Used 2000 Lexus GS 400 Consumer Reviews

My best car ever!

I have owned over 75 cars, including all sorts of other luxury vehicles, sports cars, etc. The GS400 is the best car I have ever owned! It combines style, luxury, room, convenience, and of course performance. By the way, I also own 3 other Lexuses (LS400, IS300, RX330). I have the Platinum Edition and I've done some other things to it, including a full REAL wood dash treatment, strut tower bar, and K&N air filter performance kit -- and all that makes it even better!

Rarified Air

This is my first experience with a high performance luxury car and boy what an experience. First of all the look of the car is striking. It makes me very proud to drive it. It turns heads - literally - and it's an uncommon car. My husband actually got a thumbs up from a carload full of twenty something males. That "L" has quite the mystique. But it's not "hey look at me . . ." It's subtle. The power and performance of it gives me chills sometimes. I've only had the car a few months so I cannot vouch for its mechanical soundness except I've had no problems. It has few drawbacks except the gas mileage is lousy and it takes 93 octane gas. It also has a severe blind spot problem.

An exceptionally built car

Purchased the GS400 from an older gentlemen in 2005 with 50K miles. The car now has over 100K miles and have not had one mechanical nor electrical issue with it. Besides the regular maintenance, i.e. new brakes, tires and oil changes - the car is as powerful as the day that I purchased it. For a car that is 10 years old the interior leather is in exceptional condition (monthly leather cleaning does help) that's more than I can say from my wife's 2006 Volvo S80 cracking leather. Overall gas mileage is unbelievable for a 300hp car, typical hwy is 28+ (75+ mph) city is around 20 mpg. This is my first Lexus and will not be my last.

Is that a 99 or 09?

Power and more power will be the first thing you notice. The Lexus GS400 has to be one of the most beautiful cars every made. The visual presence is striking and unique, the inside cabin is made for comfort and styling. Under the hood sleeps a V-8 that will make your head jerk back if your not careful. The transmission is very smooth to compliment the V-8. In my opinion, the 99 Lexus GS400 was produced way before it's time, lucky for me I was able to find one that has been kept in excellent condition. To find a newer car with all the same features as this one would cost a pretty penny!

Absolutely the best car I've ever owned

I purchased my 1999 Lexus GS400 in 1999 and have almost 200,000 miles on it. Other than normal maintenance the car is as solid as a rock. Replaced the timing chain and water pump at 100,000 miles, and the starter and alternator after 10 years. Reliable doesn't even describe it. I actually never intended to write this review. It was only after hearing the horror stories of some of my friends with Mercedes and BMWs that I realized how reliable my car was! For example, a friends 2005 Mercedes SL55 was stuck in my driveway for a week because he couldn't move it out of park! Another friends BMW goes in the shop monthly. Simply put, buy this car. You won't regret it.

Love This Car

Helped my mother purchase this car used in 2003 with about 30,000 miles on it. She decided she wanted a 2013 Lexus RX and didn't need 2 cars. We already had 3 cars including a 2013 Mustang GT 5.0 but really wanted this car too even though there are only 2 drivers in the household. We rationalized buying this car as a "loaner" for our neice if she needed transportation to and from the local JC in a couple of years. Well, guess what? She's never going to drive this car! She can drive our 1990 Toyota Celica GT that I still love too. After a good but expensive detailing this car looks almost new except for the paint chips on the front of the hood that I will be touching up today. The dealer offered my mom only $1000 trade in and Carmax only offered her $3,500 for this car, no brainer on matching the Carmax price. My wife has already claimed this car as hers even though she still loves her 2001 Infiniti QX4. It has become our go-to car for most things we do together. It's so deceptively powerful and smooth for a 16 year old car. I'm in a lot more danger of getting a speeding ticket in this car than I am in the Mustang. The Mustang holds 75 mph on the freeway pretty easily but the Lexus can get up to 90 mph if you're not paying attention. Classy, powerful, refined and reliable describe this car. We have every repair and maintenance record my mom ever did on this car and there hasn't been anything major needed on this car in the 90,000 she put on it since 2003. Expecting few things to go wrong with car on its way to 200,000.

spoiled

I had one of the first 98 models and it was a disaster on wheels. Lexus took it back in an even swap for a 99. Problem now is this flawless 99 has fogged my vision for any other model. Just turn the key and go and go and go!!!

Best used sports sedan period

My third Lexus... as always unsurpassed build quality and reliability. Gas mileage is exceptional for a V8, 22mpg mixed driving. Engine is silky yet strikingly powerful, it just pulls and pulls. Transmission is very responsive when you throttle into it. The Nakamichi sound system is amazing. The bigger wheels and spoiler are a must have, they really give the car an aggressive look. All in all, one of my favorite buys ever.

I'm keeping mine

This is my second Lexus. I previously leased an LS. The GS 400 is faster and more nimble but the cabin is noisier at highway speed. I like new cars and have considered moving to a new Lexus or even another car but this one is just so good. So I'm replacing a chipped windshield, getting new floor mats having minor paint chips in the rear bumper fixed and going to pretend it's new because it is that good. I'll be driving this beauty for another 2 to 4 years.

1999 Lexus GS400

This car has been great for the 1st 2.5 years I've owned it. It has great acceleration, comfort, handling, styling, and ergonomics. This car out accelerates most cars in it's class, including the BMW 540ia, Audi A6, Benz E-class, & Jaguar S-type. After 2.5 yrs, this car still turns heads. This is my 3rd Lexus & I can't see any other Mfr getting my $$ in the near future.

What a car!!

I bought this car used with 67K miles on it and it runs like it was new. Everything you can expect from a Toyota when it comes to quality and reliability. The tranny shifts so smooth and the power is just like my old IS300 with more oomphhhh!! With windows up the car is so quiet inside.

Best car ever!

Lexus did a good job with the GS 400. It's everything you can expect in luxury, performance, reliability, and styling. With 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, it's quick off the line. It turns heads and I like how it's big-bodied in the front like cadillacs. There are aftermarket parts to soup this car up if you want a V8 performance sedan! Once you drive a lexus you'll never wanna go back to anthing else!

Lexus GS 400

Fast, comfortable, and decent gas mileage. The GS 400 is a great car when you compare it to anything else in its class. Especially when it comes to reliability and quality. My previous car was a Benz E-320, and the Lexus blows it away in every category.

Amazing car

We bought the car with 90k and now has 210k with no problems other than the contacts on the starter motor going bad and clear coat on the hood peeling. Car is still very fast, comfortable and quiet, overall very pleased planning on keeping it for the foreseeable future, wife gets avg 24 mpg on 24 mile commute daily

It truly is "The Pursuit Of Perfection".

Perfect car in every single way. One problem in its 18 years of life, the alternator went bad after 15 years. This Lexus is a Tank. 210k miles and feels/looks like the day it rolled out the dealership. Powerful Torque, Very Fast, SUPER smooth, Amazing braking and handling, every little detail is paid attention to. Zero cheap materials/parts to be found anywhere in this car.. It is simply perfect. I've owned all the big brand cars and nothing comes anywhere near this Lexus (now imagine how amazing the Lexus LS 400/430/460 drives.. ) i could say that this drives as smooth as a 2003 Bentley Sedan (which i've driven multiple of times; my cousin's car) if not better. Never left a car review but i simply couldn't pass on letting people know how amazing this car is. Toyota at its finest.

19 years & counting

Still love this car! Fully loaded, 1 owner, paid sticker in June 2000-bidding war for car & I had first option . 185099 miles to date & still smooth & powerful. Everything still works like new except navigation needs a second update. V8 with manual option for fun-spoiled me forever...

116k and Still Feels Brand New

I cant believe how amazing this car is. I've had it for over 4 years and it feels, pulls strong, just like the day I bought it. THe 300hp is still silky smooth, and it take almost anything off the line. STS's, any SUV, Benzes---whatever--they dont want to race you off the line because this vehicle is so intimidating. The luxury that this vehicle has is still ahead of the game---one touch up and down all windows and moonroof. On the highway, it glides, but you still feel rock solid. The Xenon lights have held up. Just hate it when I drop something in between the seats and the center console---so hard to get out. I love my Lexus and am going to keep it forever. This car becomes a part of you.

Lexus GS 400 Hot Rod

I have had this car almost 5 years and it is just as fun to drive and as comfortable as the first day I drove it. Handling and performance wise, it is one of the best in it's category in my opinion. It will stay with or outperform a BMW 540 any day and cost a lot less to maintain. It is almost as much fun to drive as my 2003 Anniversary model Corvette!

Reliability without any Fun...

The GS400 runs like any Swiss stamped watch. It drives well has plenty of performance and is a very good value. The downside is for a sport sedan I am not confident driving it at speeds above 80 mph as compared to a BMW, or Benz. It doesn't seem as unflappable as a Benz at 80 or above. Upgrade the tires to 18's. Just my thoughts!

Bad in snow...

I was very disappointed with the performance of the GS400 after our recent snow fall of 2". The car was loose even is the snow traction feature. It over all is poor in any slick conditions

The GS400 is inspiring

A truly great car. I have owned it since Aug. 1999 and would not trade it for many of the newer cars out, except for a newer Lexus. This car has had no mechanical or interior problems since I bought it. I love the acceleration of this engine and the smooth handling at 120mph. This car is the best of approx. 20 or so I have owned in my life so far. I have looked and test driven several others and this is still the best by far of the mid-luzury sedans.

EXPENSIVE REPAIRS

I bought the car used with 38k miles in March 03. No problems until 65k where my alternator needed to be replaced (I had to tow from turnpike). $800. At 80k miles check engine light and cat converter needed to be replaced $1500/converter and this car has 2 so $3000. I still like the car and plan to keep it for a while. More reliable than a BMW or Audi.

1999 Lexus GS400 - Absolutely amazing car - 12 years old now

I have owned this car since it was 4 years old. I bought it in November 2002. I have zero regrets about buying this car. I bought this car at my local Lexus dealer and it was previously owned by a doctor who had religiously performed all maintenance at the same dealer that sold it to him (and where I bought it from). The car had less than 40K miles on it and it now has 75K Miles. Nothing has ever broken on this car other than the usual minor rattles from the dash. I modified the car quite extensively - Big Brake Kit, Semi-active suspension, LSD from a Supra TT, higher stall speed Torque Converter, custom exhaust, custom audio/nav system, custom forged light alloy HRE 18" wheels.

Lexus GS 400

Best car I ever drove. The motor does everything asked of it effortlessly. Absolutely reliable so far.Fun to drive.

A sedan like no other!

Whoa, what a machine. The workmanship is near perfect. I bought mine used with 89k on the odometer...runs like it's new. Only nuisance with the GS4 is loosing your change during WOT acceleration. But who cares!!! E-shift is fun like working a game controller. I cruise to work at 80~95mph...the car rides and handles very well. The chassis is slightly loose at high speeds over highway bumps and cornering. TRD has components to tighten things up. This car has a very solid engine that will handle a 400rwhp upgrade. Many mods are available. My next upgrade is the L-tuned steering module, 2800 rpm TC, and LSD.

Best deal on wheels

Bought car with 90k miles on it...most everyone thought it had 25k. That is how good this car looks. 17" silver wheels with spoiler...all black with Nav. Car has an elegant look of muscle to it. Lowered my front about 1"...huge improvement aesthetically. Engine/tranny is incredible...very fast, very strong, very fun. Yet, very quiet and refined. I've already put 20k miles on mine...about 110k now, and everything still works as if it were new. Only the floormats show the car's age!!

Bye Bye Mr. 330I

You will grow to love your commute. Well, maybe not love it, but hate it less. Freeway onramps become a joy. Need power to pass? No problem. This car is elegant, reliable, and POWERFUL.

Louis' Lexus

Great performance and style. Upgraded stereo and wheels worth the expense. tire rotation ad bal. every 3 to 4 housand miles a must with 17inch Z rated tires. no major problems and it's still a joy to drive!

My GS

Good Car...like many, I understand, the radio display failed after 3 years. Water pump problem found and repaired while in for an oil change...repairs all under warranty.

Excellent Get!

I purchased a 1999 Lexus GS 400 with 103,00 miles in June 2023. My friend's dad no longer drives, and I got a fantastic deal. It was in overall good condition and had decent maintenance. I changed all the fluids and did a timing belt service shortly after purchase. The original 24-year-old timing belt was in good condition and could have been driven on for longer. Gas mileage isn't great, but the V-8 driving experience and smoothness are exceptional. I'm impressed with this car and plan on keeping her for a long time. I will replace the driver-side mirror and front bumper and then have a body shop fix the paint and do other minor body work. I plan to complete it within a year. The last thing after that is the front driver seat is slightly worn. I will look into options to get that restored.

GS400

I have owned several Toyota Supras and this sedan is the next best thing! Great performance and head turning looks in a reliable package add up to an incredible vehicle.

I finally got the dream car

8 years ago on my honeymoon, we got an upgrade to a 95 GS300. After driving it I knew I would always pine for one of my own. Well, I finally stepped up and bought a used GS400 model and have not stopped grinning since. I live down a long, curvy country road and I look forward to that drive every day. I play with the manual shifting option (wish it would shift more quickly), the POWER option, or economy mode with the VSC feature enabled. I haven't been let down yet. It's a roomy car with very comfortable seats and easy to see gauges and instruments. The steering is slightly loose with a bit of an understeer, but that's what you get with the luxury ride.

favorite car so far..

can beat the car while in performance mode. despite the light weight and rear wheel drive, the gs400 handles like a tank while in snow mode making it extremely easy to maneuver the car on the worst of roads. not only does the car stop incredibly fast, it also sticks to the road like glue in the corners. aftermarket suspension could have possibly played a factor in that

Not Happy With Purchase

I was surprised to find out how many problems I've had out of this car. I've had two Camrys in the past and had minimal problems so I expected the same with the Lexus. I have handling problems. 3 different repair shops have not been able to get the alignment right. I've had recurring windshield wiper problems (they stop working even though motor has been replaced). I've also had recurring brake problems (replacement of pads and calipers). Really expected more stability and reliability out of Lexus.

what else do u want?

reliability, fun, and nice to look at. it's been a great car. solid brakes (u need them).

Great Car

I currently own a GS 400 and have not had any problems. Best car I have ever owned.

Louis' Lexus

Great performance and style. Upgraded stereo and wheels worth the expense. tire rotation ad bal. every 3 to 4 housand miles a must with 17inch Z rated tires. no major problems and it's still a joy to drive!

Unbelieveable!

With over 268,000 miles this 1999 GS 400 will last longer than I will. Except for a fuel pump and alignments, that's it. Smooth and quiet engine with more power than ever needed. Am using 44K on a sticky valve, but "what a car

Lexus GS 400

Wonderful vehicle. Excellent excelleration, very comfortable, quiet, and 100% reliable. I will buy another one.

Superlative

The GS400 is a true automobile. Unlike many "cars" on the road, its capabilites far exceed your expectations. Strong aceleration, nimble cornering capabilty and good stopping power, this luxuary coupe can run with the best sports cars on the road, even today. With its superlative acceleration and shifting, and excellent quite, ride, it is well worth the price. You get what you pay for.

RELIABLE LEXUS

excellent

For the money this is the best car on the road.

Pursuit of Perfection? Really?

I purchased a my GS with 65k on it and documented service history at the dealer all the way back to and including the window sticker. I am now at 89K and the plastic case around the AC evaporator has failing adhesive that leaks water into the car ($3400 repair). The starter takes about 20 min to actually start ( $900 repair) and it will be due for the $1000 90K maintenance at the next oil change. That's $5300 in maintenance before 90K miles. This is not the type of quality I expect from Toyota or Lexus. I don't think I will buy another and I would give some serious thought to repair expenses before I purchased one of their products. The headliner and sunroof sunshade have had rattles also.

Luv my gs

Be sure to shop around til u find good one with few problems. It is almost 20 yr old car.

mover

V8 moves out