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

01-05 GS300 Owners come in!

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Old 11-16-09 | 11:15 AM
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Default 01-05 GS300 Owners come in!

Hey guys, I had a GS400 and wanted to get another 400 or even a 430

But those are getting harder to find, especially, with the criteria I'm looking for.

But I was just searching and came across an 01 GS300... its pretty nicee and clean.

the price was decent.
but my only reason I was looking for the V8's was that I wanted more power. I never downgraded with power, I had an LS400 then the GS400 so going to a car with less power than both of those would probably be very noticeable.


I'm not into modding and engine swaps turbo chargers, exhaust systems, catbacks, ETC.

I just would like to feel some power. without modding.
I've only driven one 300 in my life for a few minutes. and I forgot how that feels.

So my question is to all 01+ GS300 owners, how fun is it? STOCK? Power?
I know it would be a bit more fun for 01+ owners because of the e-shift.


Gimme some responses guys thanks
Old 11-16-09 | 11:51 AM
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Its not too bad however as soon as you rims on it, it makes a significant difference... I switch from 22's to 20's often and when I go down to the 20's theres a HUGE difference. I bring that up cause I'm sure with a v8 you're not gonna have that issue, if you plan on running stock well I think its lots of fun but depends on what you do with your power. If you plan on racing all day long on the street, then obviously its not gonna work. Once you learn your gear ratio and how it shifts (on the 300) theres enough power there when you need it for merging and such. just my .02
Old 11-16-09 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by kosi718

So my question is to all 01+ GS300 owners, how fun is it? STOCK? Power?
I know it would be a bit more fun for 01+ owners because of the e-shift.
i drove a 2002 gs300 last month for my sister....since i have a gs430 i was VERY unimpressed with the power on the gs300. i def wouldn't downgrade from my v-8 but that's me. i know there is more aftermarket support for the gs300 but still i wouldnt want one
Old 11-16-09 | 01:42 PM
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Unless they have plans for Turbos it seems to me that most GS300 drivers prefer to cruise. I think the GS400/430 have ample HP in stock for for most drivers. A IS300 is a different story.
Old 11-16-09 | 01:45 PM
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First owned a 98' GS400 and i wrecked it and then found myself in your situation and ended up getting a 00' GS300 - I like it! (It doesn't have that rumble the 400 has for sure!!!) I'm not drag racing or drifting just using it as a daily driver so its got plenty of power for that. I don't have rims on it yet but I'm not trying to have the fastest car with this one - just want something mature & fun and the 300 pulls that off just fine!
It just all depends on what your looking for with the GS line, If i could of found a 400 in my price range and available then I would of got it but i'm def. not crying about it everyday. Hope this helps....
Old 11-16-09 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by sakataj
i drove a 2002 gs300 last month for my sister....since i have a gs430 i was VERY unimpressed with the power on the gs300. i def wouldn't downgrade from my v-8 but that's me. i know there is more aftermarket support for the gs300 but still i wouldnt want one
AHHHH u sound like me... ever since the first time I bought a 400 it was hard for me to find it, and everyone was saying the same thing... "Why don't you get a GS300?"

my answer was NO! I have no intentions of doing all that modding, under the hood for performance. it seems like a lot of members have limitless money on here. I am NOT one of them...
Im not a racer or anything like that but I just wanna feel some kick and pep.

If I was going from the first camry I had, then I probably would have jumped into the GS300 with no problem. the only V-6 I could see my self hopping into without losing power is a GS350 or something, and thats definitely outta my range.


I've been telling myself since I was on the hunt, " Don't buy a car you aren't satisfied in"

I'm not sure if I'd be satisfied in a 300, Im still young, just hit 21 2 days ago, so I dont think I can make "the grown man move" as yet, and go down to the V6...

That's the reason I posted this thread, to see how other members feel about the ride and performance.


You guys can keep the responses coming.
Old 11-16-09 | 08:50 PM
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Its actually an i6 engine, and DONT GET IT IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MOD IT!!!

I have a GS300 and believe me that car sucks major rear when it comes to speed. Throw some 20's and make it even slower. My plans for a swap have been put on hold, but believe me, it does NOT satisfy me at all for now. OPT for the GS430 man..
Really you will regret it big time coming from the V8
Old 11-16-09 | 09:02 PM
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The 300 is like the Porsche Boxter. Has the brand name you want but is an absolute snore to drive.
Old 11-16-09 | 09:05 PM
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Is the boxter really slow? I have read that at least 2 times...

Back on topic....

DO NOT GET A GS300!! Dont say no one told you....
Old 11-16-09 | 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by EN_VY
Is the boxter really slow? I have read that at least 2 times...

Back on topic....

DO NOT GET A GS300!! Dont say no one told you....
They don't call it the pretend rich poorman's porsche for no reason.

I drove one. It handled well, but then, that's what they're supposed to do.

Other than that, it was slow as ****. And cost 60k. Pass.
Old 11-16-09 | 09:45 PM
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The only reason I got the V8 was so I wouldn't turbo it...the NA-T option tempting but not what I needed while in school.

btw, what criteria are you looking for? white/black/cloth/no sunroof?
Old 11-17-09 | 01:53 AM
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im just looking for a v8 400 or 430

and IF ONLY IF I got a 300, it had to be in GREAT condition and have like black interior and a great color on the outside.

I mean if I got a 400 or 430 all of those things would matter, BUT if I didnt get all those specific things, the power makes up for it all!

So it goes:

400 or 430 : Nothing matters (color wise or options) as long as i'm driving a 400 or 430

GS300: EVERYTHING ELSE MATTERS to make up for the lack of power
Old 11-17-09 | 02:17 AM
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Ive got a lightly modded GS300. Use to have an SC400. I do miss the power and sound of the V8 when theres a stretch. Id go for the 430 if I can do it again. But then there is plan-Boost which is waaay sweeter!
Old 11-17-09 | 04:11 AM
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It took me MANY months to find the right GS4. Once I found the right car, it was worth it. Just don't rush into trying to get one so fast. The right deal will come along. But unless you're gonna turbo the 300, pass.
Old 11-17-09 | 10:26 AM
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lol wow, atleast I know im not the only one that's "shallow"
I don't know why I'm being called that.

I need a car now!


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