WheezerMF

Okay, here goes... This is NOT a troll, but I know posting my second-ever ClubLexus post in the GS thread is asking for biased responses, and that's fine.

I just lost my Passat to a college kid with slow reflexes, and am in the market for a car. Unfortunately, this means I'm in kind of a hurry to find a car. I need a car that will be dependable, low-maintenance, and long-lived. I live in Indiana, and it will be a year-round car. The 2nd Gen ES and GSes are in my price range.

Questions:
ES vs GS??
300 vs 400??
Maintenance milestones & caveats?
Other suggestions in the >$7k range?

Thanks for your (un?) biased responses!!

Mark

PS: I loved the Passat. I inherited a creampuff, and it was a '99 GLS 1.8t with only 40k on it when it got bent. It was in -perfect- condition, and was a blast to drive. I was a bit fearful of the VW being a high-maintenance car as it aged, which is why I'm looking at Lexuxes (Lexii???).

WheezerMF

Also, What about FWD vs RWD?

I'm in Indianapolis, so winter is 'moderate.' I'm a decent snow driver (I grew up w/ a 1970 Firebird), but...

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

I always believed ES was on the lower ranks of Lexus cars (flame suit on)

GS300 and GS400/430 get similiar gas mileage. I still opted for the GS300 only because I found a rare Sport Design and low mileage car for cheap.

Suspension is terrible on Lexus and you need to watch out for ball joint failures! Engine wise, a lot of us on the forum refer to the 2jz as bulletproof.

WheezerMF

"Lower ranks of Lexus cars" LOL! ....The worst of the best?! But yes, it's a lot more like a Camry than other Lexii.

I found a GS400 with 186k on it ($5500). Think that's worth a look? What should I look out for.

Also, what is the 2jz motor? (What car/year was it in?)

THANKS!!!

KingNasGS4

iTrader: (22)

I will be very honest with you and tell you that the ES 300 might be the better buy, for your criteria at least

At least when it comes down to reliability. we all know that an Es is the same as a camry in almost every important way. Camry is very reliable. I am sitting in mine right now as I type this. its been much more cost efficient .
My GS, not so much.

I love my GS nonetheless


Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android

WheezerMF

Kinda figured as much. The ES is a bit lower-priced to start, so it's going to take a bit more depreciation to get a GS for the same $$...

Kzem

If i could right now i would sell you my GS400. I love the car so much but the maintenance and gas isnt worth the drive to work everyday. Its a great car if you can keep it running which doesnt take much other than gas money.

portcityplaya

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2000 GS400 and my mother drives my 92 ES300. The GS of course has more miles and has had more maintenance issues but as far as which is more fun to drive the GS400 hands down. Mind you I live in NC and we rarely get snow in Charlotte so that doesn't play into my opinion as much. I assume the ES would be better in snow tough.

WheezerMF

What's the deal re: 300 posts?

PM sent.

Arcadian

Gonna say ES. The GS is certainly reliable, in the Toyota way, but the front suspension will drive you to madness if it gets cranky. The ES, being based on the Camry, provides a more "forgiving" ownership experience. Doesn't mean you can't put some great wheels on it an upgrade the audio etc.