2001 Lexus GS430 in Columbus, OH

Trimming the fleet in prep for a new (to me) purchase leads me to sell one of the few cars to hold my interest for several years.

This is a 2001 Lexus GS430 - RWD, v8 (3uz-fe) with 300hp / 325lb-ft torque. Of 40+ cars I've owned, this will go on the short list of cars I miss, I'm sure. These cars are satisfying to drive and competent on the road. They're comfortable for long drives but have large sway bars and decently stiff springs and so handle pretty dang well for what they are.

261,000 miles
Rebuilt top end 2012 at about 230k miles with full Toyota top end rebuild gasket set, 75k mile set of heads (reconditioned), new radiator, timing belt, idlers, etc (all Toyota parts)
Power heated memory memory seats
Power memory steering adjust
Power memory heated auto-dimming sideview mirrors
Auto-dim rearview mirror
HID auto-leveling headlights
Climate control
Full auto-up/down windows and moon roof Runs great, everything works as it should except the notes below.
Very nice leather interior, in exceptional condition for the age. No holes, no tears, really nice.

Flaws:
1. Mark Levinson stereo - not currently working 100%: it works when it's warm out but cuts out occasionally as it gets colder and mostly doesn't work during the winter. Needs the amp replaced or rebuilt, it's a common failure. When working the stereo is the best factory system I've ever heard.
2. Exhaust leak - stainless midpipe has finally rusted through in a decent sized hole. Front cats are in good shape so a cat-back exhaust system would get you back to 100%.
Check engine light - light is on for rear o2 sensor heater circuit due to exhaust leak.
3. One rust spot - in front of passenger side wheel well. Only rust on the car. Must have had a scrape or something to get the rust started. Close-up of it in the pictures.
4. Paint peeling at base of driver's side mirror. Close-up in pics.
5. Standard paint chips bruises and bumps from 260k miles of driving. It's in good shape but it's not going to win any car shows.

Over all, this is a fun, satisfying daily driver or long trip car that's hit the sweet spot of comfort and performance for me. If it was a wagon or stick (or preferably both!) I would keep it forever.

My apologies for the car being wet in the photos. I was running out of daylight and didn't have time to let it dry.

$3000 for the GRM crowd.

Anybody? It's up on Craigslist now.

I had an Uber ride in one of these that was one of the later ones with some kind of Sport package - car was really nice. Felt very high quality and tight. Ride was awesome.

Thanks, they really are great cars. It holding my attention for so long is testament to that!

wish I was in the market for a boulevard bruiser, this would be on the short list. Free bump, GLWS

Still here; I test drove a 2016 Mustang v6 last night. Help me spend my money irresponsibly by clearing driveway space.

How big is the trunk and do the rear seats fold down? Why don't they make this in a wagon? Damn you Toyota!

Rear seats do not fold down

I have often said that if this was a wagon and manual transmission I would have it for the rest of my life. The rear seats do not fold down.

I got the exhaust leak fixed yesterday and it drives like a new car. It's quiet and smooth and feels like it has 1/3 the miles on it. Maybe I should just hang on to it!

Is that rust in to the inner fender or is it surface and I am seeing the plastic inner fender liner there.?

There is a hole through the metal. I imagine the previous owner had scraped it on something, as these aren't prone to rust and there's none anywhere else on the car.

267,000 miles now and with a fully rebuilt front suspension, new front brakes, and riding on the winter wheels with X-Ice snow tires. I've spent over $2000 rebuilding the front end planning to keep it for a few more years. But the exhaust leak opened back up and the amp started acting up again ... and I'm just out of time to keep up with older cars as daily drivers. I'd rather be working on my 1970 pickup or mr2 spyder. Someone make me an offer. 300hp and 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and super reliable and comfortable. Just needs little things that are typical for old cars. Anyone? $2500?

Trade for 2zz and 6-speed manual with ecu and wiring harness?

dculberson wrote: Trade for 2zz and 6-speed manual with ecu and wiring harness?

Where the berkeley was this E36 M3 a month ago? COME ON. Said 2zz, 6 spd and harness is even surrounded by the rest of a car, that I was trying to get $2500 for, and could have driven to you. And I have family in Columbus to visit. Seriously. berkeley.

Shoot that stinks.

I mean, it's still in my driveway at the moment but I have committed to sell it tomorrow night. :-/

Personally I'm not a huge fan of the look of these, but it is kind of intriguing. No money for it though unless you felt like trading for my SAAB.

The Saab looks fun, but I'm looking to downsize the fleet. If it was a Miata then mayyyybe... ok definitely for a Miata.

I added up the recently ended eBay auctions for parts on these things. If I parted it out I could get close to $16k minus fees and shipping. So maybe $11k net after costs. I do not have the time for it, but ... it's tempting. I'd rather be working on the house or hanging out with my baby. Sell the motor, transmission, headlights, brake master cylinder/booster, and door lock actuators and you've made money already. Hell you could recoup to the limit for the challenge and still have a drivable car.

I also have a miata! No, it's probably not worth $2500. Sorry for cluttering up your thread, I've been eyeing large comfy cruisers lately and this one would scratch that itch nicely. Don't think it'll happen though.

In reply to dculberson:

What's the gas milage like in this thing?

I don't think I want to trade my miata away, it's my current daily driver for 60-240 miles/day depending on the day, so the replacement would have to get decent milage. (Well, currently it's getting aligned, so I've been driving the saab...)

Or, I trade the miata, continue driving the SAAB, part this out, and have the money for a nicer miata...

In reply to AWSX1686:

It's not great; I can get up to 26mpg on long highway only trips but around town I get about 19mpg.

Gotcha.

I average 25-26 on my commute in my miata.

Sold; and I had decided to part it out but it'll get used in its new home I'm sure. It's staying in the GRM family, hopefully the new owner keeps me up to date on it. :-)