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

GS300 or 400?

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Old 01-20-07, 07:03 AM
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PMIRO2
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Default GS300 or 400?

Hello all. This is my first post here, so take it easy on me I am looking to pick up a used GS and am having trouble deciding whether to go with the 300 or 400. I would like to hear some opinions on those who have had to make the same decision and what factors swayed them towards one or the other.

This will be my daily driver and I drive roughly 45 miles/day. I have a turbo MR2, so I am not looking to do any crazy mods to this. I am looking to spend around $20k and under, 1998-2002, 70k and under. I realize the 400 will have higher insurance and depending on the year, will be more expensive than the 300. The gas mileage seems relatively close. I have driven both, and although the V8 was very nice, the v6 seemed adequate. I guess my concern is that I get the 300 and regret it. As I mentioned, I would like some opinions from those who have had to make the same decision. Thank you
Old 01-20-07, 07:09 AM
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chuckb
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without a doubt get the V8.
Old 01-20-07, 08:34 AM
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jfive
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At first...I thought about the 300. But in comparison with the gas comsumption, just a lil more gas for an extra 75 horses......you do the math!
Old 01-20-07, 10:01 AM
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pardo
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My vote goes to GS400. The price difference between 300 and 400 is not big (maybe a grand). Yet the performance difference is big, and in 400 you get a V8.

If you pick 300 you might regret it later..

I think GS400 with under 70k should go for 14k or less.. if you can find one with that level of mileage. I bought mine for 16k with 75k miles, and that was July 2005.
Old 01-20-07, 10:20 AM
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e-man
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Here is the question you need to ask yourself. Although you might have regrets if you buy the GS300, is there any chance you will have any regrets if you get the GS400? Assuming the answer is no, go with the GS400. I don't see any possible downsides at all with that decision.
Old 01-20-07, 10:31 AM
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P Rock
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I was in the same dilemna....

I wanted the 400/430 for the V8 but then I thought about it further, I'm only looking for a daily driver, not another modding toy...I've got two of those already. I'm looking for something easy on gas since I'm in outside sales. Yeah they're close but it adds up quickly when you drive as much as I do. Also, I'm very familiar with the 2JZ from my Supra and I know it's a very stout motor, all these things add up to the GS300 being the better choice for me. If you're looking to build something for huge horsepower, the 300 is also the better choice since there is more available in the aftermarket. There are many, many 2JZ's running around with 700+ RWHP.

Now if this GS would be my main toy, I'd definately go for the 430/400 but for me, it's just a daily driver. Everyone's direction is different though.... I'm sure you'll make the right choice with the help of CL Happy hunting...
Old 01-20-07, 10:35 AM
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e-man
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Originally Posted by P Rock
I was in the same dilemna....

I wanted the 400/430 for the V8 but then I thought about it further, I'm only looking for a daily driver, not another modding toy...I've got two of those already. I'm looking for something easy on gas since I'm in outside sales. Yeah they're close but it adds up quickly when you drive as much as I do. Also, I'm very familiar with the 2JZ from my Supra and I know it's a very stout motor, all these things add up to the GS300 being the better choice for me. If you're looking to build something for huge horsepower, the 300 is also the better choice since there is more available in the aftermarket. There are many, many 2JZ's running around with 700+ RWHP.

Now if this GS would be my main toy, I'd definately go for the 430/400 but for me, it's just a daily driver. Everyone's direction is different though.... I'm sure you'll make the right choice with the help of CL Happy hunting...
Good points, but I notice that you bought a Sport Design model, which is only available in the GS300. Did that weigh into your decision at all in buying the GS3 over the GS4?
Old 01-20-07, 11:06 AM
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i never even looked at the GS300. I just went straight for the GS400
Old 01-20-07, 11:11 AM
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DarKnight
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Originally Posted by GSteg
300hp..but feels like 200hp...
Hmm, I don't know. LOL
Old 01-20-07, 11:12 AM
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DaveGS4
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Here you go... search works great here in the GS forum , welcome to CL


Should I get a GS300 or GS400? (found by searching with "which gs300 gs400" in the GS forum)

Sample Related threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400

GS300 or GS430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430

Typical GS problems you should be aware of (most consider these minor)
Moisture in Healights
Low/rough Idle Issue
Door Actuator Problems
Dash Rattle
Sunroof Rattle
Vibration at Highway Speed
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...400+Rough+Idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=Door+Actuator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=Dash+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Sunroof+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...GS400+low+idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light+Moisture
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...s400+Vibration
Old 01-20-07, 11:16 AM
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noop
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Gs400 all the way.
Old 01-20-07, 11:33 AM
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LEXUS_KID
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WELCOME PMIRO2

GS 4 ALL THE WAY
Old 01-20-07, 01:39 PM
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Brian Zado
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GS400 i would never consider a 300 but thats me. I like my cakse and to eat it too.
Old 01-20-07, 01:55 PM
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McDj18
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GS400 is the only way to go. Don't give it another thought
Old 01-20-07, 03:27 PM
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gs400998
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V8 Gs4 V8:d


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