98 GS 400, need some help...
06-26-09, 06:47 PM
#1
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98 GS 400, need some help...
I've been considering a GS, however having never owned a Lexus, i've been trying to research as much as possible prior to purchasing. I've found a low mile 98 with 60k miles, and would like to know what issue's to expect from that model year specifically (if anything), and also if I should be hesistant purchasing a first model year of the GS? What work is performed at the 60k mile service?
I look to you seasoned owners for advice!
Thanks!
I look to you seasoned owners for advice!
Thanks!
06-29-09, 08:43 AM
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Agree with the fluids and filters, transmission, engine, and fuel.
If it has 60K miles and has never had a timing belt replaced, it will need that too. Factory recommendations are 9 years or 90K miles, and that car is 11 years old. I recently acquired my dad's '98 GS400 with 67K. I had the timing belt service done, which also should include an accessory drive belt (serpentine) as well as new spark plugs and a water pump "while you're in there". Should cost under $1000 from a reputable dealer, or even less from a good independent.
You should replace the lower front ball joints too probably, although when they checked mine recently they were within spec. I'm getting them done anyway as they are a known weak point and not to be trifled with.
If it has the original shocks it probably needs new ones (at 67K of mild driving, mine are shot).
Past that, these cars are incredibly reliable.
If it has 60K miles and has never had a timing belt replaced, it will need that too. Factory recommendations are 9 years or 90K miles, and that car is 11 years old. I recently acquired my dad's '98 GS400 with 67K. I had the timing belt service done, which also should include an accessory drive belt (serpentine) as well as new spark plugs and a water pump "while you're in there". Should cost under $1000 from a reputable dealer, or even less from a good independent.
You should replace the lower front ball joints too probably, although when they checked mine recently they were within spec. I'm getting them done anyway as they are a known weak point and not to be trifled with.
If it has the original shocks it probably needs new ones (at 67K of mild driving, mine are shot).
Past that, these cars are incredibly reliable.
06-29-09, 05:26 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys, the car has received the following mod's
Daizen poly bushings, L-Tuned performance lowering springs and shocks, SRT intake, and Tanabe Touring Medalion full cat-back exhaust.
Sounds like i'll just need to check and see if the belts have been replaced/water pump and plugs/wires...
Daizen poly bushings, L-Tuned performance lowering springs and shocks, SRT intake, and Tanabe Touring Medalion full cat-back exhaust.
Sounds like i'll just need to check and see if the belts have been replaced/water pump and plugs/wires...
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06-29-09, 07:22 PM
#8
you shouldn't have any real issues with the car. i'm up to about 190000 miles and it's still my daily driver. just keep it serviced. the most expensive repair I've done outside of scheduled maint was the starter. That was 4 years ago.
I plan on driving it until it dies!!
I plan on driving it until it dies!!
06-30-09, 06:35 AM
#10
Agree with the fluids and filters, transmission, engine, and fuel.
If it has 60K miles and has never had a timing belt replaced, it will need that too. Factory recommendations are 9 years or 90K miles, and that car is 11 years old. I recently acquired my dad's '98 GS400 with 67K. I had the timing belt service done, which also should include an accessory drive belt (serpentine) as well as new spark plugs and a water pump "while you're in there". Should cost under $1000 from a reputable dealer, or even less from a good independent.
You should replace the lower front ball joints too probably, although when they checked mine recently they were within spec. I'm getting them done anyway as they are a known weak point and not to be trifled with.
If it has the original shocks it probably needs new ones (at 67K of mild driving, mine are shot).
Past that, these cars are incredibly reliable.
If it has 60K miles and has never had a timing belt replaced, it will need that too. Factory recommendations are 9 years or 90K miles, and that car is 11 years old. I recently acquired my dad's '98 GS400 with 67K. I had the timing belt service done, which also should include an accessory drive belt (serpentine) as well as new spark plugs and a water pump "while you're in there". Should cost under $1000 from a reputable dealer, or even less from a good independent.
You should replace the lower front ball joints too probably, although when they checked mine recently they were within spec. I'm getting them done anyway as they are a known weak point and not to be trifled with.
If it has the original shocks it probably needs new ones (at 67K of mild driving, mine are shot).
Past that, these cars are incredibly reliable.
06-30-09, 10:01 PM
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Best,
-Mirror
07-01-09, 07:06 AM
#14
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Pull the floor mats in the front and check for a wet floorboard of plain water, especially the drivers side.
This will indicate a leak in the AC evaporator case.
A very expensive repair and some just sell the car because of it.
good luck
This will indicate a leak in the AC evaporator case.
A very expensive repair and some just sell the car because of it.
good luck
