brisky

Im new here and totally impressed by the amount of input and assistance the members here trade back and forth on their vehicles. I'm hoping some stock GS 300 owners might have some input since Im about to get a GS 300 (versus possibly a new ES330) any day now.

The GS 300 is a gorgeous car with lots of lux, that's for sure.... but I have noticed that some folks and trade mags have negatives to say about its overall "stock" accellerartion abilities. Im not a racer nor a modifier, but all I want to do it be able to be at a red light and able to accellerate at green to get ahead of the traffic next to me so I can get into their lane. I want to be able to pass easily on the highways.

Assuming that the average driver in the average car is next to me, is this realisitic to think I could do this in a GS 300? I would be very appreciative of any folks who could provide their honest input about the overalll accelleration abilities of this inline 6 RWD car. Thanks!

brendanlim

You'll have enough ZIP for the average driver for sure. 0-60 is 7.6-7.8 sec. on the GS3. 220hp and 225ft/lb torque is more than good enough for daily driving for sure

If you can wait another year, the GS330 will be out with 240hp+ and a new design as well

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

No problem brisky especially if you drive like Brendan.

dseag2

Brisky, I traded an SC430 for my new GS300 Sportdesign and I couldn't be happier. It may not have V-8 power, but it doesn't feel as sluggish off the line as many V-8's (SC430 & A6 4.2) and there's good mid-range torque. I drive faster than average and find the acceleration more than adequate, especially with the e-shift. My only recommendation is that you have the L-tuned springs, shocks, and steering ECU installed. It makes a huge difference in handling over the stock GS3. Enjoy!

DSeag2

RNM GS3

For the average person the GS3 has more than enough power for day to day driving.

Im satisfied with the power of my car especially driving on the highway in ECT PWR mode, i have lots of fun passing other cars.
But i would like to have more power in acceleration from standstill, who doesnt. Nothing a turbo cant fix.

Plus with the power of the GS4, u will def need to upgrade the stock suspension. It has way too much powet than the car can handle.

D2-AUTOSPORT

I believe the 300 in stock form is a very solid performance. I good test for you is merging. I like a pick a car thats closing in, PUNCH IT, and see how long it takes me to catch that car!! When I was car shopping and I did this in a 98 300, and it did pretty darn well!! If you keep the wheel sizes moderate (18 and below) you will be able to keep good performance and upgrade your handling (springs/struts/etc).

Remember that the amount of speed you can carry through curves makes a big difference. My buddy with a stock GS400 on 20s could not keep up with me in my 1st Gen 300 simply due to my suspension mods letting me carry alot more speed through the corners!!

I dont know if I would buy a 04 GS3 with the new model coming next year. Maybe think about a CPO 01-02 GS300 or 430??

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Unless the person next to you is looking to race you too, you should have plenty of power. Most of the time, they are not so getting around them should be no problem. It is very smooth and capable to drive around town. If you are looking out to race, then you may need the 400. Although, I have not been in a situation where I need to go WOT to get around someone.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I agree totally. Crazy that Lexus didn't offer a GS400/430 SportDesign type package.

When I got my L-Tuned suspension and steering ECU, I was amazed how much SAFER I felt in the car. Then I went berserk with other mods and now I don't feel so safe again because I can go, turn and stop so much more quickly than most everything else on the road.

doug_999

My exact thoughts. I would not even consider a new GS300 unless they were practically giving them away (due to the fact that the new one is coming out very soon and I don't think the sport design is available for 04). You can get a CPO one much cheaper and it will be the same car.

I also agree with RNM GS3, the GS4xx has more power than the suspension can handle - it borders on dangerous.

bluelex

4 sure, if u'r in the market 4 a car right now just get a cpo 01-02 gs300... don't get an 04 and tha the new body comes out in 05 u'll kill u'rself if that happens, i would...i just say 4 what a 04 gs300 cost get a 01 cpo 430 with low miles and lower and add a couple of suspension mods and u'll b a very happy camper..

Iceman

I guess I have a slightly different point of view from most opinions expressed so far on two points:

- While the GS300 has adequate power for the average driver in ordinary situations, the simple fact that you're asking a question like this means that you might need more than that basic level of acceleration and overall performance. Drive a GS300 and a GS430 back-to-back and then make up your mind. It may very well be that the six-cylinder meets your needs, but for me the 430 was vastly superior in this department and well worth the slight premium in price.

- As someone who doesn't buy used cars, even certified pre-owned ones, I can't support the "don't buy a 2004 model because next year there will be a new style" argument. What if the 2005 is ugly? What if they only offer one engine size and it's the SMALLER one? There are a million what ifs, but one thing that's a certainty is the quality of the current GS. If the 2004 meets your needs, then buy one and don't worry about what may or may not happen in a year. To those who said a two or three year-old GS is "the same car", it's not. It's been used and possibly abused by someone else, whereas with a brand new one you know from the start the level of pampering you give it.

Your mileage may vary! People like me buying new cars are the reason used ones depreciate so fast, and there's clearly a market out there for slightly used luxury cars. The engine choice is another personal matter, so go drive 'em and see what YOU think!

D-MAN63

IMO the gs300 is not a SLOW car like a few people say on here. Yes it is slower than the 400/430, but it is not as slow as a toyoto corolla/camry . I have driven a gs300 and sure it lacks the power of a v8, but for everyday use it is quite enough. It might be slow for people who modify their cars and likes racing.

camtrek

My GS300 is stock given the air box vent removal and all that crap.

I feel like it does 0-60 in about 7.1 secs. Definalty enough Zip to get through traffic.

Does anyone have any timed numbers from a Gtech or something on a GS300?

D-MAN63

Hey guys with GS300's, if you have a TC, exhaust, srt intake, can a gs300 get in the mid 6's 0-60?

brendanlim

Not sure how this is ... but my friend's got a V6 Accord (2001) and he's got exhaust and intake and normally they do 7.8. He probably got it down to 7.5 let's say. Well, we raced twice on I got a car length on him easily and the only thing I have performance wise is L-Tuned exhaust.