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

From ES to GS What to know????

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Old 05-20-06, 10:39 PM
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louisblanc
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Default From ES to GS What to know????

I have owned my first Lexus for three years next month. A 1997 ES300,unfortunately it was recently the victim of an uninsured motorist freeway collision. Still awaiting final word from the insurance adjuster meanwhile I have some questions. I will probaly buy a used Lexus GS this time. I test drove a black on black 2003 GS300 sunroof,tiptronic on the wheel very cool car. Lexus certified for 30k full warranty.

1) What is a good price to pay for the above listed?

2) Is it worth it to just go for a GS400 instead?

3) 03,04 were there any with Navagation and HID?

Thanks in adavance
Old 05-20-06, 10:45 PM
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bighitbike
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1) I suck at prices
2) Depends on what you want to do with the car. I am sure you will mod it after being on this site so if you want to go FI or do the GTE swap I would suggest a GS3. But if you want to keep the engine somewhat stock hit up the GS4.
3) I am pretty sure but don't quote me.

Thanks,
Elliott
Old 05-21-06, 12:10 AM
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Indio
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Originally Posted by louisblanc
I have owned my first Lexus for three years next month. A 1997 ES300,unfortunately it was recently the victim of an uninsured motorist freeway collision. Still awaiting final word from the insurance adjuster meanwhile I have some questions. I will probaly buy a used Lexus GS this time. I test drove a black on black 2003 GS300 sunroof,tiptronic on the wheel very cool car. Lexus certified for 30k full warranty.

1) What is a good price to pay for the above listed?

2) Is it worth it to just go for a GS400 instead?

3) 03,04 were there any with Navagation and HID?

Thanks in adavance

Just pick up an 01-02 GS430 and you will be happy
, plenty with nav/Mark Levinson and xenons are standard.
Old 05-21-06, 05:35 AM
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chuckb
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Originally Posted by louisblanc
I have owned my first Lexus for three years next month. A 1997 ES300,unfortunately it was recently the victim of an uninsured motorist freeway collision. Still awaiting final word from the insurance adjuster meanwhile I have some questions. I will probaly buy a used Lexus GS this time. I test drove a black on black 2003 GS300 sunroof,tiptronic on the wheel very cool car. Lexus certified for 30k full warranty.

1) What is a good price to pay for the above listed?

2) Is it worth it to just go for a GS400 instead?

3) 03,04 were there any with Navagation and HID?

Thanks in adavance
for the price of an 03 300, you can get a V8 unless you want your new car to be as slow as your ES was.
all GS430 have HID, nav is option.
Old 05-21-06, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by louisblanc
I have owned my first Lexus for three years next month. A 1997 ES300,unfortunately it was recently the victim of an uninsured motorist freeway collision. Still awaiting final word from the insurance adjuster meanwhile I have some questions. I will probaly buy a used Lexus GS this time. I test drove a black on black 2003 GS300 sunroof,tiptronic on the wheel very cool car. Lexus certified for 30k full warranty.

1) What is a good price to pay for the above listed?

2) Is it worth it to just go for a GS400 instead?

3) 03,04 were there any with Navagation and HID?

Thanks in adavance
1. That is a decent price.
2. I think you can tell the GS is a bit faster than the ES. The GS 400/430 is CLEARLY faster than the ES, like night and day. You may not need that power, then the GS 300 is fine.
3. As the GS got older, more cars were equipped with NAV and HID and Mark Levinson. I know that GS 430s pretty much started to come loaded only.

GOod luck!
Old 05-21-06, 08:06 PM
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louisblanc
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Okay still confused?? I really loved my ES however being stuck without an aftermarket sucked. So which GS can I get with the best aftermarket life. 300 or 400/430 ??? Or just doesnt matter they are equal. I saw a 2002 GS300 Black with what I think is called sage interior and gold badges (yuck) not my thing no offense intended. Had 73,000 on the clock and they wanted 23,000. No warranty. More advice if you can please.
Old 05-22-06, 06:20 AM
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GWELEX
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Go for the V8 if you're after more stock power with no major future engine mods. The 6 is a fine engine and can be extemely quick with turbo mods and cash. Aftermarket items are equal for both models since the primary difference is the engine.
Old 05-23-06, 08:39 PM
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There is no comparison between a GS 300 and 400. I work for a Lexus dealer, and have spent tons of time in both. First of all, the GS 400/430 is a far smoother and quieter car. The V8 drivetrain is not only superior in acceleration, but in noise and smoothness. As far as aftermarket parts are concerned, parts available are about the same. Also, the V8 powered GS's are more reliable, as the milage increases they are less prone to typical leaks and wear. They also hold a better resale value, and I have seen them with far higher milage. The fuel economy is almost the same as well, the inline 6 motor in the G3 just isnt very efficient. Expect only about 1 to 2 less mpg in the city. Hope this helps, by the way i'm selling a perfect GS 400, with all the parts and trim swapped from a GS 430, check it out and let me know if you are interested.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/car/163673751.html
Old 05-23-06, 11:25 PM
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louisblanc
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Wow! What a nice ride! It would be worth the travel to buy it. Great price btw. However I am still in the shopping investigation stage. Still waiting on the insurance to give me a verdict on my totally smashed up ES. Stay in touch!!!
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