GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

GS300, M45 or LS430

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Old 12-09-09, 11:52 AM
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LeXuSrAcIn
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Default GS300, M45 or LS430

I currently have a 545 and seeing how the design will change soon I want to sell it. All these cars are around $25k. I love the GS looks but its a wimpy v6 going up against a 335hp infiniti v8. My other option, although an old model now, is the 05 LS430. It has power, looks I've always loved, but the only thing holding me back is it being the old model. As for the M, its supposed to come out with the new gen late next yr, so that's kind of keeping me away. My question is will I really miss my 545's power if I go for the GS3, or should I consider the alternatives?
Old 12-09-09, 11:57 AM
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TWong350
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I personally think you'll miss the power of the 545. That said, I say you look for an 06 GS430 to stay in budget. You should be able to get one at $25k no problem.
Old 12-09-09, 12:37 PM
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rominl
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i say ls430
Old 12-09-09, 12:45 PM
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I would keep the 5 series until you see the new model and decide if you like it or not. The m45 would be closest to the drive of your current car then the GS 300. The LS 430 is a different car, bigger more luxurious, quieter, softer.
Old 12-09-09, 12:46 PM
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The G Man
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If you have to ask if you will miss the power of your BMW, then you most likely will, and you will also miss the handling. Other than that, I agree with Henry, the LS430 is the best built car in the bunch.
Old 12-09-09, 12:54 PM
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Get the GS430. Althought it maybe slighty slower than the 545, you wont be disappointed
Old 12-09-09, 01:03 PM
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LeXuSrAcIn
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I want to sell the 545 before I get the big depreciation because of the new model. The GS430 would be hard to get for $25 and any more would be more than I'd be willing to spend on a car I plan on keeping 1 1/2- 2 yrs max. I'm leaning toward the LS430 but its a boring drive which kept me away from it the first time b4 deciding on the BMW.
Old 12-09-09, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by LeXuSrAcIn
I want to sell the 545 before I get the big depreciation because of the new model. The GS430 would be hard to get for $25 and any more would be more than I'd be willing to spend on a car I plan on keeping 1 1/2- 2 yrs max. I'm leaning toward the LS430 but its a boring drive which kept me away from it the first time b4 deciding on the BMW.
Not sure how to tell you this but the new model is not going to hurt depreciation anymore than what it has been hit with. Used 545 prices are under 20k easy and 550 prices are under 30k easy, even low 20s...

I honestly think u would prefer the M45 more than the others since its similar to the 545. M45 used prices are around the same range...under 20-under 30k easy.
Old 12-09-09, 01:25 PM
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rominl
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Originally Posted by LeXuSrAcIn
I want to sell the 545 before I get the big depreciation because of the new model. The GS430 would be hard to get for $25 and any more would be more than I'd be willing to spend on a car I plan on keeping 1 1/2- 2 yrs max. I'm leaning toward the LS430 but its a boring drive which kept me away from it the first time b4 deciding on the BMW.
the ls430 is definitely boring, but the car will also probably depreciate the least over the next 2 yrs
Old 12-09-09, 01:32 PM
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Go for the 06 gs430. It's may be a 'lil more expensive than the M45, but you won't be disappointed. It has power. Very fast pickup from red light. You get EBC for brake system which is a plus for hard driving, and the sport suspension which is very nice, makes your car so stable even going +100 mph. I've driven hard on my 0 gs430 to see its potential, and it has it all !!! I've raced with the 05 or 06 Infinity Q45 and it's no match for the gs430. My second option will be the M45. I don't know much about the m45 so I won't comment on that but it has the power there.
Old 12-09-09, 01:40 PM
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People here are obviously going to guide you towards the Lexus vehicles you've listed but out of the bunch I'd personally go for the M45 especially if you can get one with the Sport Package, which stiffens the suspension, adds 19" wheels and sportier seats. You probably won't be missing the handling and performance of your 545 if you go with the Infiniti, but you definitely will if you go for the Lexus.
Old 12-09-09, 01:47 PM
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I would go for the M45 as well... Sports package and 19's and the interior is prety much right on the money.. I think you'll have more car than what the others are offering..
Old 12-09-09, 01:55 PM
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That being said you should have probably posted this in the Car Chat. You would have gotten more unbiased responses.
Old 12-09-09, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by LeXuSrAcIn
I want to sell the 545 before I get the big depreciation because of the new model. The GS430 would be hard to get for $25 and any more would be more than I'd be willing to spend on a car I plan on keeping 1 1/2- 2 yrs max. I'm leaning toward the LS430 but its a boring drive which kept me away from it the first time b4 deciding on the BMW.
Your going to find the GS300 and 430 boring to drive also especially when comparing it to your 545. I am sure you could find a 3rd Gen GS430 for 25K if you really wanted one since their is not much demand for them and since you are not keeping it that long you don't have to worry about it being perfect with lower mileage. The LS430 is a very nice car but is floaty and boring and not a BMW 5 series but who cares if you are only keeping it for a short period.

If you only plan on keeping something for 1 or 2 years before getting a brand new 5 series why not just get something fairly inexpensive and simple like a used E46 3 series, G35, or 6 speed Acura TSX. They are fun to drive, will not be too expensive, and if gas prices go up and the economy stays bad when it is time to sell them the TSX and 3 series at least will be easier to sell then some v8 mid level sedan. They will not have the v8 power but you will be getting another v8 soon anyways.

If you are only going with a GS, M45, and LS430 and still want something powerful and fun to drive then you definitely want to go with the M45 as that is the only choice that comes close to your 545.
Old 12-09-09, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by UDel
Your going to find the GS300 and 430 boring to drive also especially when comparing it to your 545. I am sure you could find a 3rd Gen GS430 for 25K if you really wanted one since their is not much demand for them and since you are not keeping it that long you don't have to worry about it being perfect with lower mileage. The LS430 is a very nice car but is floaty and boring and not a BMW 5 series but who cares if you are only keeping it for a short period.

If you only plan on keeping something for 1 or 2 years before getting a brand new 5 series why not just get something fairly inexpensive and simple like a used E46 3 series, G35, or 6 speed Acura TSX. They are fun to drive, will not be too expensive, and if gas prices go up and the economy stays bad when it is time to sell them the TSX and 3 series at least will be easier to sell then some v8 mid level sedan. They will not have the v8 power but you will be getting another v8 soon anyways.

If you are only going with a GS, M45, and LS430 and still want something powerful and fun to drive then you definitely want to go with the M45 as that is the only choice that comes close to your 545.
Way to come in, make up the same comments, then tell the man to look at a bunch of cars NOT ON HIS LIST. The GS 430 is not as "boring" as people make it to be. Its no 545 but its no slouch.

Seriously, a TSX? Going from a 545 to a TSX? He did not say he wanted to die of boredom. 0-60 in tomorrow is not fun after life in a 545. He does not want an ACCORD.

A TSX.....what on earth?

LeXuSrAcIn, at this rate, might as well check on the Sonata, Jetta, Fusion


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