maddindian

I researched on the 98 GS300 on ConsumerGuide.com and it said that the A/C failure is common on these models? Is this true? If so, when would it fail? Early on in the car's lifespan or later on at around 100k? Also has anyone from here experienced these problems?

Also they said that the VSC might fail as well? Also true? In any case, we are taking the car to be inspected at the Lexus dealership before we buy it, so hopefully if there are problems, they will find it before we put the money down.

Thanks guys.

maddindian

anyone?

Also another question, when you start up the the GS300, it's not exactly quiet. You can hear the exhaust and engine quite loudly. Only after a while does it quiet down, is this normal? And it seems to have pretty nice low-end power. Because when I tap the gas, the car just lunges forward. I'm guessing it is because of the gearing.

bluelex

well i have a 98gs300 w/65k and so far its been a dream so far, not one problem in over a yr since i got it.
- to tell u the truth i never noticed it was louder when first turned on but i think most cars do that when they first turn on
-ac has ben cold ans no problem here
- and yes the car some very nice kick 2 it when u hit the gas, highway is a little sad but once u get going its fine. hope this helps.. good luck

Adrian

maddindian

Thanks for your reply! You car looks sick!!

The particular car we are looking at has 74k miles on it. So I'm guessing there is going to be some big maintance to be done at 80k miles?

bluelex

thanx........

but i don't think it will need some big maintance job done, just the reg 80k servc, which i think is 500.00 bucks but mayb someone here might know xactly what it runs 2 do the 80k servc. even if it is that high or a little bit higher , its really worth , u'll feel better driving around after its done.

Captain Bone

Hello,

Welcome to Club Lexus. 90K service is a big one.. so is 120.. other then that, the ones in between are just little tune-ups. Seems like you have yourself a good deal.

-Anthony

dagr8tsthustla

what's included in a 90K service....anything out of the ordinary??

JeromeBaker

I own a 1999 GS 300 that I actually took delivery of in Dec. of 1998. Smack me if I am wrong, but I am almost positive the 98 and 99 GS 300's are identical. In any case, I am at 88,000 miles now on the GS300. So far I have only had one problem. My LCD screen for the radio got destrotyed by heat (No suprise, I live in Arizona). I do not have the Navi in the GS 300, so basically the green-light bar that shows my audio info was scattered and unreadable, crystals destroyed by heat. I had the crystall screen replaced under warranty, and since then have had no problems. The Japanese have reliability down pat. These cars really will run for 250,000 miles without any major components being replaced.

Edit: Also, this car has been run HARD. especially in it's first 60,000 miles when it was my daily driver. At 88,00 miles I have been through 2 sets of brake pads, and 3 sets of tires (Just got the 3rd set 2,000 miles ago) I think this says a lot for the build integrity of the car.

gs400998

This is listed in my Lexus dealer's maintenance handbook for 90K service:
replace engine oil, filter
balance wheels and tires
check wheel alignment and adjust as necessary
rotate tires
replace air filter
replace the A/T fluid
replace the differential oil
replace brake fluid
replace engine coolant
replace fuel filter (if applicable)
inspect brakes, steering linkages, drive shaft boots, boday and chassis nuts and bolts, exhaust pipes and mountings, brake lines and hoses, rack and piston assembly for leakage, fuel lines and connectors and fuel tank, vapor vent system hoses, fuel tank band and fuel tank cap gaset
90K serviceis $700

Replace timing belt and water pump for GS400 is an additional $850

Threxx

Lexus has been #1 in overall reliability according to pretty much every major survey I've seen since the brand was created in '91.

They do have their issues, but still they have far fewer than any other car ever made.

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is to check the headlights for built-up condensation. Turn them on and leave them on for at least 15-20 minutes and see if they fog up. My GS4's xenon lights did this and were replaced under warranty.

Somebody said they're good for 250k miles. I would hope they'd last at least that long. Many less expensive less quality-oriented cars are hitting the 250k mark and further. I think these things with proper maintinance and a non-abusive driver should be able to hit 350-500k.