Luv Da Lex

well for the last couple months i've been looking around for a new car. i was interested in teh SC400 the sc300, is300, gs400, gs300 2nd gen, ls400. never really found anything worth buying and was always torn between which great lexus to buy. it seems like i have narrowed it down to a GS400 and GS300 . it will be used of course. my dilemma is that i really like the gs400 but is it really worth the 4K cost of the 300. im a big guy so the gs body probablly would suits me more and i like it because theres not a lot of young guys like me drivng an IS around Westminster (im 19 by the way) i should take into account ath i will be moving to the chicago suburbs within the next year. so winter driving will be done. my question is why did you guys pick your gs4 over the gs3 and vice versa. was the 400 worth the couple extra grand??? teh 400 in my area is pretty much around 4G more exspensive than teh 300.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well this topic has been discussed to death already.

imho, i would get gs4 over the gs3 any day. it's just so much better to begin with already, it has the power, and with some easy mods, you can stay NA and already very fast. i also like the fact that the gs4 is a bit smoother

the good thing with gs3 is only if you get fi, imho. that will get you the power you want, can be enormous if you go crazy.

if power isn't your thing, then there is really nothing you can compare between the two

DetMich1

Before purchasing I test drove both the GS300 and the GS430, as it was one of the few Lexus models I had never driven, the other being the GX 470. I drove the 300 first, so as not to prejudice my impression by driving the more powerful V8 and then trying the lower powered straight 6. Though the 300 was very nice, and seemed reasonably quick, the 430 was clearly superior in my opinion. The throttle response was quicker, the car felt more stable, and the interior appointments were a bit more upscale. The price difference in the new car was something like $8,000 but this differential narrows when making a used car purchase. In the end, like many things, its a personal decision. Depending on the model year, the GS400 will have bigger tires, brakes, better standard equipment, (HID, spoiler etc.) If your budget is tight, the 300 is a fine car, if you have the money to spend or would be willing to consider perhaps a 1 year older model (body has been unchanged except for minor cosmetic upgrades since 1998) then I would reccommend you go with the 400. I know if you do, you will not regret the choice.

Luv Da Lex

Its funny how you know what's good for you but you always want to test somwthing else out. My first car was a 1st gen ls. I loved that car to death and pretty much drove it to death. V8 power is just oh so nice. I always wanted the 400, never drove the 300 b4 so I guess I'll have to go test drive them back 2 back.

P.S. I'm so addicted to CL I'm on my Sidekick 2 reading and posting. I love this phone.

Hameed

The choice is simple. Just as Rominl mentioned, this topic has been discussed till the cows came home.

If you plan on doing Forced Induction at some point (this assumes that you are power crazy and have a fat wallet), then get a GS300. Otherwise, hands down, a GS400 is the obvious choice. I have a 99 GS400 and absolutely love it! With a few handling and performance mods, it is an amazing car to reckon with!

ClaudiG

There is no decision to make - the only way to go is the 400.

Before buying my GS400 I just wanted the GS and would of taken the 300 until I drove the 400.


I was told and firmly stand by this "NEVER settle but always go for the best" The 400 wins hands down.

Good luck!!
Claudi

NT2SHBBY

its all about the 4.0 liter 32 valve v8 baby!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Yep, and you can find LOTS of good information by using the search tool .

FOR EXAMPLE here are just a few that can be found by searcing for "which gs300 gs400":
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400

b1gredek

go for the 400, i would have purchased the four, but i was scared of gas mileage thinking the 300 would get better gas mileage, but boy was i wrong, the v8 gets better gas milage than the six, a lot better

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

A good majority of the time, it's ALWAYS about the price. At the time (in 99), I wanted a GS4, but didn't have the $8-9k for it. There wasn't a used one yet and didn't really want the 98, so I opt for the GS3. No regrets whatsoever bc the GS3 was perfect enough-I would probably get more speeding ticket with the GS400 .
But of course, if you have the $, get the GS4.
Doesn't seem like there's not much of a big difference in option package b/t the 2, only engine wise.-correct me if I'm wrong.

LB Lex

I had a 1st gen GS3 and drove it to death (200k miles). I had my mind set on the GS4 because I miss V8 power (I had an 89 Mustang LX 5.0 before the GS3). The downgrade in power from a V8 to an I6 was immense and I never really got use to it. I wanted a fast car out of the box without modding the engine. My future plans didn't include forced induction (turbo or supercharger) because after I buy the car I would be using my money for things aside from my car. Since a powerful car with lots of torque was my goal, the GS4 was the clear choice.

After making my purchase I couldn't be happier. The power and torque just blows you away (and many other cars too ) Just as B1gredek said, I too was concerned about gas mileage but surprisingly the gas mileage was the same as my GS3. I'm quite sure a 2nd gen GS3 would have adequate power, but I love V8 engines so much.

So, if your priority is a lot of power straight out of the box, go for the GS4. If looks are your priority, go for the GS3 and spend the extra money you saved on rims, body kits, etc. If ultimate power is your priority, go for the GS3 and spend your money on a turbo.