Before I Buy....

[Xanction]

Hi everyone

I have my eye on a '96 GS300 auto, as I need something to cruise up and down the M1 for a 4 hour each way weekly commute. The one I'm looking at has a full service history, which I've looked at, and seems in good condition.

I thought it prudent to post a quick note to see if there was anything obvious or specific that a Lexus 1st timer should look for?

If all is well I look forward to being an active participant here and absorbing the knowledge that you all have.

Many thanks

Xan

[TigerFish]

Main things to look out for are knocks in the suspension (some of the arms/bushes are pretty expensive) and binding brakes - evident normally with steering wheel wobble/shake with light/moderate braking. Genuine exhausts are very expensive, so either make sure it is solid, or look at custom made aftermarket exhausts, which normally hit the £300-£400 mark. Other than that, they are pretty solid motors. There are plenty of mk1's breaking, so nothing is normally in short supply, but be aware the breakers these days know what the bits are worth, so won't always be cheap.

The timing belt having been done is helpfull, although they are a non interference engine so if it does snap, no damage is done.