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

GS300 vs GS430

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Old 10-24-09 | 10:04 PM
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Default GS300 vs GS430

I'm thinking of getting either the 2nd Gen GS300 or GS430. I'm not sure the advantages between the two. I'm coming from performance cars and BMW SUV. I'm kinda still wanted to stay in a little performance with some lux. I tried searching but didn't get what I wanted. Can anyone help? Thanks

Last edited by Ballistic; 10-25-09 at 06:55 AM. Reason: Wrong model :(
Old 10-24-09 | 10:13 PM
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first even though the 430 is an update of the 300, they are not even in the same class and not even built for the same purpose, one is a sport coupe the other a boulevard cruiser. Second you posted in the wrong thread.
Old 10-25-09 | 06:59 AM
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Thanks for replying. What I meant was the GS300 and GS430. I guess I won't be able to correct the original thread.
Old 10-26-09 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Ballistic
Thanks for replying. What I meant was the GS300 and GS430. I guess I won't be able to correct the original thread.
email a mod and ask them to correct it
Old 10-26-09 | 11:55 AM
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Well we all love out GSs, most of us do, most of the time. How about your tell us your goal or final thoughts of what you need, and we can give you opinions as we all have differing ones. To be honest the two aren't THAT much different, just that the 430 has a V8, different rear end, and a few other little goodies like HIDs. Out of the box, the 430 is more expensive, but comes with the bells and whistles, where as the 300 is more or less cheaper, and through some performance at the 300, dollar for dollar, it would be cheaper to mod a GS300. That being said, now that I have my 01' 430, if I had to do it all over again, I would have tried to purchase a 03' GS300 sport design, and go NA-T. A turbo'd 2JZ is a killer, these Japanese V8s aren't cheap to add real performance. Just my thoughts. There is also a comparison thread of GS400 vs GS430, this will give you a better breakdown of the year differences, some you will find the differences if you look enough.
Old 10-26-09 | 12:11 PM
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Yes, and not to mention a GS300 is similar to a Toyota Avalon. The V8's (GS400/430) are completely different from suspension, to engine to tranny etc etc.
Old 10-26-09 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Rock-a-Lex
Yes, and not to mention a GS300 is similar to a Toyota Avalon. The V8's (GS400/430) are completely different from suspension, to engine to tranny etc etc.
+1..and the GS430 handle the road a bit better than the 300 since the body weight a bit heavier. There are not a whole lot you can mod 430 other than
supercharge, and minor accessorizing it...wheels, coil over/spring..
Old 10-26-09 | 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Rock-a-Lex
Yes, and not to mention a GS300 is similar to a Toyota Avalon. The V8's (GS400/430) are completely different from suspension, to engine to tranny etc etc.
The GS3 is similar to the avalon???? In which way? Do they share any components?

Anyways, to the OP, what are your goals with the car? Are you looking to modify it?
Old 10-26-09 | 01:26 PM
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if u want to do looks and just chill but still have a some power stock, then -gs430
if u want to do looks and don't care about the power stock -gs300
if u want looks/performance -gs300
Old 10-26-09 | 06:03 PM
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I'd say if you want to heavily modify, like motor swap or turbo stock motor make some good hp, go with a 300.

or if your looking for something with plenty of daily driving pep, and descent gas mileage, go with the 300..


if your looking for something you don't want to have to mod much but you want a little bit of *****, then pick up a GS430.

when i picked up my GS300 i was tempted to boost it and do all that kind of stuff, previously i had a boosted SC300, but i recently had a baby and all so i didn't want to go sinking my money into a car, so i picked up a nice GS430 so i could be content with the descent factory 5 spoke wheels, tighter suspension, factory hids, and 300hp V8 ..
Old 10-26-09 | 06:10 PM
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Welcome to CL. Please search, this has been discussed dozens of times.

Rock, the cars are identical. The 2GS has its own platform. The GS 300 and 430 are the same as the twin turbo Aristo in Japan. Only engines, wheels, options seperate them.
Old 10-26-09 | 07:10 PM
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He has my user name...
Old 10-26-09 | 11:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Baliztik
He has my user name...
but he has been a member since 2006 so u have HIS name
Old 10-27-09 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Welcome to CL. Please search, this has been discussed dozens of times.

Rock, the cars are identical. The 2GS has its own platform. The GS 300 and 430 are the same as the twin turbo Aristo in Japan. Only engines, wheels, options seperate them.
Wow, and to think the whole time I thought the:

IS300 was an upgraded Carolla
ES300 was an upgraded Camry
GS300 was an upgraded Avalon

I guess not...theorectically it would make sense though...
Old 10-27-09 | 07:33 AM
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Nope, the only Lexus that shares a platform with Toyota is the ES and RX which are all front wheel drive Camry platform. All the RWD Lexus have their own dedicated platform IS, GS, LS, SC. The LX and GX 4WD SUV's are mostly identical to the Landcruiser and 4Runner. Those are just simply rebaded and higher-optioned Toyotas. But the RWD chassis Lexus cars share nothing with their American Toyota counterparts.



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