Hi folks, lexus (or lexii) advice please...
Discussion
Hello folks, just putting my head around the door.
Looking for a larger more comfortable car to replace Mrs Silverbacks' bora. Anyway, to get to the point, how good are older Lexus GS300's. Probably looking at N or P reg with some miles on it. The alternative is back to the 5 series or E class.
Miles don't scare me in any of these, but I have had examples of the other two, and had no problems, so feel drawn to them. However, I have been looking at a few lexus models (as directed by a ph'er :D) and must admit, am impressed with the Gs. I think the LS is too big, and Is too expensive and small....
Any views gratefully received, ie, reliability, mpg, performance, any snags etc as I really have no knowledge at all of the brand. (Other than they are supposed to be very well built and reliable)
Thanks folks,
Mike.
Looking for a larger more comfortable car to replace Mrs Silverbacks' bora. Anyway, to get to the point, how good are older Lexus GS300's. Probably looking at N or P reg with some miles on it. The alternative is back to the 5 series or E class.
Miles don't scare me in any of these, but I have had examples of the other two, and had no problems, so feel drawn to them. However, I have been looking at a few lexus models (as directed by a ph'er :D) and must admit, am impressed with the Gs. I think the LS is too big, and Is too expensive and small....
Any views gratefully received, ie, reliability, mpg, performance, any snags etc as I really have no knowledge at all of the brand. (Other than they are supposed to be very well built and reliable)
Thanks folks,
Mike.
P or R - so you will be looking at the mk1 I guess...
Generally, as long as it has been regularly serviced (check for cambelt at 60 & 120k IIRC) it should be pretty much bombproof...
As with most Lexus - it'll be reliable, comfy, and loaded with equipment - the leather is likely to be worn (typical), but all the electrics should work fine.
You can only get them in auto - and as has been said, they do have the 2JZ-GE block, although they are heavy, and the suspension is on the softer side...
If your looking for a cheap (i.e. sub £5k) motorway cruiser then you cant go wrong, just be warned, they are thirsty around town...
There are sometimes some for sale on www.lexusownersclub.co.uk - and the owners might be able to give you more specific answers to any questions..
(I also think there is a used buying guide).
Generally, as long as it has been regularly serviced (check for cambelt at 60 & 120k IIRC) it should be pretty much bombproof...
As with most Lexus - it'll be reliable, comfy, and loaded with equipment - the leather is likely to be worn (typical), but all the electrics should work fine.
You can only get them in auto - and as has been said, they do have the 2JZ-GE block, although they are heavy, and the suspension is on the softer side...
If your looking for a cheap (i.e. sub £5k) motorway cruiser then you cant go wrong, just be warned, they are thirsty around town...
There are sometimes some for sale on www.lexusownersclub.co.uk - and the owners might be able to give you more specific answers to any questions..
(I also think there is a used buying guide).
Hi Mike,
Mk1 GS300 is a very unispiring piece of kit to drive and now looking somewhat dated
Very reliable, but watch out for headgaskets on cars 120k+, alloy wheels usually need refurbing, and check the display on the stereo functions corectly, rear ball joint are also prone to wear (there was actually a recall on them IIRC)
My advise would be to go for a mk3 or mk4 if you can stretch to it (5spd gear box a VVTLi engine)LS400 is very little bigger, just as economical if not more (25mpg is what MOST people achieve!!) rides much better (GS is a bit choppy) and the V8 is bomb proof and is a seriously great waft
Worked with Lexus for over 6yrs, every bit as reliable as the rumours proclaim!
Mk1 GS300 is a very unispiring piece of kit to drive and now looking somewhat dated
Very reliable, but watch out for headgaskets on cars 120k+, alloy wheels usually need refurbing, and check the display on the stereo functions corectly, rear ball joint are also prone to wear (there was actually a recall on them IIRC)
My advise would be to go for a mk3 or mk4 if you can stretch to it (5spd gear box a VVTLi engine)LS400 is very little bigger, just as economical if not more (25mpg is what MOST people achieve!!) rides much better (GS is a bit choppy) and the V8 is bomb proof and is a seriously great waft
Worked with Lexus for over 6yrs, every bit as reliable as the rumours proclaim!
Agree with Mustard: The GS may have a Lexus badge but there is only one befitting the original concept and that's the LS variant (400's just fine.)
If anything, the waft factor is greater on the 400 compared to the tauter (but still buttery soft of spring) 430 and indeed, there's burger all running cost differentials.
If anything, the waft factor is greater on the 400 compared to the tauter (but still buttery soft of spring) 430 and indeed, there's burger all running cost differentials.
derestrictor said:
Agree with Mustard: The GS may have a Lexus badge but there is only one befitting the original concept and that's the LS variant (400's just fine.)
If anything, the waft factor is greater on the 400 compared to the tauter (but still buttery soft of spring) 430 and indeed, there's burger all running cost differentials.
mk2 GS00 isnt a bad car (though the ride quality is still left wanting) GS430 doesnt know what it wants to be
My personal fav was Mk4 Ls400 with 5spd box,VVTLI engine, Sat Nav and stabilty control, big heavy weight bruiser when you wanted, perfect gent when you wanted a waft.
Buy a good one and it'll run for peanuts (makes sure its had the 60k/120k cam belt and plug change cus that the BIG one!)
Routine servicing, tyres & brakes thats all you spend!
>> Edited by mustard on Thursday 1st September 19:55
this is what you want Mike!
1998LEXUS LS400, Directors car.
FSH main dealer - just serviced, Seawash, Taxed & MoT to end of April 06, 93000 miles, excellent condition, only. £7,995. Day.
Tel: 0113 2620261
You'll soon have that in your drive for about £6500!
(on autotrader)
Or if thats a bit strong for you
1995 LEXUS LS 4.0 V8 4dr Auto Saloon,
Petrol, 63,000 miles, . M reg face lift model,genuine 63000 miles, mot till 8/2006,tax 31/1/2006,garaged,metallic grey,owned for 6 years,electric leather heated seats, climate control,electric steering column/wheel adjust,cd multichanger, cruise control,electric sunroof recently replaced, alarm immobiliser, alloys,too many other features to list, basically a lot of car for your money, very smooth, fast and supple for its size, professional inspection welcomed, excellent condition, new car forces sale, strictly no canvassers. £5,495. ONO.
Tel: 01483 537204
Sub £5k....bargain!
>> Edited by mustard on Thursday 1st September 20:34
1998LEXUS LS400, Directors car.
FSH main dealer - just serviced, Seawash, Taxed & MoT to end of April 06, 93000 miles, excellent condition, only. £7,995. Day.
Tel: 0113 2620261
You'll soon have that in your drive for about £6500!
(on autotrader) Or if thats a bit strong for you
1995 LEXUS LS 4.0 V8 4dr Auto Saloon,
Petrol, 63,000 miles, . M reg face lift model,genuine 63000 miles, mot till 8/2006,tax 31/1/2006,garaged,metallic grey,owned for 6 years,electric leather heated seats, climate control,electric steering column/wheel adjust,cd multichanger, cruise control,electric sunroof recently replaced, alarm immobiliser, alloys,too many other features to list, basically a lot of car for your money, very smooth, fast and supple for its size, professional inspection welcomed, excellent condition, new car forces sale, strictly no canvassers. £5,495. ONO.
Tel: 01483 537204
Sub £5k....bargain!
>> Edited by mustard on Thursday 1st September 20:34
mustard said:
this is what you want Mike!
1998LEXUS LS400, Directors car.
FSH main dealer - just serviced, Seawash, Taxed & MoT to end of April 06, 93000 miles, excellent condition, only. £7,995. Day.
Tel: 0113 2620261
You'll soon have that in your drive for about £6500!
You have to admit - that is a hellva lot of car for the money...
Infact, considering my IS200 is only 2 years younger, but similarly priced - i could be tempted!
hells bells. 
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