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

Question on IS 300 vs GS

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Old 04-23-07, 11:51 PM
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gobears
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Default Question on IS 300 vs GS

Hey all,

I am torn between Second Gen GS and First Gen IS 300. I can't decide which I should buy as my next car.

I have small baby (19 months) old, and my wife likes to sit in the rear seat with the baby. Of course, GS is bigger, and maybe more powerful? I am not sure...

Another reason I am thinking of getting IS 300 is the size, my wife prefers smaller car as it is more nimble, and easy to park for her.

I really like both, but my keys are 1) safety 2) reliability, 3) power 4) MPG

Any advice Maybe I should post this on IS section too.
Old 04-23-07, 11:53 PM
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dung0981
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go with GS
Old 04-23-07, 11:59 PM
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mex lex
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Get a GS4 if you really want power. The 2Gen GS300 is just as fast as a first Gen IS because they both have the 3.0l I6.
Old 04-24-07, 12:02 AM
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GSteg
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You wife may like a small nimble car, but the rear seat of the IS is not exactly what you call "comfortable". It's very small in the back. Even my 9 year old sister complained about how small the rear was. The GS isn't that big of a car anyways. Just get the GS300.
Old 04-24-07, 12:48 AM
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ElitistK
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Originally Posted by GSteg
You wife may like a small nimble car, but the rear seat of the IS is not exactly what you call "comfortable". It's very small in the back. Even my 9 year old sister complained about how small the rear was. The GS isn't that big of a car anyways. Just get the GS300.
the is has a back seat? ORLY? get the gs300. btw the drivetrain on the is300 is a little bit different than the gs300...meaning the gs actually cranks out more hp with the same engine compared to the is.
Old 04-24-07, 12:50 AM
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Caoboy
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IS300's are girls cars. Be a man and go with the GS300.
Old 04-24-07, 12:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Caoboy
IS300's are girls cars. Be a man and go with the GS300.
True story. But get a GS4x0. Almost the same gas mileage, but way more power.
Old 04-24-07, 01:01 AM
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pardo
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The IS300 backseats are not for adults. driver seat has bad ergonomics. It hurt my back when i drove it longer than an hour.

I wouldnt consider putting my baby in an IS300. Its a true sports sedan and has bumpy ride..

Stock GS has much softer suspension, and is more towards the sedan side.
Old 04-24-07, 08:43 AM
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o2GS43o
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IS get's more MPG than the GS4's
GS is more comfortable ride
GS has more room
GS has more power

I had somewhat of the same problem deciding between the IS, TL, and GS...

I guess you just have to weight out the pros and cons of each car...

Last edited by o2GS43o; 04-24-07 at 08:50 AM.
Old 04-24-07, 09:21 AM
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kit cat
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1) safety: GS has more airbags and VSC (vehicle stability control...ESP in toyota speak)
2) reliability: they're both toyotas, they both should be damn reliable
3) power: if you get the GS300, it'll be slower than the IS300 because it has the same engine but weigh more. The GS400s are "supposed" to do mid 14s 1/4 mile and 0-60 in under 6 seconds...but its still a friggin boat and takes a while to haul all that weight. The IS300 wont be faster, but quicker.
4) MPG: google it, then ask.

with the baby and the mom always being next to her, the GS might be a better chioce...and cross posting probably is not allowed on CL.
Old 04-24-07, 09:40 AM
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gobears
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Thanks all...

GS it is.....
Old 04-24-07, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by gobears
Thanks all...

GS it is.....
Glad you decided on the GS. From personally owning both cars, I would say that the IS is a much more nimble car to throw around and drive. But the rear seat room is very small and hard to take the child seat out. Therefore I suggest the GS because on long drives, it makes is more comfortable because of the seating space and softer suspension. Hope this helps.
Old 04-24-07, 12:59 PM
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4ntvings
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stick with the GS4x0. there's no room in the IS as many have mentioned. you'll be pleased.
Old 04-24-07, 03:27 PM
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i used to have a 92 integra before my gs and even though the integra is physically smaller, they both feel the same to drive, plus i have a few friends with is300's and i hated the back seat, i know you made the right choice and will be very happy in the gs!
Old 04-24-07, 03:31 PM
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Bigbea
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IS is very small on the inside. GS is overall a great car even if you leave it stock.


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