What To Look For When Buying A Second Hand Gs Mk2?

[The Swede]

As said in another topic, I'm looking to swap the IS300 we have for a GS300 just to get some extra room and comfort.

I'll probably look for a car of similar age and mileage (2002-2004 with 80-110K miles ).

What should I look for when sarching for one?

Some people warned me about the master cilinder, the rust around the windscreen,...

Other things?

Cheers,

[dave1]

Brake master cylinder not an issue on post 2001 models as it was replaced by a larger cylinder. Also not a problem on GS 430.

Can't say that I've ever been aware of any rust problems.....that, to me, would be a sign of neglect.

[The Swede]

Thanks for the reply ! :)

[PGLex]

Hi

i have a 56 plate.

There was a recall on wiring loom to the fuel pump and brake master cylinder seal. Both done under recall warranty.

+ Mine had a failure of its computer brain. It came up with VSC failure and a complete christmas tree on the dash. A bit of research on here and i found it to be a common (ish) problem. I pointed out that this should be a recall as it was a known problem. I bit of a tussle later and it was done by Lexus Derby. If i had not seen it on here i think it would have been about £1500.

Other than that i have done about 50k miles in 18 months and its been perfect.

Great car, and would not want to swap it (yet)

PG

[GS Taxi]

Hi mate, you prolly wanna concentrate on front suspension. Listen carefully for knocks, clunks and squeaking noises. The No2 control arm bushes seem to be a weak point, quite expensive to fix if you go the dealer route. Other than that, lower balljoints, front sway bar bushes are the things to look out for (not a big deal to fix and can be used to bargain down the price of a potential purchase). Also, listen very carefully when braking at low speeds for a clicking/knocking type noise (especially when turning and about to come to a stop - 3 point turn etc). All that this tends to be is the brake caliper guide pins need cleaning and regreasing, but once again can be used to get the price down :)

Good luck mate.

Will.

[ColinBarber]

• Wheel vibration – The GS300 is sensitive to front wheel balance. Make sure you test drive the vehicle at 70-80mph
  

• Front brake discs – These are prone to warping, any steering wobble under light braking from 60mph indicates a problem.
  

• Ball joints – Perform full lock turns and try to drive over speed bumps and listen out of knocking noise or loose steering feel.
  

• Wind noise – Check for noise at 70mph around sunroof, door, mirror and windscreen.
  

• Door sensors – Open each door in turn and check the door open warning light illuminates on the dashboard. A problem with a sensor is costly as they are integrated into the door lock mechanism.
  

• Battery – When starting, the engine should turn over very fast. If the car struggles to turn over may indicate a problem with the Battery.