Reader Question Thanks for putting up such a great site. There are far too few honest mechanics. I read your discussion about why you own a Lexus GS300 and have a couple of questions if you don't mind. I am preparing to purchase a 2000 Lexus GS300 with 107,000 miles on it and no service history.
I am having a Lexus dealer shop inspect the vehicle, but given that it is in good shape, how many more trouble-free miles/years do you think I can reasonably expect to take this great car? Also, Consumer reports lists several Lexus models including the Lexus ES as being prone to engine
sludge, but does not list the Lexus GS. Do the GS
cars also have this problem? Finally, which 'editorial' sites do you most value (Consumer Reports,Edmonds, MSN Auto, JD Power, etc.).
In my experience,Consumer Reports seems to have the best source of reliability data (MSN autos relies on tallying phone calls from repair shops to a technical service, which
I think is likely to under-count the frequent dealer-serviced repairs on makes like Mercedes) and
Edmonds seems to price used vehicle most accurately.
Thanks for your time and help,
-John
JohnThe GS is a great car in my opinion, I love mine and even though it is "old" I can't seem to part with it. It just keeps running and running.
100K Miles on a Lexus is nothing to worry about, although if the maintenance history has been neglected with the previous owners then not much you can do at this point to correct any internal damage that might have happened. 299K miles should not be a problem....the problem can be how much will it cost to get there? No one has a crystal ball, but the vehicle itself is an awesome one if taken care of.
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