http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html

I think Lexus.com uses the GS400 time for the GS430 time. The best 'magazine' stats for GS400 is 5.7 0-60 and 14.3 1/4 Mile. I believe the best magazine 1/4 M for GS430 is 14.5.
The better driver will win this one.

 

This has been discussed numerous times. Do a search and find that the GS400 is slightly faster. Few tenths of a second supposedly.

 

I am just going be what many people have stated including some on this website. I believe when they first tested the GS400 most got 0-60 around 5.7 sec. When GS430 was tested the numbers went up a few tenths to 5.9 in some publications. I maybe wrong and I am unsure why the 400 would be quicker except maybe different tuning or less restictive emissions. You can check some past threads on this.

 

imho the price a bit on the high side, i think 20500 is more like it

 

Let me add my .02 here. If it's the car you want, then buy it and don't look back. Sure, we all want to get a good deal, but when you find the exact car you've been looking for, you need to jump on it. In the end, does it really matter whether you pay $22,500 or $22,000. Over 3-4 years, that extra $500 is not a lot. Now, that being said, the difference between $22,500 and $19,000 is a lot more significant, but if your sense is that the dealer won't go much lower, then offer him the amount that you are okay with and won't regret if he says "no" and someone else comes along and buys the car for more. The 2nd gen GS is a great car, and you'll long forget the price you paid when your sinking back in your seat as the car peels away from a stoplight.

 

The GS400 has quicker throttle response..

I test drove a 430 and could not believe it when I pressed the gas it took like a half a second before it took off. I decided right there I did not want a 430. In fact it took a great deal of effort on someones part to get me to try a 400. Glad they did. We've got two 1999 GS400's now.

The way I understand it is the 98-2000's were still hooked up mechanically to the throttle.
The 2001 and up is drive by wire and has a slight delay in the throttle response.
I know some of you will argue this, but that is my experience, and I've heard the same from others.

Personally I want the car to go as soon as I press the gas. If I'm trying to get to a spot on the freeway I can't be guessing when the car is going to take off. It reminds me of these digital cameras where you push the button and a half second later it takes the picture, very frustrating if you are trying to take a picture of a little puppy that moves around.

My advice. Try to get the 1999. Tell him you know how much they paid for the car. Use the trade in price from KBB. Offer him a 2 grand less than the asking price. That way he still makes some money and you save a little. If he says no, start to leave. He won't want to let you leave and miss a sale. If he still says no offer to split the difference. I'm betting you can end up with this car for $20,500 or $21,000


Ivan
3dog

 

I know we've discussed this issue to death, but is the difference really that noticeable? I had a 98 GS400 and, before I sold it, I test drove several GS430s. I would literally step out of my car and into the newer one. Honestly, I really didn't feel a difference. The only sluggishness I felt (which is an issue I also had with my 98) was that the car was way too eager to get into 2nd gear. Anyway, I didn't mean to hijack the thread.

e

 

Newbie here - just purchased a '98 Pearl White GS400 for 19k. I thought it was a tad overpriced, but the owner was such a neat and nice person, that I ended up paying what he was posting. Was it worth it? Hell yes. This is the sixth car I've owned and it is the best money spent.

As for 430 for 400, I test drove both, and honestly unless we are racing for something, I couldn't feel the difference - I think it all depends on the condition of the motor and of course the state of the exterior/interior. One thing is for sure, I was thinking about the same model year BMW 540, but I am positive I made the choice for the GS.

 

I'm not sure why it's so either but the folks who say the 400 is faster than the 430 are probably basing that on info contained on the factory's website. Lexus reports that the 400 had a 0-60 MPH time of 5.7 sec and 1/4 mile E/T of 14.3 secs while the 430 was 5.8 & 14.5 in the 1/4 mile for 2001. In 2002 the 1/4 mi time dropped to 14.3 same as the older 400's though the 0-60 time never improved. The 3rd gen with the 6 sp tranny is back down to 5.7 The 430 had the same HP as the 400 , and 15 ft/lbs more TRQ. Main difference was that the 430 reached it's peak in both categories at slightly lower RPM's. (400 to 600 less)
The 22,500 price sounds somewhat high to me as well. As the new 3rd gen comes into the market the 2nd gen is likely to drop some in price across the board as the older ones are now readily distinguishable from the current model. When a 4 year old GS looked exactly like a brand new one, they kept more of their original value. Now its readily apparent you are not looking at a brand new car when you see a 2nd gen on the lot and that has to hurt the price somewhat. With no Nav , no HID the asking price seems pretty strong but if you gotta have it then get it. Once you own it , you will love it every day. I have had 3 other Lexus's and without a doubt the 2nd gen GS is the most fun and hottest looking of the bunch.
As far as 3dogs comments re: fly by wire , even the 98 had an indirect electrical link in the throttle mechanism. Pressure on the pedal opened air flow but fuel delivery was controlled by a variable resistor or some such device overseen by an electronic control module.

 

Detmich1 Well, from what I gathered the 99 has Tiptronic, spoiler, 17's with new tires, xenon I beleive. Did xenon lights come factory on those model years? Um... Nachacami stereo, telescoping wheel, Cd changer, and 51,000 miles.... One owner I beleive.. Its raining here today so i really don't know whats going on yet... I mean he was telling me that the 99 400 was just as nice if not better than the 430 i drove... 28,999 and 22,500 is a big difference. Maybe he'll knock off 500 bucks or so. I'm also going to purchase the extended warranty. I know how you feel. after going from my ES 300 to the 430 or 400 is a night and day difference.. Handling was tighter not to mention the 100 extra horsepower.... From a dead stop the 430 just got up and went... I hope the 400 is just as fast. I'm planning on keeping the car for awhile. I know i can get another 100k out of it... My 97 ES 300 has 61,500.. Mint condition.....nice ride but i need more power....

 

Xenons were not standard until the 430 came out in 01. However, it is my understanding that if the car has the Nakamichi stereo, then it also has xenons (but not necessarily the other way around). I could be wrong about this, but someone recently told me that the xenons could be ordered as either a stand-alone option or part of the premium package, the latter of which included the Nakamichi stereo.

 

E-man.....What year did the HID's come out... Or can you buy them for any year car... That would be great if the car came with the xenon's... Thanks..... Also If i do purchase this car. I 'm going to order that K@N intake. It sounds like it just bolts right up with no other modifications.... It looks good to.... If i bought that intake would that void the extended warranty?

 

You could get xenons on any 2nd gen GS. I've seen 98s and 99s with xenons but without Nakamichi, but I've never seen a 2nd gen GS with Nakamichi but without xenons. I've also seen plenty of 2nd gen GS's with neither (like mine which I just sold). As for voiding the extended warranty with the air filter modification, I can't speak to that so maybe someone else can weigh in.

 

Well getting ready to go look as this car. Its raining out so ireally don't know what to expect... There going to have it all cleaned up and a car fax for me... Hope all is well......Thanks

 

Yes, that's correct. I have a 98 GS400 with OEM self-leveling HID headlights but no Nakamichi sound system. Also came equiped with 6 disc CD changer in the glove-box, heated seats, sunroof but no spoiler. I think this was called the premium package. The bolt on air intakes don't do much besides increase the noise level unless you find it desirable from a "cool factor" standpoint. I think the few hundred dollars involved could be better spent on improving the handling or the braking. Once you get the car you can have loads of fun considering all the options open to you for modding and improving and putting your personal signature on the car. As far as longevity is concerned, that 4.0L V8 is almost indestructable. I still have my 1992 SC400 which I bought new. Now, 13 years later it has 340,000 miles without any engine or drivetrain failures. Just routine mainainence and still runs strong smooth and quiet. I haven't even had to replace any part of the exhaust system!! I never heard of a car before where the mufflers and exhaust pipes lasted 13 years.