topgun129

Hi,

I'm going to see a a GS300 tonight for sale (actually 2nd time I'm going to see the car). It is owned by the original owners. It has 96K on the clock.

As for body cond. it is good, no rust. The major work last done was at 60K which included the plugs. Garage kept.

What I'm looking to know is what should I be on the lookout for? I did test drive it and it ran great.

Also after driving the car I smelled the trans fluid and it smelled like a sweet smell and was pink. The steering fluid to my surprise
was clear yellowish (thought it would be pink), but had a sweetish smell.

One thing that did catch my guard was a sound like a pump turning on for a few seconds (twice while driving the car). Could it be the
steering pump? Not sure about that one.

Thanks in advance!

topgun129

shvc1991

You should look for a GS4/430.

Take it from me. I've driven all 3 and bought the wrong one.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

That pump you hear going off is the brake booster. Everyone has that. Go get in your car, turn the key to "ON" without starting it, pump the brakes 3 times and it will go off.

shvc1991

In all seriousness. If you know what to look for, check out the suspension, especially the lower ball joints. If they are selling it at 96K, chances are they don't want to pay the maintenance costs and haven't changed them. They go bad at about 80K-95K miles.

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

As SHVC said.. They probably don't want to pay for the maintnence @ 90k miles. Timing belt, serpentine belt, ball joints.. Those are done @ 90K, so you might be looking at dishing a bit over $1k for maint once you get the car.

D-Boi

iTrader: (5)

+1111111111111111111, ive had 3 GS300's and while they are very very nice comfortable cars, the fun factor is not there anymore. They are not slow by any means its not a 4 cylinder but they are not fun to drive because they aren't where they should be compared to the v8's. I test drove an audi a4 2011 with AWD and turbo and only 211hp but damn did that thing move. It was a freaking blast to drive, then i had to go home in the lexus and it was boring as ****. Shoulda bought a V8

gsCrazy

iTrader: (1)

look for a gs400 or gs430... trust me.. i have a gs300

shvc1991

or if you have the funds, grab the 300 and BOOST!

D-Boi

iTrader: (5)

^^ Hows the beemer drive??

shvc1991

It was excellent. She was traded awhile back for an LS460L.

Power was good, acceleration was great, handling was top notch. I mean, I was taking highway ramps with my foot down no problem in the ZHP. Ride was harsh though and maintenance wasn't cheap.

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

Say no to the GS300.

ALeX300

iTrader: (3)

pop the hood and see if there are 8cyls. If not, look for a gs430. As all others say - 300 is underpowered. I hate driving mine after a 2hour drive in a 400/430.

But if your mind is made up on gs300 then 90k service is a big one. Check which maintenance items were replaced recently as it can easily add up to $1000+

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

Basic check list

1. Ball joints (search forums)
2. Outer St. links (search forums)
3.Sway links (search forums)
4.blown shocks
5.door weather seals
6.tranny slipage, condition/fluid (search forums)
7.brake pads, rotors
8. Brake master (search forums)
9.oil leaks top and underneath
10.exhaust leaks
11. Radio (if you plan on changing ur audio disregard)
12. Heater/vent control servo. (search forums)
13. AC condition and compressor/clutch etc
14. Rad fluid condition.
15. Voltage reading at Alt
16. No engine codes. Batt or ECU may have been disconnected so it wont light up.
TAKE A HANDHELD CODE READER and check. Make sure all sensors are Green (search forums)