ZFORCE

I've had my GS300 for 4 years and still love it. Lexus copied the BMW in many ways, and I had too many of those to count. Inline 6 is smooth and gets 18.5 mpg without fail. It has PLENTY of power for a daily driver, even loaded with kids and lugage, but if you thirst the HP get the 400 series.

Some of the problems I've had are the lower ball joints, which you mention, but to play it safe, they should be automatically replaced as soon as you get it if it has over 100k, you're going to have to do them eventually, and it's not worth the damage to the wheel well/fender to try and squeeze every mile out of them.

Timing belt needs replaced every 90k, and if you don't know REPLACE IT. This is an interference engine, when the belt breaks, bye bye engine. I did mine immediately, when I bought it at 91k, I towed it home from Phoenix, as I didn't want to risk it going out right after the purchase! It's a straight forward but time consuming job, if you do it yourself.

I chose not to do the water pump since it was smooth and had no play and since I'm the guy that has to do the work anyway, no labor costs...other than time. Dealer wanted $2500 for this job, and only $1500 if ALL they did was the belt, rip off!!! I spent $18.00 on a gates belt and did it in one day.

Problems:
From day one, I have a CEL code for the carbon canister, but I just reset the OBDII and it's good for weeks. No driveability problems associated with that code, and it happens mostly after filling the tank, and no I don't top it off, and yes I have replaced the gas cap and o ring several times!

It's super reliable, but when it has a problem, it's usually something mysterious, like the time I had a backfire and hesitation on take off. That one bugged me for months, had the injectors cleaned professionally, changed the spark plugs, checked the resistance on all the plug wires, cleaned the MAF sensor, swapped coils, etc. etc. It turned out to be plug wires! Had a clunk in the front end, that one turned out to be the lower ball joints, but it was fun finding it!

Right now, I am dealing with another mystery problem. Recently, when I try and start it, it turns over but sounds like the starter is just whizzing, then it finally starts and I hear a random clank from the top end?? Starter is good, air cleaner and MAF good, battery good. Wondering if it's electrical or fuel related? But even so, I love this car and will buy another!

fire88

thanks for the help fellas

you guys helped me out so much! now I know what im dealing with and how much I should offer.

fire88

Okay. I think I found the GS I would like to pick up. But I would like to see your opinions first, so here goes.

2004 GS430 with 145k miles. Clean title.
-1st owner was a lease.
-2nd owner had it ever since. So it is technically an original owner in a way.
-All major services done except ball joints.
-Timing belt change at 110k miles
-Very clean inside and out with the exceptions of a 5in scratch and a few door dings.
-Fresh oil change, new brake pads, and new tires
-Well maintained and adult owned.
-Selling because his son wants a Honda civic.
-Factory GPS

He is firm at 7900k cash

Good deal? Great deal? Best deal? Bad deal?

Thanks!

cmara2k9

Would need to see pics of the car's exterior and interior, but assuming that there both in good condition I don't think it's a bad deal but It's really up to you, I mean you could find a 2001 or 2002 with less miles for alittle bit cheaper or around the same price, I guess if 145k doesn't seem high to you then it's probably a good deal.

chicov8

for 2004 I would say its very good deal even with 145k miles

titangts

if it makes you feel any better i just bought a 02 Sport design with 188k. and will be my daily. Im doing the thermostat, timing belt, water pump, crank/cam seal and serpentine belt this weekend..after that i should be good for another 100k. these motors are bullet proof man. change the oil and you're good.

next on the list is spark plugs and wires. but thats because i "want" to. not that it needs it.