2001 Lexus GS 300
Discussion
I am looking to buy one of these for doing about 6-7000 miles per year for about 4 years. I am not familiar with the brand and would appreciate some advise as to what i should look for in maintenance history and test drive.
The car I am looking at has done about 120k and has satnav, heated seats etc. My assumption is that Lexus of this age is a better barge than S class or 5 series of that age from reliability point view.
Any suggestions?
The car I am looking at has done about 120k and has satnav, heated seats etc. My assumption is that Lexus of this age is a better barge than S class or 5 series of that age from reliability point view.
Any suggestions?
1) find the "1-5k barge" thread in General Gassing. It's mostly BMW/MB fans posting the same sorts of cars, but Lexus does feature from time to time
2) browse/join the Lexus OC, which has a GS section. It's quite quiet because there's not a lot to post when all works well (at least compared to the MB forums I've been on)
3) it can take the 120k miles well, but with any older Lexus beware the owners who have decide reliability reputation is a reason they can skimp on maintenance (cam belt intervals, etc). Lots will have broken toys that owners won't fix
(FWIW, I bought an LS400 recently at the same sort of miles. I did test drive a GS300, and it was pretty good, but the dealer had lied about its history.)
Good luck.
2) browse/join the Lexus OC, which has a GS section. It's quite quiet because there's not a lot to post when all works well (at least compared to the MB forums I've been on)
3) it can take the 120k miles well, but with any older Lexus beware the owners who have decide reliability reputation is a reason they can skimp on maintenance (cam belt intervals, etc). Lots will have broken toys that owners won't fix
(FWIW, I bought an LS400 recently at the same sort of miles. I did test drive a GS300, and it was pretty good, but the dealer had lied about its history.)
Good luck.
I've just taken the plunge. Bought a 2000 model six days ago. Absolutely fabulous, has on face value got a brilliant service history, at 900 quid I haven't investigated too thoroughly but the overall condition, 2 very new looking rear calipers and a set of 4 brand new matching avons tells me it's been loved. Utterly fabulous thing, drives like brand new, everything works bar an intermittent fault on the stereo display. Do it! I love mine, just be prepared for a fairly shocking thirst for unleaded!
TONKA2 said:
I've just taken the plunge. Bought a 2000 model six days ago. Absolutely fabulous, has on face value got a brilliant service history, at 900 quid I haven't investigated too thoroughly but the overall condition, 2 very new looking rear calipers and a set of 4 brand new matching avons tells me it's been loved. Utterly fabulous thing, drives like brand new, everything works bar an intermittent fault on the stereo display. Do it! I love mine, just be prepared for a fairly shocking thirst for unleaded!
Did you go for the SIX or the V8? I'm after a V8 however there is a nice SIX local at a very good price.
Post some pics please too
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