Ishikawa's '02 Lexus GS 300 (RIP soon)

[Aki Ko]

Strange how I haven't seen any post regarding owning a Lexus (even though I only looked through 2 pages).

Anyways,
This isn't a big story of how I got my car like other GTPlaneters. Basically what had happen was that I was browsering AutoTrader for a Lexus GS 300 2GS for some time then. I had been looking since I got my permit(ted license) March 18th, 2013. I was looking for one with decent mileage on it with heated seats in either colors of white, silver, grey, or black (Now I think I should've gotten a gold or a blue one). Then somewhere in the first or second week of October, I found one at a BMW dealership (Go figure...) with 144K miles on the odo in black with heated seats in a somewhat nearby city for $5,561. Little did I know that my parents actually went to the dealership a few days before, but didn't see it.

So I asked my dad (indirectly) to go check it out since it's nearby. He did, but he didn't tell me when he did go or asked me to look at it with him. I was told by my mother when I got the car that he got it that Tuesday of the week, but during that week in October I was a bit on the melancholy side. On October 15th, I got heartbroken asking someone out during school lunchtime and three hours later after that, I got a call from my aunt at 5PM that someone close to me died, whom I saw the previous day, Monday. So on Thursday, October 17, 2013, I wasn't prepared to see that car that I saw on the internet a few days ago. My mood made a sudden change from sad to extremely happy.

Then I did some checking of the switches... and oh dear.
The high beam lights didn't work. And the central light (when you open the door, BIG light comes on) didn't work. And the radio didn't reflect any light during nighttime, so you can't see what radio channel it's on (and the volume knob acts special, so when I try to turn the radio up, it doesn't do it after a few twists and then SUDDENLY it'll go up slightly, then some more, then DAMN IT'S TOO LOUD). And the left projector headlight is crooked/cockeyed, so visibility on the left side is poor. And then I noticed part of the left bumper is hanging off. And the right side of the car doesn't lock the doors when I want it to.
The car had to go back to the dealer for a few days because of the non-working high beams.

But whatever, it was my first car and I didn't care.

The handling was good, steering feel better than the other cars I've driven, and acceleration is... decent, but I sort of wanted a 400 or a 430 (However, if I had gotten the V8, I would've been paying dearly due to low gas mileage and I can do a 2JZ swap so I dealt with it).

(Forgot to mention I got this at 15. I'm 16 now)
Months passed and I still love this car dearly, even though it has its faults. Here's some photos of my car (and my mom's new(er) '08 GS next to it)

*I can also post some pics of my mom's GS if you want.

 

[Katiegan]

I guess you missed @Doog's thread on his big black Lexus.

This generation of GS will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll never forget the white one owned by Bishop in Midnight Club 3 (even thought that was a 430 I believe). Yours is looking good considering the faults, and I'll be looking forward to the updates. 👍

 

[Aki Ko]

I guess you missed @Doog's thread on his big black Lexus.

This generation of GS will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll never forget the white one owned by Bishop in Midnight Club 3 (even thought that was a 430 I believe). Yours is looking good considering the faults, and I'll be looking forward to the updates. 👍

The GS in MC3 was the Japanese model because it had a turbo (2JZ-GTE).

To be honest, the only things I want to do to my GS is mostly performance stuff. Exterior wise, I REALLY want a spoiler and a roof spoiler, lowered suspension, repair the paint chips around the car, and replace the rear bumper. A wolf in sheep's clothing, but sometimes wanting a body kit doesn't help that. Maybe when I actually get a job and save up, then can I do some stuff to my car.

 

[Doog]

The second-gen GS continues to be a handsome car in black; reminds me a lot of the black GS300 my dad leased in '03. His had a black interior and chrome five-spoke wheels, though. They're great cars, which is sad since I hardly see them anymore. Take care of yours. 👍

 

[Aki Ko]

The second-gen GS continues to be a handsome car in black; reminds me a lot of the black GS300 my dad leased in '03. His had a black interior and chrome five-spoke wheels, though. They're great cars, which is sad since I hardly see them anymore. Take care of yours. 👍

At first, I was quite hesitant on the black interior, but now I don't mind having it now. Hardly see them? Gas prices too high where you live? The prices for them are low for what they are where I'm at, so it's not surprising when I see one or two drive past. And I'll try to.

 

[Doog]

At first, I was quite hesitant on the black interior, but now I don't mind having it now. Hardly see them? Gas prices too high where you live? The prices for them are low for what they are where I'm at, so it's not surprising when I see one or two drive past. And I'll try to.

Black interior? But your car has a beige interior, unless you meant the exterior...

I think the reason for their relative rareness (at least around my parts) these days is that these cars are coming to an age where almost all of their original owners have moved on, so most are on their second or third owner now. Unfortunately, a lot of these folks buying second-hand luxury cars want them simply for that badge on the grille, and folks with that mentality tend to live in lower-income areas, or the ghetto.

 

[GranTurismo916]

10/10 would drive

 

[Aki Ko]

Black interior? But your car has a beige interior, unless you meant the exterior...

I think the reason for their relative rareness (at least around my parts) these days is that these cars are coming to an age where almost all of their original owners have moved on, so most are on their second or third owner now. Unfortunately, a lot of these folks buying second-hand luxury cars want them simply for that badge on the grille, and folks with that mentality tend to live in lower-income areas, or the ghetto.

I meant when I was looking for a car. I didn't want a black interior (my mum's Altima AND GS have black interiors) at first, but now looking at the used car list, I wouldn't mind having it instead of the beige or wood in my car.

Oh god, don't remind me. I remember seeing a used orange GS 400 on oversized, vulgar rims for sale. Just disgusting. Thing is that I didn't want the car for the badge. I wanted it because I was looking for specifics in a car- Reliability, comfort, moderate MPG, decent power, RWD and the other bells. The GS hits my requirements, but.... people. They're just so caught up in image and badges (To be honest, I would have settled for a Toyota Camry '07^ with a V6 or even a Avalon if I had the option. Just me being nutty over RWD vs FF is what prevented me getting it).

10/10 would drive

Offf course you would.

 

[Doog]

I meant when I was looking for a car. I didn't want a black interior (my mum's Altima AND GS have black interiors) at first, but now looking at the used car list, I wouldn't mind having it instead of the beige or wood in my car.

My bad.

Oh god, don't remind me. I remember seeing a used orange GS 400 on oversized, vulgar rims for sale. Just disgusting. Thing is that I didn't want the car for the badge. I wanted it because I was looking for specifics in a car- Reliability, comfort, moderate MPG, decent power, RWD and the other bells. The GS hits my requirements, but.... people. They're just so caught up in image and badges (To be honest, I would have settled for a Toyota Camry '07^ with a V6 or even a Avalon if I had the option. Just me being nutty over RWD vs FF is what prevented me getting it).

Those Camry V6s can sure haul respectable ass, like, GS430-competitive ass.

Got any photos of the '08 GS?

 

[Vince]

*I can also post some pics of my mom's GS if you want.

Please do that.

Handsome car by the way. But please, please get new floormats - current ones are rather... crusty.
The little things, amigo. The little things.

 

[Aki Ko]

Those Camry V6s can sure haul respectable ass, like, GS430-competitive ass.

Got any photos of the '08 GS?

I KNOW. My cousin has the '08 Camry V6 SE. HOT DAMN, that thing hauls ass. I mean it will give a non-turboed BMW a run for it's money. That's why I wanted a 400/430, to keep up with that car.

I do, but not many as my car.

It's *nearly* fully loaded, but even this has a fault. The rear sunshade does not go down when asked to, so it's been up for about a month. I SO wish that my car had the cooled seat in her car (because leather+heat= Not such a good time especially in Southern heat).

Please do that.

Handsome car by the way. But please, please get new floormats - current ones are rather... crusty.
The little things, amigo. The little things.

I know, but money... I can't keep it long.

 

[Doog]

It's *nearly* fully loaded, but even this has a fault. The rear sunshade does not go down when asked to, so it's been up for about a month.

My car has the same issue, though it was caused by the tiniest plastic bit chipping off, causing the sunshade to not attach to one of the 'bars' that hold it in place. I eventually had to see a mechanic I know to get it manually pushed down.

I SO wish that my car had the cooled seat in her car (because leather+heat= Not such a good time especially in Southern heat).

Cooled seats are the bomb, although the motors in the LS are a bit loud. At least your car doesn't have a black interior; mine does, and when coupled with being parked in the driveway, is the perfect recipe for swamp-ass.

 

[Aki Ko]

My car has the same issue, though it was caused by the tiniest plastic bit chipping off, causing the sunshade to not attach to one of the 'bars' that hold it in place. I eventually had to see a mechanic I know to get it manually pushed down.



Cooled seats are the bomb, although the motors in the LS are a bit loud. At least your car doesn't have a black interior; mine does, and when coupled with being parked in the driveway, is the perfect recipe for swamp-ass.

Grief. She's not bothered by it as much as my dad though. I also doubt she'll take it to a mechanic to get it down any time soon.

Even though my interior is beige, I still get swamp-back within 20 minutes of driving. I wouldn't care if it is loud (If you thought that was loud, my dad's former BMW 745i was stupid loud at level 3). At least the GS's cooled seats are hard to hear unless you drive without the radio (which I don't half the time).

 

[Vince]

I know, but money... I can't keep it long.

Don't scare me like that ever again.

Grief. She's not bothered by it as much as my dad though. I also doubt she'll take it to a mechanic to get it down any time soon.

Even though my interior is beige, I still get swamp-back within 20 minutes of driving. I wouldn't care if it is loud (If you thought that was loud, my dad's former BMW 745i was stupid loud at level 3). At least the GS's cooled seats are hard to hear unless you drive without the radio (which I don't half the time).

Well how loud can the motor really be? I've never experienced cooled seats (I'll leave that up for the layman) but at least in my mom's Tahoe the heated seats are completely silent. I don't know if cooled seat motors are louder than heaters, but why would they? Though I suppose the big ol' block sitting in the engine bay nuzzles out some noise.

 

[Aki Ko]

Don't scare me like that ever again.


Well how loud can the motor really be? I've never experienced cooled seats (I'll leave that up for the layman) but at least in my mom's Tahoe the heated seats are completely silent. I don't know if cooled seat motors are louder than heaters, but why would they? Though I suppose the big ol' block sitting in the engine bay nuzzles out some noise.

How did I scare you? Did I sound like I go to a strip club?

Heated seats DOESN'T make any noise. The fans is what you hear when using cooled seats. Set your car's AC fan speed to about level 2 or 3 (Lexus level... you wouldn't understand), factor the size in the seats vs the main AC fans, and you'll see how loud they are.

 

[20832]

There's just something super sexy about Lexus'

 

[Capt Air]

This is the famous GS eh? Looks pretty clean and neat, better than most non original owners of Lexus like Doog said..

 

[Aki Ko]

This is the famous GS eh? Looks pretty clean and neat, better than most non original owners of Lexus like Doog said..

Oh, I've been relooking on AutoTrader and there are better-conditioned ones on there. This was just at a better price.

 

[Pupik]

Black interior? But your car has a beige interior, unless you meant the exterior...

I think the reason for their relative rareness (at least around my parts) these days is that these cars are coming to an age where almost all of their original owners have moved on, so most are on their second or third owner now. Unfortunately, a lot of these folks buying second-hand luxury cars want them simply for that badge on the grille, and folks with that mentality tend to live in lower-income areas, or the ghetto.

I still see a lot of well-cared-for examples out and about in my line of work; there's some that are on their "third owner" by now. It's still one of Lexus' best and finest examples; they were a little porky and underpowered, but had a competent handling, smooth ride, and relatively trouble-free...naturally, a 10-year-old car and over 120,000 miles means anything can and could happen, but I saw plenty with nearly 200K during my time at the dealer. I think Toyota only made about 17,000 GS 430s world-wide, from 2001-2005, so they're not as common, and therefore kind of tough to find.

For a first car, 210 hp is more than enough...due to its weight, you'll be out-dragged by most cars easily, and it's going to be nearly anything but an autocross-killer. But hey, rear-wheel drive. When the torque comes in at 3200 rpm, you'll have no problem asserting yourself on the highway.

As long as the plugs and timing belt were done at 90K, maintenance should be light on your wallet. If there's any Achilles Heel (and every model of car and truck has at least one), it's that the A/C compressors are an expensive fix, especially if the condenser becomes punctured and/or the evaporator leaks.

Speaking of A/Cs, I think there's a little vent under the steering column. My '94 GS had it; Lexus/Toyota started to do away with that somewhere in the early/mid-2000s, for no good reason at all. And while we're on the steering columns, resist the temptation to let it auto-tilt back after you've removed the key from the ignition (there's a square override button), if you want to prolong the tilt motor life.

Black paint can be iffy - Germans manage to make it better. Keep it polished and clean, it's all good. Also, you're now The Guy With The Lexus, so play it cool. Act nice when you get that free car wash at the dealer and don't kill them on the dealer survey because they ran out of donuts.

 

[Aki Ko]

I still see a lot of well-cared-for examples out and about in my line of work; there's some that are on their "third owner" by now. It's still one of Lexus' best and finest examples; they were a little porky and underpowered, but had a competent handling, smooth ride, and relatively trouble-free...naturally, a 10-year-old car and over 120,000 miles can mean anything, but I saw plenty with nearly 200K during my time at the dealer. I think Toyota only made about 17,000 GS 430s world-wide, from 2001-2005, so they're not as common, and therefore kind of tough to find.

For a first car, 210 hp is more than enough...due to its weight, you'll be out-dragged by most cars easily, and it's going to be nearly anything but an autocross-killer. But hey, rear-wheel drive. When the torque comes in at 3200 rpm, you'll have no problem asserting yourself on the highway.

As long as the plugs and timing belt were done at 90K, maintenance should be light on your wallet. If there's any Achilles Heel (and every model of car and truck has at least one), it's that the A/C compressors are an expensive fix, especially if the condenser becomes punctured and/or the evaporator leaks.

Speaking of A/Cs, I think there's a little vent under the steering column. My '94 GS had it; Lexus/Toyota started to do away with that somewhere in the early/mid-2000s, for no good reason at all. And while we're on the steering columns, resist the temptation to let it auto-tilt back after you've removed the key from the ignition (there's a square override button), if you want to prolong the tilt motor life.

Yaaay, more Lexus buddies.

17K GS 430s? Geez. No wonder I hardly saw any when I was looking for one.

I don't really go to major cities or interstates often, so I can deal with 220 HP (Really 180 at the wheels). I would only get out-dragged by modern cars, but I can barely hold my own pace. It's really nice as a long distance driver.

It was, at 94K miles if I remember from the CarFax, so I'm good for a while. A/C compressors? Oh, why did you tell me that? I only restarted using it for the past two weeks because the heat is unbearable to stand with just the windows down and sunroof cracked open, but it was fine when I first got it.

There is? I never saw it... oh wait, it's a 2002. And don't let it auto-tilt back after I removed the key from the ignition? Uh-oh... I've been letting it do that since I got the car. I guess I'll turn it off, even if it'll be more annoying to get in and out of.

Thanks for the tips.

~Ishikawa M

 

[Doog]

I still see a lot of well-cared-for examples out and about in my line of work; there's some that are on their "third owner" by now.

You guys on the east coast must have a greater appreciation for Lexii, then. Maybe it's partially influenced by confirmation bias, but in my city people seem to like to lease new cars and continuously replace them. It seems like there's a bit of a disposable attitude towards cars, unless they're flagship models; I still see a fair amount of cared for LS400s, though that aligns with their older clientele. Pre-facelift LS430s are becoming somewhat uncommon, but I still notice some post-facelift models in traffic. GSs of this vintage and older, original ISs and ESs from this year range are all becoming a rarity here, it seems.

It's still one of Lexus' best and finest examples; they were a little porky and underpowered, but had a competent handling, smooth ride, and relatively trouble-free...naturally, a 10-year-old car and over 120,000 miles means anything can and could happen, but I saw plenty with nearly 200K during my time at the dealer.

My dad hated the payments and always bellyached over the tiniest cosmetic imperfections, but to this day he regrets turning his '03 GS in at the end of the lease, nearly nine years ago. He's not a car enthusiast by any means, but he loved how sporty it felt (to him). Ever since then, he's had a strong bias towards Lexus.

Speaking of A/Cs, I think there's a little vent under the steering column. My '94 GS had it; Lexus/Toyota started to do away with that somewhere in the early/mid-2000s, for no good reason at all.

The LS has that; really thoughtful feature.

And while we're on the steering columns, resist the temptation to let it auto-tilt back after you've removed the key from the ignition (there's a square override button), if you want to prolong the tilt motor life.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but this is one thing I've been wondering about for a while. When you insert the key in the ignition, the wheel in the LS430 comes down and out normally, but when you remove it, it moves up just fine, but there's this awful grinding as the wheel gets pulled in. Is that a symptom of an issue with the motor?

 

[Pupik]

Don't let the A/C prices scare you; no car gets by with a cheap A/C repair. A cheap A/C repair (especially living in the South) is a repair you'll regret.

Everyone lets the tilt motor thing do its job; half my customers loved it, half of them hated it. I forget if that model had side mirrors that tilt back: either leave the switch on L or R for tilt, put it in the middle for no-tilt...another one of those 50/50 easy-fix-complaints.

Your sound issue sounds like an amplifier that's going bad, saw that a few times. The radio displays are another issue; seems many of them across the line-up go bad after 8-10 years. I think the amp and radio can be resolved in one fell swoop, but it's a $700-800 replacement fee...that price may have changed in the seven years since I worked for Lexus. Can't say for sure, some models had a separate amp from the radio, others had it bolted on, still more had it as part of the same integral unit. You might have to do some research on this...

If you know someone with a power water sprayer, those factory Lexus mats were pretty tough; shoot at them from about two feet away and leave them out for 24-48 hours or so. Seems the local red mud (MS-AL-GA-SC Red Mud!) is taking their toll, but a little soap and a scrub brush will clean them out nicely. NEVER scrub them in circular patterns; scrub straight up or straight down, then left, then right. They'll look much better.

Change the oil every 5000 miles, even though they're not the 3.0 V6 motors of the same period which could gel, these are almost bulletproof...but don't risk it; opt for the Severe Schedule. If you're on a Gran Turismo-based website that talks about cars and performance, you're automatically a severe driver. South Carolina has high temps and high humidity, so that's your cue to baby it, maintenance-wise. The transmissions were pretty stout, too; not a match for the latest auto-boxes, but sturdy. Avoid getting any automatic transmission fluid flushes at this point of its age, although that's usually good advice for any car.

Brake Fluid tends to get really dark on these cars; my gut feeling is that the master cylinder reservoirs had microscopically-tiny leaks which meant the fluid would go dark and oxidize (or go "low") in humid climates, usually every three years. Seemed to just affect Lexuses from 1998-2003 or so, oddly. If it's low or really oxidized, the red BRAKE light might come on. Never heard of this happening much on other makes and models, although some makes (including Lexus) suggest a brake flush every two years.

You guys on the east coast must have a greater appreciation for Lexii, then. Maybe it's partially influenced by confirmation bias, but in my city people seem to like to lease new cars and continuously replace them. It seems like there's a bit of a disposable attitude towards cars, unless they're flagship models; I still see a fair amount of cared for LS400s, though that aligns with their older clientele. Pre-facelift LS430s are becoming somewhat uncommon, but I still notice some post-facelift models in traffic. GSs of this vintage and older, original ISs and ESs from this year range are all becoming a rarity here, it seems.

The deal with luxury car buyers is this: they like to lease to get a new car every 2-3 years (Lexus is really fond of the 39-month lease), because they can afford the expense to be almost trouble-free and they want the latest thing for whatever conspicuous consumption-based reason. When the economy and attitudes were flying high, probably 50% of my clients were lease people. And if they didn't go over on the mileage cap or wreck it, that car would get CPO'd and resold again. So it's like Lexus sold two cars for the price of one (figure profit minus depreciation and minus any additional get-ready costs).

I've heard it's a little less so now, but there's still many folks doing the lease thing. Heck there was a small percentage of my customers who could afford to break the existing lease because The New One Is Now Out or Oooh, New Color or Really Wanted One With Navigation. They could afford the comparatively paltry $1000-2000 penalty because they wanted it enough...and they could afford it. (Some of them just didn't want to buy four new tires!)

Anyhow, I see them old and new everywhere, the heards thin out naturally, but that's the automotive kingdom for you. Why do I see them everywhere? Besides lots of travel, it's the brainwashing and Pavlovian Responses, that's why.

The LS has that; really thoughtful feature.

Heck, my 1993 Corolla had it! My 1st-gen GS did. The Scion...doesn't.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but this is one thing I've been wondering about for a while. When you insert the key in the ignition, the wheel in the LS430 comes down and out normally, but when you remove it, it moves up just fine, but there's this awful grinding as the wheel gets pulled in. Is that a symptom of an issue with the motor?

Most likely the motor. Or it could be that there's a little part of the column housing loose. I'm really picky about my steering wheel position, so I'd hate it if I had it stuck straight up in the air or blocking the all-important 55-70 mph position of the speedometer.

 

[Aki Ko]

Change the oil every 5000 miles, even though they're not the 3.0 V6 motors of the same period which could gel, these are almost bulletproof...but don't risk it; opt for the Severe Schedule. If you're on a Gran Turismo-based website that talks about cars and performance, you're automatically a severe driver. South Carolina has high temps and high humidity, so that's your cue to baby it, maintenance-wise. The transmissions were pretty stout, too; not a match for the latest auto-boxes, but sturdy. Avoid getting any automatic transmission fluid flushes at this point of its age, although that's usually good advice for any car.

Brake Fluid tends to get really dark on these cars; my gut feeling is that the master cylinder reservoirs had microscopically-tiny leaks which meant the fluid would go dark and oxidize (or go "low") in humid climates, usually every three years. Seemed to just affect Lexuses from 1998-2003 or so, oddly. If it's low or really oxidized, the red BRAKE light might come on. Never heard of this happening much on other makes and models, although some makes (including Lexus) suggest a brake flush every two years.

I've already had an oil replacement a few months back. It was in the high 147K mile range when I done it and I'm already at 148,400 miles, with it nearly being time to get it replaced again.

I wasn't aware of the brake fluid tip. Thanks for that. Also, I have a light that indicates that I need to get it replaced, but I went out and checked the taillights. All of the lights were working, brake lights, reverse lights, and signals. I did read up a bit on it and Club Lexus say that it means they're going out. But, it's been doing that since November 2013 and so far nothing has gone out still. Is that a supposed fault?

The deal with luxury car buyers is this: they like to lease to get a new car every 2-3 years (Lexus is really fond of the 39-month lease), because they can afford the expense to be almost trouble-free and they want the latest thing for whatever conspicuous consumption-based reason. When the economy and attitudes were flying high, probably 50% of my clients were lease people. And if they didn't go over on the mileage cap or wreck it, that car would get CPO'd and resold again. So it's like Lexus sold two cars for the price of one (figure profit minus depreciation and minus any additional get-ready costs).

I've heard it's a little less so now, but there's still many folks doing the lease thing. Heck there was a small percentage of my customers who could afford to break the existing lease because The New One Is Now Out or Oooh, New Color or Really Wanted One With Navigation. They could afford the comparatively paltry $1000-2000 penalty because they wanted it enough...and they could afford it. (Some of them just didn't want to buy four new tires!)

Anyhow, I see them old and new everywhere, the heards thin out naturally, but that's the automotive kingdom for you. Why do I see them everywhere? Besides lots of travel, it's the brainwashing and Pavlovian Responses, that's why.

From what I understand, very few people buy the cars. They just lease them. What you just told me confirms it. Even my dad has said that when he goes car shopping next year, he's going to lease the car.

I'm really picky about my steering wheel position, so I'd hate it if I had it stuck straight up in the air or blocking the all-important 55-70 mph position of the speedometer.

I thought I was the only one whose picky about that. I have to lower my seat in order to see the 55-80 mph position of the speedometer for my steering wheel position.

 

[Pupik]

Then I did some checking of the switches... and oh dear.
The high beam lights didn't work. And the central light (when you open the door, BIG light comes on) didn't work. And the radio didn't reflect any light during nighttime, so you can't see what radio channel it's on (and the volume knob acts special, so when I try to turn the radio up, it doesn't do it after a few twists and then SUDDENLY it'll go up slightly, then some more, then DAMN IT'S TOO LOUD). And the left projector headlight is crooked/cockeyed, so visibility on the left side is poor. And then I noticed part of the left bumper is hanging off. And the right side of the car doesn't lock the doors when I want it to.

Ah, just noticed you mentioned the auto door locks aren't perfect...probably the "door lock actuator"; there's one for each door. You might still be able to manually lock/unlock all the doors at once from the outside keyhole of the driver's door, though: Twist the key twice to the right for UNLOCK, twist it twice to the left for LOCK.

Or maybe you knew that already, if you read the manual. If there was a manual, that is - in fake black leatherette with brass corners and probably a few business cards tossed in there.

 

[Aki Ko]

Ah, just noticed you mentioned the auto door locks aren't perfect...probably the "door lock actuator"; there's one for each door. You might still be able to manually lock/unlock all the doors at once from the outside keyhole of the driver's door, though: Twist the key twice to the right for UNLOCK, twist it twice to the left for LOCK.

Or maybe you knew that already, if you read the manual. If there was a manual, that is - in fake black leatherette with brass corners and probably a few business cards tossed in there.

To be specific, the front passenger door lock will not lock period. Outside lock doesn't work and even flicking it inside doesn't do anything. It just stays unlocked. Then the door behind it sometimes locks when I put it in drive (sometimes it won't even do that), but will not unlock unless I do it manually. That's why I refer it as, "This damn door." The door behind me works as expected and the driver door? Pointless because you just yank the door handle and it opens. Only good is when I leave it locked, but half the doors are unlocked, so I leave the entire car unlocked (Crazy I know, but if I can't lock all the doors what's the point of trying to lock the lockable doors when you can just go on the other side to the unlocked doors?).

 

[Davis]

Best generation of GS. And it doesn't have that nasty gold trim like so many often have. Looks fab.

 

[AzNTypeR]

Nice Lexus! ;3

Your Mom's one ain't too bad either.

 

[Aki Ko]

Nice Lexus! ;3

Your Mom's one ain't too bad either.

I saw you bold "My dad's former BMW 745i." You ain't that sneaky, boy.

 

[Aki Ko]

Okay, so sit rep on the Lexus:

The radio will not turn on automatically anymore. It just started doing this earlier this week. Doesn't matter if it's a cold start or it's been warmed up; I have to press the "eject" button for the cassette player to get the radio to turn on. It's my new power button.

There is a crack in the windshield which has only showed up after I got my wiper blades replaced December 31st. (Spent a painful $35 on wiper blades, and that was the discount.) The person who replaced it didn't drop anything on the windshield. It's just there in the way of my side. Speaking of the windshield, there is a annoying streak left by the old wiper and the washer fluid will not wash it away.

The inside is dirty because I've become my aunt's personal driver on top of driving for other people. I want to clean it, but I so can't be bothered because it's only going to get dirty the next day, which is just throwing away money.
The door locks are still being special. The driver door needs to be locked manually, the door behind the driver works perfectly, the front right passenger door and the rear right passenger door work when they want to. Sometimes, all three work at the same time. Sometimes, it doesn't.

I thought that I had a oil leak after I got an oil change with Precision Tuning. It use to have a burning smell for a few days even if I drive like a grandma. The check engine light hasn't come on though; at one point, it turned off and haven't came on for some time. The smell disappeared for regular driving. It only comes back if I rev the car over 3500 RPM... and unless I'm going for a small speed run or go over 70 MPH.
Speaking of speed runs, I managed to hit 100 MPH again on a back road one time. It seems at home going 65-100 MPH for some reason.

Otherwise, the car still runs pretty well for 152,500+ miles. I'm definitely am going to need tyres this year though and maybe a suspension check.

 

[Slash]

You can check the struts my pushing the car down with your hands kinda rough. If it bounces and feels springy then its time for struts. If not, then you're fine.