First time Lexus buyer here.

I have an opp to grab a friend of mines GS300

Its a 1998 205k on the clock
fully loaded
Has minor cosmetic flaws, nothing serious
Runs, starts, accelerates, shifts etc perfect.
A/C stopped working last week, have not had it looked at yet, nor have I listened to what it is doing when the A/C is engaged.
It also has an ABS light on and VSC. I have read this forum and I think I know what to look for with both of these; however advice is always appreciated.


Has brand new front end basically. New Tie rod ends, ***** joints etc.
It also has a upgraded sound system, with some very nice infinity subs and an amp.

I understand that A/C is NEVER cheap, and neither is anything that says Lexus on it.

Is $2800 a fair price for this car, or should I simply let someone else nab this one?
Thank you in advance for any help.


Black on black with chrome wheels

 

You have to look at it yourself to see if it's worth purchasing. These motors can last 500k if it's been taken care of, but what you are going to drop some money into it since it's 200k.

1. Expect to pay $1k for the timing belt service. If you are good with tools, you can use the DIY to save money. You can get the lexus kit on rock auto for a fair price.

2. At that mileage, i'm very sure the suspension is shot! You will have to replace every bushing/shocks, end links, ect. on the car.

3. You can buy an AC compressor used or brand new, that shouldn't be that bad, but that's addition al money coming out your pocked for parts and labor. ABS light being on, search this site, multiple reasons why it's on. sensor could be broken?

Me....I would pass. I purchased a "lemon" for my first car thinking that I could fix everything that was wrong with it because of the low price and ended up spending the price that I paid twice in maintenance. I would only purchase something used that I could get in a drive. There are plenty of 200k cars that doesn't have all of those issues you listed.

 

I have driven it. It drives great now.

I have had a couple of Yotas that have passed the 300k mark

I did not think about the suspension... I need to look that up as well as get it in the air and look at it.

I have wheeled Jeeps my entire life, so I am perfectly fine with DIY

I just don't want to step into what you described... a money pit.

Thank you for your post. I appreciate it

 

Buy it! Slam it! Drive it!

 

most likely that vsc abs light is gonna be one of the abs sensors. if you feel it was tell taken care of then go for it. doesnt sound like a bad price to me.

 

This car was babied, I think I am going to go ahead and snag it.

If it starts costing me too much, I can turn it over quick in a local "bigger" city...

I appreciate the feedback... I am sure I will frequent this forum...

 

2800 is a steal, I would hop on it with no questions asked.