimpin when done up right

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

greenpea-

the cars are bulletproof. as long as all the services have been done, you'll be fine. my 1998 gs300 has over 186,000 miles on it and i'm itching to get a diff car but i honestly am not sure when i will because i doubt this car will have any problems before it hits 250k (my planned milestone to sell the car).

gl!

c.

chuckb

unless you plan to turbo it, get a GS400 instead.

greenpea

Just because of the power? or is there something wrong with the 300?

The 400 is really rare to find around here, UT.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Both cars are solid. He just meant for the power.

chuckb

yeah- for the power. the torque on the v8 feels 10x better and the mpg is almost the same.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Regardless of what GS you buy, replace the lower balljoints and tie-rods. Ball joints are known to break (seen it happen on the highway once) due to being older. I'd replace it every 60k miles.

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

yep, I agree with all the above. if I had to do it all over again, i'd get a gs400

ISFjimmy

iTrader: (5)

250k?

why so young?

stayblaze

+1
these cars are great buy love it mod it thats what i was told when i first bought mine. if u can find the 400 go 4 it. Im gonna miss mine when its gone.

sholaesq

Will a GS4 do 180k miles as well as the GS3 does it?

V8RdnLow

iTrader: (14)

x2, and for having an 80 Series I have one too

JiBBeL

iTrader: (2)

I spent 3 months watching GS3's come and go in my area before I finally found the GS4 I'd been waiting for. It's worth the wait.

But you could just pour money into the engine bay of a GS3 and have tons of fun too

greenpea

I love the 80 but she is killing me on the commute. I went from going a couple of miles a day to 60 round trip, hence he need for something that moves a little better. The 80 isn't going anywhere just getting driven less.

So what is the real world numbers for gas mileage? I hear 20 around town and much better at freeway speeds. Am I being blown smoke or is that about right?