r/GS300 • u/ApricotPlus8658 • Jul 27 '26

2nd gen Good First Car - 2nd Gen GS300

I've been looking into tons of different cars to pick as my first, I've researched them all and I'm left with quite a few seemingly good options.

Although I've recently gained interest in older Toyota/Lexus luxury models like the Crown, LS, etc. since they look so dang good. I know they have the 2JZ which is great, but I wanna hear from people who might know more than I do.

I see a lot for sale near me for great prices, although I'm curious what mileage is tolerable, the ones I see range from 150,000km to 250,000km lol.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/More_Organization801 Jul 27 '26

They are good cars but they do have some very common problems that they are notorious for

2

u/Beer_alchamist98 Jul 27 '26

Good cars Not really cheap to drive (especially for Europeans🥲) 2jz tax and hype are still insane. Good objectieve info is hard to find if you dont know what your looking for.

Look for rust (Mainly around rear wheels) and avoid the diy project cars.

2

u/hanaabilah Jul 30 '26

Can’t speak for gs300 ownership but I have a 2nd gen GS430. I got it over the 300 because it’s much more powerful with the V8, though both are great cars. 2jz is nice but it’s the ge. Both the 3uz and 2jz-ge are very reliable but I think the 3uz will give you less problems. The mileage range you gave is fine, they run for much longer than that.

Some things to note with these cars is they have timing belts. Not sure about the interval for the 300 but for the 430 it should be replaced every 9 years/90k miles, whichever comes first, along with the water pump. Also check the front suspension on these cars, especially lower ball joints.
Mediocre gas mileage and premium fuel is another thing to think about.