Still closer then 30k then 40k. Competition is still the ES330.

 

Oh, and the G35 too.

I would take a G35 before a TL anyday. The TL is ugly. Those rocker sills has boy racer written all over it.

 

do people not understand "Power to Weight Ratio" ??
GS400 weights a ton, you aint going to get 13sec with lots of money to make it fast..

This have been said many times..
What does a 400hp 600hp and 800hp toyota supra have in common?
They're all 13sec

 

I am a new member. I just bought a 98 GS400 with 54K on it to replace my 98 Cobra. My Cobra was basically stock with the exception of 3.73s, shifter, a K&N stock replacement type filter. I ran 13.88@ 101mph in 95 degree heat with that car. The 4.6 Ford lacks torque and has to be revved to make power. The interior is cheesy compared to other cars around 25-30K.

The GS is more refined even though the Ford 4.6 is really refined in American car standards. The GS handles and brakes better than a Cobra. It is certainly more comfortable to drive and I hope more reliable. It has a great interior and style that I think other companies have been copying since 98 (Can you say G35 sedan). Ever since it’s release I have wanted one. Now I got it.

I also own a 2000 Acura 3.2TL which my wife drives and a 1999 that my mom drives. Great car for the money. I don’t think there was a better luxury sedan made for the money between 1999-2003. Fit and finish, interior styling and materials are remarkably similar to Lexus standards. We have not had a single problem with either TL. I like it much more than the last generation ES, it is cheaper than the current ES and GS-300. We bought each one w/out Nav for around 27K. For people that like front wheel drive, it is a great car. Front Wheel Drive is what I prefer my family drive due to the traction in wet weather. I don’t think anyone can argue the benefits of that. I know I’d rather be in the TL than my GS400 in the snow.

I myself drive either my 99 LX470 or my GS400 because I very much prefer rear wheel or all wheel drive and a V8, hence my recent purchase of the GS400.

I compared the GS400, Audi A6 4.2 Quattro and BMW 540i Sport Auto. The GS400 is faster, handles and brakes better that the other two. I think the other two feel sportier and torquey. I like the BMW’s interior but the Audi’s seemed a little plain.

In the end, I think the Lexus will be more reliable and fits my personality better.

I haven’t seen the new TL in person but it looks good to me in the pictures and commercials. I think the current Camary/ES-330 is still under powered and over priced compared to the TL and the GS35.

A good friend on mine should be getting his 04 E55 within the next couple of weeks. There is no denying that the E55 is wicked fast – 12.50s in a four door luxury sedan. It is faster than his 03 911. I don’t really care for MB myself but that is one fast car but is about 40K more than a new GS430. Is it worth it? Probably. It does everything really well.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

Nice write up Neil, welcome!

 

like sick said a few statments back, this car is almost 6 years old. its still ahead of the game imo. just imagine if toyota tuned and had a full trd/ltuned sales which did motors as well, not just s/c's. i bet it would outdo a m or a amg. plus when speaking of a gs400/430 yeah its gonna run you 45-54k for a new one. but its less than most cars in or above what we compair it to. If i want speed drop some cash on a poostang or a vette. Owning one i know from experience, 11 seconds in the quarter is easy. but you will not want to work on it once a week, plus it not be worth crap. When 2005 gs comes out i bet it will win motor trend car of the year again.

 

Like I said, we got the inside scoop on some of the things Lexus is doing for 04-05 on the LS and GS models. All I've got to say is: It's about time! Lexus is gonna hit another homerun like back in 98. I just hope they remember the engine when they are upgrading things. Our V-8's have so much potential.

 

"Why are GS400 so slow?"

What is so slow about 0-60 in under 6 seconds? Electronically controlled top speed of 149mph... A 66.9 mph slalom time and 112 ft stopping distance from 60 mph. On the skidpad, the GS400 can do a very respectable 0.87g.

For a 3,800 lb. 4-door sedan priced at around $50K with reliability as solid as a bank vault, luxury amenities challenging cars costing $80K or more, and 5-year old body design copied by almost everyone else (Altima, G35, Jetta, Passat, Maxima, E series) THIS IS THE CAR TO HAVE!

 

L-tuned got a .96 on the skidpad.I did not even think of that, great point.

 

What kind of money has to be put into those mods??? thats almost Z06 good! Wow, in a large sedan like that, thats amazing.

James

 

It was in Motor Trend. It was just the L-tuned springs/shocks and a STB to achieve those numbers.

 

Installed brand new: About $1,200 - $1,500 +/- depending on where you are

 

I wonder what kind of tires. You can get a stock neon ACR to pull over 1G with the right tires

 

Oh please don't insult the next GS like this! Can you imagine? Car of the year, right up there with past Motor Trend winners like
The PT Cruiser!
The Volkswagon Beetle!
The Malibu!
The Dodge Caravan!
The Cirrus!
The best cars of the 80s including the Citation and the K Cars
and the list of stunning cars goes on....

Seriously, that award is a joke in the industry IMHO. And the GS never has won it - thank God!

 

Actually, the GS300/400 won MotorTrends Import Car of the Year award in Feb. 98.