Late 90's Lexus
#1
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Late 90's Lexus
Hey guys, its about time for me to say farewell to my 03 CLS. I really like the GS300-430 from the late 90's but Im not sure of the workmanship. The toyota's seem to run forever like the Honda's but does that same quality transfer over to the Lexus division for those years?
Also, I may be getting a great job soon but it'll be a 30 mile commute each way. Im looking for something cheap and reliable to use as a daily driver. The Lexus may not be that car. If you guys could lead me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate. Im looking for all of the wisdom I can get.
Cars Im looking into.
1. Used/new Camry
2. Used Civic
3. New GTI
4. Used Lexus
Also, I may be getting a great job soon but it'll be a 30 mile commute each way. Im looking for something cheap and reliable to use as a daily driver. The Lexus may not be that car. If you guys could lead me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate. Im looking for all of the wisdom I can get.
Cars Im looking into.
1. Used/new Camry
2. Used Civic
3. New GTI
4. Used Lexus
#3
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by FiftyFive
Isnt an 03 cls cheap and reliable?
#4
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by sonnyboyacura
Not when you're nearing 100k miles and you're on your 4 transmission and its currently dying. I've been reading that people are hit or miss in getting dealers to honor the extension past 100k miles. I live in Baltimore, if you can point me in the right direction then I'll consider keeping this car.
#5
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Thnx. Yeah Im just doing a 1 step back, 2 steps forward type of deal. I want a daily beater and then Ill lease something that I wont need to drive everyday.
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#9
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Pretty sure the late 90's GS is very reliable. The 6 cyl is the 2jz motor (which we all know is very reliable) and the 8 cyl is the same as the one in the LS of the time (also very reliable).
The car will be cheap if you know how to do some things yourself and are a good bargain hunter.
The car will be cheap if you know how to do some things yourself and are a good bargain hunter.
#10
I
I have a 99 GS400. Just passed the 100K mark, and as far as quality, the car feels newer and rides better than the CL-S did with 40k miles. Just make sure that it had the 90K mile service done (close to $1000)
Last edited by FastAcura; 12-12-2006 at 10:58 AM.
#11
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Guys, thanks for the great replies.
I really want the Lex because I dont want to rid myself of the luxury the CLS gave me. Do you guys honestly feel that I could rack up 200k on a Lex? If not, I may just get a camry.
The purpose of my next purpose is to give myself a beater so when I get a BMW, Lex, or Infiniti I wont have to drive it everyday.
I really want the Lex because I dont want to rid myself of the luxury the CLS gave me. Do you guys honestly feel that I could rack up 200k on a Lex? If not, I may just get a camry.
The purpose of my next purpose is to give myself a beater so when I get a BMW, Lex, or Infiniti I wont have to drive it everyday.
#13
What Would Don Draper Do?
i'd go with the used camry or lexus (you should be find with a late 90's gs or even es).
i know it's not one of your listed options, but how about a used maxima? i know many people with older maximas (95-03) and they're still running well at over 100+ miles.
i know it's not one of your listed options, but how about a used maxima? i know many people with older maximas (95-03) and they're still running well at over 100+ miles.
#14
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by mrsteve
I honestly think you could rack up 200k on a CL-S.
And Tischer Acura in Laurel should be good about replacing the transmission beyond 100k miles.
And Tischer Acura in Laurel should be good about replacing the transmission beyond 100k miles.
I love my CLS but I'm scared of getting screwed. I kinda feel like I want to rid myself of the headache/worry.
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
i'd go with the used camry or lexus (you should be find with a late 90's gs or even es).
i know it's not one of your listed options, but how about a used maxima? i know many people with older maximas (95-03) and they're still running well at over 100+ miles.
i know it's not one of your listed options, but how about a used maxima? i know many people with older maximas (95-03) and they're still running well at over 100+ miles.
#15
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I would call and talk to someone in management. Explain to them that you are considering selling your Acura because you are afraid after you hit 100k miles your won't be protected by the transmission warranty.
#16
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by mrsteve
I would call and talk to someone in management. Explain to them that you are considering selling your Acura because you are afraid after you hit 100k miles your won't be protected by the transmission warranty.
#17
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Originally Posted by sonnyboyacura
Hey guys, its about time for me to say farewell to my 03 CLS. I really like the GS300-430 from the late 90's but Im not sure of the workmanship. The toyota's seem to run forever like the Honda's but does that same quality transfer over to the Lexus division for those years?
Lexus have always known for its quality and reliability.
#18
I
Originally Posted by sonnyboyacura
Guys, thanks for the great replies.
I really want the Lex because I dont want to rid myself of the luxury the CLS gave me. Do you guys honestly feel that I could rack up 200k on a Lex? If not, I may just get a camry.
The purpose of my next purpose is to give myself a beater so when I get a BMW, Lex, or Infiniti I wont have to drive it everyday.
I really want the Lex because I dont want to rid myself of the luxury the CLS gave me. Do you guys honestly feel that I could rack up 200k on a Lex? If not, I may just get a camry.
The purpose of my next purpose is to give myself a beater so when I get a BMW, Lex, or Infiniti I wont have to drive it everyday.
#21
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Guys, another question. I test drove the GTI and it was a blast to drive. It seemed like a solid car. My question is, how long do VW's usually last. Could I expect a GTI to last as long as a civic or camry? I think the turbo may be an issue way down the line.
#22
Senior Moderator
GTI wont be as reliable as a civic or camry. If you want a car reliable like the CLS then stick with the japanese.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
#23
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
GTI wont be as reliable as a civic or camry. If you want a car reliable like the CLS then stick with the japanese.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
Stick with the Camry or Lexus if you want something that can go forever. Heck, you'd be better off sticking with your CL then getting a GTI...
#24
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
GTI wont be as reliable as a civic or camry. If you want a car reliable like the CLS then stick with the japanese.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
New GTI is pretty expensive too, you have a lot of options in that price range in terms of other cars. How about the civic SI, fun and reliable.
I can't drive the same car as my g/f. LOL
The GTI and the Civic feel different, I tend to like how the GTI felt over the civc. Thats just in my limited time with both.....
Decisions, decisions.....
#25
Senior Moderator
How much you looking to spend?
If i wanted a fun and reliable car for the price of the GTI, i would get a Legacy GT.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=54
If i wanted a fun and reliable car for the price of the GTI, i would get a Legacy GT.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=54
#26
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Those Lexus's will run til the doors come off. They are very reliable. A frined of mine had one with over 200K on the odometer.
I think you will be OK with an older Maxima as well. You can pick up a used 2001 or so for next to nothing and they will last a while. I had over 180K on my 95 Maxima when I sold it. Never had any serious issues with it. And I really never had to deal with Nissan service since they are easy to fix for most mechanics.
I think you will be OK with an older Maxima as well. You can pick up a used 2001 or so for next to nothing and they will last a while. I had over 180K on my 95 Maxima when I sold it. Never had any serious issues with it. And I really never had to deal with Nissan service since they are easy to fix for most mechanics.
#27
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
How much you looking to spend?
If i wanted a fun and reliable car for the price of the GTI, i would get a Legacy GT.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=54
If i wanted a fun and reliable car for the price of the GTI, i would get a Legacy GT.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=54
#28
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
Those Lexus's will run til the doors come off. They are very reliable. A frined of mine had one with over 200K on the odometer.
I think you will be OK with an older Maxima as well. You can pick up a used 2001 or so for next to nothing and they will last a while. I had over 180K on my 95 Maxima when I sold it. Never had any serious issues with it. And I really never had to deal with Nissan service since they are easy to fix for most mechanics.
I think you will be OK with an older Maxima as well. You can pick up a used 2001 or so for next to nothing and they will last a while. I had over 180K on my 95 Maxima when I sold it. Never had any serious issues with it. And I really never had to deal with Nissan service since they are easy to fix for most mechanics.
#29
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by sonnyboyacura
I owned a Forester, is it pretty similiar in how it drives? Also, how do the Subarus hold up past 100k?
Not sure, I never drove the Forester but i would guess the Legacy GT is much sportier.
Im picky when it comes to the fun factor and i had a blast in the GT and the WRX TR.
I have no experience with the reliablity, i just base it off the JD power charts. Subrau is ranked pretty high on it.
#30
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Originally Posted by dragon084
id stay with the CL if i were you
#31
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by aesir11
You know your car best. Getting into a new car is ALWAYS a crap shoot when buying used. Lexus may have great quality, but you have no idea how well the car was cared for. What's worst case scenario you have to buy a new tranny on the CL. God knows what you might have to shell out buying someone else's used car.
I want to keep my CLS but how many trannys will I have to put into this thing? They die every 20k or so... , Im just sick of it. Tired of the clunking, the downshifting, the car going into neutral on its own and having to reengage the transmission.... Everything except the transmission has been exceptionally great, except the sunroof rattle. lol
#32
I
Originally Posted by aesir11
You know your car best. Getting into a new car is ALWAYS a crap shoot when buying used. Lexus may have great quality, but you have no idea how well the car was cared for. What's worst case scenario you have to buy a new tranny on the CL. God knows what you might have to shell out buying someone else's used car.
#33
Safety Car
Originally Posted by juniorbean
A Camry is also a good way to go. Our beater is my wife's old Camry. Thing is a 1994 with almost 200k miles. It's needed some work over the years, but over the last 2 years or so it has been running like a charm...
#34
2010 SHAWD
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Older Camrys yep. Don't buy a new 07+ with worse Transmission problems than Honda had.
WOW!!! I was NOT aware of that. Thanks for the heads up.
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