I'VE GOT A CAR!

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 05/31/2016 at 22:31 • Filed to: Louis the Lexus?

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I finally went and bought a car!

Quick specs:

1998 Lexus GS300

261K on the ODO

$2500 before tax, title, etc.

Service history unknown, but is in pretty good shape.

Everything but power locks work.

Stuff it needs, in order of importance:

License plate lights. Probably just bulbs, but technically not legal without. (probably very cheap)

Timing belt (unsure of when it when it was previously changed, so preventative. Will also do water pump and tensioners. Since it’s got a straight six, there’s plenty of room to work around so comparatively cheap).

Some drain is clogged (most likely), so it’s damp in the passenger foot well. I had the A/C going but it was also raining, so hard to tell which it is. Any advice is much appreciated. (hopefully cheap)

Brake pads have 25% life left. (doesn’t need to be done for a month or two)

Right rear strut coil is broken. According to the mechanic, not a big deal. (unimportant)

Power locks aren’t working, hoping just a fuse but doubtful. (annoying but livable)

VSC/ABS/VSC OFF lights on the dash. Doesn’t really affect the drivability and will most likely be costly. (unimportant)

Interior (and exterior for that matter) are in great shape considering age and mileage. Center armrest has lots of wear, as do the floor mats and steering wheel. The Cooper tires are in pretty good shape too.

Things I don’t like with the car itself? Small trunk (only 2 or 2.5 bodies), smallish rear seats (not uncomfortably small, but not roomy either), and tremendously long hood (looks great but a pain when parking and I’m used to the super short overhang of a minivan).

Things I like? Everything else. The way it looks, the way it drives, the power, the luxury, everything. It’s sporty, but a comfortable highway cruiser. While it doesn’t look modern, it’s not dated either. It’s quick, but not going to get you in a lot of trouble. Overall I’m very happy and we’ll what the next couple of months hold in store...

P.S. Name ideas? A ton of my friends like Louis...

mazda616 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:36

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Nice car, man. All of the issues sound relatively minor aside from the warning lights on.

C62030 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:38

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That is a very, very nice thing. Also, I’d fix the power locks if you can. Not having them on a 2-door is pretty livable, but not having them on a 4-door gets incredibly annoying if other people are using it or you’re getting stuff out of the back every day.

Nibby > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:39

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The audio settings look so late 90s.

Congrats! May it live to another 250K+ miles.

chaozbandit > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:40

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If you’re going to be swapping out bulbs, might as well look at LEDs - you’d be surprised just how easily they modern up an interior.

shop-teacher > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:45

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Congrats on the new wheels! My first car was an old high-tech car with lots of stuff to fix. I’m sure yours were be much more reliable than mine was (not sarcasm, mine was a late 80's GM ... hurrible).

S65 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:46

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Are You Gonna Mod It?

MM54 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:46

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Cool - congrats!

dogisbadob > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:47

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Nice car! I hope you get many enjoyable miles out of it :)

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > mazda616 05/31/2016 at 22:49

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Yup! Those lights arent a huge concern tho. Obviously I’d like ABS and VSC but I’m not hooning it about, so not super necessary.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > C62030 05/31/2016 at 22:50

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I use 1 door 80% of the time. And legally I can only drive 1 friend, so no biggy at the moment. But I’ll see how expensive it is to fix, if it’s cheap enough I’ll definitely do it.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nibby 05/31/2016 at 22:51

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Thanks! And yes, the audio setting and nav are quite dated. Everything else isn’t bad though...

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > dogisbadob 05/31/2016 at 22:51

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Hopefully!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > chaozbandit 05/31/2016 at 22:52

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Nope, just the license plate bulbs.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > shop-teacher 05/31/2016 at 22:53

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I feel bad for you. Mine’s not too bad, just a lot of little stuff.

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:53

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These cars have really been growing on me lately. They’ll be on my list for my next DD.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > S65 05/31/2016 at 22:55

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Too poor at the moment, but maybe some suspension and visual mods down the road.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 05/31/2016 at 22:55

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They’re great cars for the money.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:56

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Best advice would be to join a Lexus type club. There’s gotta be other GS guys that will be a huge (yooooge) help in fixing the little things you want to make right over time.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:57

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Massive potential on these cars. They have aged so well.

Zohaibman72 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:57

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Ahhh so jelly, one of my favourite cars. If you’ve ever been in a 2007-2012 Camry, or 2006-2011 Civic how does the rear legroom compare?

It’s on my list for next car definitely.

not for canada - australian in disguise > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 22:59

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And it’s got gold badges. Like a PROPER 90s Toyota.

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:01

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Yeah, just browsing my local Craigslist I was surprised how affordable they are.

Noah - Now with more boost. > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:05

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Nice!! What a score for 2500, hopefully previous owners have done you a few favors in the preventive maintenance department - these are such cool cars, good luck!!

Group44Fan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:06

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Congratulations on the new ride! That hood doesn’t seem long, but then again, I’ve driven E-Type Jags! Haha!

I recently picked up a new-to-me set of wheels also. I love the 98-2001 Subaru RS. I can work on them in my sleep and the parts are reasonably priced. Plus living in Northern Michigan, AWD is a must!

The red coupe was my previous RS. It was so clean, but I was in an accident December 17th of 2014 and the car was totaled.

ortoLANparty > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:13

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Nice, congrats! Since you mentioned only being able to drive 1 passenger in the comments, I’m guessing you’re pretty young? If so, you made a great choice; older Japanese luxury cars tend to be both reliable and feature-laden. When I bought my first car in college, everyone tried to tell me to buy a newer basic car with a warranty... I bought an 11yr old (at the time) Acura, and it’s still my daily, 12 years/130k miles later. Enjoy driving it and working on it! 90s cars (imho) are kinda the end of simple DIYs...I’m finally searching for a 0-2 year old car, and man, the computer-controlled-everything, need-a-laptop-and-a-cable-to-reset-service-interval reality of new cars is just plain weird...

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:13

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Am I the only one who thinks the dampness in the footwell is a heater core issue?

Spaceball-Two > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:18

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These are such great cars. Congrats!

SimplifyThenAddLightness > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:21

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Congrats mate! Nice Toyota Aristo! :P

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:28

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I named my Lexus Steve, because every Lexus driver is called Steve from accounting. Although I suppose I'm Jake from accounting and I drive a Lexus...Shit

LeadfootYT > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:29

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Sweetness! I had one of these for a couple months (traded in, traded out). 210k. Solid car, albeit very worn out in my example. Enjoy that 2JZ!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > SimplifyThenAddLightness 05/31/2016 at 23:29

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Haha, I should do a badge swap!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Spaceball-Two 05/31/2016 at 23:29

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Thanks!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 05/31/2016 at 23:30

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But I didn’t have the heater on. Only the A/C

Also I know nothing technical, so please don’t kill me incase I’m being ignorant.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ortoLANparty 05/31/2016 at 23:33

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Yup, 17! First car that I can call my own :D

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Group44Fan 05/31/2016 at 23:34

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That’s awesome! Shame about the RS Coupe, those are getting pretty rare.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Noah - Now with more boost. 05/31/2016 at 23:35

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*fingers crossed*

I’d guess they did a lot of maintenance, but not sure how much preventative they did. It’s too clean to just have been ignored.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > not for canada - australian in disguise 05/31/2016 at 23:35

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True.

Matchthebox > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:37

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They’ll probably charge you less for the maintenance too. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Zohaibman72 05/31/2016 at 23:37

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Smaller than Camry but much bigger than Civic.

the7thearlofgrey > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:37

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the AutoArt GS400 would be a nice desktop piece

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 05/31/2016 at 23:38

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Yeah, newer wheels is towards the top of my mods list. But repairs>mods.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > the7thearlofgrey 05/31/2016 at 23:39

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Planning on getting one once I’ve got repairs done and a little bit of spending money lol

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Matchthebox 05/31/2016 at 23:40

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:’) true!

Saab wagon is best wagon-now with less Saab > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:50

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You measure trunk space in dead bodies!?

Anyway, nice car! Sounds like a bit of work but I'm sure that you can manage. Good luck m8!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:50

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That is remarkably clean for the mileage. Congrats!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:50

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The heater core leaking would be the most common cause for unexplained dampness in the footwells of S160-chassis GS300s. It’s an expensive and time consuming job, to say the least (entire dashboard and dash support has to come out).

ortoLANparty > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 05/31/2016 at 23:56

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Awesome. :-) keep it as long as you can, stay on top of essential maintenance, ignore any expensive and complicated convenience repairs (for me, that’s the sunroof cables/guides that means $500+ parts and pretty much disassembling the interior), and try to put on a sympathetic face in 5-10 years when your friends are griping about their $300-500mo car payments. ;-)

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 00:36

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Congrats! Always liked these cars and owned a GS400 for a while, but think the GS300 was actually more fun.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 00:42

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the dampness would smell like antifreeze and when you turned the heat on if the car was hot, you would get steam against the windshield on that side.

And i is a horendous PITA of a job, but worth it. (as someone who went two MA winters without heat in his car.)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/01/2016 at 00:44

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I was just going to say I can’t believe it’s a 1998

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 00:47

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These are great, the only thing that bugs me about that era was the bunched up look on the upholstery. I just want to smooth it out! But no big deal (unimportant). I bet you can find an armrest on Ebay.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 00:50

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The trick with older Lexus is stick newer Lexus wheels on it. Find a set of GS350 or IS wheels and stick them on there. You can see my sisters GS in the back there.

Shift24 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 01:34

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Nice looks like its been taken care of. The only thing i would raise your awareness about is the rear strut coil (and i dont know why no one else has already), its pretty important. Its not hard to fix but is a decent issue. It could cause damage/wear further down the road if not fixed soon. To put it in layman terms that coil is the spring that was holding up the rear of the car and it is no longer doing so. You are basically riding around on a shock that was meant to absorb the bumps not take the full impact. That will mess with steering/suspension geometry (would not be surprised if the car is pulling one way or another) and trash wheel bearings, ball joints, shocks, and put strain on the other side coil which could fail. Also if you hit a bump wrong and that coil could come out (rare but possible) and hit the tire and pop it.

Jobjoris > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 02:09

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That’s some great 1st transporter! The GS300 is a great drive. And it ages pretty neat!

Right rear strut coil is broken. According to the mechanic, not a big deal. (unimportant)

Hmmm... Am I the only one thinking this is anything but unimportant?As are those warning lights.

MustangFan > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 02:56

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Congratulations on finding your car! Can’t go too wrong with Toyota’s. Good for many more miles. Now on to what’s wrong with it.

Power locks could be something as simple and cheap as a blown fuse. Not sure if your car’s lock fuse also controls other things as well so you’d have to look into that. It also could be a bad switch at the door. 250k miles wouldn’t be unheard of for that to go.

Brakes are easy. Change them yourself if you’re into wrenching on cars.

License lights. Switch to LEDs. Last longer than incandescent, use less power (not that they use a lot anyway, but on an older car...) and really make a car look more modern. A little more expensive but worth it.Also do the interiors. There’s a couple of good sites that sell the same $15 single bulb at Pep Boys for $less than half with shipping

Water in cabin. This is due to a clogged drain for the A/C. Probably leaves and dirt in there and needs to be cleaned out. The drain is most likely somewhere on the firewall behind the intake. You can clean the drain out yourself but I would recommend getting a good, reasonably priced mechanic to do it right. My wife’s 2002 Mitsubishi Lance had this exact same problem and besides the water spilling all over the passenger footwell, you could here it sloshing back and forth when turning. I would clean the drain and it was good for awhile, but it would keep coming back because I couldn’t get to the drain area easily. Ended up frying the blower motor with all of the water. Took it to our mechanic who cleaned the hell out of it, replaced the blower and never had the problem again for the last couple of years she had the car. Lived in deep south Texas at the time.

ABS/VSC lights could be a bad sensor. Again, at least get it checked out before you say no problem. Again, could be a fuse for the sensor or something far worse. Better to know before you end up finding out the hard way. Again, get a reputable mechanic that won’t rape your wallet. Have dad ask around at work for people they trust to work on their cars, unless you already have a family mechanic.

For many of the things you said were bad, find a pull and pay salvage yard and go nuts! Not only will you find good, cheap OEM parts to fix your car, but when you take them off, you’ll have an idea of how they fit when you go to replace that part on your car.

And as was said, find if there are any Lexus/Toyota clubs in your area. They will definitely be able to help you out with most of the stuff I’ve gone over. Where to find parts, how to fix things, etc,. Good resource, but check them, out first. Sit in on a monthly meeting. They should let you do that without having to pay any membership fees so you can feel them out and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Just my two cents. Good luck! :)

carcrazydan738 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 07:34

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Congrats! I just traded my 1:1 2003 Miata for a 1:1 1999 Lexus SC 300 coupe with only 72,000 miles

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 08:48

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As a bonus, Autozone has a whole slew of service guides for the car, so you will have turn-screw instructions for all of the jobs you have. With images.

Make a free account and then add your car and go to the repair guides.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 08:53

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Probably a wheel speed sensor. ~$165 for the part and then a bit of elbow grease.

gawdzillla > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 09:01

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that you for saving one of these

your wallet will thank you too ( compare to the other cars that you had on your list)

Noah - Now with more boost. > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 09:06

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Yep I agree. Looks like it went through a series of proud owners, which is great. The interior looks mint!!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Saab wagon is best wagon-now with less Saab 06/01/2016 at 10:24

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It’s a standard unit of measurement where I live. Dealerships, CL people, and normal people all use it lol!

Yup, most of the stuff it needs is cheap.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 06/01/2016 at 10:25

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I’ll have to check. Hopefully not!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 06/01/2016 at 10:25

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*crosses fingers*

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > ortoLANparty 06/01/2016 at 10:27

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One of my friends is already complaining about a $150/month payment. Should’ve listened to me when I said pay cash...

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Shift24 06/01/2016 at 10:28

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I’ll have my mechanic look at it. I don’t drive a lot or for long distances.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Jobjoris 06/01/2016 at 10:30

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The warning lights are, I looked that up. Could be a speed sensor (doubtful b/c the cruise works) or all the way up to an ABS Computer.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > carcrazydan738 06/01/2016 at 10:32

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Nice! Joining that 2JZ club!

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 10:32

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Waaait... You're an accounting student?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 06/01/2016 at 10:33

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I doubt it. The cruise works just fine, so if it was a wheel speed sensor, I doubt it would work.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > gawdzillla 06/01/2016 at 10:34

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Very true :')

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 10:45

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I’m done with school, but yes I am in accounting.

TommyKar > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 10:46

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Broken strut spring coil or an electronic coil?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 10:51

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Ahhhh I thought you were younger. I have one more year left before I’m done with undergrad but I’m an accounting major too. Are you in Public Accounting with a firm or Industry? Also, accounting jakes on oppo all drive LS400s.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 10:57

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Industry. I don’t want to get too specific but I’m pretty high up the ladder at a restaurant holding company.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 11:00

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That’s awesome. I’m starting an internship with a Big 4 accounting firm this Summer which should mean I’m good to go for next summer before my MACC and then I should have a full time job coming out of college. 25 days PTO and a crap ton of benefits will be worth the work imo.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 11:02

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Definitely. If you work your ass off now it pays off. I'm not quite 30 yet and making close to 6 figures. I personally love the field, and getting free food is pretty great too lol

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 11:04

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I'm working in advisory so I'll be planning to travel a lot which means lots of free food/air miles/ hotel points and I really like what I'll be doing.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TommyKar 06/01/2016 at 11:10

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Spring coil.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 11:10

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Nice. I've only traveled for this job once, but that was only to Chicago.

TommyKar > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 11:13

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Umm, my bro in law is a mechanic and we both agree that you should at the very least get a second opinion. If that spring snaps it could potentially rip into the inside of your car through the paper thin sheet metal. I’d sleep better at night if you would at least get the 2nd opinion or better yet, get the spring replaced.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > TommyKar 06/01/2016 at 11:14

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Well I’m taking it to a mechanic Monday, so they can look at it then.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 11:26

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Apparently I can be sent anywhere since unlike audit, advisory is a national practice. Chicago and Indianapolis are supposedly fairly normal.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 11:29

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Yeah, I could imagine that. I was there for a restaurant convention.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/01/2016 at 11:31

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I'm excited about it. I have the opportunity to go weeks without a single personal expense. They hook us up big time.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 06/01/2016 at 11:33

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That rocks ! The only annoying thing is that sometimes I have to go in on Sunday's to help out around the office.

carcrazydan738 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 11:51

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what is 2jz?

The Stig's former college room mate > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 15:46

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2 pet peeves with the 1st gen GS

1- rear fog light lenses fade over time

2- people drive around with the rear fog lights on after the lenses have faded, making you think the reverse lights are on

Daewoo10356 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 18:27

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Watch that passenger footwell it could be a heater core, parts shouldn’t be too expensive but depending on how it is set up you could end up with the entire dash out to change it. Nice looking ride though and for the money you can’t beat it.

vdubyajohn > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 20:12

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Small trunk (only 2 or 2.5 bodies),...

HA!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Daewoo10356 06/01/2016 at 21:08

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It’s not a heater core. I checked. It’s a drain of some sort (sunroof, cowl, windshield, or A/C).

Daewoo10356 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/01/2016 at 22:38

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Ok that is good I still get the heebeejeebe’s when I hear moist passenger footwell. Had to put a heater core in my 1993 S-10 or freeze to death in winter. I swore I would never pull the dash on one ever again. In fact that was my last S-10 and have been with out one for an extended period of time so I may have kicked the habit finally.