COOLIS

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

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

Don't buy one in Socal then if they are hard to find.

I bought my 2000 GS400 on ebay with 34,000 on it last September. Right now there is a black one on there...a 04 GS430 with that many miles for 16k.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

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.

MadTyte

i just bought my 99 gs4 for $6700 and it got 143k miles. still runs like new.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

I actually saw that one in person.. it was in BAD shape. A shame for the mileage. Rear brake check lights, a massive scrape in the pass side qp, and a worn interior were enough for me.

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

Really? I noticed it was in Illinois...sort of by where I used to live. I didn't look that close, but I guess that would explain the lower price....that or no bank will give a loan out on a car that old.

MJImport

iTrader: (1)

Amen to that, I bought my gs4 at 100k, didnt think twice cuz the belt and lower joints were new.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

how many of these threads do we really need!? Merge and sticky them.

MadTyte

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

COOLIS

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.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

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.

COOLIS

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.

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

that guy is high as shiat. I bought mine with 34,000 on it, a 2000 for 16k right on the nuts. No bank will load for a car that old, and in this economy, not alot of people want to spend their cash on a car that's 11 years old. Tell that guy he can sit on that car and to pound sand. I'd give him 14-15 for it if it's in good shape.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

No.. I looked at the one on ebay for 16.9K. It was in Illinois. Not the same car.

davezaristo

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..