LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

So I stayed the night last night at my best friends house after a long while and me and his family are really close (Like my second fam). His mom and I sat outside for like an hour and a half talking about things. You know how's work going etc. etc.. I told her that i'm going to get a Lexus GS3/4 as my first car and she told me not to. She says that it's going to be way to high maint for me to handle and that I shouldn't do it. (She owns a GS300).

Now with that being said I want other peoples opinions. I'm 18 and have 2 jobs atm. I make a pretty good amount of money (Right now 1k+ a month after taxes). My plan was to just save up and pay for the car in cash. After that, IMO, it really shouldn't be that bad since I wont' have a car payment. I'm looking at getting a 98/99 maybe even a 2000 as the year. Both of my jobs are less than 1 minute (literally) away from my house and other than that i'm not one to go driving all over the place picking everyone up and driving around. The mall is also less than 1 minute away from my crib. Basically my everyday lifestyle consists of things that are right around the corner from me.

What's everyone else intake on this being GS owners? Are they really that expensive to maintain? Or is my friends mom just boosting it?

Lots and lots of info/opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

lunatyk

iTrader: (20)

No, it is not expensive if you do basic maintenance yourself. As long as you know how to take care of a car you won't have any problems. These cars are built very well imo and i'm sure many will agree. The part that will cost alot of money is if you start modding it haha..

O1GS43O

here is my run down on stuff i have had to do in the 328k miles thats on my car. 2 timing belts about $900 each at lexus. fist i did at 150k and the second was at 295k. drivers side vvti valve was about $130. oil changes i do my self and run full synthetic oil with a synthetic oil stabilizer about $50 every 8k. tires every 30-45k. plugs every 100-110k cost about $80. brake pads are like $30. again i do all my own labor except for the timing belts. tranny flush ever 100k about $40 for the new fluid. air filters are like $10 on ebay. so all in all i would say there not bad at all.

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

Thanks for the info you two.

Puts a big smile on my face to hear that I should be able to handle it. Of course i'm going to try and learn to do majority of the minor things myself so I won't have to take it in for every little thing.

What about tune-ups? She was saying she gets a tune-up every 2 months or so? Or is that basically Oil Change and a few other things?

Also Lunatyk could you emphasize on what 'basic maintenance' is? Like what does that consist of? Sorry I don't think i'm a super 'car' savvy type person. Got a lot to learn i'm afraid.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

sleepovers at 18... J/k.... Get a GS...

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

If you can do simple things like change your oil, transmission fluid, brakes, etc. it will be a very low maintenance car. There's a ton of money you can save by doing it yourself. And there's plenty of DIY threads on here to help you out too.

Just be careful, she will start asking you to work on her car.

werewolf

No starter?

werewolf

Lexus parts aren't cheap but you can get deals online. a GS will cost more to run than a Corolla or an Accord.

But if you're comparing against a Merc, BMW or some other lux car, I think it holds its own.

dejavu157

iTrader: (2)

its not that expensive. iono, lexus is reliable and it lasts long.

TxLexus400

iTrader: (2)

i agree as its not too expensive to maintain butit does get costly if you start having parts going out or modding then its expensive.

Rich23

iTrader: (3)

Get the GS man... Its not that expensive... Its hard to give you a breakdown because everyone's experience with their gs is different. I would say add an extra $1000 to the price you pay for it for a tune up and minor fix ups mechanically. Also, check here first before doing any fixing and replacement. I learned and saved alot thus far (trust me I had them all GS300/400/430). The only thing that is going to be expensive as this being your first car is the mods. And that too, is as crazy and flashy as you wanna get... Hit me up if you need any help with parts, I have a pretty decent link. The discounts are not exaggeratingly great, but its good enough to be cheaper than the dealer and its all OEM prices. Keep in mind the name SEWELL LEXUS, Im sure you heard of them, they give you a CL discount and its okay as well, but my guy can beat that price but if he cant get it, they can.... Welcome.... and good luck with you decision.

Rich

CPMD

iTrader: (2)

Don't take it to the Lexus stealership for non-warranty work and it won't be expensive lol.

Seriously, if you're not a D.I.Y. type of kid, find an trustworthy independent mechanic (if you don't already have one). Also, get a low mileage GS and you'll be good to go.

carbongs

iTrader: (13)

yup I DIY just about everything and the resources are all HERE!!! save money by doing it yourself and use that saved money to mod it up!

UpstateLex

true story doing my own power sterring fluid tomorrow! where the hell do i find that thing in the guys diy tho? advanced automotive only had siphens lol

O1GS43O

not yet about all the miles are highway.