dmacneill

I'd like some input from some experts on the GS300. In July I bought a 2001GS300 that is a Certified Pre-Owned just off a lease. It has 33,000 miles on it and is in quite nice condition. I have noticed a humming sound that seems to come from the front of the car. It starts to be heard about 25 mph and is quite discernable about 40-45 mph. It is not related to the speed of the car since it does not change in pitch. It makes the noise going both straight or turning either left or right. The odd thing is that it disappears when I step on the brakes and reappears when I release the brakes. I took it to my dealer who first replaced all 4 tires and then did a complete brake job (turned all four roters and replaced all four sets of pads). The noise is still there. It is not a grinding sound like a wheel bearing. I plan to take it back to the dealer early this week, but they are somewhat puzzled at this point. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I faced exactly the same dilemma. About 3 weeks ago, I test drove a new ES330, and while it was nice and beautifully constructed, its performance and handling were lackluster. The dealer had a Certified Pre-Owned 2001 GS300, which only had 32,000 miles on it. It was in beautiful condition, and had been maintained well and just received the 30,000 mile service. The driving experience was quite different. It handled much better and the 220 HP 6 cylinder, while not equal to such 6 cylinders as are in the Infiniti G35 or Acura TL, had plenty of acceleration. Also, it handled much better and you had more road feel. I did find it was slightly more noise, but the new tires put on by the dealer are a little noisy. Finally, the interior is understated but beautiful. The Certified Pre-Owned designation gives you a 3-year, 100,000 mile complete warranty plus Lexus' fine service experience. I don't think that the cost of tires, depending on what you buy, will be a major difference between the two cars. I bought the GS300 and I am very glad I did. It has the best combination of luxury and comfort combined with sportiness that I have driven. If you go with the GS, make sure the 30,000 mile service has been done. I paid $29,000 even, which I don't think is too bad for the low mileage on the car and its being a CPO car with the warranty.

Thanks! Can anyone tell me where the paint code is located?

I have just joined the forum this evening after picking up my new (used) GS300. It is a 2001 with 32,000 miles on it, and it is Certified Pre-Owned by Lexus. It is in beautiful condition, with only a few nicks from stones that I can touch up. The interior if virtually perfect. I'm looking forward to participating in this forum and enjoying my new GS300.