GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

How do you like your GS300?

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Old 07-20-04 | 10:14 PM
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Default How do you like your GS300?

I would like to get opinion from Lexus owners whether

1. getting used GS300 (year 00-01)

OR

2. getting brand new Camry or Accord

is a better option and why so..

PS: I have a C320 Benz but thinking to get another car...


Few more questions:

a. Also, is 'CPO' Lexus the way to go or is it better to go to smaller local dealer (not only selling Lexus) and get extended warranty instead...

b. Any problems so far with your GS300 (year 00-01)?


thanks in advance..
Old 07-20-04 | 10:22 PM
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well, I'm not exactly the same situation as you, but when I chose between a GS3 and a new Solara (among others), here's how I decided. I went to Edmunds and some other places and put in a '98 6 year old Lexus and a '01 3 year old Solara. Yes I know Solaras are different now but things shouldn't change that much. At the time, I was thinking of getting an '01 GS3 for about the same $ as a new Solara, so I wanted to know what would be worth more in 3 years, the '04 Solara or the '01 GS3, so I punched 3 and 6 year intervals in, respectively, and with equal miles/year and decent equipment a 6 year old GS3 is worth more than a 3 year old Solara, so then I eliminated the Solara. I only got a new Lex because, IMO, I got a really great deal, or I would have the '01. Hope this helps with the used GS3 vs. Camry/Accord idea.
Old 07-20-04 | 10:24 PM
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Thanks 04GS300 for your opinion!
Old 07-20-04 | 10:27 PM
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well my mom's car is a c320 and this may be off the subject.. i understand that both of these cars a c320 and gs300 are similar in price tag.. anyway, you should test drive a gs300 and compare that to your benz... youll be amazed at the quality of the ride.. not only that, i think the gs is a pretty clean car as well and is pretty roomy.. compared to an accord or camry, the gs is a much better car for its value imo.. theres my 2 cents.. and btw, cmon you cant compare a lexus to an accord..
Old 07-20-04 | 10:31 PM
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beez43:

i actually did test drove GS3 and GS43. i feel that Benz has heavier handling (I felt that it was very light handling during my GS test drive). It's a matter of preference; however I've heard that Lexus is far more reliable (esp. GS line) and comfort is another plus factor in Lexus.

yeah, i agree but my comparison was based on similar MSRP for brand new accord/camry (V6 ones) with used GS
Old 07-20-04 | 10:51 PM
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If you question the reliability, just remember the GS motor has been the same since the Supra days and people have modded the heck out of them and they are still running. I was also shoping for a Accord a while back and I have to admit I love the exterior of the new Accords...but...once you get to the inside, nothing but cheap feeling. I couldn't stand the flip up door thingy and how generic it feels. I love my GS and would buy one of every color if I could. I just finished a 3800 mile road trip and not once did I think that I didn't want to drive anymore. I commute 40 miles to work and bought this car for the relaxation and comfort to wind down after a long day. Not one day has gone by that I even thought about my old Accord. I hated driving that thing. As far as loving what you drive and the comfort and quality and features, you won't go wrong with the Lexus. Especially if you get the Nav/Levinson. LOVE IT!!! Accords/Camry's are cookie cutter. Made for the average joker. Stay on the next level and don't step back down to the Accord. Think about it.
Old 07-20-04 | 10:54 PM
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yep..my brother has a supra (not a single problem after owning it for 10 years)...

good opinion..
Old 07-20-04 | 11:01 PM
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ok heres my opinion the lexus gs 300 is roomy very peppie, its not real sloppy to drive , very comftorable all of the finer luxeries good gas mileage . my opinion is it is far better than any of the cars mensioned
Old 07-21-04 | 08:30 AM
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i also love my gs, the only real complaint about it is gas mileage, these gs are gas guzzlers, if gas is not a problem then go for it. there will be no regrets
Old 07-21-04 | 09:09 AM
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as far as durability of the 2jzge (Supra non turbo) engine, it is top notch. Granted I have a 93 GS3 with 200k+ miles on it. I also spray nitrous on this motor and it just keeps getting faster at the track.

I have made several road trips in the car of at least 500 miles and the gas mileage is not even that bad..averages about 20-22mpg.

I bought my GS3 because I always wanted one, and due to the drivetrain, anything you can do to a Supra, can be done to the GS3. So it will in effect be a 4 door Supra.

Now if I could just blow this pesky stock motor so I have an excuse to install the Supra TT motor.
Old 07-21-04 | 10:04 AM
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Originally posted by b1gredek
i also love my gs, the only real complaint about it is gas mileage, these gs are gas guzzlers, if gas is not a problem then go for it. there will be no regrets
This was on my 3800 mile road trip. I guess I have to thank Canada for its 100kph speed limits tho. Regardless, if you are a smooth driver, you should have no problem getting in the 22mpg range.
Attached Thumbnails How do you like your GS300?-0016.jpg  
Old 07-21-04 | 10:14 AM
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Go with the GS. I love my 2001 GS3.
I have had no issues, and gas isn't that bad either. I get about 20 to 22.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Old 07-21-04 | 10:51 AM
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how many miles are u guys getting on a full tank of gas in your gs300 anyways, with the five gs in my group all the gs400 are getting better gas mileage than the gs300. i am getting about 260 or 270 to the full tank, some city some highway on my gs300 does thiis sound about right. sorry not trying to hijack your tread thanks
Old 07-21-04 | 11:04 AM
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I get around 300 to 350 depending on how I am driving.
Old 07-21-04 | 11:43 AM
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Certified Lexus, you can not transfer the certification warranty to the next owner. Lexus Extended warranties are transferable. For resale value the extended warranty is the only way to go. No comparison between a 01 GS300 and a new accord V6, price is the same but the GS wins hands down in resale value, curb appeal (Lexus Namebadge) quality of interior pieces. The accord will be faster and probably get better gas mileage. Definetly cheaper to keep gas in the accord since it does not require premium. The problem with the accord is I can buy 17K accord with a 4 cylinder and it looks the same as your 27K with the v6. The gs 300 started as a 43K car. I would bet maintenance cost on the two would be the same if you do your own work. Mechanically they are equally reliable.



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