GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

2001 GS430 still a good buy after that many years?

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Old 03-14-11, 11:18 AM
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intermec
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Default 2001 GS430 still a good buy after that many years?

Recently saw one at Lexus dealership, 01 GS430 with all possible option (nav, chrome wheels) asking for $11.5K, 92k miles.
It is stil a 10 year old car. Should I still buy it? Or would you buy it? how much?
I know the $ different is not much in today's market but 430 is kind of hard to find and I think it has much better ride then 300 (correct me if I am wrong). I am not planning to do any mod so your input is welcome.

oh, carfax 2 owners, no accident. checked online, 1st owner all service at Lexus but 2 owner wasn't. Other then timing belt, water pump. anything else I should keep an eye on with the V8?
Old 03-14-11, 02:02 PM
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entryspeed
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Look for oil leaks fluid leaks, anything missing on the car, also check all the suspension bushngs up front especially the #2 control arms on either side. do a search on the forum there are many threads on what to look for when buying the car. The gs430 does have better power as opposed to the gs300. It also being a 01+ gs has better grill and better gauge bezel in many peoples opinions. I would pay 11k for it in a heart beat it retails out at 13k so you are in the good deal range.
Old 03-14-11, 02:07 PM
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vmirjamali
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That's kind of high but within +-1k of range so it's not bad.
Old 03-14-11, 02:43 PM
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97-SC300
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Buy the car if you like it. I don't see why it being 10 years old has anything to do with it. You're gonna do maintenance on ANY used car so there is little difference.
Old 03-14-11, 02:48 PM
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excluesive
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My 430 has 78k miles (but modded).... glad to see they still have some value in them
Old 03-14-11, 02:49 PM
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Debonair
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Like peoples age, a cars age is just a number. Its current condition and upkeep is far more important. That along with do you like it? If so, its in good shape, and you can afford it - do it.

Originally Posted by intermec
I am not planning to do any mod...
Famous last words around here.

Last edited by Debonair; 03-15-11 at 08:34 AM.
Old 03-14-11, 03:21 PM
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Johnny Rad
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My '02 has been great, but like all used cars, it has required regular maintenance.

I think a solid maintenance history with any used car is important. If the car has not been maintained, it is likely in my opinion to require some immediate TLC and may suffer other issues that it wouldn't otherwise.

A ten year old car is likely to require some attention, but not a premium priced one from the dealer.

Just my $.02
Old 03-15-11, 08:26 AM
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intermec
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one reason I like 430 over 300 is that there aren't many on the road. Also in terms of pricing, you get better value on 430 (I guess, consider there is near $10K different when new and now only $1-2k on the market)
Old 03-15-11, 08:29 AM
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97-SC300
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^^^ Trust me that's not going to be the only thing to like on a GS4 over a GS3... You drive both cars in stock form for a minute and you realize the GS430 is MUCH more car in terms of the power and smoothness of drivetrain alone.
Old 03-15-11, 09:24 AM
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intermec
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after searching on the forum, the following seems to be the areas that I need to check on
1) ball joint, bushing, tie rod (are those all related? sorry I am not as knowledge as most of you guys)
does it happened to lowered GS or even stock GS?
2) the big ticket item includes timing belt, water pump, drive belt
3) door locks problem
4) headlight condensation on the right (had this problem on my 04 Sienna and also notice many Lexus/Toyota has this problem, only on the right side)
5) O2 senor

Last edited by intermec; 03-17-11 at 10:06 PM.
Old 03-19-11, 01:02 PM
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BCP43002
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New car dealers tend to keep the cars in better shape for sale. See if you can find out how the dealer got the car, if it was a trade in or purchased wholesale. If traded in for another Lexus, the owner was happy with it. Price to me seems fair for a clean car at a dealer. The car with all options(nav,ML,Wood & leather sw,spoiler, 17 in chrome) listed in the upper $50k's when new.
Old 03-19-11, 04:11 PM
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Kaiser
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I bought my 01 430 December 09 for 11,500 at a dealer with 90k on it. The subwoofer needed to be repaired and the driver door actuator has gone bad. Besides that it's been a solid car.
Old 03-19-11, 04:25 PM
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Arcadian
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I'd say buy it. It sounds like it's been generally looked after. I swear these 10 year old Lexus' are better built and of better materials than the new ones. These GS have some problems (what car doesn't) but, they're well known and relatively minor, ball-joints excepted. Otherwise these things are a sweet ride that happens to be bulletproof.
Old 03-20-11, 03:16 AM
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gottahaveit2
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I've had my 01 GS430 since 07, w/ 36k when I found it to now at over 100k. My experience with it has been excellent. Just normal maintenance, a very high quality car. If all the mechanicals check out to your satisfaction, you could look closer at exterior paint for signs of small accidents, or repainted panels. Although the CarFax may have no records there can be repainted areas. If all the paint is original, matching and panels and doors line up nicely, that's good. Often the front and rear bumpers get resprayed and can start looking worn again fast.
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