GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Potential GS owner.....what do you think about this car im looking at???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-10-11 | 02:51 AM
  #1  
headkiss's Avatar
headkiss
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: MN
Default Potential GS owner.....what do you think about this car im looking at???

Hey Guys,

I just got interested in the GS300 a few weeks ago. i had my heart set on an 01 Audi A6 but saw my buddy in a 04 GS300 and it looked nice. So i proceeded to search fro one

Ok here is one im seriously considering http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...371851601.html

Is that a decent deal? i think the price is too high but i guess he is taking the rims into account. I dont think it would be fair to pay over $8000 for it....what do u guys think.

Also its a 2000 model, any problems or things i should check when i go look at the car?
Finally for those who live in colder areas how does the car handle in snow? Thx for any responses guys.
Old 05-10-11 | 02:59 AM
  #2  
YviE's Avatar
YviE
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 2
From: France
Default

The price is steep for sure. 98-00 models are very much like 01-05 models in terms of reliability. Things to look out for are the lower balljoints and door actuators.

This one has a black interior which is harder to find.
Old 05-10-11 | 03:01 AM
  #3  
headkiss's Avatar
headkiss
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: MN
Default

so what would be a more reasonable price?
Old 05-10-11 | 03:05 AM
  #4  
YviE's Avatar
YviE
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 2
From: France
Default

I am not too sure what the prices are in the US, but from what I've read you get a GS400 for 9K (maybe with a little bit more mileage though). I would guess somewhere between 7000 and 7500 would be more reasonable.
Old 05-10-11 | 03:11 AM
  #5  
MiggzGS's Avatar
MiggzGS
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

Offer him 7-7.5k.. Should be a reasonable offer.
Old 05-10-11 | 04:00 AM
  #6  
OT0814's Avatar
OT0814
Lead Lap
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

tell him to keep the rims and sell them. i think its a bit steep. It is a platinum series however and seems like it is in great condition. He says regular maintenance has been done so ask for service records and make sure the timing belt service was done. Also if you can test drive it check to see how it rides. there is a thread in the suspension section that tells you what to look for to see if the lower ball joints are going bad. Aside from that the engine runs like a champ and even tho it has 118k miles it should plenty of life left in it.
Old 05-10-11 | 08:44 AM
  #7  
lexybaby77's Avatar
lexybaby77
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 481
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

I agree $7k - $7.5k would be a reasonable offer. Maybe $8k if its really in great condition. But make sure to check engine, suspension, interior etc. You can download a car pre-purchase checklist if you like to be more organized. This one I personally use from MSN: http://autos.msn.com/advice/articles/aischecklist.aspx. From there you can decide if its a good deal or not. The car still has a long way to go in terms of mileage. Mine already have 190K and still runs like new. Good luck and happy car shopping!
Old 05-10-11 | 09:50 AM
  #8  
headkiss's Avatar
headkiss
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: MN
Default

thank u guys so much for the responses. Yeah 7-7.5k seems reasonable to me...and i like the rims so i want it with the car. I'll make sure to check all the problem parts and if i buy ill be sure to post pics and of course browse here for mod ideas. Thx guys
Old 05-10-11 | 10:05 AM
  #9  
SaiyanGS3's Avatar
SaiyanGS3
Racer
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 94
From: H-town, TX
Default

Originally Posted by lexybaby77
I agree $7k - $7.5k would be a reasonable offer. Maybe $8k if its really in great condition. But make sure to check engine, suspension, interior etc. You can download a car pre-purchase checklist if you like to be more organized. This one I personally use from MSN: http://autos.msn.com/advice/articles/aischecklist.aspx. From there you can decide if its a good deal or not. The car still has a long way to go in terms of mileage. Mine already have 190K and still runs like new. Good luck and happy car shopping!
That's a great list.
Old 05-10-11 | 12:04 PM
  #10  
JDMJNKY's Avatar
JDMJNKY
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: sOuL-CaLiFoRnIa
Default

You do your research on mileage price and condition. Price is relative, if your happy with your purchase and you feel this car is worth it to you, then buy it. I personally have never let price stop me, even if I have to save for years.

Making him a fair offer is also another option.
Old 05-10-11 | 01:44 PM
  #11  
dejavu157's Avatar
dejavu157
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 1
From: California
Default

Thanks for the post OP. im going to buy it!
Old 05-10-11 | 02:31 PM
  #12  
orozco543's Avatar
orozco543
Driver School Candidate
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Default

Provided that the interior is in nice shape and the 90k service has been done, I would pay $8000 for this w/o the custom rims. Cheaper GS's are available, but saving $1000 on the purchase price doesn't seem worth it if you miss out on a well-cared-for paint job and a complete service history. Of course, it can't hurt to offer $7500 and see what happens.
Old 05-10-11 | 04:13 PM
  #13  
NYGS3ANDY's Avatar
NYGS3ANDY
Sto_fever
CL Folding 2M
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 457
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Default

if u get it for 7ish u good. not diggin the 20's tho. all the best.
Old 05-10-11 | 04:38 PM
  #14  
ThomasGS4's Avatar
ThomasGS4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,504
Likes: 387
From: TX
Default

Try to get the VIN # from him if you can. There's a place on lexus.com where you can receive all the service history on the car that was performed at a dealer.
Old 05-10-11 | 04:41 PM
  #15  
perry05g35's Avatar
perry05g35
Lead Lap
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 456
Likes: 4
From: Texas/Hawaii
Default

If you don't want the 20" I'll take them. $7-7.5k is a fair offer but I'd base your offer on a test drive & the condition of the car. Good luck.


Quick Reply: Potential GS owner.....what do you think about this car im looking at???



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:25 PM.