steverhode

Since my plans are to go from a 98 GS300 to a 2008 GS350, I do hope you write more about your feelings. I am especially interested in your comments that do not have to do with the V-8 but with the car in general. Thanks and looking forward to hearing more.

made_in_japan

Steverhode, 98 gs300, was very much underpowered in my opinion. I test drove a gs350 in the past and I must say it was like night and day. I felt Toyota finally was willing to "enter" the hp war. A little too late, and still behind, but I was glad to see they broke 300hp with the v6.

I suspect the gs460 and gs350 suspension is comparable and in that aspect, great improvement! Interior......of course, it is a Lexus interior but I think the 98 was a bit more....plush??? Don' get me wrong, I feel Lexus still leads in automotive interior designs but it seems there was no big push for improvement.

The styling is what I have always been hung up on. Definitely the 2nd gs is a classic. Current gs is not at the top of my list in styling but I still like it. I am guessing you have your own opinion on that one since you see them about town. Also, I am the type who likes "exclusivity" so I enjoy the fact that the GS is not a heavy hitter for Lexus sales.

I think if you are still into the Lexus brand, you take a liking to the new GS, you can afford it, and you are ready to get into a new ride, go for it. The GS is a fine combination of luxury, sport, interior space. I hoped for a little more rear leg room in the back seat but then again, I appreciate the sporty factor. I would recommend the new GS from my experience so far. That coming from a lifetime Toyota fan who recently has personal issues against Toyota and almost bought a BMW.

I hope this all made sense and helps you in your decision. If you have any more questions, please ask anytime.

lexusbunny

how do you like your car?

made_in_japan

lexusbunny, so far, i am still wrapped up in "new car" mode. I will have to drive it a bit and get more comfortable to really get to know the car. It is definitely nice. I really preferred a full leather steering wheel because the wood is a bit slippery. Nav is nice but I can't compare it to any other since this is my first. As for stereo sound, it seems my 98 GS had a better sounding system w/o the ML package. It seems like I was albe to crank the volume higher w/o stressing the speakers. I really like the illuminated door sills. It adds a nice touch. I am not sure if the 06 & 07 came with that option.

Lets see what else......the tranny seems a bit erratic and rough, especially before the vehicle is warm. I know the 460 has the 8 speed tranny but has anyone else experienced this in their vehicles? Also, when the car goes through it's test cycles for the brake system, I can really feel the feedback in the brake pedal.

I have not been able to try out the hill climb assist brake feature yet. What I like the most is the tone form the exhaust.

steverhode

What is that? I've heard of it.

ajcsanders

The hillclimb assist comes on when your car is in D and stationary on a steep incline. If the car starts sliding backwards when you take your foot off the brake pedal the car self-applies the brakes for a few seconds to stop the car sliding.

ajcsanders

Thanks for all the feedback Tsuyoshi. I really had my heart set on a 460 but they're not bringing it to this part of the world this year.

That ticking noise you mentioned coming from the driver's door I got with my '06 and '07. It is so quiet that on any other car you wouldn't hear it - it doesn't really bother me (but the creaks and rattles do!)

So far your review of the 460 doesn't seem very encouraging - its interior is less plush than the Gen 2, the stereo distorts at lower volume, the 8-speed tranny is erratic and rough and the handling/ride is compromised by run-flats... Oh well...

made_in_japan

ajcsanders, I did not realize my reviews came across so negative. Please do not perceive it as so. I just tried to write my true feeling of the things that I have noticed driving the car without being too excited about the fact that I have a new car. It is a great car and so far I would not turn anyone away from purchasing one. The interior is not bad. Just my thoughts comparing it to my old GS. I am sure it is very similar to the 06, 07, with a few minor changes. Also, the car handles great. Especially compared to my old car. The point I wanted to make is that it may be because of the run flats that tend to be a stiffer. I actually like the feel. Might be too harsh for some people.

To sum it up, I think the car is great. As with any car, there is room for a few minor improvements. To me, from what I can remember from my test drive of the GS430, it seems to pull a bit harder and it definitely sounds more aggressive. The biggest question that is probably on the mind of some people is, "Can it be reprogrammed to produce the same power as the LS460?" I am fishing around for this answer now. BUT I think it feels plenty quick as is, but of course, this is my first v8.

Hope I haven't been too confusing and/or misleading. Happy driving!

whlkev

Tsuyoshi, can you please check your pm? i don't see how it's possible that you walked away just over 60k while i was quoted 66k for MSRP after tax and what not.

is there no car tax in Texas?

ajcsanders

Thanks Tsuyoshi - it's better you say what you feel - the 2GS was after all an outstanding car. I doubt you'll be able to simply reprogram the GS460 to deliver 380 hp. I believe there is a mechanical difference between the GS460 and the LS460 - the LS has direct fuel injection and the GS doesn't. I personally would be thrilled with 342 hp - my GS 300 is a middle east version without Direct injection and makes a measly 231 hp.

Alex

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

I love my gs300 with its measly 245 hp....what an awesome car !! may be a bit slow if you punch it but that is rare for me 99% of the time it is adequate power, I ve had a 3GS for 2.5 yrs now

made_in_japan

From my understanding it is the same engine as the LS460.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

while it's still some way confused, it's something i want to confirm as well. someone told me the gs460 doesn't have direct injection, but i remember reading somewhere saying it does.

whlkev

it does have direct injection and I hope it was my thread that you saw

A D-4S (Direct injection 4-stroke Superior version) stoichiometric direct injection system, the world’s only automotive injection system to adopt two injectors per cylinder, is combined with Lexus’ Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing * intelligent). Combining the strengths of both port injection and direct injection, D-4S realises higher engine output and lower emissions.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&postcount=419

levon1830

And from the Lexus website:

Could this info be credible now, as it seems they have all the kinks worked out with the website concerning the GS460?