Prospective Gs300 Owner

Niallac · September 23, 2015

Hello,

I am new to this forum, and currently considering buying a mk3 (2005) GS300 SE. We went car viewing today, as we're looking to upgrade from our current car, an Alfa 147, as we now have two kids to cart about, and occasionally a grandparent.

The GS we saw today is in good nick, and starts and runs well.

Is there anything I should particularly be looking for in a test drive? Any electronics which are prone to failure? I will be checking out the bonnet for corrosion, but is there anywhere else worth inspecting?

I know it's a 3L petrol, but I am hoping that otherwise, the running costs will be reasonable? I do basic servicing (oil, filters, brakes) myself, I take it that it is easy enough to come by good quality service parts, away from the dealers?

What would be a good target price? Book says £5800, but presumably that would assume 100K miles

Thanks in advance,

Niall

staggspeed · September 24, 2015

Hi Niall , I would say that even at 100k that book price is over the top ,you have not said the mileage of the car you are looking at , but assuming 125k I myself would be looking to pay around £4000. Have a gander on pistonheads , e bay etc to get an idea of real world price for it.

Niallac · September 24, 2015

Thanks Staggspeed.

It's 1 owner from new, and 65KK miles. These seem to go for about £4500 on eBay in this sort of condition, but this is from a reputable dealer. My target price is £5K.

Anything in particular I should be looking for? Have never owned an automatic before, I believe it needs to be warm before you get the full range of gears?

Niall

staggspeed · September 24, 2015

No niall . ,no need for it to warm up , it drives perfectly from cold , and yes have had an auto for a few years now , I have had

this gs300 for 15 months now and has been faultless which is more than can be said for the 330i bmw it replaced , the lexus is bulletproof . things to look out for in my opinion are just service items the rest of the car is so well built and I am sure you will not regret it.

dave1 · September 24, 2015

They are pretty bulletproof but are renowned for brake calipers sticking which can then damage discs. Look on autotrader and Lexus UK websites.

messi · September 24, 2015

Only thing to look out for is brake calipers sticking and suspension leak

Niallac · September 25, 2015

Guys - thanks for all of your advice. We are now the delighted owners of a 55 plate, one owner, 300 SE, mint, with FLSH. Took it for a test drive, and it's perfect - pulls like a train through the gears, almost silent, and the steering is tight as you like. All I need to do now is fix a 10mm tear in the base of the driver's seat, and it will be perfect! :)