docrings

As for the $9,000 GS400: good deal if mechanically all in good shape, and no history of bodywork.

If I totaled my 2000 GS400, I'd get another one in a heartbeat.

Regarding the paintswirls, a great detail shop that knows what they're doing can buff those out to a mirror finish... and then get a good Zaino finish kit to maintain it.
detailingworld.com has some great forums on getting a show car finish with the right equipment and products if you are a DIY guy like most of us.

werewolf

If you buy the car with the paint swirls, give it a good clean and a claybar treatment. Lay on the wax and see if the outcome meets your needs.

Paying someone to detail your car may be unnecessary. Free is good...

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

You think 188K miles in 13 years is low miles?!? The car averages 14.46K miles/yr which is about average miles but the condition is well below average considering most Lexies on here get up to 300-400K and still look almost new..

Hypebeast

iTrader: (1)

I'm reading about the suspension threads and ball joints/control arms going on these cars and am starting to get cold feet. I'm supposed to pick up this car tomorrow. Is it really that bad??

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

If you're buying the car in your 1st post you should be fine.. The Ball joint failure mostly happens on cars that has been "lowered" so don't be afraid.. Use your common sense and turn the wheel all the way to the right and left while parked if you don't hear any noises or squeaks (not tire noises) then you should be okay. But i would changed th LBJ's before your reach 80K miles if you don't know the history of the car to have peace of mind..Thats it.. Good Luck!!

billzblaze

Get the carfax that seems like a fair deal that is pretty low milage for that car just try to haggle him if your paying cash!

toy4life86

iTrader: (4)

I think its a great freakin price low low miles
but the balljoint post is not true, I would not chance it check them out for sure
THEY DO NOT JUST GO BAD ON LOWERED CARS
my car was not lowered and I changed them although they were not that bad... They were making the popping sound
Id rather change those out again its been another 60k than my wheel falling off anyday.

L3XOTIC

$9k is a good deal. Thats low mileage which is hard to find

jkgs300

iTrader: (1)

I paid $12K for my 2000 platinum edition gs300 (70K miles)back in 07' and thought i got a great deal. I had to replace my upper-control arm and now my radio needs a new lcd other than that its been a reliable car.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

I never said ONLY on "Lowered cars" - I wish people would read correctly.. I SAID - MOSTLY ON LOWERED CARS.. but for his case its a low mileage car and if its been taken cared for its not really an issue, I have read every thread about this LBJ failure and alot more LBJ failure happen on lowered cars than stock ones and that it always has signs like it makes noises before it goes out. Anyone who drives a car that makes suspension noises is begging for an incident. If you hear noises get the car checked out - what ever the noise is (either it be suspension, brakes, or mechanical noise - Use some common sense)

To the OP: Don't let people scare you out of a great car..! My Bud Stephen, picked up a 2000 Platinum GS400 last year with 78K miles, he heard some creaking in the suspension and changed the LBJ's out before 80K, everything is fine.. -- If you are that worried, ask the seller to let you take it to the Dealer to look at the car, they can go over the car for peace of mine..

werewolf

The lower front ball joints are what you're talking about. People recommend to replace them every 70-80k miles.

It's one of those failures that can be catastrophic (body damage, wheel damage, loss of control) when it happens so everyone here is paranoid about it.

The takehome message is do it (200-300usd less if you can wrench) to avoid a larger bill later. Honestly, this is the one item of preventive repair is that not normal for cars in general.

I wouldn't let it scare you off the car. If it does, PM me so I can buy it.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

I paid 8k, for my 2000 GS4 Platinum Edition with about 90k miles, which i thought was a great deal for the car, I had to drive about 2 hours to see it and check it out, but def get the car and enjoy it man.

Lexlthr

iTrader: (3)

That's a great deal with super low miles too! Jump on that!

Hypebeast

iTrader: (1)

Ok purchased it this morning. I'd post pics but we all know what a stock GS400 looks like. ;-)

I'll def post some pics after I start to VIP it out.

Newchapter

iTrader: (2)

lol @ bullet holes. It's from a dent puller.

Congrats on the pickup.