What is the max mileage i should consider on a Lexus GS300

[NeedMoreBHP]

Hi All,

Firstly I would like to apologise as i am asking you for some advice without having given it to anyone as of yet. I am not sure if this is poor etiquette on PH, If there is some sort of unwritten protocol, please let me know. I should also let you know I have been lurking on PH for quite a few months before finally signing up.

I have been considering a new car for quite a while and after considering:

2.4 Accord Executive
IS250
E Class
GS300/ 450H

I settled on the 2007 reg GS 300 as it seemed to be the best all round car in that list.

I intended to pick one up last month but unfortunately my car fund must now be diverted to other less fun aspects of my life. So I will have to wait another couple months.

However, when I do look to pick one up, what is the maximum mileage i should consider. I know the GS is built pretty well but is there a limit at which point it no longer feels as bulletproof as you would expect of a big Lexus. Bearing in mind i cover around 25k miles a year and will look to keep this car for the next 4 years, unless it's a total let down.

Also feel free to suggest any alternative vehicles I may have missed. Due to the nature of my job, reliability is key.

Any input would be really appreciated.

Cheers

Edited by NeedMoreBHP on Tuesday 16th December 14:01

[Triumph Man]

101,001 miles. Any more than this and it will explode.

[AlmostUseful]

Triumph Man said:

101,001 miles. Any more than this and it will explode.

Don't be such a moron, I've seen them not go pop until 102,687. You'd be wasting an easy 1,686 miles in a comfy car if you're so strict.

[trickywoo]

Surprised not to see an E90 3 Series on your list.

Try to get the best example you can for your budget and don't pay a premium just for low mileage.

[Limpet]

AlmostUseful said:

Don't be such a moron, I've seen them not go pop until 102,687. You'd be wasting an easy 1,686 miles in a comfy car if you're so strict.

2,687 miles of borrowed time? You, sir, must need your head testing!

[NeedMoreBHP]

Limpet said:

AlmostUseful said:

Don't be such a moron, I've seen them not go pop until 102,687. You'd be wasting an easy 1,686 miles in a comfy car if you're so strict.

2,687 miles of borrowed time? You, sir, must need your head testing!

I was expecting the hilarious comments after some useful advice... But yall done made me giggle

[NeedMoreBHP]

trickywoo said:

Surprised not to see an E90 3 Series on your list.

Try to get the best example you can for your budget and don't pay a premium just for low mileage.

Thanks trickywoo. I had a brief look at the e90 but the waftability / comfort of the GS really appeals to me. However, I have been told the BM is a great drivers car.

[Monkeylegend]

We have it on good authority that all cars are designed to self destruct at 99,999 miles, so be very careful.

How about an XF Jag. These should be good for at least 75k based on the above.

[y2blade]

250k is no bother to these

[kwk]

I think, behind the hilarity, people are saying that history and overall condition, are far more important than mileage.

[Bennet]

I'm not a high mileage junky and I don't know my stuff. But from hearsay, it seems like you've picked the most mileage resistant car known to man and come here to ask at what point you should start worrying about mileage.

(I'd be more worried about fuel costs doing 25000 miles per year in that kind of a barge.)

[aka_kerrly]

kwk said:

I think, behind the hilarity, people are saying that history and overall condition, are far more important than mileage.

Correct.

although in the spirit of the thread i'm going to suggest that eleventy billion!

[anonymous-user]

If it drives well and everything works then buy it.

[Triumph Man]

aka_kerrly said:

Correct.

although in the spirit of the thread i'm going to suggest that eleventy billion!

Probably not far off for a GS

[User33678888]

It's a Toyota really. The engine etc should be good for 300k+. It's the suspension that you need be concerned about, and milage isn't a great indicator of how a car has been driven. Gimme a 100k in 3 years chugging up and down the M1 car anyday over a 60k all in town, stop-start etc. Or a 30k car that's been driven by a knob with no mechanical sympathy.
Take the Galaxy we bought brand new for my wife about 3 years ago. It has had a harder life doing short runs from cold and lots of stop start traffic than a motorway milage only car on thrice it's milage.

[NeedMoreBHP]

Bennet said:

I'm not a high mileage junky and I don't know my stuff. But from hearsay, it seems like you've picked the most mileage resistant car known to man and come here to ask at what point you should start worrying about mileage.

(I'd be more worried about fuel costs doing 25000 miles per year in that kind of a barge.)

Fuel costs had crossed my mind. I currently drive a diesel Mazda 6 sport 2.0. It has given me up to 48mpg so I am expecting an increase in fuel bills which currently stand at around £300 a month. If I can keep the petrol costs under £400 with the GS, I will be quite pleased as I'd be getting a lot more car which would justify the additional expense.

[NeedMoreBHP]

Thanks for the advice so far. I understand your point about looking at more than just the mileage, I saw a few cars 150k plus going considerably cheaper than cars around the 80k mark so I figured I would find out whether there is a reason for this or if like me there are many others that would perceive this car to be more prone to a breakdown. It seems the latter is the case here

[cptsideways]

Its simply a case of most cars are crapped out by 150k, not so in one of those at all. I'd say 300k & they will be still working perfectly!

[0a]

The only time more than 100k miles is even an issue is if you have not done these miles yourself (ie you don't know 100% how well the car has been maintained).

[Rincewind209]

One owner is nice, and as said a good service history. Mileage is just a number, useful for bargaining but no guarantee of reliability. Avoid anything with signs of neglect like cheap tyres or mismatched ones. If they skimp on that they skimp on everything.