Did I Win The Lexus Lottery?

"DerW220" (w220)
10/05/2015 at 18:06 • Filed to: Lexus, Lexus GS, GS, Toyota, Aristo

Probably.

But first, let me tell you why.

I stumbled upon a silver 2000 GS400 edition platinum with a factory spoiler minutes after the seller posted it. Now, one doesn’t simply stumple upon such a gem so often (almost never) so you can imagine I was excited. These S160s are some of the most sought after Toyota sedan platforms of historical existence.

Why? Well, the GS300s were famous for their Supra relations and the U.S. exclusive GS400 has the holy-grail of Lexus history: the 1UZ-FE. Now, this wasn’t just any 1UZ-FE.

During the GS400’s initial launch it was proclaimed to be the fastest production sedan in the world. The 1UZ-FE helped it achieve this status (until the E39 M5). Unlike the LS400, where it was rated more conservatively, the 1UZ in the GS had ratings of 300 bhp and 310 ft-lbs of torque.

The engine itself was built to handle stresses of about 500 bhp; it contributes to the fact that it has its legendary reliability status. In fact, THIS engine made Lexus what it is today. This is the engine that blew them over the heads of the surprised competition.

Variable-valve-timing controlling all 32 valves of DOHC future-proof aluminum beauty. This was FAR superior to any Daimler-Benz offerings of the time. The S-Class was stuck with an M113 SOHC V8 without the Lexus tech. However, the MB V8 has proven to be perfectly reliable.

The platinum edition looks very similar to the version above with Xenons, however it has more unique wheels. The one I bought has the factory spoiler just as above. They made less than 500 with that configuration.

Now here’s the kicker: 77k miles, all service records, clean in every spot, all services done thousands of miles ahead of schedule at the Lexus dealer, always garaged, and new tires! Let’s just say I’m happy to add it to my little fleet. I’m going to ensure it’s treated like royalty. I feel lucky!

I almost forgot to point out the awesome shift buttons!

... and the Optitron electo-lume gauges!

DISCUSSION (23)

jkm7680 > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:12

The interior reminds me of an early 2000’s Honda Accord.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:14

I almost bought a 300 over the summer. Had a crazy amount of miles but it was a friends and family price, he ended up selling it for his list price before I made a decision.

HammerheadFistpunch > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:15

The only 2 bummers to the UZ:

1. Stupid starter location means it will go bad at 150,000 miles or so

2. Timing belts for quietness = timing belt service intervals.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:15

I love that generation of GS. Can't wait to see pictures of the for real deal.

DerW220 > HammerheadFistpunch
10/05/2015 at 18:18

Yep. Starter already been replaced for future-proofing. The owner (original) babied it. And, as I stated, all other services done WAY before needed. Timing belt, water pump, plugs, many fluids, bushings, and front bearings done at 60k.

Wave Motion Gun > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:18

Awesome catch!

I’ve always loved those cars. Jackson-Hewitt (the tax/accounting firm) sponsored a pair of them in whatever the major series was called in the late 90’s, and even though they didn’t end up being competitive, they looked and sounded awesome bombing through the esses at Road Atlanta. As a result, both times my taxes were too complicated to do them on my own over the past decade, they got my money. Sponsorship pays off!

DerW220 > Wave Motion Gun
10/05/2015 at 18:21

The GS400 was overly competitive (even more with upgraded suspension). The transmission really held them back. The GS300 2JZ wasn’t as competitive but my god can people tuune those things.

Vicente Esteve > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:21

Damn! Good find, and congrats. You made me appreciate the GS a lot more.

Isn’t it the coolest to find semi-rare configurations on average cars?

HammerheadFistpunch > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:22

Im jelly, I want something like this as a commuter, I almost pulled the trigger but it wasn’t...great highway mileage.

DerW220 > Vicente Esteve
10/05/2015 at 18:24

It is. Now I’m seeing that my GS400 was one of the last 100 2000 model years to roll down the assembly line!

DerW220 > jkm7680
10/05/2015 at 18:24

Not me! :D

Honda can screw off. I’ve never had worse issues than with my previous Hondas.

Vicente Esteve > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:25

Damn!!!!

Wave Motion Gun > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:25

This was in a professional road racing series, where the car was pitted against competitors such as Porsches, Corvettes, and BMWs. I don't recall it turning particularly fast lap times, but it was a big sedan among sports cars, which was cool as hell.

DerW220 > HammerheadFistpunch
10/05/2015 at 18:27

I don’t want to tell you what I paid then, haha. People report about 27-28 with these things over trips and about 20 city. It’s surprising, but the VVT helps it in the real world.

HammerheadFistpunch > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:29

What did you pay?

DerW220 > HammerheadFistpunch
10/05/2015 at 18:32

13,400...

Divided by 2

Funktheduck > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:40

As a former GS300 owner (mmmm 2JZ) I say congrats.

HammerheadFistpunch > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:44

Dag yo. I’d be all over that.

Steve in Manhattan > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 18:55

Nice.

DerW220 > Funktheduck
10/05/2015 at 19:25

Gotta love how flexible they are!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 19:31

My dad had the twin to that maroon car you posted above when I was a kid (only a 300) and my friend got a silver 2005 GS430 pictured below. They are great cars.

Kinja'd!!!

DerW220 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
10/05/2015 at 19:48

The GS430s are great cars! They’re just so much more common than a GS400. The GS400 is just my cup of tea because I (and most) think the 1UZ is the best engine Lexus ever made. The GS430 has a 3UZ.

If you’re ever in ATL I’ll race my W220 against your ‘ol A8. Haha, jk.

bryan40oop > DerW220
10/05/2015 at 21:16

Not the fancy camary (es model). So yeah, did well enough.