High mileage Lexus GS300 Sport - good clean fun or ruinous?

[CzechItOut]

I have always loved the MK2 GS300 Sport and am amazed at how low they've dropped in price.

However, most have 150,000 plus miles and no doubt would have been driven fairly hard in their lifetime.

Is this a lot of car for the money or would I end up with inevitably ruinous repair bills?

[Heaveho]

Unless horrendously abused or neglected, probably fine. Wouldn't want to pay much, mind, My concerns would be making sure that the box works as it should, and looking at the way the tyres have worn as an indication of potential suspension issues. Check for a leaking water pump, it's about the only common engine related issue on Toyotas and Lexus from that vintage. If it sounds like the floors gonna fall out on a bumpy road, it'll probably only be the drop links.

I'd put money on the engine being sound if it's got any recent SH. Can't remember the rear brake setup on them, but if it's pads only ( as opposed to calipers and pads and shoes in drums for the handbrake), check the handbrake isn't too tightly adjusted, the rear callipers seize if they are.