Newbie

[macp]

Dear all

Thanks for allowing me to join. Just to briefly introduce myself as a bit of a petrolhead. I have had all manner of cars mostly Alfa, BMW, Audi and several Bikes too from sports to touring. I have been looking around for a bit now and was gonna go for a BMW 528/530 or 328/330 but prices are putting me off. I was also thinking of a Jag S-Type which are pretty cheap.

I dont want to spend up to my limit and then feel brassed at the low fuel consumption.So my thinking has changed in that wouldnt it be nice to get something big and wafty for not a lot of cash and not feel so bad about lower mpg.I dont do a lot of miles around 7 or 8,000 per year hence the big engine but I would like to get mid twenties commuting and hopefully mid thirties on a long run.This has brought me to Lexus and when I saw the GS300 Sport I knew I wanted one.

I have seen two MK2 sports both at about £4k and both in Silver.Both have about 80k under their wheels but only one has had its cambelt done.Both are trade sales.Im told that car 1 has the slight wobble at about 70mph and the wheels need refurbishing which was apparently part of a recall but they were never done and one of the centre caps is missing.Their is also a little splitting of the paint on the lower spoiler at the front.Apparently car 2 has apparently none of this but has not had its belt done.The carpets im told are a little grubby though.

Thanks for reading and any thoughts and comments are welcomed.

[kam05]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

[sparkystav]

Welcome to the club mate

[Patch234]

Welcome along mate. Sounds to me like you need to wait a while for a good example to turn up. Norlec (a member on here) is selling a cracking example of a sport I believe.

PM him.

[macp]

Welcome along mate. Sounds to me like you need to wait a while for a good example to turn up. Norlec (a member on here) is selling a cracking example of a sport I believe.

PM him.

I will and thanks all for the welcome.I guess I come across as a fussy git which wouldnt be too far from the truth :D

By the way both of yours look mint I have been slobbering over your pics.

To be honest though if the car drives well and dont look too bad I will be happy.I would rather buy something with all the issues dealt with or get a discount to get them resolved myself.

I notice prices for a Mk2 go from 3k to 6k though I definitely dont want to spend that much otherwise it blows the whole concept im trying to achieve.

[macp]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

Yes I read about that and it is concerning.Can you tell if its on its way out or is it just a ticking time bomb.

[ColinBarber]

No you cannot tell, it will suddenly start to give VSC warnings on the dash and beeping. It may be intermittent for a while and then will be permanent. Not really any tests you can do.

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/knowledge...p;id=16&c=3

[katana92_uk]

No you cannot tell, it will suddenly start to give VSC warnings on the dash and beeping. It may be intermittent for a while and then will be permanent. Not really any tests you can do.

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/knowledge...p;id=16&c=3

very usefull link ...bit too late for me :) but glad to say i was very lucky and no probs with my gs300..check list all passed ok :)

[dave1]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

Yes I read about that and it is concerning.Can you tell if its on its way out or is it just a ticking time bomb.

If you get the later series 2 it had an uprated master cylinder. I think it was around Oct/Nov 2000.

[macp]

Thanks guys

Think I have answered my own question re mpg by searching the forums.Not the fault of the car but they do like a drink dont they.

Seems to be at lowest sub 20mpg and highest 28mpg.

As I say not the fault of the car but I was hoping for more.

[katana92_uk]

my GS300 in town i get 90-100 miles for £20 petrol...and on motorway much better

very recently i went to london , alton towers etc ...in total i did 980 miles and car used £160 pounds worth fuel...thats is bloody brilliant in my opinion

i also have after market exhaust fitted which i believe consume bit more fuel compare to stock exhaust.

[norlec]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

Yes I read about that and it is concerning.Can you tell if its on its way out or is it just a ticking time bomb.

I have a real nice one with all the issues done including the break master cylinder (Replaced with a brand new one) in all fairness if you are looking for a car that is very good on petrol don't look at the lexus but what you have to remember is Lexus are THE CAR forget BMW-Mercs etc. I sold my merc because they are rustbuckets just go on to the mercedes forum and 80% problems are regards there rust plus loads of electrical problems.

At the end of the day if you are looking for a good luxery car you need go no further than Lexus but as I said they are not the best cars on fuel but the Mk2 sport is a real looker I get loads of comments of (Thats a nice looking car I did not with the Merc).

So you are thinking why am I selling it if it is so nice the reason is early retirement and I am hoping to move to spain with the wifes cousin so I will be getting a Lexus again but a LHD.

[Patch234]

So you are thinking why am I selling it if it is so nice the reason is early retirement and I am hoping to move to spain with the wifes cousin so I will be getting a Lexus again but a LHD.

You have an understanding wife .... :winky:

[norlec]

So you are thinking why am I selling it if it is so nice the reason is early retirement and I am hoping to move to spain with the wifes cousin so I will be getting a Lexus again but a LHD.

You have an understanding wife .... :winky:

I didn't word that very well did I what I meant to say was the wife and I are hoping to join her cousin and husband in Spain (Thats better isn't it)

[Patch234]

I didn't word that very well did I what I meant to say was the wife and I are hoping to join her cousin and husband in Spain (Thats better isn't it)

[dave1]

very recently i went to london , alton towers etc ...in total i did 980 miles and car used £160 pounds worth fuel...thats is bloody brilliant in my opinion

i also have after market exhaust fitted which i believe consume bit more fuel compare to stock exhaust.

Works out at about 27mpg. My old series 1 300 Sport gave around 30mpg on decent runs. My GS 430 gives around 27mpg on a long run combined with some local driving so is very comparable to the consumption in a series 2 GS 300. Only about 16/18 around town though.....but 20 ish if I don't press too hard on the accelerator pedal.

[macp]

Well at first I was thinking the fuel consumption is too high but bugger it :D

I do 40mls per week commuting to work and back and then the car gets used at the weekend for the occasional run out to go shopping or the occasional weekend away.And maybe once or twice a year for one or two weeks in Cornwall.

Not big mileage so what am I worrying about.

[macp]

my GS300 in town i get 90-100 miles for £20 petrol...and on motorway much better

very recently i went to london , alton towers etc ...in total i did 980 miles and car used £160 pounds worth fuel...thats is bloody brilliant in my opinion

i also have after market exhaust fitted which i believe consume bit more fuel compare to stock exhaust.

Actually thats not bad is it.We went to Cornwall last year and did close on 1000mls including the return trip and this gives me a good idea of what its going to cost.Around £200 for fuel is not bad.

[macp]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

Yes I read about that and it is concerning.Can you tell if its on its way out or is it just a ticking time bomb.

I have a real nice one with all the issues done including the break master cylinder (Replaced with a brand new one) in all fairness if you are looking for a car that is very good on petrol don't look at the lexus but what you have to remember is Lexus are THE CAR forget BMW-Mercs etc. I sold my merc because they are rustbuckets just go on to the mercedes forum and 80% problems are regards there rust plus loads of electrical problems.

At the end of the day if you are looking for a good luxery car you need go no further than Lexus but as I said they are not the best cars on fuel but the Mk2 sport is a real looker I get loads of comments of (Thats a nice looking car I did not with the Merc).

So you are thinking why am I selling it if it is so nice the reason is early retirement and I am hoping to move to spain with the wifes cousin so I will be getting a Lexus again but a LHD.

Apologies did not mean to ignore you

I will read through your posts on the car later. :)

[norlec]

Welcome to LOC mate.

I've read a few GS threads (I have an IS200 myself) on the whole the mk2 GS is a solid/reliable beast.

I don't want to scare you, but I have read quite a few posts on here regarding the ABS unit failure on the early mk2 GS's. The replacement part costs £2k from Lexus!!! So check this on any future purchase- don't end up up with dog- although some people have found 2nd ABS units from breakers for £500.

Yes I read about that and it is concerning.Can you tell if its on its way out or is it just a ticking time bomb.

I have a real nice one with all the issues done including the break master cylinder (Replaced with a brand new one) in all fairness if you are looking for a car that is very good on petrol don't look at the lexus but what you have to remember is Lexus are THE CAR forget BMW-Mercs etc. I sold my merc because they are rustbuckets just go on to the mercedes forum and 80% problems are regards there rust plus loads of electrical problems.

At the end of the day if you are looking for a good luxery car you need go no further than Lexus but as I said they are not the best cars on fuel but the Mk2 sport is a real looker I get loads of comments of (Thats a nice looking car I did not with the Merc).

So you are thinking why am I selling it if it is so nice the reason is early retirement and I am hoping to move to spain with the wifes cousin so I will be getting a Lexus again but a LHD.

Apologies did not mean to ignore you

I will read through your posts on the car later. :)

IF you are really interested I can send you photo's and information you can then compare it with other cars you have seen.

It has had a replacement radio (they loose pixels)spare aircon digi display, replacement arial,discs and pads on the front and pads on the back,just had a full service with the tranny oil changed etc, brand new (new type brake master cylinder) two new front tyres, new passenger side door mirror (new with a working spare new without a glass) MOT till end September, Road tax till end of February 2010, 18" sport wheels refurbished 88657 miles.

It will be going on sale next weekend.

[macp]

To be honest after looking around Ive decided to go for the nicest car I can find closest to me whether it is a sport or an SE.I have spotted quite a few within 30 or 40mls of me so at this stage I think thats what I will do.

Thanks to Norlec for his time and the offer of what seems to be a nice car.