Pros

  • A superb example of excellent Japanese engineering.
  • Phenomenal reliability and longevity.
  • Excellent value for money.
  • Excellent support network.

Cons

  • Levels of safety are from the early 2000s
  • Can be thirsty when driven with enthusiasm.
  • The looks aren’t everyones cup of sake.
  • People may assume you’re 40 years older than you are

Verdict

Simply, yes.

If you’re in the market for a large rear wheel drive sedan at this budget, about the only reasons you wouldn’t buy a GS are if the safety leaves a bit to be desired, you just aren’t sold on the looks, or if the fuel consumption is just...

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2020

Loan Amount

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Finance estimate ~

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Publish: August 19, 2022

The second-generation ‘S160’ Lexus GS, launched locally in September 1997, was an important mid-to-large sedan model intended to validate with Aussie buyers that the Japanese luxury marque be considered in the same breath as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Its predecessor, the ‘S140’, were essentially rebadged Toyotas and would only make their way to Oz the grey import route. The ‘S160’, though, help spearhead Lexus traction Down Under, pitching quality to match the Germans if with an indicatively Japanese(-built) twist and equipment-laden value.

It launched with the GS300 variant, roughly 5 Series and E-Class in size. And it quickly plied a reputation for big comfort, high refinement levels and quality build. At around $90k, it loaded in features that are commonplace now if indulgent for its late-’90’s era, such as leather trim, climate control, cruise control, powered driver’s seat with memory, power windows and mirrors and as evens-speaker six-CD-stacker sound system.

Motivation was quite ‘European’ in that the GS300 brought a similar (3.0-litre 2JZ-GE) straight-six petrol engine, (five-speed) automatic and rear-drive combination as offered by its BMW rival. And it certainly delivered handsomely in Lexus’ aims for comfort when it came to ride quality. The flipside, though, was that the GS styling was quite bland, its powertrain was – at 166kW and 298Nm with an 8.8-second 0-100km/h claim – quite leisurely and its cushy ride on modest 16-inch wheels brought dynamic compromises, with quite flaccid body control.

Oh, sure, there are twin-turbocharged Aristo version running about local terra firma. By they’re all

The second-generation ‘S160’ Lexus GS, launched locally in September 1997, was an important mid-to-large sedan model intended to validate with Aussie buyers that the Japanese luxury marque be considered in the same breath as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Its predecessor, the ‘S140’, were essentially rebadged Toyotas and would only make their way to Oz the grey import route. The ‘S160’, though, help spearhead Lexus traction Down Under, pitching quality to match the Germans if with an indicatively Japanese(-built) twist and equipment-laden value.

It launched with the GS300 variant, roughly 5 Series and E-Class in size. And it quickly plied a reputation for big comfort, high refinement levels and quality build. At around $90k, it loaded in features that are commonplace now if indulgent for its late-’90’s era, such as leather trim, climate control, cruise control, powered driver’s seat with memory, power windows and mirrors and as evens-speaker six-CD-stacker sound system.

Motivation was quite ‘European’ in that the GS300 brought a similar (3.0-litre 2JZ-GE) straight-six petrol engine, (five-speed) automatic and rear-drive combination as offered by its BMW rival. And it certainly delivered handsomely in Lexus’ aims for comfort when it came to ride quality. The flipside, though, was that the GS styling was quite bland, its powertrain was – at 166kW and 298Nm with an 8.8-second 0-100km/h claim – quite leisurely and its cushy ride on modest 16-inch wheels brought dynamic compromises, with quite flaccid body control.

Oh, sure, there are twin-turbocharged Aristo version running about local terra firma. By they’re all grey imports and never made the local Lexus new car dealerships.

Caught in groundswell of late-’90s local interest in Japanese turbocharged performance, the Lexus quickly earned the stigma as an ‘old man’s’ land barge. But perception for what the luxury sedan would ultimate represent has become more widely appreciated with time.

By 1999 pricing had crept to around $94k and then $96k in 2000 and, for today’s used tyre-kicker, a peachy used example can make for a remarkably good value.

For 2001, the S160 Series II arrived, bringing mostly minor but worthwhile upgrades to what was an already solid formula. Wheel size grew to 17 inches, the five-speed auto added the Lexus ‘E-shift’ wheel-mounted shift buttons and everything from the headlights to much of the interior design got a bit of a spruce up, with even more bling and extra woodgrain effect (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Safety wise, the early run examples fit dual front and side airbags, ABS and traction control, while the MY21 update brought additional brake assist functionality for its four-wheel-disc hardware.

Lexus Australia would offer a limited 20-unit-only GS300 L-Tuned in 2003 to sex-up its luxo-sedan, a dealer-fit bundle of enhancements adding sport suspension, steering and exhaust enhancements, unique styling an 18-inch OZ wheels. And it asked a handsome $116k for the privilege in a package still quoting a modest 166kW for the 3.0L six.

Aussie buyers would have to wait for the third-generation S190, launched March 2005, for a kick up the tailpipes via the 4.3-litre V8 in a GS430, a nameplate that had already been offered in other markets in the gen-II GS.

The second-generation ‘S160’ Lexus GS, launched locally in September 1997, was an important mid-to-large sedan model intended to validate with Aussie buyers that the Japanese luxury marque be considered in the same breath as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Its predecessor, the ‘S140’, were essentially rebadged Toyotas and would only make their way to Oz the grey import route. The ‘S160’, though, help spearhead Lexus traction Down Under, pitching quality to match the Germans if with an indicatively Japanese(-built) twist and equipment-laden value.

It launched with the GS300 variant, roughly 5 Series and E-Class in size. And it quickly plied a reputation for big comfort, high refinement levels and quality build. At around $90k, it loaded in features that are commonplace now if indulgent for its late-’90’s era, such as leather trim, climate control, cruise control, powered driver’s seat with memory, power windows and mirrors and as evens-speaker six-CD-stacker sound system.

Motivation was quite ‘European’ in that the GS300 brought a similar (3.0-litre 2JZ-GE) straight-six petrol engine, (five-speed) automatic and rear-drive combination as offered by its BMW rival. And it certainly delivered handsomely in Lexus’ aims for comfort when it came to ride quality. The flipside, though, was that the GS styling was quite bland, its powertrain was – at 166kW and 298Nm with an 8.8-second 0-100km/h claim – quite leisurely and its cushy ride on modest 16-inch wheels brought dynamic compromises, with quite flaccid body control.

Oh, sure, there are twin-turbocharged Aristo version running about local terra firma. By they’re all grey imports and never made the local Lexus new car dealerships.

Caught in groundswell of late-’90s local interest in Japanese turbocharged performance, the Lexus quickly earned the stigma as an ‘old man’s’ land barge. But perception for what the luxury sedan would ultimate represent has become more widely appreciated with time.

By 1999 pricing had crept to around $94k and then $96k in 2000 and, for today’s used tyre-kicker, a peachy used example can make for a remarkably good value.

For 2001, the S160 Series II arrived, bringing mostly minor but worthwhile upgrades to what was an already solid formula. Wheel size grew to 17 inches, the five-speed auto added the Lexus ‘E-shift’ wheel-mounted shift buttons and everything from the headlights to much of the interior design got a bit of a spruce up, with even more bling and extra woodgrain effect (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Safety wise, the early run examples fit dual front and side airbags, ABS and traction control, while the MY21 update brought additional brake assist functionality for its four-wheel-disc hardware.

Lexus Australia would offer a limited 20-unit-only GS300 L-Tuned in 2003 to sex-up its luxo-sedan, a dealer-fit bundle of enhancements adding sport suspension, steering and exhaust enhancements, unique styling an 18-inch OZ wheels. And it asked a handsome $116k for the privilege in a package still quoting a modest 166kW for the 3.0L six.

Aussie buyers would have to wait for the third-generation S190, launched March 2005, for a kick up the tailpipes via the 4.3-litre V8 in a GS430, a nameplate that had already been offered in other markets in the gen-II GS.

Exterior:

  • Firstly, there are reports of rattles coming from incorrectly fitted windscreens, however remedying this is a relatively easy fix.
  • The door lock actuators can become faulty meaning the car won’t lock or unlock however this is not a “common” fault as such.

Interior:

  • Examples fitted with a standard infotainment system fitted, after 20 years they are becoming problematic, turning off, having faults, only playing music from the 90’s but updating the infotainment system is quite simple.
  • There are a few reports of the air conditioning not working but rather than a hardware issue, it’s generally down to a faulty AC ECU.

Mechanically:

  • The engines in these (the 2j & the 1u family) are arguably amongst the most reliable engines ever made. Especially the 2J, these are pretty much bullet proof & immensely popular in motor sport applications. Having said that, on turbo models, if the boost has been turned up to a silly level and it has been revved to the moon it might break in half. But in a daily driver, in stock form, a well serviced 2J will just about go for ever. Unless of course it has had questionable and cheap modifications. In that case all bets are off. Service wise, they’re old school timing belt engines which are due every 100k & platinum spark plugs every 100k which can be pricey.
  • They’re all at the age now where all the gaskets and seals are getting a bit hard so you might see a few oil leaks. Also at this age everything in the engine bay that’s made of plastic or rubber will be a bit brittle. Which will be more of an issue with the turbo versions because there is extra plumbing, and hoses and plastic solenoids.
  • What type of climate the car has been exposed should also be taken into consideration as it’s not just engine bay plastics and rubbers you need to worry about. All of the suspension bushes, brakes hoses and hydraulic systems are all going to be something that may required some extra love and attention.
  • If it has been well serviced, and hasn’t been ruined with dickhead modifications, and has been kept out of the weather it will still probably be more reliable than many cars half its age and most of the cars of that age.

Exterior:

  • Firstly, there are reports of rattles coming from incorrectly fitted windscreens, however remedying this is a relatively easy fix.
  • The door lock actuators can become faulty meaning the car won’t lock or unlock however this is not a “common” fault as such.

Interior:

  • Examples fitted with a standard infotainment system fitted, after 20 years they are becoming problematic, turning off, having faults, only playing music from the 90’s but updating the infotainment system is quite simple.
  • There are a few reports of the air conditioning not working but rather than a hardware issue, it’s generally down to a faulty AC ECU.

Mechanically:

  • The engines in these (the 2j & the 1u family) are arguably amongst the most reliable engines ever made. Especially the 2J, these are pretty much bullet proof & immensely popular in motor sport applications. Having said that, on turbo models, if the boost has been turned up to a silly level and it has been revved to the moon it might break in half. But in a daily driver, in stock form, a well serviced 2J will just about go for ever. Unless of course it has had questionable and cheap modifications. In that case all bets are off. Service wise, they’re old school timing belt engines which are due every 100k & platinum spark plugs every 100k which can be pricey.
  • They’re all at the age now where all the gaskets and seals are getting a bit hard so you might see a few oil leaks. Also at this age everything in the engine bay that’s made of plastic or rubber will be a bit brittle. Which will be more of an issue with the turbo versions because there is extra plumbing, and hoses and plastic solenoids.
  • What type of climate the car has been exposed should also be taken into consideration as it’s not just engine bay plastics and rubbers you need to worry about. All of the suspension bushes, brakes hoses and hydraulic systems are all going to be something that may required some extra love and attention.
  • If it has been well serviced, and hasn’t been ruined with dickhead modifications, and has been kept out of the weather it will still probably be more reliable than many cars half its age and most of the cars of that age.

Exterior:

  • Firstly, there are reports of rattles coming from incorrectly fitted windscreens, however remedying this is a relatively easy fix.
  • The door lock actuators can become faulty meaning the car won’t lock or unlock however this is not a “common” fault as such.

Interior:

  • Examples fitted with a standard infotainment system fitted, after 20 years they are becoming problematic, turning off, having faults, only playing music from the 90’s but updating the infotainment system is quite simple.
  • There are a few reports of the air conditioning not working but rather than a hardware issue, it’s generally down to a faulty AC ECU.

Mechanically:

  • The engines in these (the 2j & the 1u family) are arguably amongst the most reliable engines ever made. Especially the 2J, these are pretty much bullet proof & immensely popular in motor sport applications. Having said that, on turbo models, if the boost has been turned up to a silly level and it has been revved to the moon it might break in half. But in a daily driver, in stock form, a well serviced 2J will just about go for ever. Unless of course it has had questionable and cheap modifications. In that case all bets are off. Service wise, they’re old school timing belt engines which are due every 100k & platinum spark plugs every 100k which can be pricey.
  • They’re all at the age now where all the gaskets and seals are getting a bit hard so you might see a few oil leaks. Also at this age everything in the engine bay that’s made of plastic or rubber will be a bit brittle. Which will be more of an issue with the turbo versions because there is extra plumbing, and hoses and plastic solenoids.
  • What type of climate the car has been exposed should also be taken into consideration as it’s not just engine bay plastics and rubbers you need to worry about. All of the suspension bushes, brakes hoses and hydraulic systems are all going to be something that may required some extra love and attention.
  • If it has been well serviced, and hasn’t been ruined with dickhead modifications, and has been kept out of the weather it will still probably be more reliable than many cars half its age and most of the cars of that age.

Body style:

4-door sedan

Engines:

3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Power:

166kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Torque:

298Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Transmission & drivetrains:

5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Fuel consumption:

9.3L/100km

Length:

4805mm

Width:

1800mm

Height:

1445mm

Kerb weight:

1686kg”

Body style:

4-door sedan

Engines:

3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Power:

166kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Torque:

298Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Transmission & drivetrains:

5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Fuel consumption:

9.3L/100km

Length:

4805mm

Width:

1800mm

Height:

1445mm

Kerb weight:

1686kg”

Body style:

4-door sedan

Engines:

3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Power:

166kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Torque:

298Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol

Transmission & drivetrains:

5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Fuel consumption:

9.3L/100km

Length:

4805mm

Width:

1800mm

Height:

1445mm

Kerb weight:

1686kg”

Warranty:

3 years/100,000kms
4 years/100,000kms (from 2000)

Servicing:

6 months/10,000kms

Model range, pricing & features

Lexus GS300-1

GS300

Price when new: $89,500 - $106,050

Price used: $400 - $3,500

The GS300 came in one model (with exception of a limited edition in 2003) and featured a host of luxury and comfort features.

There were two main updates to the model, with one in December 2000 featuring a cosmetic upgrade, larger alloy wheels and the addition of key safety features like front curtain airbags and brake assist. The update also added Lexus’ E-Shift system, which were gearshift buttons fitted to the steering wheel.

Another update in July 2002 offered package enhancements – adding a moonroof and a rear spoiler.

Standard features:

16-inch alloy wheels
Body coloured bumper bars
Body coloured side mirrors
Hydraulic steering system
Multi-link rear suspension
Anti-roll bar
Twin exhaust
4 airbags: driver and front passenger and front side impact airbags
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Vehicle stability control (VSC)
Traction control
Rear vision mirror
Electric side mirrors
Electric windows – front and rear
Cruise control
Headlights with low and high beam
Front fog lights
Interior lights – Dome light, map/reading lights and rear lights
Intermittent wipers
Remote central locking
Engine immobiliser
Alarm
Tachometer
Fuel gauge
Trip computer
Manual handbrake
Power steering
Steering wheel – electrically adjustable
Leather steering wheel
Dual-zone climate control
Rear air vents
Woodgrain interior trim
Leather upholstery
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
Driver’s seat memory function
7-speaker sound system
AM/FM radio
6-disc in-dash CD player
Cassette tape deck
Centre console storage
Glovebox
Front seat map pockets

December 2000 update:
Brake assist
6 airbags: driver and front passenger, front side impact airbags and curtain airbags
17-inch alloy wheels
New radiator grille
New tail lamps with semi-transparent outer lenses and reflectors
Lexus ‘E-Shift’ – gearshift buttons on steering wheel
More woodgrain trim
Metallic-ringed instrument surrounds
Chrome plated gearshift surround

July 2002 update:
Moonroof
Rear spoiler

L-Tuned

Price when new: $115,990

Price used: $2,400 - $7,000

Limited to just 20 examples, the L-Tuned limited edition model was the local installation of performance accessories by Lexus Australia.

Key features were 18-inch alloy wheels from Italian wheel manufacturer O.Z, recalibrated steering setup, stiffer suspension springs, lower ride height, body kit, mesh grille, “L-Tuned” badging and a stainless steel exhaust system that provided an undisclosed power increase (Lexus maintained the power output remained at 166kW).

In addition to the GS300:

18-inch O.Z alloy wheels
Recalibrated steering ECU and sports steering settings
High pressure nitrogen-charged dampers
Stiffer suspension springs
Lower ride height
Stainless steel exhaust system
Bodykit
Sports mesh grille
Clear side indicators
“L-Tuned” badging

Simply, yes.

If you’re in the market for a large rear wheel drive sedan at this budget, about the only reasons you wouldn’t buy a GS are if the safety leaves a bit to be desired, you just aren’t sold on the looks, or if the fuel consumption is just a little too rich for your finances, besides that, the Lexus GS is a no brainer.

However, be extremely cautious of modified examples and even if you’re looking at a concourse condition example with a truly faultless history, make sure you have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out.

If it checks out on those accounts, yes, buy it. Superb car.

Simply, yes.

If you’re in the market for a large rear wheel drive sedan at this budget, about the only reasons you wouldn’t buy a GS are if the safety leaves a bit to be desired, you just aren’t sold on the looks, or if the fuel consumption is just a little too rich for your finances, besides that, the Lexus GS is a no brainer.

However, be extremely cautious of modified examples and even if you’re looking at a concourse condition example with a truly faultless history, make sure you have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out.

If it checks out on those accounts, yes, buy it. Superb car.

Simply, yes.

If you’re in the market for a large rear wheel drive sedan at this budget, about the only reasons you wouldn’t buy a GS are if the safety leaves a bit to be desired, you just aren’t sold on the looks, or if the fuel consumption is just a little too rich for your finances, besides that, the Lexus GS is a no brainer.

However, be extremely cautious of modified examples and even if you’re looking at a concourse condition example with a truly faultless history, make sure you have a full pre-purchase inspection carried out.

If it checks out on those accounts, yes, buy it. Superb car.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of August 19, 2022.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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