jeffthx

Hello--

I have really liked this body style since its redesign a few years back, but I don't have the $$ for a GS430 right now. I prefer to lease a new one
instead of buying a used 400, although I'd consider it if I could find a
2000 GS400 with the right color/option combo. I currently have a 98 Maxima
(automatic). Obviously, the Lexus is a major step up, which is what I'm
looking for. I drove the GS300, and was impressed by the ride, the low
noise level, and the luxury. The acceleration was on par with my Maxima
(with 3 people inside). Overall, it seems like a pretty solid purchase. I
would be very interested in any other comments regarding day-to-day life
with this car.

Most of the dealers I've been checking lately are offering a lease of
$499/mo with about $3k down for 39 months, 39k miles. I'll definitely need
more miles than this (maybe about 10k more or so). Any suggestions on how
to best negotiate this?

Also: I'd like to add the Lexus GS spoiler, but it apparently is only
available on the 430. Any idea why? How could I add this to the 300? I'm
not a huge fan of spoilers, but I do like the way this one finishes off the
look of the rear end. One more thing: I would like to find a way to buy a
set of the 17" wheels/tires without paying the dealer for them. Are these
the same rims as on the IS300? I'm hoping to buy a set from someone that
has taken them off of their GS/IS.

Thanks in advance for any feedback on any of these questions.

jj

y2kgs

It really depends on which one you will be happy with. If your looking for more power than see if you can get a used 400 at the dealers. Make sure that you drive both models and see which one you really want. I would go for a used 400 given that I love speed and confort.

Don't worry about the sporiler for now. Just find the car you want and we all can help you get the things you want.

RealMarty

Most of the dealers I've been checking lately are offering a lease of $499/mo with about $3k down for 39 months, 39k miles. I'll definitely need more miles than this (maybe about 10k more or so). Any suggestions on how to best negotiate this?

With a lease you have two choices.
Either pay for the miles up front or at the end. If you add the mileage to the yearly max they'll increase your monthly payment. Or you can pay for it at the end of the lease at .15/mi or whatever they charge you. My recommendation is pay at the end. Remember, if you buy the car after the lease runs out you don't have to pay for mileage overage.

That having been said. I'd go for the used 400 rather than a new 300. Love that 300 HP!!

GS4Will

hello jeff,

overall, gs3 is a very good daily driver in price and performance-good value is what i am saying.

what is your area? i would givbe you some LA prices as a reference if you like, PM me.
here in LA, each dealer is loaded w/gs300, hence , rock bottom deal. is $3k total drive-off, including tax+DMV fees?

if you anticipate more miles are needed, pay them upfront. usually you can cut the cost of per mile 5-8 cents.

factory spoiler: 85% of the time, only the gs430w/nav+ml stereo pkg get the factory spoiler.

let me know. btw, welcom aboard.

will

Benny

Go for the V8 man. Leave the maxima and the GS3 at home in the garage even with 3 ***' in the car. Find a GS4 used and you'll be happy. plus you don't have to worry about 25 cents a mile over your lease. Any dealer can put a stock spoiler on a GS3 or 4. make them include it in the deal or walk

LexusRules

or you could get a used GS300 and turbo it.....

david2u

I have a 01' GS3 Millenium Silver, Premium, Rear Spoiler, Black Lexus Mats, Trunk mats&wheel locks.

No money down, 15k per year is 560.00/39months

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Hi Sasha. He could do that, but the difference in behavior (torque curve in particular) between a turbo'd 6 cylinder and a V8 is huge. I've never driven or been in a turbocharged car that I really liked. I just don't care for not great off the line response and then the sudden surge of power as the rpms get over say 3K.

Of course the V8 exhibits this to a small degree because of the VVTi, but there's still good off the line punch.

But the turbo certainly gives the 6 more power. Are there turbo kits available for the GS300 today?

The Audi A6 2.7T is a really decent car too, but I'd still prefer the 4.2 V8 if I was getting an A6.

jeffthx

I appreciate all of the feedback. It looks like I'm going to pass on the GS300, and go with a 2000 GS400 that was being sold by another member of this forum. I am definitely excited about the extra cylinders, as well as the color, options, etc, that I'll be getting by going with this slightly used car instead of the new one.

Thanks to all who provided input.

jj

lexguynj

Just what I was thinking, the V6 is great, but the V8 is amazing. Sometimes you just can't believe the power that this Lexus V8 can put out. Amazing. Get the spoiler too, since the Lexus overall looks like an older person's car, but the spoiler can make it look more younger too. Distinguishes it from all the other GSs out there.

I'm biased here, cause I have the GS430 with the Spoiler and loving it big time ;-)