Buying a GS300/400/430?
11-21-09, 11:30 AM
#1
Buying a GS300/400/430?
Im tired of seeing noobs making new threads every other day asking "is this a good GS". I researched on my own when buying mine so i'll share my info here in hope to reduce the confusions.
pic from capt4inslow
Is this a good price?
Kelley Blue Book
or
NADA
for a baseline price.
What is a Lexus GS? MPG? Power? Options? Safety?
Lexus.com has detailed information regarding 2002-2005 GS.
Second Generation Lexus GS information from Wikipedia also has some condensed information.
I couldn't find any GS brochures, but I do have links to Aristo ones.
98-00
01-05
more brochures for other models can be found here.
Any recalls?
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
^go there and put in the year/make/model you are looking for.
What should I look for when buying a GS?
Aside from the regular timing belt and whatnot. as for GS specific issues...
-Lower ball joints
-Power door locks
-starter (GS400 specific I hope? not sure about GS430)
Feel free to chime in if you can think of any other common issues.
So, how do I fix those issues? Any links to DIY/Service Manual?
Thanks to nsf0607, this is probably the most comprehensive list of links you'll need.
*You'll need to run IE to view the service manual.
**Please read his thread before you make a post.
Should I get a GS400 or GS430?
1SICKLEX has an extensive review comparing the two.
Should I get a GS300 or a GS4x0?
...meh, depends on what you want I think. Gas mileage is about the same stock for stock, the V8 gives you more power out of the box, but the GS300 is easier to turbo. Also, Sport Design only came in a GS300.
Just my opinion
It's not the mileage of the car, but HOW those miles were driven. Oil change, regular maintenance...neglecting those could put a huge stress on our GSs. Also, considering how old our GSs are getting, I would opt out of navigation, especially 98-00 since they run on technology based from a decade ago. Look for service records, receipts, etc. As for missing documents, you should be able to call up your Lexus dealership, give them a VIN number and they should have a service record available if it's done at the dealership.
This is just a summary of information I accumulated and probably biased with my opinion. It's up to you to make the final decision and confirming these information.
Other members> Please feel free to chime in.
Hope this helped, happy shopping.
PS: No, the GS did not come with a 2JZGTE
pic from capt4inslow
Is this a good price?
Kelley Blue Book
or
NADA
for a baseline price.
What is a Lexus GS? MPG? Power? Options? Safety?
Lexus.com has detailed information regarding 2002-2005 GS.
Second Generation Lexus GS information from Wikipedia also has some condensed information.
I couldn't find any GS brochures, but I do have links to Aristo ones.
98-00
01-05
more brochures for other models can be found here.
Any recalls?
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
^go there and put in the year/make/model you are looking for.
What should I look for when buying a GS?
Aside from the regular timing belt and whatnot. as for GS specific issues...
-Lower ball joints
-Power door locks
-starter (GS400 specific I hope? not sure about GS430)
Feel free to chime in if you can think of any other common issues.
So, how do I fix those issues? Any links to DIY/Service Manual?
Thanks to nsf0607, this is probably the most comprehensive list of links you'll need.
*You'll need to run IE to view the service manual.
**Please read his thread before you make a post.
Should I get a GS400 or GS430?
1SICKLEX has an extensive review comparing the two.
Should I get a GS300 or a GS4x0?
...meh, depends on what you want I think. Gas mileage is about the same stock for stock, the V8 gives you more power out of the box, but the GS300 is easier to turbo. Also, Sport Design only came in a GS300.
Just my opinion
It's not the mileage of the car, but HOW those miles were driven. Oil change, regular maintenance...neglecting those could put a huge stress on our GSs. Also, considering how old our GSs are getting, I would opt out of navigation, especially 98-00 since they run on technology based from a decade ago. Look for service records, receipts, etc. As for missing documents, you should be able to call up your Lexus dealership, give them a VIN number and they should have a service record available if it's done at the dealership.
This is just a summary of information I accumulated and probably biased with my opinion. It's up to you to make the final decision and confirming these information.
Other members> Please feel free to chime in.
Hope this helped, happy shopping.
PS: No, the GS did not come with a 2JZGTE
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