nuttimilk

I bought a 215k km '02 IS300 in not so great conditions (needed supreme detail, timing belt, waterpump, valve cover gasket, spark plugs, radiators, etc.) for $8300 and spent another $2000 for doing all of the above works. Two weeks ago (after only a week of driving), I crashed it and it was claimed total loss by insurance. When my check arrived for $9800 today, I went and bought a 200k km '98 GS400 in much better condition than the '02 IS300 for $9950. However I did not do much reading up on the model, all I know about the car is it's very reliable and will last me few more years.

I'm going to take to shop very soon to get checked out but before I do, what kind of problems are prone to 2nd gen '98 GS400s that which I should ask the mechanic to look for? I don't have service record of the car, so you can pretend that the car has not been serviced since '98.

If you can list along with price for parts+labor that would be so helpful.

I'll post pics of my car, it looks really nice.

Thanks, later.

lextout

go to lexus.com and you can pull the service history with the vin number.
Also make sure the lower ball joints and timing belt have been replaced, these are the two main concerns.

nuttimilk

Hmm.. I didn't notice when test driving but I just took it for a ride and I noticed sounds when just cruising. Cruising after accelerating makes it louder. It sounds like something loose rolling.. or like mosquito flying by your ear again and again..? I got scared I just drove it back. Is this lower ball joints? Man..

EDIT: I've read that lower ball joints, apparently, make creaking sound when you turn steering wheel. So I guess it's not that, but I will get it replaced anyways soon. So I wonder what is making this sound? Anyone recognize the sound?

nuttimilk

The car was never serviced at Lexus apparently they have no records. "F" me! I'm going to call previous owner and ask for the service record. But he told me timing belt was never replaced. I don't know about lower ball joints.

Thanks for the help, appreciate it.