Looking for a Lexus
03-14-01, 01:40 PM
#1
Intermediate
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I am new to the forum and I am currently in the market for my first Lexus. I went to my local dealer this past saturday and tried a '99 GS300. I was impressed with the power since I own a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Please give me your opinion on whether I should purchase a GS400 or 300. I may also buy a used SC for fun. If I buy the SC, it will be turbocharged using the Toyomoto kit. Can you guys give me an approximate cost that I should look for on these cars. Thanks.
03-14-01, 02:50 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
$$$ ref.
Welcome.
This is by no means to put down your jeep. but you will appreciate anything lexus has to offer. now, let's talk pricing and choice. i am more familiar on the gs300/400 prices, so i let other members inform you on the sc. even on pre-owned cars, i lilke tofind it in tip-top shape, and stay away from lease returns(there are exceptions, of course).
gs400, 98-premium pkg. 30k miles, certified, $32k-35k
99-nak or nav pkg, 25k, cert. $37- 40k
gs430, 01, new, prem. pkg. $46k
gs300, 98,99, deduct $5000 from the above figures.
these numbers are based on my recent research. as in the capitalistic free market, you will see dramatic diff. in each buying experience.
This is by no means to put down your jeep. but you will appreciate anything lexus has to offer. now, let's talk pricing and choice. i am more familiar on the gs300/400 prices, so i let other members inform you on the sc. even on pre-owned cars, i lilke tofind it in tip-top shape, and stay away from lease returns(there are exceptions, of course).
gs400, 98-premium pkg. 30k miles, certified, $32k-35k
99-nak or nav pkg, 25k, cert. $37- 40k
gs430, 01, new, prem. pkg. $46k
gs300, 98,99, deduct $5000 from the above figures.
these numbers are based on my recent research. as in the capitalistic free market, you will see dramatic diff. in each buying experience.
03-16-01, 02:51 PM
#4
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Location: Atlanta
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Bought a silver 98GS3 in Atlanta with 30K miles last week for $28,500 through a broker. Car is in nearly perfect condition.
Looked at a black GS4 with 30K for $33,000 from a private party that would have been a great deal. No question that the GS4 is a rocket, but I'm old enough (41) that the 300 is plenty fast for me. Other than giving up the extra power, the manual shift buttons, and a walnut shifter, the cars are otherwise identical. In addition to the purchase price being higher on the GS4, insurance and gas will be more, as well. But I realize you may still be young and foolish, like I used to be. cool:
Keep in mind that the 98+ GS cars just began coming off lease in signficant numbers in the last six months, so prices may be coming down a bit. I have had good luck over the years buying high-end late model cars from individuals. Just make sure your sales contract is contingent on an inspection. satisfactory to you.
I would never set foot in a Lexus dealership. While it is true that their certified cars tend to be among the best off-lease vehicles, you pay a several-thousand-dollar premium for them. If you are patient and have a good mobile inspection service, you can do much better going through an individual or a broker.
Looked at a black GS4 with 30K for $33,000 from a private party that would have been a great deal. No question that the GS4 is a rocket, but I'm old enough (41) that the 300 is plenty fast for me. Other than giving up the extra power, the manual shift buttons, and a walnut shifter, the cars are otherwise identical. In addition to the purchase price being higher on the GS4, insurance and gas will be more, as well. But I realize you may still be young and foolish, like I used to be. cool:
Keep in mind that the 98+ GS cars just began coming off lease in signficant numbers in the last six months, so prices may be coming down a bit. I have had good luck over the years buying high-end late model cars from individuals. Just make sure your sales contract is contingent on an inspection. satisfactory to you.
I would never set foot in a Lexus dealership. While it is true that their certified cars tend to be among the best off-lease vehicles, you pay a several-thousand-dollar premium for them. If you are patient and have a good mobile inspection service, you can do much better going through an individual or a broker.
03-21-01, 09:15 AM
#6
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I used a guy named Joe Bullard, who does business under the name Platinum Automotive. He is in Macon, but drove the car to Atlanta for me to see. His phone number is 912-719-0594.
You probably know that private party sales are not subject to sales tax in Georgia, which saves a couple of grand on a $30,000 car. Licensed dealers (including brokers) must collect and pay sales tax
, but Joe gave me a good enough deal that this wasn't a big issue.
I highly recommend Todd (Lee?) of Auto Exams, 770-822-1352, if you are looking for someone to inspect a used car you are thinking about buying. He knows his stuff and provides mobile service wherever the car is located in the Atlanta area for $120, with discounts for multiple inspections. (He looked at three cars for me).
You probably know that private party sales are not subject to sales tax in Georgia, which saves a couple of grand on a $30,000 car. Licensed dealers (including brokers) must collect and pay sales tax
, but Joe gave me a good enough deal that this wasn't a big issue.I highly recommend Todd (Lee?) of Auto Exams, 770-822-1352, if you are looking for someone to inspect a used car you are thinking about buying. He knows his stuff and provides mobile service wherever the car is located in the Atlanta area for $120, with discounts for multiple inspections. (He looked at three cars for me).
03-21-01, 09:29 AM
#7
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hawkatl,
Thanks for the info. How did you find the broker? Are they listed anywhere or did you get a referral from a friend?
Do you know if Platinum Automotive does new cars or only used?
Marty
Thanks for the info. How did you find the broker? Are they listed anywhere or did you get a referral from a friend?
Do you know if Platinum Automotive does new cars or only used?
Marty
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03-21-01, 12:36 PM
#8
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I found Joe Bullard just by calling ads listed in the Atlanta paper. Most of those ads are placed by dealers and brokers, but a few cars being sold by individuals are in there, too. I don't think that he can get a brand new Lexus, but he told me he will shop at an auction for a customer if you tell him what you want.
You probably know about the www.autotrader.com site, which you can use to find particular models in your area. It generally has some listings not included in the Atlanta paper.
You probably know about the www.autotrader.com site, which you can use to find particular models in your area. It generally has some listings not included in the Atlanta paper.
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