Still trying to decide if I should shed the BMW for Lexus. I would buy a 98'99'GS with 60k or less milage and would expect to keep until 175 to 200k. Anyone have experience with GS 400 (new body stile) with 100k+? What comes up for replacement and what are the costs? Any electrical or transmission or AC problems? Any gadgets go on the bust?

Any years or options a potential buyer should avoid? What do I need to pay extra attention too?

 

I have 287000 km on my 98 GS got it brand new with 26 km on it. here is a list of what I have had replaced.
front ball joints @ 160000 k km $ 750 CND
Installed L- tuned shocks & springs @ 206000 km $420 US
replaced engine mounts @ 206000 km $500 CND
replaced front lower control arms @ 206000 km $ 1000 CND
replaced upper front and rear control arms @ 275000 km $ 2000 CND
replaced water pump @ 285000 I have not got the bill for that yet.
I have lots of other mods on the car but as far as original parts wearing out that is it.
I have just been following regular Maintainance Oil, timeing belts, Spark Plugs Etc.
My car is great I will never sell it. I sometimes brag to other people who admire my car about the high millage on it, still drives like a new GS. I compared.
I do have 1 problem that started at around 100000 but I think we might now know what it is thanks to VVT-i now. not a major problem just annoying that they could not figure out what the problem was for so long. Guess it because Lexus's just dont break!.
BTW my car was off the first batch July 97 last 4 # on VIN 1096

 

navaz-

Thank you for the info.

Two follow up questions:

1.) are those prices for work done at dealership or by local shop?

2.) i am supprised you had to replace your front ball joints at 100k miles...do you auto cross your car? do you drive it very hard or would you say that average driver would wear these out as well?

KA

 

I drive very agressive.

 

O yah, I only get my Lexus delear to work on my car. In fact Only there Master Tech has touched it since Day 1.

 

I'd say most here at this enthusiast site drive their GS a little more aggressively than your average GS owner.

Some here have higher mileage, but have had not so many service issues as navaz. Not implyingf anything about navaz of course.

I think 1SICKLEX has a 98 with close to 70k+. PM him ans ask him to post here. I have a 98 with 61k and have had none of the issues listed above.

 

As far as replacing my ball joints @ 160,000 km (100,000 miles) might also have something to do with where I live. Temperatures change dramaticaly for example. Summer up to 40 C. Winter down to - 45 C
that can have an effect on many things also in the winter I park in a very warm garage 25 C and go out to - 30 C. Also the roads here take a big beating from that as well. Pot holes almost everywhere you go. BTW I had no issues until I past 120,000 km ( around 80 k miles).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dex

Some here have higher mileage

Name 1 1998+ with higher milage. I am at 290,000 km ( Aporx 180 k miles)

 

navaz-

how well to the L-Tuned shocks/springs improve the ride/body roll? I have a 540 sport that I am looking at replacing with a GS400. From the test drives the GS 400 is as quick but lacks in hadleing. Looks like lexus went for more "luxury" and less sport on the suspension.

KA

 

I started modding my GS after I test drove a 2001 540i A sport The L-tuned helps alot but if you also add TRD sways (Blue) with the TOMS 6 piece rear kit It should run circles around the 540i sport. If you go with the White TRD sways it will be very close to the 540i. I have tried both. I am Gonna put my Blue sways back on this week. Also you will want to get the L- Tuned ECU

 

Navaz-

What is the apprx cost of those items and cost to install.

When you added these items was that after you had upgraded to larger rims/tires or prior?

KA

 

Your ride sounds sweet! Do you have any pics?

 

400dgrz-

What size tires and rims do you currently have?

KA

 

I'm currently running the factory 17" wheels.

 

kaabye, dude, use PMs for user specific questions.