Winner

I've only been browsing the site for the past few days and I have found suggestions for earlier model GS's. And now I need help with a decision. I have the opportunity to purchase a 2000 G400 with about 75000 miles on it or a 2002 GS300 with 39000 miles. The price difference is about $7000 more for the GS300. Should I go with the power of the GS400 but more miles or the GS300 with lower miles? Just let me tell you that before my search for a GS, I really wanted the GS430 for the 300HP power. But I would also like something that won't fall apart at 100,000 miles. Thanks for your input!

CPALex

Neither the gs400 or the gs300 will fall apart at 100,000 as long as they've been maintained. I've heard that the MPG for the GS400 is only slightly less than the MPG for the GS300. I'd go for the power - I just bought a GS400 a few weeks ago and love it. I can't imagine going to less power - its way too much fun!!

csq860

75,000 isn't a lot of miles for any Toyota product that's been maintained properly so I wouldn't let mileage be the deciding factor. Plus you're saving $7,000 if you buy the GS400, surely that extra 7 grand can be used to maintain the GS400 the extra 35,000 miles difference between the two cars. Also keep in mind that the Lexus 8 cylinder engine is all but bulletproof. Personally I'd go for the power and save the $7,000, win win! Read the posts around, I've read dozens that wished they'd bought a GS400 over a GS300 but I've yet to see any (there may be, I just haven't seen any) wishing they'd gone for a GS300 over a GS400. Last, no diss intended to any GS300 owners, but power aside I feel other differences between the 2 models, I can't quantify it but the GS400 just feels like a better driver to me, at all speeds. Good luck, either way you can't go wrong.

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

i had the use of a gs300 for a few weeks and it always seemed like i was flooring it all the time to maintain the driving speeds i'm used to in a 400. few consumption was about 3mpg difference in the city... i don't know what that will add up to in overall fuel costs.

i wonder what the difference is between the 400 and 430 though... i've only test driven the 430 and it feels the same as a 400...

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

GS400 all the way man.... The gas mpg is about the same and the 300HP is nice.. These cars really get up and go and they make all the mods for both cars so you wont have a problem in that area.... Good Luck

Tony

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

um stupid question... when i had the gs300 i filled up on premium. can the gs300 run on regular?

upstateGS4

iTrader: (1)

when you either own or you're buying a Lexus GS400, whos worried about the cost of gas lol. sorry just my .02 haha

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

at the time of purchase it wasn't such an issue... but with local prices pushing close to $3-4usd/gallon (especially with this supposed price hikes due to katrina), i have to start worrying

GQD_GS4

gs400 all the way....that extra $7000 can be used for mods and maintenance!

upstateGS4

iTrader: (1)

yeah man, i wont put anything less than 93 oct in my 400- its over $3.89 a gallon where i live

Benjamin T

iTrader: (2)

that's the price for 93 in your area? that's what is advertised for 87 regular here

Winner

Thanks for all the input. You guys are the best! I felt the GS4 was the way to go, I just needed that kick in the pants. I'll let you know how I make out.

chuckb

GS4 all the way. If you wan't the outside to look like an 01+, you can get new tail lights and grill for pretty cheap.

GS3 is a great car too, and if you plan to ever get a blower or turbo, than it's much easier to do that to a GS3 because it basically has a NA supra motor.

I love the torque and smoothness of the stock V8.

jskim9

Keep in mind that it's $3.99USD, not Cdn. So after conversion, NY is still higher. California isn't as harsh, it's still in the low $3 range. Knock on wood.

mkorsu

From what I understand, times for the 400 are on par or slightly better than the 430! No apparent difference in power there.