The one feature that I miss on the GS that the 540 had was the time to distance. With the NAV this feature goes away - unless you want to program in the destination and have it keep telling you to turn. With the 540, you could enter in the miles you were traveling and then it would give you and ETA based on your average speed over the last couple of miles. I used this all the time on my highway trips. Other than that, I think the GS has all of the features you are looking for.

Oh yea, the nicest thing about the GS with Nave is that it resets your avg mpg since filling up - automatically. At least with the 430 it does. Most cool.

What year is your 540?

 

doug_999

My 540 is 97 (new body style) Sport 6 speed, BLK&TAN. What year and type of 540 did you have?

Have you modified your GS for better handling? How do the two cars compare for you (since you have owned each)?

KA

 

I haven't seen the Navs for the years you posted on but I have read some posts on here that stated the the 2000 year models would have the better Navs. Something about the older ones looking like an old atari game. Again, I haven't seen it in person so this is just what I have read on CL.

 

Had a 2000 540ia. Cosmos Black on Black. I lease my cars so I have not done any mods. However, the stock GS is such a boat and I am getting really close to dropping the $1k on the L-tuned suspension just so I can deal with this car for the next 30 some odd months. I hesitate to comment on both cars since the board members know how much I loved my 540, but here goes.....
I miss
The handling, the reliability (yes, the reliability), the engine sound, the acceleration, the free maintenance, the controls, workable steering wheel radio controls, the steptronic, the ability to open the trunk without the key/key fob, being able to find the garage door opener button in the dark, dealers that have techs that know what they are doing, the ability to have multiple settings for the heated seats, steering that required at least some effort, I MISS BEING ONE WITH THE CAR!

I don’t' miss
The stereo & the cupholders.

I really like these things on the GS
Rear seat room, the looks, the NAV, the stereo, the ease of getting a loaner when my car is in the shop, and of course, the cup holders.

Now, I had a 2000 which does have much better reliability than the 97 - and the cool steering wheel with controls on it.

To be fair, my GS has also had a bunch of issues including road noise from the sunroof and suspension knock both common issues to the GS. These have been fixed. The ultra light steering, although lighter than any other GS I have driven (and yep, I have the ECU - note it is include in 2002 and 2003 GS430s) is apparently normal and I just have to get used to it. The engine knock is not normal although many Lexus owners have the same thing.

Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Doug

PS - honestly if I were in your shoes, I would probably do the same thing you are doing although if you could swing the payments on a certified 2000 or higher 540 I would consider it.

 

Get the NAV, you wont be sorry. When or if you ever want to ge rid of it, its also a great selling tool.
Best Regards.............Bob.