madfish

Now I know that it might be a bit of a biased opinion in here

But I'm in split minds about which to go for now...

The GS is newer and has more tech but the LS is comfier, cheaper and there is a lot more available. ..

Why would you gus choose the GS over the LS?

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

I had a 01ls430 and currently in a 06gs430.

I personally would probably pick up a LS430. If i could find a LS430 with saddle leather and some other goodies, Id probably pick it up in a heart beat. ( i think the LS spoiled me ). Either way, you cant go wrong.

LS has a nicer rider (you could just roll over anything), quieter interior (no rattles), more space, and a bigger gas tank. On the freeway, my ls would pull 24-25mpg easy. I'm lucky to get 22 in the GS. You also have the small things like auto folding mirrors, motorized seat belt height adjusters, passenger seat controls easily accessible by the driver, bigger trunk space.

The GS is more sporty, definitely has a "younger feel". I guess it depends on what type of driving you do. I think im pretty biased towards the big body sedans.

madfish

Cheers

The LS I'm looking at is a 2001 model so has the older automatic box and doesnt have radar cruise etc...

It does seem to have everything else though, heated massaging rear seats, fridge etc...

And it's £1000 cheaper and fitted with LPG system

Aaargh decisions decisions

Aron9000

Oh go for it if it has been converted to LPG. What does fuel run in England? I'm guessing about 2 pounds a liter($7 a gallon in yankee terms). I can't imagine owning a V8 in something that I would drive every day over there, the fuel costs would just be insane.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

For me would be the ls430

The 05-06 one of the best built LS ever

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like its a UL. Id be wary about those bags going out. You can swap to coils or wait to replace each bag. IIRC, each bag is around $1,000 USD. Coils run you around $1k a set. Put in a datasystems controller and you and park slammmed

703

the styling of the GS is sleek and sporty. Even though the LS has a better interior, the boxy exterior styling is not the most catching to the eye.

madfish

I thinkit is a UL and has had some of its bags replaced by lexus

I prefer the exterior styling of the GS but this LS has a lot going for it is the headlights I'm struggling with on the LS.

At £1/litre petrol costs the LPG makes a lot of sense.

It has 118k miles, 2 owners and full lexus history. It's £4000 ($6000)

JLAWS

I had owned two 2001 LS430 and was on my way to getting this 2005 LS430, 2 year ago when the unorganized salesmen forgot it was already sold. I spent a whole hour writing up the deal!! The LS430 is the greatest car I have ever driven, Relaxing & Butter smooth. I've never felt so calm driving a car, almost therapeutic. I decided that 2 was enough and went with the more modern GS350. The LS430 is just simply too dated now for me. I've always wanted the 2004-2006 since it was sleeker, but too much time has passed. The GS350 is pretty cool though' Still looks good even today especially with 18" wheels. Pretty cool watching movies on the Nav system. I'm happy.

Lukas99GS

For the money a 3rd gen GS will likely cost, I would go for the 04-06 LS over the earlier models, interior and exterior looks better, plus I would avoid the Ultra luxury package with the air suspension like what you're looking at, very expensive to replace, the 430 looks more modern but really since you will only find the 06 430s with the old nav, they really don't offer much more other than being a bit faster. Drive both and see what you think.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

04-06 LS looks head and shoulders above the ugly 01

Salil022

iTrader: (1)

I have both....05 LS430 UL and 06 GS430.
Both cars have different personalities and have pros and cons just like anything out there.

LS430 Pros-
Drivers butter smooth
No Rattles
Extremely Comfortable
Gets better MPG
Ultra luxury option (Provides rear seat massage, powered rear reclining seats, Mini Cooler & Privacy Shades)

GS430
Better Handling
Stiffer ride (This is subjective, not everyone likes stiffer ride)
Nice exhaust growl
Styling ???? Subjective i would say

If i were you, i would go with LS430...Better built car and will keep you happy for years to come.

madfish

Fantastic

Thanks for the response everyone

Going to look at both this Saturday, will be coming home in one of them

703

It's intriguing why the LS gets better economy as it's much heavier.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

At 118k, id hope the water pump/timing belt are done. Valve cover gaskets may need to be replaced as mine leaked around that mileage (easy DIY if you can do spark plugs, you can do this at home. Just need a swivel head 12mm or 14mm and some extensions). Check the radiator to see if its leaking from the top. Its an issue with how the radiator is made and i think almost everyone experiences it. If you do replace it, you can opt for the thicker core. I think mine was Denso with the towing option. Car always ran very cool.

In regards to the look of the headlights, you could always price out a 04-06 facelift. I think i saw some new style headlight covers that give it a "mercedes CLS" look. One weird feeling you'll have in the LS430's is the brakes feel mushy (or atleast mine did). It also has a weird sensation when you let off the gas, the car just keeps rolling.

In regards to mileage, surprisingly the LS430 has one of the lowest drag coefficients of cars. It matches gtr's drag coefficient.