r00kie

Hello everyone

This is my first post...I've been reading this forum for a week and it's been very informative.

Here is my delimma: I know I want to get a GS, but I am not sure if I should get an '03 GS3 or '01 GS430. With the '03 GS3, the advantage is it's a brand new car. With the '01 GS430, well it's a V8.

Which would you choose and y?

Thanks for the input.

shftup

Get the V8......the power is very addicting......N'uff said.



Have fun choosing

UTGS400

I would go with the V-8...you won't regret it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

get the v8 you won't regret it. toyota stuff are durable, specially their engine, so 01 is no problem at all. if you get certified used car it's definitely no problem

mooretorque

V8.

Lvangundy

V8..

maybe negotiate for a 2002 430?

cyclemax

Even if you could live without the V8, think of this......The GS400 will be worth more the day you buy it. The new 300.....well, you have to take that big hit on depreciation. So, even though the 300 would be "brand new" the 400 would be worth more, resale-wise, provided you spent about the same amount.

The other thing to consider is insurance costs and taxes. Always less expensive on an older car.

I don't like to use the word "investment" when buying a car (they are expenses, usually), but the 400 may be the wise choice. And then, of course, there's the 300 hp.

Just take your time to find the right one. People here will help you.

I picked up my 98 GS4 with 14K about a year ago. Car was 100% like new in every way (except the odometer reading). Not a scratch. Not only did I save $16,000 off the price of a new one, but, I saved another $2000 in sales tax, and probably another $1000 in excise taxes, and my insurance is very affordable. Plus, if I had to sell it today, I'd only be out about $5K, including taxes. Not bad for one year loss. A new one would be three times that, I'm sure.

KayGee

Depreciation sucks but nothing beats new. But my next Lexus will be CPO. Lexus is the ONLY car that I would buy pre-owned.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

actually from what i heard the 400 insurance rate is a lot higher than the 300, even if it's used

cyclemax

Romini:

You might be right. You'd have to call your agent and find out for sure. I pay under $1000/year for my GS4 and a POS Mits P/U, so I can't imagine it would be much less for a 300. Insurance is really dependent on driver age, history, location, etc.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

oh my that's cheap. i am only 24, and i am paying 1800 a yr for my gs4 (2 drivers, with aftermarket parts)... whereas my new 02 acura tl type s is ONLY 1200. i asked the agent why, and he told me the first thing they look at is the engine size, then its stolen rate, etc... now i wonder if i have a v12.... hehe

r00kie

Thanks everyone for all the replies!

Sounds like the GS430 is the way to go. I hope I can find one in my price range. Good thing is I have at least 3-6 months to look before I get it.

Ex996

Drive the 430 and listen to the V8 rumble. Go kick a Mustang GT's butt. Catch a slow-shifting Carrera. You'll be hooked.

Copout221

I wanted the 400 and had one purchased until I looked into the insurance cost. The 300 only costs me $659.00 per year with full coverage and high limits. A 1998 400 would have been $1400.00 per year with a higer deductable. I could not believe the difference but that is what you get with good insurance companies and high performance vehicles = high premiums. I saved money on the 300 I bought and found that it has nice performance and rides great. The main thing I always think about is the fact that my 300 does not have HID or Nav. The 400 I was going to buy had both and I think I liked that better than the fact it had incredible performance. I also drive alot and wanted better gas milage which a 6 cylinder will give you. However, if the insurance was not so expensive I would be driving a 98 GS400 now instead of a 99 GS300. I did save $5,000 though !!!

SCRUFFDOGG

It's probably very similar to the difference between a 4 cyl and 6, once I went to a 6 cyl sedan from a 4, I swore I would never own another 4 banger, If I were to step up to an 8 I would probably say the same thing.