kwamdoo74

I've been all over the internet trying to narrow down my decision. The engines from what i've gathered perform almost identically in terms of 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times. The MPG seem to be the same as well. The price between the two vehicles is a couple of thousand. (Depending on the miles, condition and features) What are you guys' opinion on these two cars. Transimission? Anything to seperate these cars would be great especially from you guys who own them. Thanks

StockGS400

Personally I just went with the GS400 because it was more affordable for me and I like the steering wheel with the E-Shift buttons

BossGS4

iTrader: (2)

I had to choose between a 400/430 back in October. My short answer is buy the car in the best condition .... the differences between the two are minimal.

E Shift: having only test driven a 99 with e-shift I can't comment on the day-to-day advantages of having it. I will say that not having it in my 430 has NOT diminished my driving enjoyment of the car.

HDD vs. DVD Nav: I did not get a Nav equipped car, but the tech I bought my car from told me that the DVD Upgrades MUST be purchased every year. So fi you think you are going to be saving money by avoiding the HDD upgrades you really aren't

Lights: on the 01s you'll get the last version of the tailights and the green tinted HID housings

It is harder to find a strut tower bar that will fit over the 430 engine cover.

01's have the wood steering wheel, and chrome surrounds on the gauge cluster and shifter bezel

430's will have a model specific K&N air filter (400 filters are not interchangeable)

kwamdoo74

I was told by an installer at Circuit City that it would be in my best interest to not get a GS with a Navigation system since it would be so hard to upgrade. He told me that a GS without a Nav system would be better because I would be easier to upgrade in terms of a Nav system, speakers and amps. I would like to put an Eclipse 5500 or 6600 Nav?DVD unit in. The price between having a Nav system to not having one has not been very small. I'm just trying to not have any regrets about the car after I buy it. Thanks for all the information you guys have given me so far. Are there any other things that I should be aware of BossGS4?

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

The 400 has mech throttle the 430 has the throttle by wire electronic the mech being more responsive at your right foot

BlackoutGS

I work in the car audio department at Circuit City too, and what he says is right, especially if you want to upgrade with an eclipse unit. Eclipse is actually partially owned by Toyota, there for all Eclipse units plug up directly to most Toyota (all Lexus) automobiles with minimal parts. As a matter of fact, all the NAV units you see in Toyota cars are manufactured by eclipse, obviously not the top of the line units such as the 6600, but you get the point. I just got my hands on an AVN 6600 to put in my 99 GS400, haven’t got around to installing it yet, but I can’t wait.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I chose the GS400 because of the e-shift. At first I didn't care but after doing day-to-day driving, i found it very useful. 5th gear makes our car feels very laggy. I get instant power by shifting down a gear or two, instead of having to give a lot more throttle and then wait for the tranny to say "oh..u wanted to downshift?"

You can make your GS400 look and perform like a GS430. I did many appearance mod to make mine look "newer" such as taillights and rims. But with the GS430, you wont be able to put in the e-shift. To me, I have the best of both world.

Adam2562

iTrader: (2)

GS430 has problem when ppl put the lsd and torque converter in it.. it causes a check engine light i've read... GS400 and430 perform the same.. somehavesaid that the 400 is actually a hair quicker despite having 10 less torque ..