Buying 2001gs300 Some Questions Help

[mike35019]

I have been looking for a nice used gs300 for some time, and I found a 1 owner 2001 gs300 with 101,000 hwy miles on it. Its pearl white/tan all options new tires and brakes. I scheduled a used car checkup appt with my local lexus dealer. The owner had it listed for 16,500 in the paper, and is down to 15,950. I was going to offer 15,000. Whats a good reasonable price? I took it out for a test ride yesterday, and was really suprised on how it ran! The car is extra clean, and I really like it. Can anyone give me some pointers on what to look for on this car that might give me some more into the history? The dealer ran the VIN and said the previous owner only had it in one time for the maintence, and probably had it serviced elsewhere. I really will feel better once it goes to the dealership to see if the mechanics find anything. Also is it worth trying to find a 3/36 warranty for this type of car? Does anything really major go wrong with these cars. Sorry for the long post, looking for some feedback. Thank you everyone

Mike

[KANEDL]

In my opinion, although these cars are made to last possibly forever, I just wouldn't want a car that year with that much mileage. I have a 01 CPO GS3 that I bought from the dealership with about 48k. People say it's not worth it to get the car CPO but it was good for me because the cd changer went on my car and the hood latch. To replace the cd changer would have been like $2k or so and the hood latch would have been $200 so it was definitely worth it. Plus you get roadside assistance, so I can cancel my AAA membership. Your best bet is look for a 2000 GS4 with like 70-80k. That's just what I would do. Hope that helps.

Edited January 2, 2006 by KANEDL