SAS32

I would mirror the comments here in that they are very different cars and each has +/- but it all really boils down to the type of drive you're after. I'm in the UK also and had both models on my list but ultimately went for an 06 GS430 because it has the right mix of performance, handling, tech and luxury for me plus the size was just right.

The LS is obviously bigger, softer riding and has a lot more movement when you're pressing on but then it's a large luxury saloon focused on comfort. Ultimately I felt I needed a little more performance and I was worried about future air suspension repair bills, so I went for the GS430, which I really like. I use the radar cruise control all of the time and it's a feature I definitely want on my next car, so I can recommend finding an LS with it (std on the GS430).

If it helps I'm averaging 19 mpg virtually all around town and I get 27 mpg on the motorway with radar cruise set to around 80. I got 31 mpg with the cruise set to 70 on a 200 mile run, which is good for a big old school V8.

Ultimately, both are great cars and particularly good value here in the UK but very different, so I would buy the one that best meets your requirements.

madfish

Thanks

I think if the GS had a nicer colour combo I would have been convinced but tan leather on a silver car doesn't seem to work?

SAS32

I've got the same Ivory leather and it was my last choice with black being my first choice but I now love the light interior as it adds to the luxury feel. I now actually prefer it over the black as it's such a pleasant place to be on a winters day with the sunroof blind pulled back.

At this price level I would be buying on condition, miles and history with interior colour being at the bottom of the list plus GS430s are few and far between in the UK, so you won't have the luxury of multiple cars to choose from.

Btw, a light tint to the windows can transform the look of a car and it's what I did to my GS.

SAS32

madfish

That's lovely!!

You're right about there not being too many about either.

This one is £5000 but needs the timing belt doing (118k miles) so he has agreed to knock that off the price

SAS32

It's definitely a buyers market for V8s in the UK and I've seen lower mileage GS430s sell for less on EBay, so you might want to keep looking if you're not in a rush or try to get that price down a bit more. The GS isn't popular here and even more so with a V8, so I doubt the seller will have been inundated with enquiries.

I can highly recommend the uprated Toyota sway bars if you do go for a GS plus H&R 20mm spacers front/rear, which really transforms the stance. Let me know if you have any GS specific questions. Happy hunting!