Cheap Lexus GS300, advice
Discussion
Hola all, after a sensible car that's comfy to waft about in around the 3k mark, automatic and stress free is my criteria.
A friend who has an import crown hybrid suggested an older GS300 & having a look there's a few that fit the bill. All the ones I'm looking at seem to be 06/07, 07 would be preferred for the cheaper tax.
Couple wee queries, first is obvious. any major issues with these? Would be avoiding hybrid models to keep things a bit simpler but is there any specific rust points to check or the likes, checking MOTs as I search and haven't seen corrosion for any so far which is a good sign.
Secondly, audio/phone connectivity. I've had a brief look and heard mixed things but am I right in saying that 06/07 GS models would have phone bluetooth connectivity but not audio? If this is the case, what options are there for audio connection? Is there any wiring upgrades that can be done or is it just a case of having a bluetooth adapter plugged in?
This is one I've been looking at, would be a trek to have a look so wanting to ensure I'm looking at something good!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104121...
A friend who has an import crown hybrid suggested an older GS300 & having a look there's a few that fit the bill. All the ones I'm looking at seem to be 06/07, 07 would be preferred for the cheaper tax.
Couple wee queries, first is obvious. any major issues with these? Would be avoiding hybrid models to keep things a bit simpler but is there any specific rust points to check or the likes, checking MOTs as I search and haven't seen corrosion for any so far which is a good sign.
Secondly, audio/phone connectivity. I've had a brief look and heard mixed things but am I right in saying that 06/07 GS models would have phone bluetooth connectivity but not audio? If this is the case, what options are there for audio connection? Is there any wiring upgrades that can be done or is it just a case of having a bluetooth adapter plugged in?
This is one I've been looking at, would be a trek to have a look so wanting to ensure I'm looking at something good!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104121...
I've got a 2007 GS450h. First of all if you like music don't buy one without the ML audio. Adaptive cruise control is pretty good if you like to chill on the motorway but can be hard to find on the 300. Mine does bluetooth calling out of the box quite well, but no audio. I beleive 2007/8 and afterwards has a 3.5mm in the glove compartment but mine doesn't (56 plate so maybe didn't make the cut).
There are aftermarkets kits ranging from £120 to £500 but £120 for a BT reciever was a bit much for me so I bought a cheap one on eBay and have a co-ax cable coming out the glove compartment and into the ML amp in the boot. I unplugged the CD audio input and put my cable in there, so I have a disc spinning in the CD player at all times but the audio is actually from the BT reciever. It's not fantastic as there's no steering wheel button input but it sounds great. Other alternative is BT cassette tape.
Mechanical stuff make sure the suspension feels ok, it might have been neglected. Service history is quite important although there isn't too much to go wrong, make sure the engine and auto box are working as intended, it's good to give a blast up a fast road to feel for hesitation but they might not like that on a test drive. Transmission and diff oil changes done every so often is a good sign it was looked after.
It's a good car very comfy and nice to drive, the 450h goes fast but does feel heavy in corners. Comes with so much stuff you can't beleive it's on such a n old car like the parking sensors, auto dimming/go down when you reverse mirrors, door handles light up when you stop the car at night and all sorts of great little details.
There are aftermarkets kits ranging from £120 to £500 but £120 for a BT reciever was a bit much for me so I bought a cheap one on eBay and have a co-ax cable coming out the glove compartment and into the ML amp in the boot. I unplugged the CD audio input and put my cable in there, so I have a disc spinning in the CD player at all times but the audio is actually from the BT reciever. It's not fantastic as there's no steering wheel button input but it sounds great. Other alternative is BT cassette tape.
Mechanical stuff make sure the suspension feels ok, it might have been neglected. Service history is quite important although there isn't too much to go wrong, make sure the engine and auto box are working as intended, it's good to give a blast up a fast road to feel for hesitation but they might not like that on a test drive. Transmission and diff oil changes done every so often is a good sign it was looked after.
It's a good car very comfy and nice to drive, the 450h goes fast but does feel heavy in corners. Comes with so much stuff you can't beleive it's on such a n old car like the parking sensors, auto dimming/go down when you reverse mirrors, door handles light up when you stop the car at night and all sorts of great little details.
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