wuts consider a good buy on a used lexus?

hey im just wondering wuts consider a good buy for a used lexus?

why im asking...is i never owned a lexus and dont know wut to look for into buyin one. 

im currently lookin for one...im just worried a/b maintance and how much it will cost to fix if something happens...so lemme know 


thanks

just like any other car you'd buy. Look around to see what theyre goin for and compare it to the deal you're workin on.  Just keep in mind that It costs more than a 240 or a Civic to keep it running right. 

If you're worried about maintaining a higher end car....then its not for you at this time. 



all n all, its up to you....your dime ;)

I have heard fairly good things about LS's as far as them not breaking down a lot however, like DriftGirl said, if you don't have extra money to fix problems as they come up then don't get one. Plus you can't just drive a stock one so factor in mod money!!!!!

Jake

which lexus exactly?

if its over 90k check to see if it had its timing belt and other belts replaced. if its a 2nd gen GS see if they replaced the water pump also.

also, if it's a gs300, you can buy most of your parts from toyota, using just the part number. saves a little money that way, using the NA supra parts haha.

im lookin at the gs300 and the LS....thanks antbo for the heads up

Are the timing belts and water pumps on the 2nd gen GS3's DIYable?

[QUOTE=pat_boy;74681]Are the timing belts and water pumps on the 2nd gen GS3's DIYable?[/QUOTE]

yeah acually they are way easyier than your average honda, plenty of space to due to the fact that its right in front of the engine bay, all you half to do is remove some engine covers and your there

regular tune up parts arent too expensive on the older models. its the odd parts that break at different times on different cars that are pricey. if youre looking into an older LS, and the gauge cluster doesnt work, or the steering column doesnt tilt/telescope, then walk away. those two common problems alone could cost you more than the car is worth.

[QUOTE=estima_couture;74695]regular tune up parts arent too expensive on the older models. its the odd parts that break at different times on different cars that are pricey. if youre looking into an older LS, and the gauge cluster doesnt work, or the steering column doesnt tilt/telescope, then walk away. those two common problems alone could cost you more than the car is worth.[/QUOTE]

did they have an air suspension as well? how do those hold up with age?

[QUOTE=aristo93;74691]yeah acually they are way easyier than your average honda, plenty of space to due to the fact that its right in front of the engine bay, all you half to do is remove some engine covers and your there[/QUOTE]


on my old integra i was able to understand how to do my timing belt, but my gs400... all that vvti stuff had me lost. when i trolled CL message boards for more info, all i read was all these DIYers breaking valves because they didn't set the vvti stuff right... i decided to let someone else do it.

other griveances with the gs(400) and high mileage:

- starter will quit, and the labor is not cheap to replace because it's underneath the intake maniolds
- front suspension bushings go bad, along with tie rods, etc... can't just replace the bushings, have to replace entire thing
- power windows/locks
- cracked heater core. not common, but the dash has to come out when it does crack
- headlight seal leak/water

yeah i forgot about air suspension models. if it has it, and it has high miles, forget it. more than likely, they will fail, and they will be more expensive to replace than going with a bold world kit. factory replacement air struts retail for $1082 EACH.

[QUOTE=estima_couture;74695]regular tune up parts arent too expensive on the older models. its the odd parts that break at different times on different cars that are pricey. if youre looking into an older LS, and the gauge cluster doesnt work, or the steering column doesnt tilt/telescope, then walk away. those two common problems alone could cost you more than the car is worth.[/QUOTE]

There are fixes for the guages not working. its pretty simple. 

The telescopic/tilt's not a big deal.

whats the simple fix for the gauges?

[QUOTE=thumper;74732]on my old integra i was able to understand how to do my timing belt, but my gs400... all that vvti stuff had me lost. when i trolled CL message boards for more info, all i read was all these DIYers breaking valves because they didn't set the vvti stuff right... i decided to let someone else do it.

other griveances with the gs(400) and high mileage:

- starter will quit, and the labor is not cheap to replace because it's underneath the intake maniolds
- front suspension bushings go bad, along with tie rods, etc... can't just replace the bushings, have to replace entire thing
- power windows/locks
- cracked heater core. not common, but the dash has to come out when it does crack
- headlight seal leak/water[/QUOTE]




dam might just look more at the LS4's then 98-2000

I've started looking at 98-2000 GS300s and 400s.  The prices are really at a nice spot right now for a car that looks like a 3 year old one...

Anyone have tips for the GS of that generation?

The gauge cluster problem is a simple fix.

Get it remanufactured/rebuilt for around $200-250.

There are many shops on ebay that will do this.

I had mine fixed that way and it's worked fine ever since.

Do you gotta do the water pumps on the LS's at 90k or is that just the 2nd gen gs

all the lexus's are easy to work on, it just takes time to get around to doing it. if you have the time, you can get a timingbelt, all teh front seals done in half a day. personnaly i woudlent get a vvti engine, more elctronics and all that complicated crap. i havent worked on any for the big 4 cam v8s yet, but man... those uz motors freakin last for a long time. and so does any fo the 2jz's. 

and i know its bad to "discriminate" or "profiling" the sell, but if they look like the kinda person who wouldent even bother with the maintinace, then you might want to take a very long time looking at the car. 

when you check the fluids on the car, touch the oil, feel for fragments, and smell it to see if its burnt or what not. 

lexus = exspensive so with all the ether luxury cars.


but meh.... maintain them daily, you shouldent have a freakin problem with them and do the 50 cent test where you stand a 50cent peice on top the uz manifold and will not fall over due to the smoothness of the engine even when reving it.

[quote=guymx83;75070]all the lexus's are easy to work on, it just takes time to get around to doing it. if you have the time, you can get a timingbelt, all teh front seals done in half a day. personnaly i woudlent get a vvti engine, more elctronics and all that complicated crap. i havent worked on any for the big 4 cam v8s yet, but man... those uz motors freakin last for a long time. and so does any fo the 2jz's. 
 
and i know its bad to "discriminate" or "profiling" the sell, but if they look like the kinda person who wouldent even bother with the maintinace, then you might want to take a very long time looking at the car. 
 
when you check the fluids on the car, touch the oil, feel for fragments, and smell it to see if its burnt or what not. 
 
lexus = exspensive so with all the ether luxury cars.
 
 
but meh.... maintain them daily, you shouldent have a freakin problem with them and do the 50 cent test where you stand a 50cent peice on top the uz manifold and will not fall over due to the smoothness of the engine even when reving it.[/quote]
 
 
 
 
 
 
will a quater work?   :eekwiggle:

I'm a gm at island sales and leasing in national city cali(mile of cars0 and I''ll give you breakdown on wholesale/retail on 92 sc 300 5,650/8,850.1993, 5,650/8,850. 1996 8275/12,100 1993 ls 400 6,450/9,875.  if you're looking for a good deal  and other maintenance issues i'LL be only too happy to give you more info, we have a manager here that is a car geek and is well informed on cars.

1990-94 LS400
 
Watch out for the power steering fluid leak. When it leaks it makes an annoying sound that you won't forget, and the fluid leaks right down to the alternator *not good*.
 
The rack and pinion on these cars goes out with the power steering pump, so if you have replaced the old powersteering pump with a new or remanufactured one and still getting the noise, prepare to dish out some dough for the rack and pinion steering.
 
The LCD for the climate control blacks out, $200 for a replacement diode.
 
Somebody mentioned the gauge cluster - $1000 getting that fixed
 
The transmission bushings after all those years deteriorate, you can tell by wiggling the shifter around, if it moves, its time to change them out. This one is fairly cheap. 
Same goes for the Motor mounts they can be bought for a reasonable price.
 
Small items here and there , the door sensor breaks, so your interior light stays on because the sensor is not picking up the signal that the door is already closed.
 
Some good things about the LS though are some of the part numbers can be purchased at a Toyota dealership, like somebody already mentioned earlier.

[QUOTE=toni lee;75128]I'm a gm at island sales and leasing in national city cali(mile of cars0 and I''ll give you breakdown on wholesale/retail on 92 sc 300 5,650/8,850.1993, 5,650/8,850. 1996 8275/12,100 1993 ls 400 6,450/9,875.  if you're looking for a good deal  and other maintenance issues i'LL be only too happy to give you more info, we have a manager here that is a car geek and is well informed on cars.[/QUOTE]


Ya If I got 14-16 grand to spend on a used lexus.
and speaking both cars are one owner non smokers and complete service records.
What would you opt for 2001-2003 GS300 or 1998-2000 LS4  75-100k mile range.
What would you do?

2001 gs 300 better looking, better gas miles and easier to purchase.  do not spend over 15,000/ 16,000, car whosales for 16,600 and retails for 21,000

Thanks man!

going to look at yet another car this weekend - god i am getting sick of bumming rides 

[url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=227555136&dealer_id=60781595&car_year=1999&model=GS400&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1999&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=77627&advanced=&end_year=2002&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=102[/url]

got some miles but sounds like it has been well taking care of with records to match

[quote=guymx83;75070]all the lexus's are easy to work on, it just takes time to get around to doing it. if you have the time, you can get a timingbelt, all teh front seals done in half a day. personnaly i woudlent get a vvti engine, more elctronics and all that complicated crap. i havent worked on any for the big 4 cam v8s yet, but man... those uz motors freakin last for a long time. and so does any fo the 2jz's. 

and i know its bad to "discriminate" or "profiling" the sell, but if they look like the kinda person who wouldent even bother with the maintinace, then you might want to take a very long time looking at the car. 

when you check the fluids on the car, touch the oil, feel for fragments, and smell it to see if its burnt or what not. 

lexus = exspensive so with all the ether luxury cars.


but meh.... maintain them daily, you shouldent have a freakin problem with them and do the 50 cent test where you stand a 50cent peice on top the uz manifold and will not fall over due to the smoothness of the engine even when reving it.[/quote]


+1 


 I would Not base your decision off of common maintenance ... get the body stlyer you love and take care of it ... 

I just told another member when I got mine ... had a few miles on the dash but for over 1.4 years now little problems but nothing serious ... all worth the month and you can get a great car .. 

I always wanted the gs but If i listed every common problem it would scare me off from getting the car i wanted ... 

Its a complete gut  feeling :shrug:



:rules:haha keep reading on though ;p

[QUOTE=pat_boy;82918]going to look at yet another car this weekend - god i am getting sick of bumming rides 

[url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=227555136&dealer_id=60781595&car_year=1999&model=GS400&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1999&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=77627&advanced=&end_year=2002&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=102[/url]

got some miles but sounds like it has been well taking care of with records to match[/QUOTE]

what i could think of for the gs:

- a/c has full charge, and the split zone climate control works?
- timing belt/water pump/pulleys and tensioners replaced?
- all front suspension bushings (ie. caster and control arms) in good condition?
- tie rods in good condition?
- headlights have no leaks?
- starter in good condition or has been replaced/rebuilt?
- valve cover gaskets  have no leaks?
- heater core not leaking?
- power door locks and windows cycle with no failures?
- wheel bearings good?

have you tried the vehicle classifieds on [url]http://www.clublexus.com[/url] ?

talked to the guy over email he says that his commute was 150+ miles a day and that he has every single maintence record ever on the car and that all required maintence has been done at the right intervals. He only wants 9k cash OBO - the miles are the only thing at this point that has me worried but it is the V8 I know this engine will go 300k since it has been taking care. It isn't really the engine i am more concerned with the odds and ends as mentioned. If i purchased this car i could have it wheeled/bagged/kitted within 6 months.