Moarpower

Hi guys. I have been here in the LS400 forums for a while. I am searching to buy a 98/99 GS300 here in Aus. Found one for 3200aud with 170 000 kms. Neat car. Just curious as to any inherent issues with a 98/99 model that I need to be wary of? Any deal breakers?

Mackd1418

dtwolf

You should really look to get a 03-05 gs300 or gs430 with lowest mileage you can find, don't just settle for any gs. If there is no service history on a timing belt, water pump, cam shaft seals, idler tensioner, thermostat have been done. Also do power steering flush, brake flush, transmission fluid exchange, fuel system cleaner. The door lock actuators go bad, just replace the motors. And grease all the servo motors. I believe there are 3. Jus use the search about the servo motors & you will see why. Are you going to lower it.

Moarpower

Thanks. Yes it will go on coil overs straight away.
We will be doing an aristo swap from a 99.but id like to experience the car as is for a good while first

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

After moving from a LS4 to a GS3 you shuld change your name to Loaspower

Moarpower

Haha i might. Gs430 wasnt sold here so the only option is 300. I will be importing a 99 aristo for the swap so it wont be less power for long

porn-adkt

iTrader: (37)

I hear ya..I wish i could get my hands on one of those TRD Aurions

lextout

Moarpower

Thanks for that tip. I will be getting a 98 or 99 without a doubt. Certainly having a hard time parting with my Celsior tho.

GS34B

+1, no knowledge of the service history can break a deal for me

A few things that might have issues: door lock actuators, AC blend actuators, steering wheel telescope/tilt motor, the leather on the seats, center armrest console leather, LCD screen non-working if stock radio, acceleration (these are sloooooow).

Moarpower

Surely they arent sloooooooww. My hyundai santa fe is slooooww

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

GS300s are hella slow. Amusingly, a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is more powerful and better equipped in pretty much every way.

Moarpower

Id call that more common sense then amusing, seeing as there is 20 years of technological progress between them.

​​I dont find them too slow at all. And as i said, the purpose is to use the imported 2nd gen aristo for a transplant so speed is a non issue.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

Hang on, why don't you just import and drive an Aristo V300?

Moarpower

Would if I could mate. In Aus we can import almost any car that was no sold domestically. This includes the Celsior, which is the same car as the LS 400 as im sure you know. HOWEVER, the AUS government decided that the gen 2 Aristo was the same as the gen 2 GS, even tho they have totally different engines. Its complete rubbish. We can import the 1st gens easy. Unfortunately the first gens here in Aus are mostly trashed now, and the import costs have gone up as they hit the newish 25 year rule for US guys.