[KERR]

We are looking for a new or used Lexus, My better half likes the IS300 and I like the GS400 also. I know that there is a Huge price difference so we had decided on a 01 Black/Black IS300 with these options:
Graphite wheels
Heated seats
Limited slip diff
power moonroof

But this morning I ran acorss a 99 GS400 Black/ black, chrome wheels, NOTYOURMAMA

stereo with the 17 chrome wheels. the car has 25K miles and is $30K Which one would you do?

 

[delta]

i'd go for the gs4 if its in excellent condition.

 

[brad]

That is under book value and surprises me. I would want to know why the seller is so eager to realize a loss OR why is the dealership selling this car way under book.

 

[cardinal_creek]

I'm surprised the 4 is that cheap. <red flag>

You couldn't get a 99 GS3 around here for 30k. If it is that cheap, I would have to go with the GS4 - I'd just be real worried that has been waffled and repaired. Seems like it is just too cheap.

If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

[This message has been edited by cardinal_creek (edited December 18, 2000).]

 

[hasanazhar]

Are you serious, a 99 GS400 for $30K?? Impossible...if that were the case, I'd trade in my IS (even though I love it so much).

black/ivory
17"

 

[KERR]

Sorry it was a 98.....
that is what I thought also. What i have been told is that it depends on which book you look in. A friend of mine faxed me this page of "Black book" this is the dealer price guide on used vehicles.
98 gs400
extra clean $33500
clean $32700
average $29900
rough $26600

He also said that all cars are average or rough.


[This message has been edited by KERR (edited December 18, 2000).]

 

[AllFlava!]

Interesting. I was in the same predicament but the 00 GS3 I had the option for had less than 8000 miles and the IS3 was my second one so I knew what I liked and disliked about the car. I could have done the GS3 with 17'chromespoilerbrushed aluminum gauges. The IS3, however I wanted it. I drove the GS3 and loved it. The leather was all broken in and didn’t have the new car feel. Plus, after following this forum for so long, I couldn’t go back. This is not where it ended, when we worked out the numbers as a frequent buyer, I go the IS slightly under 5 g's off sticker. I’m talking slightly. With the GS, the dealer was taking 7 G's off sticker which worked out to be like more than what I was paying for my first IS which was DEAD STICKER PRICE.

So anywany, I ended up getting another IS, it is truly a great and have no regrets what so ever. Besides, theres a 430 out, your car would be old.

------------------
Straight up in my 01'BlueMicaBlack

All Flava

 

[brad]

Kerr, it's true this is the closest thing to a Bible for dealers (black book) but that doesn't translate into zero profit for them. Besides, anyone in this forum could sell a clean '99 G4 with 25K miles on it TO a dealer for north of 30K. This scenario doesn't make sense. Do more research or the price is bogus.

 

[rarjoon]

I was in that boat myself... did i want to go 98GS3 for 33k or brand new IS for 35k. I am glad i went IS... A mechanic at the dealer told me that they seen a lot of GS's come in for service and they look BEAT! seems to get a lot of abuse. HE siad it is very hard to find a really good close to certified GS out there. he said he would even second guess the Lexus certified GS's. He finally made a good point... why not be satisfied for spending 35k ob brand new, than worrying about what may go wrong at 33k.

 

[KERR]

I dont know what to do, I have also found two more on the autotrader. they have high miles though. both of them are in the mid 20's

 

[theanimala]

Amazing pricing. I bought my '98 GS400 around 4 months ago. 53K, 17", Nav, spoiler, for $33K. I have already put on 6K in that time, with no mechanical problems.

I love the car and have no regrets. One other thing to consider is depreciation. My used car will depreciate much slower then a new IS, saving me money in the long run (another 3-4 years or so).

I have to agree that your pricing seems just a bit too good to be true. But if it's certified, you are not risking too much.

 

[brad]

I decided on a 98 GS 400 with 60K on it BUT, I had my father give the note back to Lexus (smartbuy) and Lexus certified it just under the wire. 17s, GPS, 3com tint/subtle pintstriping thrown in for 33K. Believe me, the IS is very cool and the new car smell is hard to give up but the power, room, prestige, and yes, as animal pointed out slower depreciation added up to my buying the G4. It has been stellar.

 

[cardinal_creek]

Originally posted by theanimala:
. One other thing to consider is depreciation. My used car will depreciate much slower then a new IS, saving me money in the long run (another 3-4 years or so).

Well, this point is debatable. Lexus vehicles overall hold their value very well. Additionally, you have to factor in that IS owners will have a full warranty for 4 years.

One sizable repair in the 50k - 80k mile range could be a sizable setback. I know that certified pre-owned cars do have warranties but the bumper to bumper portion runs out at 4 yrs/50k, correct?

I think it is safe to say that from an economic point of view only that it makes sense to go with the new car. But if the speed, luxury, size and prestige of the GS4 are important to you then I can see why you would opt for the used car. My .02.

 

[brad]

I've got another two years that's bumper to bumper (GE through Lexus) that even covers electrical. The point is that you absolutely can't go wrong either way.