Johnny Mo

how much winter driving will you need to do? and do you have a second/beater car to drive around in? If you don't, you may save the dough for a beater suv. I recently sold my(excellent condition) 93 explorer to some guy at work for about $5k to keep his bimmer for good weather only. If you don't want to drive the GS in the winter you won't have to.

Iceman

If performance and handling are your most important features and you think the GS is only an okay-looking car, then maybe you should look at other vehicles! That's not meant as a flame, but it's starting to sound like any version of the GS might not be the right car for you.

bschack

Are you saying that the GS lacks in the performance/handling department?

Iceman

Compared to a true sports car, yes. It handles admirably for a sports sedan but will not take curves like a Supra, for example.

Murph

I've had both a GS300 and a GS400. I had the GS300 for 3 months and recently got the GS400 ( I did do a BMW740i in between though for a year). My personal opinion is go for the 430. I am not a maniac at the wheel but the extra torque and HP is worth it to me especially hearing it through the L-Tuned mufflers. I have had 7 different cars ( 3 fun summer ones, 4 for business) in the last 6 years and I can honestly say that the GS400 I have will be with me for some time. It has the power, the looks, the reliability, the comfort and the overall value that makes it a winner. The guys at work actually have a pool going as to how long it will be with me.

I suggest that you rent one of each for a couple of days and drive it in varied enviroments. It is hard to make desicions that are not clearly defined on a 15 minute test drive. Only after seeing how each meets your overall needs will you be able to make the correct decision for you.

i hope this helps. In either case, they are both fine automobiles. Good luck with your choice.

Murph

JERS69

I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE, IF YOU THINK THE GS IS ONLY OK LOOKING, IT IS NOT THE CAR FOR YOU. I SPEAK FOR, MY GUESS MOST OF THE PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM, THAT YOU HAVE TO LOVE THE LOOK OF THE GS, WHICH IS AWESOME, AND BE LIKE ME . EVERY TIME I SEE A GS GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR IN A PARKING LOT I WOULD LOOK AT MY WIFE OR WHOEVER ELSE I WAS DRIVING WITH AND SAY "OH BABY! THERE IS A GS SERIES OH YEA", AND DREAM ABOUT IT AND TALK ABOUT THE CLEAN LINES AND SMOOTH STYLING AND A FRONT AND REAR END TO MAKE OTHER RIDES TAKE A BACKSEAT TO YOUR RIDE. YEA IF YOU ARE GOING TO DROP 50K ON A RIDE AND YOU WANT SPEED AND PERFORMANCE A GS IS GREAT (300 OR 400) BUT PROBABLY NOT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.....

tod071

Before I got my GS3 SportEd, I looked at the Acura RL, BMW 530/540, ES300, MB CLK. When you consider reliability, comfort, sls/svc staff, $$$, maint., it came down to the ES & GS. After driving both, GS (IMO) was more comfortable & handled better. The interior black walnut, l-tuned suspension, titanium looking panel, and of course the LOOKS were what sold me. Different from wood and the grey vinyl interior options. Of course, power wasn't too much of a factor. [How fast and how far can you go when you're surrounded by water?] (sorry itsallgood, HI98GS, Hudini, nothing against your sweet rides, just my 2cents)

Iceman

I'm going open a can of flames on myself, tod071, but given the things you listed it seems like the Acura RL would have been a good choice. It is a completely different car from the GS (and I test drove an RL but decided it was too stodgy for me), but still a fine luxury sedan with great reliability, comfort, sales/service staff, etc. Plus, it is a great value right now since Acura knows it doesn't match the flagship sedan offerings from Lexus, Infiniti, and the Germans...

tod071

2 things that took the RL out of running, looks and sales staff. Here in Hawaii, there's only 1 Acura dealer, so it's either deal with their arrogance and get the car, or buy something else. We don't have the luxury of "taking my business to another dealer". 1 Acura dealer, 1 Lexus/Toyota dealer, 1 MB dealer, etc. Only other alternative is shipping from the mainland. i'm not disputing what you said though, just a different perspective.