NYC Max

I started out with my three final contenders being the 98 GS400, 98 540IS, and 98 E430 S. It came down to the GS400 because I'm used to the awesome reliability that I've always had from Japanese cars over the years. I've already heard some nightmares about the 97+ 5 series with numerous electric failures, along with other common problems, and pretty much regular dealer visits. Not only that but most reviews have the 98 540IA listed at around mid 6 second range for 0-60 MPH which is around what my current car puts down. As for the Benz, the E430 Sport is way overpriced, relatively hard to find and is also a step behind in performance.

I will soon be starting to look for a 98-99 GS400 and I had a few questions. I will be primarily interested in one with HID/Yellow Fogs, Spoiler, 17's. Navigation and/or Nakamichi(The two dont mix apparently) as well as Chrome on the wheels would be nice but I could definitely swallow the loss. I pretty much love every color out there including the Cinnabar Red, Blue Spectra Mica, Bronze, Light Brown, Silver, Gold Metallic, the only one I'm not crazy about is the Green, but I'm especially in love with the Crystal White. My question is why have I never seen one with black leather (My preference w/ any exterior color).

Any feedback is appreciated and I'll leave you guys with a few specific questions.

1) What exterior colors came with what choices, black leather(My favorite) or Silver/Gray leather (Totally dont mind) or Tan (Do not like).

2) Any tranny or electrical issues for 98-99 models?

3) I plan on keeping my 94 Maxima for the winter, but if I was to try to drive a GS400 in winter, is it total suicide since its a 3600 pound RWD 300HP/310TQ (Even with the 16's?).

GS4Will

max..

excellent choice..you and i have similar liking in blk leather..

1. blk: silver or blk ext(very rare you see in blue)
2. grey: silver, blue
3. tan: white, gold, green, cinnabar red, blue

NYC Max

Thanks, then I guess my wishlist would be:

1. Silver Ext/Black Leather
2. Blue/Black or Silver Leather
3. Black/Black Leather
4. White/Tan Leather (The exterior is that nice, I'll learn to live with the tan).

apatel

welcome to CL!

Hopefully some of my experiences will help. I bought a 98 CPO GS400 which had its engine ECU fail at 55k. Since 98 was the first year of production, there are bound to be some bugs, especially electrical. There is also a problem with the GS suspension losing its alignment frequently. Also, the GS4's torque easily overpowers the TCS making the rearend very skittish in rainy weather and especially in snow. Maybe an LSD and wider tires can help with this problem.

Lexus of Manhattan

NYC Max, Great news!

1999 Lexus GS 400
Silver Exterior
Black Interior


Selling Price - $36,995
30,635 miles
VIN: JT8BH68X5X0018007
Stock# LM4191

Additional Features:

V8 4.0 Liter, 5-Speed Auto (ECT-i), Rear Wheel Drive, Auto Climate Control, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Telescoping Wheel, Cruise Control. AM/FM Stereo, Cassette, Compact Disc, CD Auto-Changer, Navigation System, Dual Front Air Bags, Anti Lock Braking, Traction Control, Leather, Dual Power Seats, Moon roof, Chrome Wheels (16"), Rear Spoiler

This car is a Certified Lexus, so it does come with a limited 3 year (up to)100,000 mile warranty

Give me a call if you'd like to discuss further details. Thanks!
Eddie Shacalo

GSquicksilver

check it out to see if it has a rough idle at low rpm like most 98-2000 gs400's. if there is a rough idle, make sure THEY FIX IT before they sell you the car if you're getting it from the dealership. it's gonna be a pain in the a$$ after you buy it. and don't let them sucker you into believing it's "normal" that a gs400 idles rough. it's all BS.

mumbles

this brings back the days of when i was searching for a gs, and a black interior was definitely harder to find. but patience paid off, and i got what I wanted.
also guys, don't forget that 1SICKLEX has a white car with black interior, '98 model i believe, so they are out there.

DrRick

huh? man you must not have seen one before. ill help you out seriously though, welcome to CL and good luck with your find.


Doc

MikeGS4PE

Doc - haha, that's funny!

BTW...the GS is not all that bad in the winter. I have gone through two winters with my GS4 with minimal problems. Of course, if you hit about 4-5" of snow, not many cars will do good in it. Hope this helps...I have been stuck a few times...only once did I have to be dug out (Michigan)

whitels

No matter what color you get, just be sure you get the one with navigation. It will keep your car in step with cars in the future plus it's really neat to have one. I find it very useful. I had the Nakamichi before and it's one awesome system but choosing between the two now, I am still glad I have the nav. If you can get the 01 with Nav/ML, so much the better (but you lose the e-shift).

Rockero28

iTrader: (8)

My only suggestion is try to avoid getting a 98..... I speak from my own experience. Start at 99's... Just my .02.

Rock

brendanlim

Manaray

'98 is the first model year of the JZS16x GS's...they tend to have the most problems but mostly with interior noise (squeaks and rattles)...

FWIW, 2001's don't have of those issues...

NYC Max

Thanks for your help guys, I also spoke to a former certified Lexus mechanic and he told me the 98 GS400 had several issues that the 99+ never had.

Slightly off topic but what do you guys think of the 2000 A6 2.7T (Auto or 6 spd) and how it compares to the GS400?

GS4Will

audi are great performance cars, imo..but, on the pre-owned, i would def stay with the gs for better reliablity, generally speaking..