dozorca

Hey guys,

I just came across this forum and find it to be very informative.
I've always liked the look of the gs300/400 and I'm finally able to start
shopping for one.

So to get right to the point. I'm stuck between 2001 Acura CL Type S
and 1998 GS300. I know that I might be comparing oranges to apples but
those are the vehicles that I picked.

The CL-S has the tranny problems which makes me uncomfortable since I
would be buying a car knowing that a major part such as a tranny will
fail.

Can I get some info on a 1998 GS300? Is 1998 a good year for the car?
Major problems or concerns to look out for?

Ok ok, thats enough from me for now.... any help is greatly appriciated.

Eric.

Toronto - Canada

LeXGs43Rx3

You can find really good prices on 98 GS400s, in fact, prices that are on par with an 01 CL-S, but you are getting a hell more of a car! There is not a big price difference on a 98' GS400 and 300 with similar miles, just a few grand (you can look on autotrader if you wish, in fact, there are some very low 20k GSs there). The styling, etc of the 300 and 400 are the same, basically the HUGE advantage, and I mean HUGE is the V8 power! I don't know what kind of a driver you are, but the GS400 will absolutely kill the 01 CL-S is every category possible, especially performance, without a doubt. The GS300 has the advantage of RWD, more luxury, better looks (personal opinion of course), the reliability of Lexus, but in terms of performance, the CL-S takes the win. IMHO, find a good price on a GS400 and take it!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well i will tell you my story. the tranny on cls and tls sux. i had 02 tls, heard too many stories, sold the car this yr and got the is3. simple as that. the gs3 is slow, but it's reliable. i wouldn't touch honda in a while

gs400998

I have a TL Type-S and the reason I didin't buy a GS300 is that the GS300 is slower than Type-S. My GS400 has a smooth 5-speed A/T than my Type-S, more power and faster than my Type-S, built quality and materials used in the GS are better than Type-S. 98 was the first year for the current GS so I was looking for a 2nd year (99) or newer GS. Go test drive both GS400 and GS300 then decide.

///MDex

Stock for stock, they are not that far apart.

But to the original question, you'll be much happier with the GS: fit & finish, service, reliability, luxury.

dozorca

The only concern I have is with the cost of maintenance. Are parts and regular maintenance costs much higher then acura?

LexFather

The Acura CL-S is a very nice car but it is now discontinued. So re-sale will plummet some more. Plus, the tranny issue is ridiculous for a 30k car. My best friend has one and the only reason he did not get a GS was money. He is happy with his CL-S though. The two are in 2 different leagues build wise. The CL is built off the Accord platform and is built in Ohio. The GS combats the 5 and E-class. The CL-S is very FAST and swift, very close to a GS 400 in acceleration. It's only option is NAV, it's loaded otherwise.

The GS 300 may not be as fast but it is bulletproof. 1st gens are as well as 2nd gens. Lexus does not make unreliable cars. Make sure the previous owner maintained the car as scheduled.

Dbox has a GS 300 and a CL-S, maybe he can post his thoughts.

Nope. Welcome to ClubLexus!

VVT-i

Welcome to CL. Like GS400998 said get the 99 and test drive both 400 and 300. But both cars are really reliable. 1Sick got over 100k on his 98 GS400 and still drive like new. I have to admire his GS when we went to Smoky Mountian a few weeks ago and Sick pushed it to the limit without any hesitation..

bluelex

i have a 98 gs 300 and love it.. not one probem 2 date had the car 4 a year and a 5 months now...not that slow.. depends what car u came from to consider it slow.. i came from a 4cyl accord so its much fster in my view , but i also drove a 400 and noticed the diff.. much fatser and stronger, but i'm happy..graet car no matter what choice u make .......good luck

dbox

i have both...

cl-s is nice as hell but the tranny issues are 100% true. don't get me wrong the cl-s is a very nice car but its american made(just isn't as tight as the gs). gs is japan made and has no problems. i am in love with the gs..always have been. don't get me wrong i love my cl-s and i wont get rid of it but if i had to choose ONE car... it would be the lexo.

when i drive the cl i seem to drive alot faster. when i drive the lexus i seem to just cruise. good luck with your decision. both are very nice cars. the cl-s does come with a 100k mile(tranny) warranty.

dbox

my cl-s is stock and i have beat gs400's and sc430's in it. not by much but i did win. i'd say it's a drivers race.

dozorca

Thanks guys for the info. After looking around AutoTrader, I've decided to upgrade my car search to 99 gs4.
I have a 01 Honda Accord v6 2-D but what I'm looking for now is to trader it in and use the lex for cruisin'...
I'm over the racing years. The gs4 has far more style compared to the cl-s... and the ladies love it.

Take care