Just bought a 2003 GS 430
03-24-07, 01:01 PM
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Just bought a 2003 GS 430
What do I need to know about it? It has 42K miles fully loaded with Mark Levision, navigation, etc. Doesn't have the chrome wheels but I plan on putting RX wheels on it later this summer.
How do I set the driver seat adjustment?
I owned a 94 Camry for the past 5 years and am upgrading. Other than half the MPG what will I notice in the difference?
Do these cars have any common problems I should worry about? I heard the ball joints need replacing after 100K. What else should I watch out for?
How do I set the driver seat adjustment?
I owned a 94 Camry for the past 5 years and am upgrading. Other than half the MPG what will I notice in the difference?
Do these cars have any common problems I should worry about? I heard the ball joints need replacing after 100K. What else should I watch out for?
03-24-07, 01:15 PM
#2
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Congrats! I just upgraded to an '02 GS430 also w/ 42K miles. Seat adjustment is on bottom left side of seat as is with 95% of other vehicle makes and models. To set it in memory, make sure the car is on and in park. Set your seat how you like it. Hold down the SET button on the door then press memory button 1 or 2 while you are still holding the set button. You will hear a beep to confirm it has been saved.
You really can't compare the difference with a 94 Camry. You will be pleased. I'll let others chime in on maintenance issues. Nothing major to worry about though besides headlight condensation, low idle, cracked heater core (that makes your driver side carpet wet) and a few squeaks a rattles.
You really can't compare the difference with a 94 Camry. You will be pleased. I'll let others chime in on maintenance issues. Nothing major to worry about though besides headlight condensation, low idle, cracked heater core (that makes your driver side carpet wet) and a few squeaks a rattles.
03-24-07, 01:18 PM
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Congrats on your new purchase.
To set the memory, hold down the set and number 1 buton together until you hear a beep, this will memorise the postion for driver one.
To set the memory, hold down the set and number 1 buton together until you hear a beep, this will memorise the postion for driver one.
03-24-07, 01:27 PM
#5
Notice the same soft, spongy, and unconfident suspension. Can't forget the same quality dash material and the exact same cruise control button! Obviously the GS's engine will be smoother and more powerful. The Camry doesn't have ball joint problems, low idle, headlight condensation, sunroof rattle, etc. The camry is cheaper to run and maintain than the GS. The GS does look better though. The drive feels the same. Nothing special with the GS in terms of handling. Other than that, nothing really.
03-24-07, 01:29 PM
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Congrats! I just upgraded to an '02 GS430 also w/ 42K miles. Seat adjustment is on bottom left side of seat as is with 95% of other vehicle makes and models. To set it in memory, make sure the car is on and in park. Set your seat how you like it. Hold down the SET button on the door then press memory button 1 or 2 while you are still holding the set button. You will hear a beep to confirm it has been saved.
You really can't compare the difference with a 94 Camry. You will be pleased. I'll let others chime in on maintenance issues. Nothing major to worry about though besides headlight condensation, low idle, cracked heater core (that makes your driver side carpet wet) and a few squeaks a rattles.
You really can't compare the difference with a 94 Camry. You will be pleased. I'll let others chime in on maintenance issues. Nothing major to worry about though besides headlight condensation, low idle, cracked heater core (that makes your driver side carpet wet) and a few squeaks a rattles.
So the heater core may go out on me? I'll have to keep an eye out for that.
Is there a trick to locking and unlocking it with the key? Do you press and hold or point it a different way? I just briefly tried playing with it but I haven't figured it out yet.
03-24-07, 01:31 PM
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You'll notice that the pedal travel for the GS is longer. It's more responsive and precise.
Notice the same soft, spongy, and unconfident suspension. Can't forget the same quality dash material and the exact same cruise control button! Obviously the GS's engine will be smoother and more powerful. The Camry doesn't have ball joint problems, low idle, headlight condensation, sunroof rattle, etc. The camry is cheaper to run and maintain than the GS. The GS does look better though. The drive feels the same. Nothing special with the GS in terms of handling. Other than that, nothing really.
Notice the same soft, spongy, and unconfident suspension. Can't forget the same quality dash material and the exact same cruise control button! Obviously the GS's engine will be smoother and more powerful. The Camry doesn't have ball joint problems, low idle, headlight condensation, sunroof rattle, etc. The camry is cheaper to run and maintain than the GS. The GS does look better though. The drive feels the same. Nothing special with the GS in terms of handling. Other than that, nothing really.
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03-24-07, 01:43 PM
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It won't "just go out on you" but it could crack during an accident and such. My old '99 GS300 was in a fender bender before I bought it and I noticed the wet floor 9 months after I had it. Apparently it cracked due to the accident. You don't hear about it too often but I see a thread about it every now and then...
03-24-07, 01:49 PM
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It won't "just go out on you" but it could crack during an accident and such. My old '99 GS300 was in a fender bender before I bought it and I noticed the wet floor 9 months after I had it. Apparently it cracked due to the accident. You don't hear about it too often but I see a thread about it every now and then...
Well the final decision to get the GS was made by Consumer Reports. For the last year I wanted to buy an 05 Caddy STS and then I read what a bucket those things are right out of the factory and I had always wanted a Lexus but I always thought they were over priced. I picked mine up off a dealership on Ebay for $25K total with transport and no tax so I figured I couldn't pass that deal up
03-24-07, 01:58 PM
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Not sure what you were averaging with the Camry, but it won't be as bad as you think. Unless you have a really heavy right foot, most of with 430s average 18-21 mpg around town and around 23-25 mpg on the highway.
03-24-07, 02:08 PM
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That's not far off from what I was getting in the Camry. I was probably getting about 24-25 MPG around town so it sounds like there won't be a devastating difference and I'll have a car 10x better 
03-24-07, 02:36 PM
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03-24-07, 02:58 PM
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Congrats on your ride. You would be happy to know that the GS has cleared of its bugs by '03. Including ball joint, door lock actuators, headlight condensation issue, and a few others. The GS had a long run, but they perfected it near its end.
I suggest you invest in a extended warranty while you can, before you reach 50K. Especially if you plan on keeping the car for sometime. I'm loving my '02 with ML/Nav. Really enjoying the sound system, and navi on long trips. Makes you feel some seriously is missing when you get into another car with no navi.
Anyhow, enjoy your purchase... and welcome to CL
I suggest you invest in a extended warranty while you can, before you reach 50K. Especially if you plan on keeping the car for sometime. I'm loving my '02 with ML/Nav. Really enjoying the sound system, and navi on long trips. Makes you feel some seriously is missing when you get into another car with no navi.
Anyhow, enjoy your purchase... and welcome to CL
03-24-07, 03:04 PM
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Thanks for the welcome
Congrats on your ride. You would be happy to know that the GS has cleared of its bugs by '03. Including ball joint, door lock actuators, headlight condensation issue, and a few others. The GS had a long run, but they perfected it near its end.
I suggest you invest in a extended warranty while you can, before you reach 50K. Especially if you plan on keeping the car for sometime. I'm loving my '02 with ML/Nav. Really enjoying the sound system, and navi on long trips. Makes you feel some seriously is missing when you get into another car with no navi.
Anyhow, enjoy your purchase... and welcome to CL
I suggest you invest in a extended warranty while you can, before you reach 50K. Especially if you plan on keeping the car for sometime. I'm loving my '02 with ML/Nav. Really enjoying the sound system, and navi on long trips. Makes you feel some seriously is missing when you get into another car with no navi.
Anyhow, enjoy your purchase... and welcome to CL
Cool. What do you mean they perfected everything near its end? You mean near the end of the second generation?
I have an extended warranty company wanting me to buy one but I mean why would you need one with a Lexus?
How long have you owned the 02?