dipstick

I will soon buy another GS. The one I had was a 2001 430. I have been thinking about a 2000 GS400 platinum w/nav as an alternative. Ignoring the depreciation, the way I see it, these are the differences are: The 430 has more low rpm torque (important to me), the Mark Levinson, and DVD navigation. The 400 has the button shifter, and I cn upgrade the stock audio. Questions: is the torque difference obvious? Any other help comments? Thanks.

MikeGS4PE

I don't really think an extra 20 lbs/ft of torque is going to affect the seat of your pants feeling by that much. If that is the main issue, buy a torque converter for the GS4

Toog4me

I've driven a GS400 at the dealer, and they would not let me take it past 60. I have a GS430, and you really cannot tell the difference so much. I'm talking about a .1 or .2 second difference, not even.

In terms of which one to get, the 400 will be easier to find, cost less, and have E-shift. If you can get a fully loaded 400 with 17s, spoiler, nav, etc, go for the 400. With the extra money you save, you can easily get a TQ and all the mods you will ever need!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

The engine and torque difference is negligable IMO. One of the two things that would push me into getting a 430 would be the DVD-based navigation.

You can certainly get that aftermarket as well, but IMO nothing looks as good as an OEM nav. The older nav isn't bad at all, just would want the 'latest and greatest'.

The second item off the 430 I'd want is a chrome shifter ring.

You can check out the difference a torque converter makes if you come to our SE meet in early Sept (check your PM).

VVT-i

They're the same IMO. It's hard to tell the difference. I wish they can put E-shift and radio control on the steering on the 430. The 400 have more options on mods and that a plus.

gsintensive

400 doesn't have audio control on the steering. imo e-shift isn't such a desired bonus, If i want shifting I would go for a manual gear box.

oldguy

I owned a 98 GS400 and see little overall difference between that and my current 01 430. However, now that I have done suspension modification, I wish I could have my 98 back just for the shifting of the transmission. It had e-shift of course, but I rarely used it as the electronics seemed to read my mind for shifting. Not so with the 01 430. The head tech says they reprogrammed for mileage with the bigger displacement engine.
I use the manual shift a fair amount, far more than I did the e-shift.
If I had to go buy another Lexus, it would likely be a 98 or 99 with low miles, and I'd pay a little too much to get it. And then I'd do what I've just done. Suspension and limited slip mods. And smile a lot as I drive.

Edit Easy to forget why I sold that 98. The front tires needed balancing every 3000 miles or less. Front end shake from 60-75 mph otherwise. Others have said they fixed this but have been short on longivity experience. Lexus was not much help. I was told the 01 is the first of this generation not to do this.

GS400_PUSHER

I would get 400 over the 430 you will save enough money to do some nice mods, plus the 430 is not any faster than the 400. Its only has 15tq more but weights 45 pounds more...It avg. out about the same!!! save that cash difference and MOD it up

mooretorque

To me, in a circumstance such as you describe, it always comes down.......to me. And so it should be with you.

Performance -wise, it's basically a wash. The DVD NAV is superior to the older system, but then the audio and HVAC controls are only on the touch screen (a big minus for me, and the reason why I have ML without NAV). The ML system is superior to the older Nakamichi system but not tremendously so (and if you plan to replace speakers anyway, you should end up with a system that sounds better than either). Then there are a few cosmetic differences, the wood steering wheel being the most expensive to replicate in a 400.

If you don't plan to do much in the way of mods, then the cost savings in getting a 400 which could be plowed into mods doesn't matter. Bottom line, both cars have some slight differences. Which matters most to YOU??

The good news is, there's no BAD choice here!!!!1

GS400_PUSHER

[The good news is, there's no BAD choice here!!!!1 [/B][/QUOTE]


Well put!!!!!!

APU6speed

Main differences between GS400 vs GS430

1. GS430 has both side and curtain airbargs, GS400 only has side airbags.
2. GS430 has DVD based navigation system while the GS400 is a hard-drive based navigation system (much slower and holds less info).
3. GS430 has dimming outside mirrors and I believe the windows are coated with a rain repellant.
4. GS430's engine is ULEV certified and has slightly more torque
5. GS400 has e-shift

There may be some more minor differences, but I think these are the major ones. If I had to do it all over again, I would get the GS430 over the GS400 because of differences 1 and 2. But either choice you make, you can't go wrong.

LexFather

1 word

E-shift!