sunny068

There is a 97 LS400 with 113K, and a 99 GS300 with 104K, they are both the same price, $11,500. Now I am totally stuck. My car future was going to be LS, then lincoln LS, then GS. But now that they are the same price, I may as well skip the LS and get the GS right? But here is the thing, I have been doin research and the JD power reviews for the GS are worse than the LS. But the GS has higher resale value, and the GS has more standard features like traction and stability control. The LS has more interior leg and hip room, but the GS has more headroom and Im tall. I believe the GS is the V8 model, so they are both the same with that respect. Both cars would cost about the same insurance wise, so I am soooooo stuck. I am going to test-drive both of them today when I get off work. But I'm like wtf man, this is too hard to choose. I am sure the decision will get easier when I drive them both, but I literally had a dream about the cars last night. I am really tripping. What should I do?

minla007

get the gs4 dude.....u'll love it.

mydakrri

iTrader: (1)

I’ve owned a 1994 SC 400, a 1996 LS 400, and now a 1999 GS 400. The 94SC I sold because the family didn’t fit anymore as the kids grew up and there is lots of road noise from the rear tires…but fun to drive. The 1996 LS had the room and was quiet, but I felt like it was a Grandpa’s car. They are a dime dozen and driven by retired people. Just my opinion!

Now the GS 400 has the power, sport look, comfort, reliability, and they are far and few between, in my part of the country anyhow.

I live 4-miles from Road America Race Track (Elkhart Lake WI) and two weeks ago they had a huge 4-day vintage car event/race. People come from all over the world to watch and race and show off their vintage and personal vehicles. There was every type of vehicle you could think of, driving the back roads and around town. Ferraris, Porsche, Lexus, Lamborghini, Vipers, NSX’s, Mercedes Formulas, BMW’s, etc. and I only saw two other GS 400.

I say buy the GS 400 and “never look back!”

Dakrri

BossGS4

iTrader: (2)

97 LS400 = V8 = interference motor
99 GS300 = Inline6 = non-interference motor
GS400s come with the 4.0L V8 = intereference motor

If you're looking at V8s you better make sure you know if the timing belt was changed at the 90K service.

sunny068

Hold on hold on, what is the difference between an interference and non-interference engine?

GeorgeGS4

basically, If the timing belt breaks on a non-interference, there is enough clearance between the pistons and valves to prevent damaging contact. An interference design does not have sufficient clearance between those parts and engine damage would result from a broken timing belt. which equals you either going or

I'd say gs400, if it is indeed the V8. In your first post you said gs300, which would give you the inline 6 cylinder. The LS400 is if you want to feel like your driving your leather couch down the road, and the GS is a little more sportier...and a little more unique. if you asked this question in the LS forum, however, the answer might be different

BossGS4

iTrader: (2)

On an interference motor if the timing belt break it is more than likely that the pistons will meet the valves which will cost mucho dinero to repair. That's why it is critical to know if the timing belt has been changed (Lexus recommends every 90K miles). Lexus V8 motors with VVti manufactured after 95 are all interference motors

On a non-interference motor, like the straight 6, if the timing belt breaks none of the valves can be damaged because the pistons and valves never occupy the same space.

sunny068

The GS I am looking at is a GS300, but I am not sure if it is the standard 6 cylinder or 8 cylinder. Does the GS come in inline 8, or just inline 6 and V8? I posted in both forums because I wanted opinions from both sides. I really like the GS300 because of the sporty body and the bug-eye headlights. I light the LS because it looks so classy man.

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

Sunny. I suggest reading up more about these cars and their basic stats like their motor sizes, pros, cons, maintenance idiosyncracies, etc... ESPECIALLY if you are going to own one of these cars. Asking questions on the board can be helpful but pouring over the threads that cover issues you are concerned about is the best way to learn.

I don't mean to be rude but you should really read up so you can make a well informed decision.

I knew a lot about the GS3/GS4 before buying a GS3 but after driving mine for 2 years, I would have bought the GS4 and most likely will get one within the year. Luckily my bolt on parts can be transferred over easily.

STONER

Your info is contradictory.

Buy the GS and don't look back.

bmgs400

Tuff decision. It all depends on what you like most; V-8 vs I-6, luxury comfort vs luxury sport, LS vs GS styling, etc...

I'd go for sporty GS3...lot's of potential.

HoracioGS4

LS = Classy + Bigger
GS = Sporty + Classy

more aftermarket items for GS as well....

both are great cars that will last a long time if taken care of...

aliti19

I say you go for a GS400. There is basically no mileage difference w/ the 300. Most 300 owners regret not getting the 400 (unless they go FI)

Kharizma

iTrader: (6)

lol you're gonna get a bias opinion 'cause we're all GS owners.. so as everyone else has stated: GET THE GS!!!

SoCal_VIP

GS400