dchyno

does the 98-00 GS's have the same interior looks (as far as dashboard, steering wheel, audio head unit) as an 01-05 GS? They look the same but i feel that i may be wrong about this. Once thing i did notice on a 98 model was that the silver lexus logo on the steering wheel was missing and a different shift ****, also possibly a more bulky dashboard altogether in comparison to the 01-05 models. any feedback on this is greatly appreciated.

Rock-a-Lex

iTrader: (4)

There was an EXCELLENT write-up a couple of months ago by a fellow CL member regarding the differences between the GS400 and the GS430...maybe 1SICK? Not sure, I forgot. Search and you WILL find!

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

It's one of the stickies

dchyno

yes i did read that article, however it doesn't mention anything about gs300's?

just to make sure, the gs400 is from 98-00, and the gs430 is from 01-05?

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

Correct. 98-00 GS400s have tiptronic buttons, but the 98-00 GS300s don't. 01-05 GS430s don't have the tiptronic buttons but the 01-05 GS300s do.

The interior is hardly updated. Differences are very minor. The gauge bezel, wood steering wheel, navigation, different colored a/c vents and wood ashtray.

dchyno

i wanted to know if a 98-00 GS would be the same on the inside as an 01-05 GS because i recently sat in an 02 GS300 and loved it. However I can't afford an 02 GS300 or a 01 GS300 with $15k, so i was wondering if a 98-00 gs would be the same on the inside as far as oem parts, comfort, accessories etc. thank you for your help with this. if theres anything else i should know before purchasing please let me know asap. thanks again.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

It's basically the same. There is nothing really that you can't swap over later on.

4ntvings

iTrader: (6)

be patient, save some more $ and get a 430 or 400.
patience GL!

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

i would get the 01-05. here's a quick write:

1. if the car has more than 90k, ask if the owner has done the 90k service (water pump, timing belt, ball joints). If the car has lower than 90k and is approaching that number, make sure you let the owner know that 90k service is coming up so you can lower the price even more.

2. Ball joints - replace every 90k. Mine was at 111k and it was in OK condition.

3. Control Arm Bushings - ok you don't have to replace everything, but the castor arm bushing goes out every 60k. You either spend $200 + labor every 60k to replace the castor arm, or you spend $100 on the bushings and $300 on labor to replace all the bushings in your front suspension once and for all, AND you also get a much more stable front end. It is your call.

now 300 vs 400/430:

do you want a daily driver with power? or do you want forced induction with the bov sound? Also, the gas mileage on the 300 and the 400/430 is the same, i swear.

jaja

searched for a long time for my wife+2yr old's GS4.... they love it, and the few times i get to ride it, it was well worth the wait. my wife will burn everyone to albertsons

nah but seriously, the only reason i would get a gs3 is if you are thinking about boosting. aside from that, i'm sure that gs4s are coming down in price, and will be well worth every penny.

also in my opinion i think the v8 is more quiet than the straight six.... esp at high speeds, but it just may be me.