bschack

I've been agaonizing over whether to buy a GS 430 or GS300 Sportdesign - either one I would get with the Nav system and Mark Levinson Stereo as well as a spoiler which I think makes the rear-end look better. Is the stock 300 underpowered? Is the 430 worth the extra cash? I love the sportdesign interior, love the e-shift on the 300 - I think I like the sportdesign look better than the wood trim look of the 430. Wanted to get some opinions from people who have driven both (or either). The last thing I want is an underpowered car. Help me, please!!

NVMYGS3

Get the 300; Where you live, you don't need that much power.

If you were in CALI or Texas, I'd recommend the 430. I'd save the cash for other things.

Ryan

GS300 is NOT underpowered (I've got one). Unless you're planning on dragging everywhere, it's a good enough car to get you places in style and speed. (then again, so is a camry).

the 430 and GS300 sportdesign is IDENTICAL in everyway (other than the wheels and the sportdesign extra stuff) so nobody can tell anyway.

The $$$ you save in insurance and premium for the V8 can be pretty substantial.

Iceman

GS300 SportDesign = looks even better than normal GS

GS430 = you'll never wonder if you should have gotten the bigger engine

Do you care more about looks or performance? If you really want to later, you can change the looks a lot cheaper than you can change the engine. Yeah, my preference is for the 430, but you have to gauge your own priorities.

GunnerMac

I can see how that would be a pretty tough decsion, but it basically comes down to better looks vs. better performance (stock). The SportDesign was not out when I bought my 430 but I did drive the 300 and found it in no way lacking in power. But once I got behind the wheel of the 430, I was hooked. It was still a tough decision due to money factor, but it was worth it to me to spend the extra $.

I would say just test drive both, if you have not already, then decide for yourself which meets your wants and needs. I really don't think you will be dissatisfied with either.

alexus

iTrader: (1)

Get GS430 NNO QUESTION ABOUT IT!

FD143

iTrader: (1)

If you drive them both back to back you will definetly buy the 430!!!

Fernando.

mooretorque

There's no substitute for cubic inches. (I know, mod the 300 but then you void the warranty.......i say, gimme factory horsepower.)

BadBtsz4u

I may be bias toward the V8 , 430 in your case,but I would still say go with the 430.For me I love speed especially accleration and this car has it.I also love luxury and wanted a sedan.The gs4 is the perfect car for me right now.Also it has a pretty strong aftermarket.You can upgrade suspension,appearance and you can add a number of performance parts to make the gs4xx faster than alot of sports cars on the road.So for me and I've said this before the 300 wasnt even an option.

pvmike1

get the 430 -- the sportdesign is going for way too close to sticker right now. so simply from a value per dollar perspective, you're getting a lot more with the 430.

RacingAristo

If you are gonna lightly mod your car, get the 430.
If you are gonna heavily mod your car (transplant 2jz-gte, turbo, supercharged) get the 300.

davezaristo

I think it all depends how much $$$ you want to spend....you can always get the 430 and have the dealer install all the sportsdesign stuff for you...that is if you are willing to pay the hefty premium!

bschack

Actually, I was quoted a price of $43,895 on the sportdesign with Levinson/Nav (list is $47,500) - and thats before I made any attempt to negotiate. I think that is a pretty good price. The same dealer quoted $49,880 for the 430 with nav/Levinson ($54,791 list).

Maybe I should clarify for the purpose of soliciting advice, that performance, particularly handling, is the most important to me. As far as speed, I care a lot more about 40-80 than 0-60. Looks are not as important to me - quite frankly I don't even think the GS (stock) is a great looking car - ok, but not great.

Is the difference in power between the 300 and 430 as evident 40-80 as it is 0-60? More so?

Hohlraum

umm.. the 300 is a 6.. the 430 is an 8.. have you ever driven an 8 in a car (trucks/suv's are different)? you have to test drive them and you'll know what I'm talking about .. 8 cylinders == love.

GS4Will

to a certain extent, you answered your own questions:

1. Handling: sport design has slightly firmer suspension. BUT you would probably/most likely need to upgrade them if this is an important factor to you. besides the IS, lexus factory suspension is designed to general luxury car market here in the US.

2. 40-80mhp: def need that V-8 torque and hp....

3. $6k difference is justied if you have the budget...(i assume you do, or this 300 v 430 question will not exist..

4. as most guys said, if the Sport design extras appeal to you more than the 430's 300 ponies....you know which one you should get....

personally i would pick 430.....i like to look at cars disappearing in my mirror very quickly.. :eek:that is the options and accessories i like i my car..

LXOGOOD

DE-JA-VU..... I think there are a few of us that were in the same position you are in. However, for me it goes like this. I bought my GS300 becuase there is almost a $200 difference a month in payment. That $200 I save goes into all my goodies that make my car look so much better. I could have bought the 430 but could not afford what I have now i.e Wheels, suspension, exhaust etc. It would have taken me over a year to get what I have. The bottom line is what can you afford and whats more important to you: HP or looks? I chose looks... If I wanted HP, I would have bought a Vette.