Looking for a GS400
#1
Instructor
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So I finally sold my 2001 IS300. I now want to get a GS400 and possibly a GS430 if I can find a good deal. What should I watch out for? I looked at one where the spoiler was loose. Is that anything to worry about? Im trying to find one with under 100K but that seems almost impossible out here in So Cal. Im open to ones with under 120K but every service needs to be up to date including the timing belt. Any input would be great. Thanks
#3
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You're going to have a tough time finding one under 100k in socal as these cars are getting older. Best shot is to find an 03-05 GS430, but the asking price may be out of your range.
Honestly, I'd buy one over 100k miles as long as the timing belt/water pump has been replaced. I'd hate to buy a car with 88k miles only having to replace the TB/WP so soon. Besides, these engines are damn bulletproof. The difference between a 60k mile engine and a 150k is so small if both engines were properly maintained. There will be things that needs to be replaced (like front lower balljoints) whether you have 70k or 120k miles.
Honestly, I'd buy one over 100k miles as long as the timing belt/water pump has been replaced. I'd hate to buy a car with 88k miles only having to replace the TB/WP so soon. Besides, these engines are damn bulletproof. The difference between a 60k mile engine and a 150k is so small if both engines were properly maintained. There will be things that needs to be replaced (like front lower balljoints) whether you have 70k or 120k miles.
#9
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you cant expect much out of a 10 yr old car. if you find a clean one for that age, its gonna be pricey. i dont want to deal with more bills so i paid cash for this one and im really happy with it.
heres a link to the one i bought. its in cincinnati, oh. not illinois.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
#10
Instructor
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I went and looked at one this weekend. It was a 2000 with just a little over 100,000 with the timing belt done. I went through the records and didnt see anything about the ball joints. It was in pretty good condition. The price is decent at $10,000. Im considering it. I was going to look at a second one but the guy was non-negotiable. Im sure some of you have seen it on autotrader. Its a 1998 with 37,000 miles for $18,000. I talked to the guy and he said there is litttle room due to the condition/mileage. Thats a joke to me because I can get a GS430 or basically any other car for that price, it might have higer miles but will have more features.
#11
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Even though the car has less mileage, other parts wear out, particularly rubber elements. Steering rack bushings, control arm bushings, tie rods/balljoints, engine/transmission mounts, etc. You may end up replacing some of these anyways. Get a GS430 if you can...it drives damn smooth.
#12
Instructor
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Yeah im thinking about getting the 430 now. I have up to $16,000 to spend so im sure ill find a decent one. I was just thinking a 400 because it will be cheaper so ill have some extra money to work on it. Gonna try finding a 430.
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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I went and looked at one this weekend. It was a 2000 with just a little over 100,000 with the timing belt done. I went through the records and didnt see anything about the ball joints. It was in pretty good condition. The price is decent at $10,000. Im considering it. I was going to look at a second one but the guy was non-negotiable. Im sure some of you have seen it on autotrader. Its a 1998 with 37,000 miles for $18,000. I talked to the guy and he said there is litttle room due to the condition/mileage. Thats a joke to me because I can get a GS430 or basically any other car for that price, it might have higer miles but will have more features.
#14
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (21)
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No.. I looked at the one on ebay for 16.9K. It was in Illinois. Not the same car.
you came to ohio to check it out??? i have no problem with it, no check lights, no massive scrapes, just a lil scuff on the rear bumper. the armrest is a lil worn but thats about it. are you sure this was the same car?? i never even posted about it or even showed any pictures yet. lower ball joints was replaced and timing belt/water pump was done around 102k miles.
you cant expect much out of a 10 yr old car. if you find a clean one for that age, its gonna be pricey. i dont want to deal with more bills so i paid cash for this one and im really happy with it.
heres a link to the one i bought. its in cincinnati, oh. not illinois.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
you cant expect much out of a 10 yr old car. if you find a clean one for that age, its gonna be pricey. i dont want to deal with more bills so i paid cash for this one and im really happy with it.
heres a link to the one i bought. its in cincinnati, oh. not illinois.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
#15
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If you are willing to come up to the bay area, I am pretty much ready to sell mine..it is a 01 GS430 with 85,XXX miles...if interested, shoot me a pm..
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AamChutney
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
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09-03-06 09:51 AM