Bad News GS430 Being Discontinued Next Year!
07-09-02, 04:48 PM
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Bad News GS430 Being Discontinued Next Year!
I just found out from my Lexus dealer and the area Rep that they are discontinuing the GS430 next year. They will be replacing it with a version of the GS300. Hopefully it will be Super or Turbo Charged. 
07-09-02, 04:58 PM
#2
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Whaaaaaaaaaa...???
Rule #1: Lexus dealers usually know less than we do.
Rule #2: See above.
Rule #3: When all else fails, use common sense.
Rule #4: Refer to all above rules.
Rule #2: See above.
Rule #3: When all else fails, use common sense.
Rule #4: Refer to all above rules.
07-09-02, 07:06 PM
#7
i wouldn't believe so neither..... no way lexus would cut the 430. maybe they will come up with 500, but definitely not just stay with 300 or 330, unless they put in turbo charge version like that in japan. the 330 itself just can't compete to be a real sport sedan
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07-09-02, 07:20 PM
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Hey guys, i am a new memeber here. I myself own a 90 LS400 and 99 GS400. I heard from my local dealer that there would be a guarantee change for the GS430 in the year 2004(still dont know what mods) As for the LS430, rumor has it will be changing to a LS500 in the year 2005.
07-09-02, 07:20 PM
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I have a hard time believing this because it would probably hurt the GS image more than it would reduce Lexus costs. Having said that, GS sales in June were 1,233 GS300 and 277 GS430. Hard to get very interested in keeping inventory at all the Lexus dealers to sell 277 cars of a certain model in all of North America every thirty days. Every other Lexus model outsells the GS 430. Still don't believe it but it just might be a numbers game.
07-09-02, 08:13 PM
#11
yup, the few the number, the better the value.
plus the way i think about it, it's about position. bimmer doesn't sell a lot of m5 neither, but they still make it to stage their position in the market. gs430 is lexus's stage for high performance luxury sedan, and since their debut in 98 it has been a blast. it is on par, if not more, with cars like the e class and the 5 series.
it's reasonable why the sales of 300 is much more than the 430, coz' the 430 is so much more expensive. for those who are not into performance, 300 is very fast and comfy already, so why spill out another couple grands for the 430? the same applies to the 5 series, why you see lots more 530 out there rather than the 540i sport.
so in short, if lexus still want to hold some groundin the performance area, they have to keep the 430 and make it even better. cutting them out baiscally means telling the world "we lexus are not going to make performance car anymore"
plus the way i think about it, it's about position. bimmer doesn't sell a lot of m5 neither, but they still make it to stage their position in the market. gs430 is lexus's stage for high performance luxury sedan, and since their debut in 98 it has been a blast. it is on par, if not more, with cars like the e class and the 5 series.
it's reasonable why the sales of 300 is much more than the 430, coz' the 430 is so much more expensive. for those who are not into performance, 300 is very fast and comfy already, so why spill out another couple grands for the 430? the same applies to the 5 series, why you see lots more 530 out there rather than the 540i sport.
so in short, if lexus still want to hold some groundin the performance area, they have to keep the 430 and make it even better. cutting them out baiscally means telling the world "we lexus are not going to make performance car anymore"
07-09-02, 08:17 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
I doubt they'll discontinue the GS430. I think Toyota knows better than to make rash business decisions based off a slumping economy's figures. They would exercise every other option before dropping a model. You'd first see promos, rebates, financing, and limited production before they can their most respected model.
Besides, it wouldn't cost them too much to maintain a GS430 in their line-up. The drivetrain is already used in two other cars (SC and LS), the frame, chassis, and all the interior/electronics/trim pieces will still be around in the GS300 as well as the brakes and suspension. It only makes sense to keep the GS430 around!
How many S600s does Mercedes sell compared to S320s? S430s? S500s? If a buyer wants performance, the S55 is there. So there is no need for an S600. Yet they keep the S600 around because there is a niche market for them and it is one of their marque models. It is my belief that Toyota thinks in similar terms. Besides, Lexus already has too few models to choose from to start cutting them down even more!!
Besides, it wouldn't cost them too much to maintain a GS430 in their line-up. The drivetrain is already used in two other cars (SC and LS), the frame, chassis, and all the interior/electronics/trim pieces will still be around in the GS300 as well as the brakes and suspension. It only makes sense to keep the GS430 around!
How many S600s does Mercedes sell compared to S320s? S430s? S500s? If a buyer wants performance, the S55 is there. So there is no need for an S600. Yet they keep the S600 around because there is a niche market for them and it is one of their marque models. It is my belief that Toyota thinks in similar terms. Besides, Lexus already has too few models to choose from to start cutting them down even more!!
07-09-02, 08:46 PM
#14
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A rep from Lexus told me two weeks ago that the GS430 & GS300 will be continued into the 2003 model year with a few minor changes. The sales figures posted here are for North America and not Lexus world wide. To stop production of the 430 would hurt the Lexus brand. As long as BMW has the 5 series and MB has the E class the GS will live forever. Thank God
Last edited by jimxo; 07-09-02 at 08:48 PM.
