Hello

Paulus · May 1, 2008

Hi All,

I had a brand new IS200 as a company car not long after they came out (on a W) and it was a great car, much more reliable than the 3 series I'd had before, my only slight gripe being that it was a tad underpowered for the handling. Still, had a lot of fun revving that lovely straight 6 and flicking that nice 6 speed 'box around to get the most out of it. Looking forward to getting back into a Lexus again.

We're looking for a GS300 mk2 SE or Sport to replace our old Nissan 200SX (lovely car but too small for a family of 5 and a bit too uncompromising, need some luxury!). Something around 98 to X plate, up to 6k for a really nice one, pref in blue with tan hide.

Anyway, enough rambling, I have some typical newbie quesitons that I couldn't answer after a few searches, I hope you don't mind.

- is there a buying guide for the GS mk2 that covers anything particular to the model?

- does the SE always have heated seats?

- are gold badges a clue that the car is more likely to be an import?

- is there anything in particular I should look out for (apart from the usual like history, wear in the typical places, panel gaps, etc.)?

Thanks

Paul

PS Will definitely join up once we get one, we've benefitted a lot from membership of SXOC and Bongo Fury B)

eXOBeX · May 1, 2008

Gold badges are an aftermarket add-on, got them on mine.

Imports are likely to have a Toyota badge on the steering wheel. Oh, and two big snail-shaped things under the bonnet that make it go really fast!

Haylands · May 2, 2008

Hi All,
I had a brand new IS200 as a company car not long after they came out (on a W) and it was a great car, much more reliable than the 3 series I'd had before, my only slight gripe being that it was a tad underpowered for the handling. Still, had a lot of fun revving that lovely straight 6 and flicking that nice 6 speed 'box around to get the most out of it. Looking forward to getting back into a Lexus again.

We're looking for a GS300 mk2 SE or Sport to replace our old Nissan 200SX (lovely car but too small for a family of 5 and a bit too uncompromising, need some luxury!). Something around 98 to X plate, up to 6k for a really nice one, pref in blue with tan hide.

Anyway, enough rambling, I have some typical newbie quesitons that I couldn't answer after a few searches, I hope you don't mind.

- is there a buying guide for the GS mk2 that covers anything particular to the model?

- does the SE always have heated seats?

- are gold badges a clue that the car is more likely to be an import?

- is there anything in particular I should look out for (apart from the usual like history, wear in the typical places, panel gaps, etc.)?

Thanks

Paul

PS Will definitely join up once we get one, we've benefitted a lot from membership of SXOC and Bongo Fury B)

Paul

Try asking this question in the Gs section here

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...hp?showforum=51

I think you will get more of a responce. Can't help with the questions I'm afraid.

Good luck and welcome

Pete

Rory · May 4, 2008

Gold badges are an aftermarket add-on, got them on mine.
Imports are likely to have a Toyota badge on the steering wheel. Oh, and two big snail-shaped things under the bonnet that make it go really fast!

its a little ironic that the things under the bonnet that make it go really fast are snail shaped, lol

Paulus · May 19, 2008

Thanks for the welcomes and answers folks. I shall have a wander in the GS section and see what I can find out.

I'd love a V300 but I have to be a bit more sensible than the 200sx (which has an upgraded snail) rather than go in the opposite direction! :)

Lexus2D · May 19, 2008

Hi Paul & Welcome 2 LOC :)

TigerFish · May 19, 2008

There are a few bits to look out for on this link

clicky

maneesh · May 19, 2008

The search function will reveal all the answers.

P.S always remember the mk2 GS was designed for the US market primarly. A BIG difference between the IS and GS, in terms of how driver oriented they are.

Paulus · May 19, 2008

thanks Lexus2D

There are a few bits to look out for on this link
clicky

very handy, ta

The search function will reveal all the answers.
P.S always remember the mk2 GS was designed for the US market primarly. A BIG difference between the IS and GS, in terms of how driver oriented they are.

yeah, I'm thinking Sport really, although +3 ins gps seems a bit steep given there's no increase in power

maneesh · May 19, 2008

thanks Lexus2D
There are a few bits to look out for on this link
clicky

very handy, ta

The search function will reveal all the answers.
P.S always remember the mk2 GS was designed for the US market primarly. A BIG difference between the IS and GS, in terms of how driver oriented they are.

yeah, I'm thinking Sport really, although +3 ins gps seems a bit steep given there's no increase in power

Realistically, all the "sport" offers are some spoilers, two tone steering wheel, more rubber on the road, and lowered suspension. The GS will be quicker in a straight line than a stock IS200 though.

Oh, the insurance goes up partly cos the list price of the Sport when new was close to 40 grand!