I currently drive a 2003 mazda6 that I've owned for 5 almost 6 years. I bought it brand spanking new and it now has 95,000 miles. It is a FWD, 5 speed hardtop, v6 220 hp, with about ~185 hp to the wheels. I upgraded the suspension, clutch and flywheel and was a blast to drive, but **** is falling apart. Things are breaking left and right and I'm getting tired of fixing it. I do all my maintenance and I need a more reliable car especially with a baby on the way and I been considering a GS300 to replace it.

My 2nd car is an 92 sc 5 speed and I was blown away with the quality of this ride. I driven my bros car numerous times and thats an 03 IS300 5 spd and his car is much lighter than my sc, real smooth and real fun to drive.
I know the mazda aint worth much. More or less I'll get 4K out of as a trade in and 2002+ low mileage GS300's go for more than 10K.

Im not really sure what I'm askin... But i need to make up my mind. How's the driveability, keeping in mind i have young one on the way? Maintenance? Should i or shouldn't I? numbers? Your comments and opinions are welcome





Cliff notes:
Mazda6 v6 -> GS300... comments opinions welcome

 

and thanks in advance

 

Driveability is good and so is crash-worthiness (real word?)

I would suggest an older GS300 or 400 (1998-2000) unless you need a newer interior. The mechanicals are largely the same and you can pocket the difference.

These cars are much better built then Mazdas. You could pick up a GS with over 100K miles on the clock and run it to 300k with normal repairs. Drive a 300 and a 400 back to back and decide which engine is for you. Once you've done that, buy private party and save some dough.

 

Perfectly said werewolf. The engines are very well built and with proper maintenance, they can run forever. If you are going to buy anything over 100k make sure to check on the 90k service being done. Also, the ball joints have to be changed. Good luck on your search.

 

Without cursing mine. I had a mazda xedos 6 that i loved to death, but there was always something wrong. When it worked was amazing but when it didn't was aggro. Never let me down or abandoned me, just silly stuff that shouldn't be happing. With the lex however. man oh man. Luxury, power, and that holy grail, reliability! 117k and as sweet as a nut. And as was alrady said, very safe.

 

The GS or any old generation Lexus almost all come with the 2JZ-GE, which means they'll go to 300k. Maintainence and stuff is cheap as you can source your parts from toyota cars. Find a local mechanic that does quality by searching on the forum and you are set. Take care of it and it will take care of you. GS has a floaty ride, so don't expect it to be like your SC or bro's IS. But $500 on a used set of springs and shocks will get you to a nice ride.

 

Yes, the mazda is not lexus quality. It's always a love hate relationship with that car and something is always wrong. And at 90k miles, I dont see it making 200k without a whole lot of trouble

As for the GS, I havent considered getting a 400. By the looks of it, the 400 gets about the same mpg as the 300, correct? and the 430? What would you guys do in my position?

 

I <3 my GS. 11 years/62k miles and still going strong. No problems whatsoever with engine.

 

Get a 2001 430. Forget the 98-00 GS3, the only reason you would get that is because it'll be the cheapest of the bunch and you want to turbo it. The 98-00 GS4 is good as far as power but the 01-05 430 has the upgrades. The 01-05 GS3 is nice and has the upgrades but lacks power.

 

mines drives like a dream and purrs like a cat

 

get the V8 and never look back!!!

 

I would try and hunt down a GS400 or GS430. They are hard to come by where i'm at in So Cali but after a few months of searching I found my 2002 GS430. Gas mileage is only slightly different between the 300 and 400/430.

 

GS430 Hommie =)

 

I'm in the same boat. GS3's are few and far between in central Cali, and GS4's seem to be practically non existant. :-\

 

Who cares? 300, 400, 430....drive fast or slow its still a GS. Let your wallet decide for you and plan on spending serious stacks to get it right. Alot of ppl i know own them and really i could care less about which model it is...g/l w/ your decision.