geebee

iTrader: (2)

Well, after about a year of thinking, reading, reviewing, posting, obsessing, I wrote the check today for a 2002 GS300 Sport Design. Graphite Grey Pearl with Black interior. No Nav or ML. A nice price of just under $38k.

I thought about and drove: Accura TLS, 03 Accord, Infiniti G35, BMW 540, Lexus ES, and a used GS400. All had good/bad points. In the GS3, I still hate the lack of on wheel audio controls, and am concerned about snow handling.

But for all that thinking, it comes down to this: Not only does this car drive like a dream, but the interior makes standing still a pleasure! And living in Boston, I'm often at a stop. I'm guessing I'll get used to the audio, and hope that good snow tires work.

BTW, a friend did a search, and said there are only 6 new Sport Designs left in the country. Too bad, I think it's a nice setup.

After I pick the car up next week, I'll be back with lots of questions.

GB

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Congratulations. Now, unless you are planning to spend more $$, stay away from this forum. Hehe

BkLexZ

Neo, you are 100% correct .

MrSypher

Congrats on the new GS.... And welcome to the Family....

bagwell

what does the "sport design" entail ?

mumbles

Welcome!

Sam Khoury

According to Automobile magazine, they are going to do a 2003 GS300 SportDesign, here is the link to an article.

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/2003lexusgs300/

I have a 2002 SportDesign also. Hopefully, it won't make our cars too common after 2003.

Sam Khoury

The SportDesign has a "euro tuned suspension", 225/55VR-16 tires (instead of the standard 215/60VR16 tires), 16" graphite colored 6 spoke wheels, perforated leather upholstery for the seats with gray piping, black-stained walnut trim (which is black and gray not brown like a regular GS) including a black walnut shift lever, a brushed-aluminum panel on the center console, black pearl rear badges and chrome grill. It came with all the options in the premium package plus all the stuff that I listed for only $310 more (MSRP) than the cost of the the premium package. I got the SportDesign with Navigation and Mark Levinson package which was $645 less MSRP than the regular Navigation and Mark Levinson package but didn't include heated seats or HIDs which the regular one does. Those were separate options on my window sticker.

It was only available in 3 colors black, silver and a special graphite color only available with the SportDesign. It was supposed to be available in either black or gray interior but as far as I know, it was really only available in black. At least that's what every dealer told me when I was searching for mine. I wanted black anyway so it didn't matter. I did have a tough time deciding between the graphite and black exterior colors.