[MikeSid]

I have a 1999 GS 300 that I still drive every day. In it's entire life it has needed only the following:
Oil, filters, fluids, tires, alignment, brake pads and rotors, starter, one wheel lug bolt, radio LCD, front struts, timing belt, battery, brake lamps, wiper blades, keys.
The driver's electronic door lock works off and on, but has not been replaced.

My personal belief is that the GS lexus hit its peak with the longitudinally mounted straight six with rear wheel drive. The car has a better turning radius, maintenance is easier, traction is not as good. The AWD versions are transverse mount and that engine bay is crowed, the turning radius impacted, and the front axel angles create points of additional wear.

Give me a traditional layout with a straight six any day.

Coincidentally, I also have a 2000 LC and the starter went out within a year of the Lexus. it's a bit harder to replace on the 4.7 V8 because it's nested in the V and you have to remove the intake manifold and the hood. Point being, the GS 400 or the SC400 both with the V8 will have the starter replacement issue - which is really not a big deal. All have timing belts and negative clearance valves. Otherwise, the maintenance has been virtually identical between a 2000 LC and a 1999 GS 300 - which is to say, virtually none.

The styling of the GS in that era (to the extent there actually was any) is pretty dated. But from a mechanical standpoint, it is an incredibly well put together car. I'm not sure I could say the same for RX or ES models. GS, SC and LX of that era seem to be indestructible.