amoss

Great forum. I just wish I had visited earlier, and known about the engine sludge/gel problem. 83xxx miles on my 99 RX, and out of the blue......smoke.
So, now I'm looking for a good GS 300/430. I've read/searched for numerous items, but still have a couple of questions. Looking to spend 12 -13k and appears this might get a Gen 2 with 60K Mile/300 or a 100k mile/430. If my assumtions are correct:

--Which would be the better buy ? The performance diff is obvious but not a
big deal, as I have a sports car.

--How do the 2JZ & 3UZ motors compare as far as mpg, reliability, cost to maintain, longevity, resale value?

--In the Gen 2, roughly what is the price diff between the two?

--Is any one year in this gen any better than another?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thx

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

Welcome!

The 2GS had a mild facelift beyond the 400 to 430 switch in 2001; I'd look for an 01-05 if you can find a nice one in your budget. There's a list of the specific details if you dig for it, someone else can probably chime in with more specifics as well.

Both engines are very reliable and I wouldn't expect a huge difference in maintanance costs. Gas mileage is also very similar, probably 1 to 2 mpg better for the 300. If you do alot of highway driving there might not be any difference.

If you plan on going forced induction at some point the 2JZ makes more sense as it's much easier and cheaper to turbo or SC but if you're not planning on that the 430 doesn't have much of a downside IMO.

JoelGs

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to the club...

Frankdorn

iTrader: (7)

98-00 cars are the first half of 2nd gen GSs, 01-05 is the second half--it sounds like you've settled on the latter. Reliability, etc is comparable. If you buy a newer 2nd gen GS, you're doing it cause you want the newer car with less miles (which of course is fine), but otherwise there's really no point to buying a newer version unless that's specifically what you want.

I bought a '98 with 110K miles last fall without hesitation. I grabbed a 400 because its fun and gas mileage is very close to the 300.

jcat_350

If i can chime in (i own a 2001 gs300), I would look for 2002+ because 2002 was the first year they changed the leather in the interior to be more durable. The 01 and down are nice enough interiors but they wear a little bit faster.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

just do like me and get the V8.....2001 gs430
IMHO headlights look better with the green tint on the 2001+ models also but if i had to do it over again i would try and find a 2004/2005 black on black or white on black....or maybe a 2001 l-tuned v8 model (i think you could get the v8 with the l-tuned accessories, as i swear i almost bought a white one before i DID buy my black one)

amoss

I found a local 04 with 58k miles. It's a one owner lease return. No nav but very clean. Silver over light charcoal. Asking $14900. Does that sound reasonable?

thx

jcat_350

that's a steal and a half. Pull the trigger.