fog80

hey guys, i usually post over in the es300 forums cause thats what i had but my car just got totaled this monday.

i liked my es300 but its time to move onto something new so im thinking of buying a used gs300

how do you guys like it? specifically the '98 or '99 model....is there any features i should make sure i have?

when does lexus recommend a timing belt service and how much does that usually run?

any info would be appreciated? and is it worth the extra to get the GS400? i know the engine is bigger but what about the interior?

fog80

hows this deal look to yall?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=10

hitechgs3t

not bad at all..check carfax...

fog80

alright but other than that, can you answer any of my questions from above?

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Fog,

The search feature will find you pretty much everything you've asked :0

98 / 99: Recommend 99 which eliminates a couple of small rattles

Must have IMO: HIDs. If I had to do it over again a must have would be Nav. You'll find less GS3's from 98/99 with HIDs

Timing belt I think is 90K. Ask your local dealer for price.

If power/speed is important at all get the GS4 unless you plan to turbo the GS3 in the future. Interior is the same except the GS4 in those years has eshift and GS3 does not.

bluelex

well everything is the same from a same year gs300 / gs400... interiot and everything just a different engine thats all. it is a noticable difference drieving one from teh other but it depends on what u really eant and need....u can get a gs300 and turbo it and it will b much faster than a 400 or u can just get a 400 if thats enough power....the gs4 has e-shift on the wheel too....thats not a bad deal at all in the link....

fog80

thanks a lot guys.

im upgrading from a '96 es300 so i dont know if i really need all that turbo and stuff......it will probably be a family car.

my main goal is to get a ride that is very smooth and comfortable, with a few more features like heated seats and hid's and maybe a larger more "luxurious" interior

how does the gs300 compare to the es300 in performance?

LS4fun

Spend a little extra...get a GS400 or even better GS430!

gs400998

I purchased my GS4 last year with navigation package. I love the power of 300HP V8. My previous 93 LS4 didn't have a single problem so expect my GS4 to be reliable also. I had moisture in one of the headlamps and was fixed under warranty. Navigation package includes the HID but regular Lexus sound system. GS4 is at least one second quicker than a stock GS3 to the quarter mile so get the GS4 if you want a little passing power without any mods.

Timing belt and water pump are recommended at 90K mile service and it is around $900 and 90K mile service is another $700.

fog80

thanks guys.

do you know what model hid's came standard on the gs300 or are they still just an option.

if i find a gs300 i like can i add hids later? and how much does that run?

gs400998

Here is a link to Lexus Model Library. http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library.html
For example, HID is part of Navigation or Nakamichi package for 99-00 GS3:

Nakamichi Audio System Package

- Leather-trimmed seats and interior
- Lexus/Nakamichi Premium Sound System with 280 watts (max power)
- In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- Heated front seats

Navigation System Package

- Lexus Navigation System[3]
- In-dash, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- Leather-trimmed seats and interior
- Heated front seats


Just search 'HID' at google.com, there are many places that sell aftermarket HID

Indio

iTrader: (1)

Hey Fog, it's much more cost effective to find a car with the options you want vs. adding them later, a GS with HID's and NAV wont cost a whole lot more it's just a matter of finding one. As far as comparing the ES to the GS I have both and imo the GS is lot more roomy, smooth and powerful. I-6 or V8 through the rear wheels vs. V6 through the front wheels will give you much better power delivery, test drive a GS and you will see what we mean.

fog80

thanks guys now i have one last question and this is no disprespect to lexus owners as i own one too.......but how would a infinity q45 compare to a lexus gs300?

cause the 99 model is about the same price.......

i know most of you will select the lexus as this is a lexus website but has anyone drove or been in a Q45? for some reason i saw a few on autotrader and im really torn between the gs300 and the Q45 now.

angelslex

fog80 check your pm.

gs400998

If you are thinking about a Q45 then you should also check the LS400. Most of the magazines compare the Q45 with LS400. 99 Q45 has a 266hp V8 thus it is not as powerful as the current Q45. I like the appearance of my GS better than 99 Q45 and my GS4 is also more powerful. There are more performance parts for GS than Q45. Go test drive them all, GS3, GS4, Q45 and decide for yourself.