davidcrush

Hi,

I just purchased a 1999 Lexus GS 300 with 140k, it's real clean. One owner, and the engine is so quiet I have to lift the hood just to make sure that its actually on . I have a few questions 1. Can i use 89 (mid-grade)gas....ANd if so will this mess anything up in the vehicle. 2.) do they break down a lot, and are the parts expensive. Now I have had a CL500, S500, Range Rover, 645ci, 745i and have not been able to save any money in my life because of constantly spending money on repairs. I have been through Oil leaks, transmission leaks, Air suspension failures, the list goes on. Mercedes + Range rover = air suspension problems for a grand total of 8,000. 745 + 645 = Engine/transmission leaks = 3,000.00 and I sold the 645 way below its value because it needs 4,000.00 worth of engine work. I just don't want to go through this bull****, and need to save some money. Let me know what i have to look out for with this lexus

thanks in ADVANCE

iRyan

iTrader: (7)

Well you picked a great car with LITTLE problem...I won't say our car is perfect but pretty close....for one DO NOT USE 89 use 93 it won't cost u much more and you will get all the power out the car..our 300s r pretty slow compare to the 400 n 430...as long as you r doing your oil changes and proper maintenance (brakes, filters, timing belt) then your good for another 200k miles. As far as suspension with our cars you need to check the LOWER BALL JOINTS and bushings but those are cheap ...Parts are way cheaper than Mercedes n BMWactually they are Toyota prices so yea....I hope I was able to help you out

davidcrush

THanks for your response, It helped a lot. Im glad I made the right choice Im really tired of throwing my hard earned money into a car!!!

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

The gs makes me not want to drive my mercedes... Imo the lexus is a smoother ride without the "look at me" prices. Use quality gas, parts,and care... It'll last u forever

pbateson

Lexus is very reliable. I almost bought Infiniti M35x and found out not getting it.

davidcrush

Sounds Good to me, I used to get looks and compliments all the time when I had my 645 But no one knew the maintenance costs.

JEBAAY

Best used car I ever purchased! Bought it 3yrs ago w/135,000 its @199,000 now& still strong as ever! Only replaced a starter & battery in 3 yrs.

davidcrush

850Lexus

Wish I could say that. I have had the shakes in my front suspension and slowly replacing piece by piece. I have had a benz and hated that car. GF had a BMW and that was a money pit. I do love my Infiniti's and my Lexus. The GS is a very comfortable car. I use it for work traveling over 1000 miles a week so I am in it alot.

AKS14

Yea its pretty much been summed up, but in the suspension..

Front Lower Ball Joints
Front Tension Arm Bushings

Both of which, provided you have tools and do the labor yourself, are relatively easy to replace and depending on which parts you go with are between 100-350$ to fix each.

Also door lock actuators will go bad but you can buy replacement motors on ebay for 1-2$ a piece, and do the labor yourself, it takes about 1 1/2 hours, and fixes the problem (mine have been working fine for the last 9 months using this method)

Then engine wise, aside from basic maintenance (plugs/fuel filter/etc.) a relatively common issue with the 2J motors is front main oil seals. But provided the timing belt was done, the front main, water pump, and cam seals should have been replaced.

The GS is really easy to work on if you've worked on cars before, plenty of room in the engine bay to dig around, I really enjoy mine, I bought it with 85k on it in March, and its got 102k on it now, I drive everywhere with it.

jeepandlex

yeah it'll even run on regular.....I know cause I try to fill it up on 93, but wifey(its her car) pumps in the regular. I guess it hasn't died cause she doesn't drive hard and I fill up with 93 Everytime I use the car. I know it's bad for the valves...but the Lucas fuel system cleaner hasn't failed me yet.