Thinking of a GS400
10-14-11, 10:18 AM
#1
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Thinking of a GS400
I've worked for Lexus/Toyota for about 5 years now doing warranty and insurance admin and never really see much on these cars. Been thinking about picking one up. I have always been a Mustang guy and have had 4 and currently one in pieces in my garage. But I want a dependable daily driver that gets better MPG then my F150. Is there anything to look out for on these cars? I love the idea of the V8/RWD combo and the 4 door makes it practical for my kids. I live in Iowa and only have seen a handfull of these for sale.
10-14-11, 12:14 PM
#5
What is your price range? I have found a couple GS430's for around $8k, and one is absolutely fabulous shape. Both are WELL maintained.
I ended up buying a 98 GS400, but like it a lot anyway.
Just look them over carefully. We had a high profile dealer in Chicagoland (Motorworks of Barrington) show us a black GS400 that just stunk of some funky perfume or something, the DVD NAV buttons all worn off, the factory sub gone and a hack job of another sub put in and a amp laying in the trunk with wires all over. The headlights were all whacked (HID's), one pointing up and one down, neither self adjusting. Trans felt funny, abrupt shifting at 50% throttle at 35 mph. Yeah, I wasn't happy about driving an hour in bad rain to see it!
I never found a GS430 close to me, but I wanted to check one out. The one that wasn't too far the guy wanted more for, but he recently came down, but too late, I already got me a GS400...
I ended up buying a 98 GS400, but like it a lot anyway.
Just look them over carefully. We had a high profile dealer in Chicagoland (Motorworks of Barrington) show us a black GS400 that just stunk of some funky perfume or something, the DVD NAV buttons all worn off, the factory sub gone and a hack job of another sub put in and a amp laying in the trunk with wires all over. The headlights were all whacked (HID's), one pointing up and one down, neither self adjusting. Trans felt funny, abrupt shifting at 50% throttle at 35 mph. Yeah, I wasn't happy about driving an hour in bad rain to see it!
I never found a GS430 close to me, but I wanted to check one out. The one that wasn't too far the guy wanted more for, but he recently came down, but too late, I already got me a GS400...
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10-14-11, 02:21 PM
#10
you can get either a low to mid level mileage in pretty good shape 400 for 8 racks or a high mileage or fair condition 430 for 8 racks ...
me personally might seem biased because I have a 400... but from a financial and reliability standpoint, its smarter to get a slightly older but better maintained car for your money...
especially since they are almost the same!
you would hate to spend 2k on repairs just to get it up to speed....
BUT, if you can find a 430 for a steal, decent mileage and great condition, by all means jump on it like white on rice.
me personally might seem biased because I have a 400... but from a financial and reliability standpoint, its smarter to get a slightly older but better maintained car for your money...
especially since they are almost the same!
you would hate to spend 2k on repairs just to get it up to speed....
BUT, if you can find a 430 for a steal, decent mileage and great condition, by all means jump on it like white on rice.
10-14-11, 06:04 PM
#12
my 2 cents
a low miles 400 is a better way to go than a high miles 430 for the same money. if something happens you might want to check the pricing between getting a 1uzfe and 3uzfe. 1uzfe jdm 1200. 3uzfe 2500. 400 parts are much easier to come by as there were many more sold. I drove both and put lots of research into it before i bought a 400. the 430 does have a little more torque, but nothing an intake cant take care of, if it is that important to you.....
7000 on a good 400, find grandma's car, not a boy racer's car. Get grandma's 400, put some wheels on it with some lowering springs, tint the winows and you are right there at 8000.
7000 on a good 400, find grandma's car, not a boy racer's car. Get grandma's 400, put some wheels on it with some lowering springs, tint the winows and you are right there at 8000.
