I'm looking to buy a 2nd generation GS and i was wonder which is better? I have it stuck in my mind that bigger is better but is it really? What are some of the pros and cons of each? I know this is a novice question but your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Please try the search feature and you'll find a lot of the stuff you're asking (or may want to ask), no waiting. For example, I searched for the question "Should I get a GS400 or GS430?" using "gs400 gs430 difference" as keywords and found the following threads among others.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference

Should I get a GS300 or GS400?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=149311


Should I get a GS300 or GS430?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430

What year is best
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=15832
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=83730


The GS Series has few problems as it ages. The earlier years (98/99) have more quirks then the later years, but both have been known to have:

Moisture in Healights
Low/rough Idle Issue
Door Actuator Problems
Dash Rattle
Sunroof Rattle
Vibration at Highway Speed in wheels
Wheel bearings
90k timing belt service needed


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...400+Rough+Idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=Door+Actuator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=Dash+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Sunroof+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...GS400+low+idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light+Moisture
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...s400+Vibration

Are there any technical service bulletins? TSBs

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&highlight=tsb
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=28501

These links are a little dated, but still apply. There are many more threads (including more recent) if you care to search for them

 

The GS300 is better because it has a Supra engine.

All jokes aside, you'd be better of test driving each one to see the actual difference in power in your own personal situations.

One car doesn't have much over the other excluding power. Both models can have ALL the options available, but the 300's usually don't have NAV, ML, & Xenons.

 

Gs400 All The Way

 

wow, dave put some overtime in his reply! great job!
dave~u should just make that a sticky, LOL

 

GS300 if you plan to turbo down the line.

GS400 for all other reason

 

GS300 for insurance cost

 

......................

 

it's just like saying v-8 or v-6 which one is better, me I think it's all on you good luck with what ever you pick

 

Actually, it's an inline-6. & people with that mindset humor me. What if he lives where it's always snowing, what if he really cares about gas mileage, etc--not to mention the 400's engine is more expensive to fix. It's a personal decision, and not always bigger is better.

 

Both I6 and V8 engines are rock solid and I've never seen any significant evidence one is more costly to fix than the other over time?

From quick googling (major site sources but can't say they're accurate)
GS430 EPA HIGHWAY (MPG): 23 AND EPA CITY (MPG): 18
GS400 EPA Highway (Mpg): 24 And EPA City (Mpg): 17
GS300 EPA Highway (Mpg): 25 And EPA City (Mpg): 18

IMO Either are good choices, if you want higher HP from a heavily modified car (you plan to spend $10 -$15K on performance and are not afraid to add forced induction (turbo) get the GS300). Otherwise I'd get a GS4 for daily driving.

 

Both may be rock solid, but IF something actually goes wrong, the V8 will cost more to repair. On the gas mileage, the engines should be close on gas mileage on a test--because they are tested trying to conserve gas mileage, basically not heavy acceleration.

 

I have a very heavy foot and I get 18/19 city and 24/25hwy constantly in my GS400.

Accessories for the V8 vs. I6 should be the same money, like starter, alternator, etc. when they go out. Not sure whats more expensive to repair in the V8 other than replacing all 8 fuel injectors or coils vs only 6. Or replacing the entire engine, then I'd think the V8 is more.

Do you specifically know of something costing more for the V8?

 

Other than the Antarctic and South Pole, where is it ALWAYS snowing?

And arent BOTH the 300 and 400/430 RWD?

My 400 with winter tires does better than most FWD I've owned.

 

Thank you all for your input and putting up with this noob question.

Dave i love your car and i might follow your lead on how to do things right.

i hope to see this thread grow with more info to better help me and many other noobs do the 2nd gen GS justice.