Which car should I get? I need help deciding.

[ansaarkhan400]

Alright guys. I need your expertise. Please read the whole post even though its a little long. :kiss

As of right now, I drive a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited I6 4.0L with about 160,000 miles (159, 823 to be exact). It has a couple of upgrades such as a K&N FIPK Cold Air Intake, Gibson Cat-Back Exhaust, High Flow Catalytic Convertor, and Rancho RS5000 shocks.

Its been good to me, but I really need to get rid of it. It takes way too much gas. Im a college student, and I cant afford this much gas. It was fine for the 4 years I have had it through high school and my first semester in college , but I dont like it anymore.

Gas isnt the only problem. Im sick of not being able to make tight turns and such. The tranny is acting up as well. Its been jerky for a really long time. It only acts up on the highway though. It revs and drops, revs and drops.

The tranny has been changed with a rebuilt one before, but that was about 40,000 miles ago.

My dad usually buys cars from the auction (we have a really big one here in Charlotte). I am looking for a car that is about $7000 or less. Im probably going to sell my Jeep later on.

I would like to keep it STRICTLY $7500 or less.

Im 100% sure that I want to keep it Japanese, NO SUVs, I would REALLY prefer a 5-speed, mileage would have to be 80,000 and less or maybe 90,000 if the car is in excellent condition.

I was looking at a couple of cars:

1996-1998 Nissan 240sx

1996-2000 Subaru Impreza.
Which year is best and can a good one be found for $7500 or less? I would prefer atleast the 2.5 165hp version.

1999 Volkswagen GTI.
I dont know if I can squeeze this into budget. It would be tough to find, but I REALLY REALLY like this car. The regular Golf doesnt appeal to me. Not enough power.

Im also open to some trucks:

1998-2001 Mazda B-Series

1996-1998 Toyota T100

I DO NOT want a Mitusubishi Eclipse. Too many of them on the road and way too common. Also, NO HONDAS.

I would like to be able to expand and do some mods to the car in the future.

Im open to other suggestions. If you feel there is a better car out there, let me know!!!!!!!!!! :clapping

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

[eire1274]

Well... I'm going to offer advice, but not going to give you a real answer.

First, for trucks... take a look at Nissan's trucks. Granted, the Titan is a much newer model, so you'd end up looking at smaller trucks, such as the Frontier, but Nissan's motor tech is very impressive. A friend of mine put over 500,000 miles on an early Nissan Pathfinder with no major repairs, and ended up trading it in for an Armada.

Second, cars... I'm breaking this one down.

Are you planning to modify?

The 240SX is a modder's dream car. It comes rather light on horsepower, with a 4-cylinder borrowed from Nissan's truck line, but it offers great handling, in the area of other car companies "higher level" sports cars. The 240SX is also easy to convert to Sylvia level, by purchasing JDM (Japanese Domestic Motors) front clips of S14/S15s. Sylvias offer turbo power, easily modifiable motors, and styling not usually seen outside of Japan. However, this is a REAR WHEEL DRIVE car, so keep that in mind.

The Subaru Impreza is also a good choice. There isn't as much modding room as the 240SX, but a turbo car does offer a lot of good options in increasing horsepower. Plus, with all wheel drive, it's capable of doing things quite differently at speed over what a FWD or RWD can do.

The Volkswagen... I'm not a big fan of them anymore. Their reliability seems to have cascaded as much as American brands. They are good cars, but they will piss you off in the long run with needed repairs.

Well, that's my little bit. If you want more info on the Impreza or the 240SX, let me know, because I've got two guys modding them right now who could tell you bunches.

[IanBMW]

I'm going to have to recommend you go with a nice S14 Silvia as well. A 240sx would be a fun car that would fit into your budget. Oh and I wouldnt really recommend a truck if you were hoping for good gas mileage. :smokin

[2JSC]

I too would have to recomend the 240SX and Impreza. BUt one thing I'd have to say is RESEARCH! Read as much as you can on these vehicles before you decide on one. There are the little qwerks that each have. The Imprezas(because of the AWD) usually end up getting tranny problems with the 5-speeds(because of hard driving/launching) so watch for that. The 240's can be very high milage cars(no matter what year). So if you expect to get one thats in "excelent" condition, you might have to spend more than what you want, but maybe not because of your budget.

240SX - if looking for the newer bdy styles(95-96 & 97-98) try and get an SE. They got the 5-lug axles and the LSD rearend, but 85-90% of which were Automatics. But its not hard to convert to a 5-speed or Silvia 6-speed if your going that route. If you'd like to keep the stock 2.4L motor(KA24DE) look at Jim Wolf Technologies. They are 240SX gods! With the stuff they make, you can turn any 240(JDM motor or USDM) into a monster!

Impreza 2.5RS - These are great cars! The AWD is amazing and I suggest that you test drive one somewhere before you think about getting one. And if you'd like to mod it(engine wise) there are a number of engines that can be dropped in with no hassle. You could drop in any number of STi engines at hand.

LIke I said above, RESEARCH! Read as much as possable before coming to a conclusion!

But if I were to choose, I'd get a 2.5RS, mainly because I'm a Subby fan.

[nighthawk15]

I also would recommend the Subaru. I dont know what kind of weather you have to deal with but subarus are AMAZING in the snow and rain. Also like 2JSC said there are also a number of engines that would most likely bolt right in if you wanted to upgrade. Can you say 2.5L 300BHP STi Engine :KICKASS Good luck car hunting :Thumb

[ansaarkhan400]

Sweet! Thanks for the advice guys. :)

Are you planning to modify?

Yes. Slowly but surely. I dont think I will go with anything big at first. I would like to start off with rims first and then move on to conversions and all of that. One thing that I DO want is RELIABILITY. If I do any mods, I really dont want something that is high maintenance. Im mainly going for bolt on mods.

The main thing I like about the 240sx is that it is RWD.

I think im going to narrow down my research and decision to the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS and the Nissan 240sx.

I doubt I will be able to find a Volkswagen GTI for around that much. I saw a 2000 GTI listed in the local classifieds at a dealership the other day for $4500 but I knew something had to be up for that price. I called to ask for some details, and the dealer said that the car had 232,000 miles!!!! He said it was a "tester" car or something. I was like "nah, ill pass on that".

So what mileage range should I stick with when looking at the 240sx or Impreza? Whats the highest I should go before saying NO?

If I go to the auction, I am most likely going to go early in the morning to pick out the cars im interested in and have a look at them before the auction begins. After all, the keys are always in the ignition. :smokin

[eire1274]

So what mileage range should I stick with when looking at the 240sx or Impreza? Whats the highest I should go before saying NO?
My brother bought a '96 240SX (not SE) with a little over 200,000 miles on it. We tore it up a bit, replaced the piston rings and cleaned up the top end of the motor, changed the suspension and brakes, and it drives like it is brand new, and in it's state can kill Mustangs easily on the street. I think all of our "upgrades" cost less than $600 US. The next step is either a turbo on the stock motor, or a supercharger. Due to space restrictions, turbo is most likely.

His '90 240SX is going through a much bigger build, into a S13 Sylvia. Nothing to it yet, but I'll post pics when he gets the clip.

As for the Impreza... I'd say if you want a turbo motor in it now, go low miles, like under 50,000. If you want to swap motors, who cares? Swapping out the motor (and possibly tranny) pretty much renews the car.

[2JSC]

As a milage referance, I consider 10K miles a years light travling. So multiply the number of years old by 10K and that should be about right. But it also depend on how the previous car was drivin - at an auction you might not know.

If your looking at a newer 240SX - Id say anything below 60K miles should be fine. Its a truck motor so its gotta last :) 240SX is either a drift car or a drag car imo though. But they are reliable, can be powerful and easy to work on if needed.

As for the Impreza, less than 50K would be best if your going to turbo it. Although I've heard of many 2.5RS's lasting well into the 150K range before any major work is needed. And for the Impreza its an Autocross car. can be pushed really hard, makes good power, has a great fallowing(NASIOC.com)

reading on what you want to do - I'd say the Impreza would be what your looking for. New wheels(tires too), and suspension to get started would do wonders for a stock 2.5RS. I've seen quite a few of them win autocross races in thier devision at a race track in Phoenix.

[2JSC]

As for the Impreza... I'd say if you want a turbo motor in it now, go low miles, like under 50,000. If you want to swap motors, who cares? Swapping out the motor (and possibly tranny) pretty much renews the car.

Im pretty sure he is refering to the 2.5RS's as seeing how his budget can't get a WRX. The imprezas didnt get a turbo motor in the sates untill 2002(WRX)... but the new WRX or STi motors will drop right into an older gen. Impreza. And any place that sells used motors usually have around 40K miles on them... so it wouldnt be bad to get one if he wanted turbo power.

[eire1274]

Im pretty sure he is refering to the 2.5RS's as seeing how his budget can't get a WRX. The imprezas didnt get a turbo motor in the sates untill 2002(WRX)... but the new WRX or STi motors will drop right into an older gen. Impreza. And any place that sells used motors usually have around 40K miles on them... so it wouldnt be bad to get one if he wanted turbo power.
Sorry... I'm used to ordering parts from Japan when I do my stuff.

Heck, a friend of the family has a right-hand-drive Sylvia that he bought in Osaka when his Marine unit was posted over there. But he can't drive it on the street... insurance... he has a bad record of SPEEDING. He just tows it to the tracks.

[egarrard]

Can't Subaru design the car with the seat and steering wheel in front of each other?

http://www.nasioc.com/gallery/media/?ImageName=MY04_WRX_Dash.jpg

[Sidebinder]

I am sorry but I am going to have to go against what you say about Honda's! Hondas are the most sold and they are the best jap cars in the world hands down.

For one, I would suggest you check eBay for anything you want.
2 you should look on there for a Honda Insight if you are worried about gas... They are small get atlest 50MPG, and it is about as fast as my 4.3 V8 caprice stock.

My friend recently bought one in february stock on ebay for about 8k with only 69k on it. It gets about 63mpg on the HWY and about 53 in the city he said. He said he only drives about 10 miles aday during his little commute so he said that a FULL tank he estimate probably last him at least 2 months! I got through a full 60 dollar tank in a week. Also, we took this out on the road and I raced him with my white caprice with a L99 V8 and he beat me in a bloody ECO MOBILE. He just did some exaust, intake, and ecu mods to it along with some major up and it get to 0-60 in about 6.5-7.5 secs he say and still get 50mpg. That is damn good. The only problem is they are so small and they look like crap stock. Nothing body kits and rims can't do. Everything you import guys like.

Other than that my only vote can be for a Impreza, it ain't jap and that is why I would take it. Good luck with your new car! :thumb

[eire1274]

Other than that my only vote can be for a Impreza, it ain't jap and that is why I would take it. Good luck with your new car! :thumb
I beg your pardon?

Subaru Motors, um... well, here is the company's main website: http://www.subaru.co.jp/index.html. It's a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Equipment.

Volkswagen isn't Japanese, it's German! A Daimler/Chrysler brand.

[2JSC]

I beg your pardon?

Subaru Motors, um... well, here is the company's main website: http://www.subaru.co.jp/index.html. It's a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Equipment.

Volkswagen isn't Japanese, it's German! A Daimler/Chrysler brand.

He prolly thinks its an Aussie thing :lmao

[2JSC]

Can't Subaru design the car with the seat and steering wheel in front of each other?

http://www.nasioc.com/gallery/media/?ImageName=MY04_WRX_Dash.jpg

I think its the angle of the photo taken - when I drove my uncles WRX it seemed fine to me :What the

[soundman]

i would definitly go with the nissan 240sx they are awesome cars. my dad used to have one and let me drive it when i was like 16, wow that was so fun to drive

[ansaarkhan400]

Honda Insight

Im not going to stoop that low and I am not THAT worried about gas.

I was just saying gas was one of the many reasons I want to get rid of my Jeep.

If the car gives atleast 20mpg in the city and atleast 25mpg on the highway, im happy.

I think Toyotas are the best Japanese cars hands down. :smokin They have nice trucks, the supra, LEXUS! (puts Acura to shame), good cars with much better ride than hondas overall, and they are reliable.

Followed by Nissan in a close second, and third- Honda.

I know the stock 240sx is VERY slow. Its like 0-60 in 8.8 seconds. Even slower since the car will have high mileage and lost power. I dont care though, its RWD and it looks fast stock.

Its very rare to find though. I might have to keep looking for months. I think I will just choose between the Impreza or 240sx. Whichever car I find that is a good deal and in good condition first.

[ansaarkhan400]

This is the look im going for (one or the other)

I want it looking EXACTLY like this. Same body kit, rims, and color. Different paint color doesnt matter but I prefer black.

http://img104.exs.cx/img104/4949/s14best4wp.jpg

http://img178.exs.cx/img178/9457/untitled4gl.jpg

I like the second one the most!!! DROOOOOOL!!!! :hail

[2JSC]

http://img178.exs.cx/img178/9457/untitled4gl.jpg

I like the second one the most!!! DROOOOOOL!!!! :hail

That is a 97-98 240SX(S14 Kouki) _ dont know what body kit that is, but what about a ChargeSpeed kit?

http://store1.yimg.com/I/ntnsracing_1837_29221402


And that top car, its an S15 Silvia(99+ 240SX) which we never got - but you can do a front-end conversion. A lot of places sell the parts needed. The only place that I know and trust is Intense MotorSports here in Arizona. They are really cool guy and are pretty competative when it comes to prices. - http://www.i-m-racing.com/index.html

Also - what about a 2.5RS like this?
http://xtr2net.dnsalias.com/xtr2.net/images/gallery/subaru/2.jpg

Or a nice Sedan version?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/cecicuosti/Imagen014.jpg

Now that is sick! Minus the while wheels - yah got to have gold/black on white!

But yeah - the 240SX is a nice car and there are tons of parts for it - but to be original(I dont see many 2.5RS rocking a turbo out here) and have more fun I'd go with the Impreza still.

[ansaarkhan400]

I will go for either car. Whichever one I find first. :thumb

[ansaarkhan400]

240SX - if looking for the newer bdy styles(95-96 & 97-98) try and get an SE. They got the 5-lug axles and the LSD rearend, but 85-90% of which were Automatics. But its not hard to convert to a 5-speed or Silvia 6-speed if your going that route.

Yeah, im not going to get anything BUT the SE if I get a 240sx. The LSD is really important.

Also, which version is the 6-speed? I have heard that the 6-speed tranny in the 240sx is troublesome. Six gears are packed into the same tranny case as the 5-speed and it has thinner gear plates, which will wear out sooner.

[RKSK]

hey buddy i think i got your car. go see on the internet www.cars.com. go search under the used cars. remember put charlotte's zip code.

[2JSC]

Yeah, im not going to get anything BUT the SE if I get a 240sx. The LSD is really important.

Also, which version is the 6-speed? I have heard that the 6-speed tranny in the 240sx is troublesome. Six gears are packed into the same tranny case as the 5-speed and it has thinner gear plates, which will wear out sooner.

If you want a better LSD than the stock - get one out of a Skyline R32/33 or a Kazz one - they are the best, but a bit pricey.

The 6-speeds came in the 99+ S15's(Blacktop I think) that we didnt get. I've never heard anything about the 6's being trouble, might have to look into it more.

If you wanna read up on an S13 swap for cheap, check this out - http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0205scc_silvia/index.html

[ansaarkhan400]

Ive been calling around and finding out info but I havent found the right one yet.

No Imprezas in my area either.

Im gonna throw in another car into the choices- A 1993 or 1994 Lexus GS300. I might be able to find one for around $7,500 or $8,000 with around 100,000 miles. Its another "hard to find" car.....but the car can be a beast. :Holy Crap

[2JSC]

Ive been calling around and finding out info but I havent found the right one yet.

No Imprezas in my area either.

Im gonna throw in another car into the choices- A 1993 or 1994 Lexus GS300. I might be able to find one for around $7,500 or $8,000 with around 100,000 miles. Its another "hard to find" car.....but the car can be a beast. :Holy Crap

Aw man! Now your talking! 2J POWER! That body style GS300 runs from '93-'97 and I think its a sweet sleeper car mainly because it houses the N/A version of the '93-'98 Supra motor, the 2JZ-GE. Its a great car if you can find one in decent shape and decent milage(80-100K). If you want another choice, look for a '92-'97 SC300. 2 Door coupe with the same motor. Reason I'm saying up to '97 is because of the addition of VVT-i in '98 which is a hassle if you plan on turbocharging it. But the only real main drag to the Lexus cars is that they have the 4-speed auto in them, and can't hold more than 320-350Hp... but can be swapped for the Supra TT 5-speed auto that can hold up to 550Hp.

If you have any questions on the GS300 or SC300 feel free to ask me, I know quite a bit on those.

[2JSC]

Oh - to read up a bit on the Lexus GS/SC cars, might wanna check out http://www.lexusownersclub.com - browse the forums and read(a lot).

[ansaarkhan400]

Alright, Im gonna read up on those forums.

Ive registered at wrxfanatics.com, zilvia.net, and now Im going to register at lexusowners.

So wait.....is that why your handle is 2JSC? Do you own an SC? :spin

[ansaarkhan400]

I had a question 2JSC. :)

Is the SC400 a lot better? I know it has the V8 (the first thing I would do is throw a sweet exhaust on that thing. I wonder how it would sound.) Is the SC300 or SC400 better for modding? Is there a big difference in between both engines?

Also, what do you think about a 1997-2000 Mitsubishi Diamante??? Ive heard bad things about the transmission from a couple of reviews I have read, but overall the car has a majority of great reviews.

[2JSC]

Alright, Im gonna read up on those forums.

Ive registered at wrxfanatics.com, zilvia.net, and now Im going to register at lexusowners.

So wait.....is that why your handle is 2JSC? Do you own an SC? :spin

Kinda yeah - I love the SC300/Soarer and totaly would love the have one(have liked them since about '96)(2JSC = 2JZGE SC300) but the other reason my name is 2JSC is that im the 2nd James Scott in my family. Plus, 2J is a nickname. Oh, and no I don't own an SC, but am trying to and totally would.

[2JSC]

I had a question 2JSC. :)

Is the SC400 a lot better? I know it has the V8 (the first thing I would do is throw a sweet exhaust on that thing. I wonder how it would sound.) Is the SC300 or SC400 better for modding? Is there a big difference in between both engines?

Also, what do you think about a 1997-2000 Mitsubishi Diamante??? Ive heard bad things about the transmission from a couple of reviews I have read, but overall the car has a majority of great reviews.

The SC400 is a great car no doubt, as for which is better would be a prefferance thing. IF you ask some SC owners both are gonna say that thier's is better. So it'd be best to take a test drive in both if you could.

The SC400's V8(1UZFE engien model) gives off a great exhaust note, especially with some good Magnaflow mufflers. There are numerous brand out there(none that I can really think of right now) that make exhaust systems for the 400, but most are axle back(not cats), and that is usually just the mufflers.

As for modding the SC's, the 300 would be the way to go if you want more power. The SC300 shares the N/A(naturally aspirated) egine with Toyota's Supra. The 2JZGE is the same block(diff head) as the 2JZGTE(Twin Turbo Supra). So parts are readily available at thousands of places online and off. There are a few companies that make direct bolt on Turbo kits for the N/A SC300 that wield very good results(320Hp over stock 220Hp). I'm telling you, if you want power(and easy to make) the SC300 is the way to go. But with the SC400, its a bit harder. Sure there are some Supercharger kits out there, but thats about it performance wise. Both cars share the same body, so aftermarket body-kits are interchangeable, and there are numerous companies out there that make kits(most from Japan). Oh and there are a few things that are interchangeable between the SC's and the Supra(Brakes, front seats, drive train parts) that make it a little easy and maybe cheaper when needing to replace or repair stuff.

The biggest difference in the engine is what type. The SC300 has the 3.0L(220Hp) 24v I-6 model 2JZGE. The SC400 is the 4.0L(250-260Hp) 32v V8 model 1UZFE. Niether of these cars got VVT-i(Variable Valve Timing with Inteligance) untill after 1997. the VVT-i doesn't make much of a difference and isn't really wanted when going the turbo/supercharger route.

Here are some links I think you should check out:
http://www.intellexual.net - GREAT INFO on both SC300/SC400
http://www.l-tunedparts.com/index.php - Performance parts for all Lexus Cars/SUV's
http://www.boostlogic.com/ - THE company to see about a Turbo SC300


And here are a few pics of Takahiro Ueno's Drifter SC300, he's my Hero! lol
http://www.jtuned.com/media/gallery%2Farticles%2FUenoSoarer%2F01%2Ejpg
http://www.jtuned.com/media/gallery%2Farticles%2FUenoSoarer%2F02%2Ejpg
http://www.jtuned.com/media/gallery%2Farticles%2FUenoSoarer%2F03%2Ejpg


And as for your "Q" about a Diamante... I really have no clue. Mitsubishi makes some good reliable cars, but I have no experiance with them other than the early Eclipse/Talon cars. Sorry.

And if you have any more Questions feel free to ask... I love talking about the SC's.

[ansaarkhan400]

Very Nice Pics!

I am vigorously looking every sec. of free time I get for cars.

The SC300 or GS300 is moving quickly to the top of my list. Ive kind of been looking passively at Imprezas and 240SXs now.

Ive noticed that the SC300 and GS300s run well way over 250,000+ miles!

That motor and drivetrain must be a match made in heaven. Seems like one of the most reliable motors in any of the cars I have listed. :thumb

If I started off with an inline six 220hp SC300, I would be happy with that. As long as I can take it to around 300, I will be pleased. Thats good enough for me. Im not looking for any extreme performance but I want something that has the power there..........just in case. :nuts

[2JSC]

Very Nice Pics!
Ive noticed that the SC300 and GS300s run well way over 250,000+ miles!

That motor and drivetrain must be a match made in heaven. Seems like one of the most reliable motors in any of the cars I have listed. :thumb

If I started off with an inline six 220hp SC300, I would be happy with that. As long as I can take it to around 300, I will be pleased. Thats good enough for me. Im not looking for any extreme performance but I want something that has the power there..........just in case. :nuts

I have seen SC/GS's running like new even after 320K miles - an Uncle bought one new back in 95 and has drove it to work and back for 10 years. I have even seen a Turbo SC300 with 200K miles on it after it was turbocharged on 120K miles, and it's still making about 400Hp. Its nuts! And the cars ride sooo smooth, unless you change the suspension. The GS is just as nice, and being a sedan, its got that sexy luxury feel. Damn! Hottness!

The best thing about getting an older used Lexus is that they were taken care of. Some one with the money bought it new and took it to the dealer for everything and has it logged(look for a log book when purchasing a used Lexus). So you know that it is in good condition.

You should check out the gallery at Intellexual.net and see what the SC's can look like, so SWEET. And just enmagine them having anywhere from 300-700Hp... now thats sleeper!

Again, any questions feel free to ask.

[ansaarkhan400]

I surely will ask you whatever comes to mind!

One thing that I can be sure of when getting a GS300 is that it was probably driven by a grandpa 90% of the time. :lmao And MOST of them dont drive it like its stolen.

I would prefer an SC over a GS, but it depends on what I find.

With that being said, I really really appreciate you helping me out on this and throwing in some input. Thank you so much! :Thumb

Im gonna go have a look at those websites right now.

[2JSC]

I surely will ask you whatever comes to mind!

One thing that I can be sure of when getting a GS300 is that it was probably driven by a grandpa 90% of the time. :lmao And MOST of them dont drive it like its stolen.

I would prefer an SC over a GS, but it depends on what I find.

With that being said, I really really appreciate you helping me out on this and throwing in some input. Thank you so much! :Thumb

Im gonna go have a look at those websites right now.


N/P :Thumb , and good luck on your quest to finding the right vehicle. OH! And if you'r licky, you will find an SC with a rare 5-speed!

[ansaarkhan400]

I found a 1993 GS300 in my area.

Here is the listing:

1993 Lexus GS 300
4DR, V6, Only 120k, dark green, tan leather, power glass roof, CD, new tires, just serviced, $5,950.

What do you think?

So this does have the 2JZ-GE right?

I wonder if he would go any lower!

I might take a look at it this week if it hasnt been sold yet. :spin

[2JSC]

I found a 1993 GS300 in my area.

Here is the listing:

1993 Lexus GS 300
4DR, V6, Only 120k, dark green, tan leather, power glass roof, CD, new tires, just serviced, $5,950.

What do you think?

So this does have the 2JZ-GE right?

I wonder if he would go any lower!

I might take a look at it this week if it hasnt been sold yet. :spin

Looks to be an ok deal - and yes, all GS300's come with the 2JZ-GE I-6(all that V6 stuff is for people who dont know what an I-6 is). You might be able to haggle him down to $5500 or maybe $5k if he is desperate and you have cash.

And don't worry about the 120K miles, I hear about the 2J's not really, or fully breaking in untill the 100K mark. So 120 is nothing to really worry about. If you do go see the car, ask if he has a records log. ASk how many previous owners etc. But if you get it for about $5k I think you got a pretty good deal.

[ansaarkhan400]

Well I called him up yesterday and I asked him a couple of questions.

Seems like he sells cars for a living because I asked him if he was selling any other cars and he said yes. He had other cars that arent worth mentioning, but anyways I was kind of in a rush but I got a few questions in.

I asked him what shape the paint and body was in and he said it has the normal wear on the paint but its still in good shape and the body is in perfect condition.

So I asked him how many previous owners it had and he said he didnt know.

I also asked him the usual like if the car runs good and if there are any problems he might want to tell me about and if the car had been serviced on time and if he has the logs.

He said he didnt have logs, but the car had been serviced recently and that it drives great.

I didnt get any details as to WHAT had been serviced, where, and all of that. I plan to do that when I look at it.

I told him that I would like to come over and have a look at it and take it for a test drive. He said he would be able to meet me sometime this week.

I noticed that he had 2 ads for the same car on www.cars.com. One was listed as $7500 (the description was the same, same phone number, but this listing had 18" Giovanni rims). The other listing was the one for $5950. I didnt ask him about that on the phone. I might when I get there.

Lastly, I told him that since he didnt know how many previous owners there were and no older service logs, if the price was negotiable.

He said he would work with me on the price.

I hope nothing is wrong with it. If it drives fine and I dont notice anything wrong with it and if I can get it down to about $5k, I might think about getting it.

I am also going to the auction later this week or next, so I might hold off even if the car is good.

Also, I might want to mention that I am looking at a couple of 96-98 Mustang GTs with around 80,000 miles. Now I know what you might be thinking. "A mustang? that piece of crap?" but if I can get a good one at the auction in good condition, it would be decent car. I am all about V8 Killers (Japanese cars), but if the price is right.....

The one big thing that is in the back of my mind is about the repair costs of the GS an SC. If something small goes bad, it costs a bucketload to get fixed.

[2JSC]

Also, I might want to mention that I am looking at a couple of 96-98 Mustang GTs with around 80,000 miles. Now I know what you might be thinking. "A mustang? that piece of crap?" but if I can get a good one at the auction in good condition, it would be decent car. I am all about V8 Killers (Japanese cars), but if the price is right.....

The one big thing that is in the back of my mind is about the repair costs of the GS an SC. If something small goes bad, it costs a bucketload to get fixed.

The guy sounds pretty sketchy and prolly does sell car for a living or something so be a little weary and if he gives you any reason to think otherwise leave the car. Even if the car has had 3-4 owners, the log book should have fallowed along... and as for current servies, he should at least know of them or have reciepts(a plus and prolly a must).

Mustang GT's are awsome, we(my family) used to have one about 3 years ago('98 GT). And believe you me, that 4.6L V8 is a nasty bugger! Quick, responsive, and a torque monster. With some minor work and a few upgrades the 4.6L can be a real beast. Only real hassle is the issurance as its a sports car :negative.

Not everything costs a lot on the GS/SC's. Remember, its got the 2J in it. So instead of going to the Lexus dealer to get a part, go to a Toyota one first. Or price how much the same part would cost for a 93-98 N/A Supra... But if your really worried about repairs and costs, then an older Lexus might not be the car for you. When you get them used, and high milage, its a chore to take care of them. Regular maintnance is required to keep them in check and working order.

If I were getting the GS, I'd rip the motor out and do a rebuild for the self asurance that the motor is in proper working order and everything is new. But thats just me.

Good luck at the auctions!

[ansaarkhan400]

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=167460322&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=ascending&sortfield=YEAR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&recnum=8&leadExists=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_27_%7CD-_260_%7CN-N%7CR-250%7CI-1%7CP-YEAR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-ascending%7CZ-28269&aff=national

Take a look at that. Looks like an outstanding price. Problem is its 315 miles away from me.

[2JSC]

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=167460322&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=ascending&sortfield=YEAR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&recnum=8&leadExists=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_27_%7CD-_260_%7CN-N%7CR-250%7CI-1%7CP-YEAR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-ascending%7CZ-28269&aff=national

Take a look at that. Looks like an outstanding price. Problem is its 315 miles away from me.


I myself would travel up to 350 miles to buy a car if it was what I wanted. But where you get the car from is up to you.

[ansaarkhan400]

Darn, he sold the black GS300 two days after it was listed.

I took a look at the dark green GS300 with 120k miles. It drove great and everything, but the interior was in pretty bad shape. Cracked vents on the dash, poor condition leather seats, and a couple of tears in the back seat (i think from little kids). I had to pass on that. :Yea right

[eire1274]

Interior problems? That's the easy stuff, man! If the mechanical parts are in good shape, it's not bad to have to take seats in, or replace the dash. Those parts are cheap.

[2JSC]

Interior problems? That's the easy stuff, man! If the mechanical parts are in good shape, it's not bad to have to take seats in, or replace the dash. Those parts are cheap.

Yeah, unless you go the custom route. Racing buckets upfront, and then custom rear bench to match. YOu could find a junked Lexus at a junkyard and take interior parts from there.

[ansaarkhan400]

I had second thoughts after I got back home. The tears in the seat were not a problem, but the cracks on the dash vents were a big deal to me.

Heres why:

So....I called up a few local junkyards. I asked if any of them had any GS300s. None of them had the older body shape. I also looked online but I couldnt find any replacements for sale.

I checked the replacement part lists in the Toyota and Lexus catalogs, and they are like $700!!!!

I would have had to replace almost the whole thing.

Thats why I didnt get it. I want to find a car that is in great condition inside and out.

Im still looking everyday though! :banana

[2JSC]

Thats why I didnt get it. I want to find a car that is in great condition inside and out.

Im still looking everyday though! :banana

Good luck finding one in "great" condition - every car is gonna have its flaws though. :Thumb

[ansaarkhan400]

Yeah, I expect to see wear and tear....but this was abnormal lol.

It looked like it was baking in the sun all this time! :lmao

Torn seats and stained carpet dont bother me. But this was unacceptable.

That was the first time I drove an older GS, so I know what to expect from now on.

Does the SC have a stiffer suspension or is it basically the same?

[eire1274]

Does the SC have a stiffer suspension or is it basically the same?
Generally, any OEM sport-series Lexus (or Toyota, FYI) is going to be equipped with KYB base-series struts, similar coil springs, and nice (although thin) antiroll bars. Upgrading the shocks even to KYB GR-2's and changing to performance- or racing-level springs will change the car's overall handling and stiffness. Moving up into custom strut/spring kits from Tein or JIC and replacing the horizontal suspension (antiroll bars and strut tower bars) make it a whole new creature.

[2JSC]

Does the SC have a stiffer suspension or is it basically the same?

The suspensions are of the same make and quality, but the cars do handle differently mainly due to size, shape, and wieght. I know the SC is a tank, so the GS has got to be about the same or heavier.

As for what eire said, hes right. Changing out struts and sway bars make one heck of a differance. I would suggest JIC coil-overs if you go that route, and some Daizen sway bar for a stiffer ride. And for better breaking, upgrade to Supra TwinTurbo breaks. After about $1-3K in suspension, it will be a totaly different car.