Jumpman86

Hi All,

I am not yet an ISF owner but I have been shopping for an used for a little while and am deciding between a 2006 GS 430 and an IS F. I know they are two different cars but wanted to hear your opinions.

The main use of this new to me car will mostly be used for a short commute to the park and ride.

I have two other vehicles that I can use (2010 stage 2 STI (wife driving now) and a 2005 4runner for family trips and winter driving). I am currently driving a 2004 mazda 3 and wanted to upgrade to something nicer.

I am somewhat a car enthusiast and started with owning a 2003 WRX, 2001 S2000, BMW 330i, 2010 STI, and 2008 M3 (traded it in for the 4runner since the family is getting bigger).

I know that the GS maybe more practical for me and probably a better financial decision but parts of me really want the IS F and I know that the GS will be just as good for my purpose.

The GS I am looking at has 100k miles and listed at $15k so a ISF will similar miles goes for low to mid $20s.

I am trying to decide which path to go and by the way, I am moving into a new home in a month but the payments should not be a problem for me.

Thanks for reading this and hope to hear your inputs.

By the way, I am going to post the same in the GS forum

Ed

PDP180180

iTrader: (3)

Unsurprisingly, I would go for the IS-F!

No doubt the GS guys will say go for the GS430! Lol.

Both very nice cars, but based on your previous cars, and the fact you already have a big enough vehicle in the shape of the 4runner for family duties, the IS-F will be the more rewarding drive.

The GS430 is a big beasty with plenty of nice luxurious touches. The IS-F is a more rewarding drivers car in my opinion. It's more akin to the performance cars you have owned in the past.

Both offer bullet-proof reliability (provided they are well serviced and looked after of course), and both come from the Lexus stable, but the IS-F is a special car.

I'd suggest you drive both of course to see for yourself how good the IS-F really is.

Good luck making your decision.

Cheers.


Peter

Diesel350

Hands down the IS-F but if you need the space then go for the GS as the IS-F is very cramped.

PDP180180

iTrader: (3)

Really?

I've had 4 6ft+ guys in my IS-F, and they were surprised how roomy it was!

The RC-F is cramped, not the IS-F.

Given you have that 4Runner already, think you'll be fine.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

Great cars. I have an 06 GS430 and have test driven the ISF. I can tell you the GS is much roomier very smooth engine and the ISF is quicker and personally would prefer never to sit in the back seat of an ISF not unless I was inbetween the ages of 3 and 8 just my opinion

Diesel350

Compared to a GS, yes it feels cramped. I've owned both and there is ALOT More elbow room in the GS. The GS is so much more comfortable but it just handles like an absolute massive boat.

O1GS43O

I own both and agree with diesel.

PDP180180

iTrader: (3)

Fair enough guys.

Guess it's down to the op to decide if he really needs a big car for the mainly short commutes to the park & ride he mentioned in his original post? He also has that 4runner for family duties, so can't see a real need for something as vast as the GS430?

I don't question the fact the GS is considerably larger than the IS-F, I was mainly trying to say you have enough space in the IS-F for most things you'll need.

teamcalvin

ISF ISF ISF ISF ISF! but in all honestly, my mom had the GS.. it was a awesome car with almost no problems

iH8RICERZ

iTrader: (3)

My friend had the 06 GS430 when it first came out. Beautiful cars, lots of usable power, brakes are awesome.... I've borrowed his car when it was stock and when it was modded (exhaust, lowered, wheels, wald kit) and its a very easy car to drive with all of the bells and whistles.

It all comes down to, do you want a luxury care to take your wife on dates or your family/kids in the backseat? If so, then get the GS430... If the kids or family won't ever be riding in this car since you have the 4runner for that duty and space is not an issue, go with the ISF. I was also torn between these two cars before I settled on the F, but sometimes wish I would've gotten the GS when I have bought of my daughters in the backseats (car seats).

bnizzle87

The GS has always has a nice upscale look. Performance is subjective for a car like that, though when I test drove that particular model, it was very cushy, as expected. The ride wasn't harsh at all, plenty of space for larger folks like myself, and the cargo made it appealing to haul a good number of things at the local warehouse store.

The IS F, on the other hand, was a car I didn't need to test drive in order to want. Just the F moniker alone drew me in. As I sat in the car the first time after I purchased it, the seats hugged me. Starting the car, even bone stock, was melodic. I have long been a fan of the robust look of the 2IS. It hasn't aged much because the lines are so clean. The IS F will cost more for maintenance, even starting at needing nearly 10qts of motor oil.

In the end, get what you want the most. Is it leg room? Is it performance? Is it going to be a show car or fast street car? Only you can decide.

Either way, I wish you the best of luck to you and your family.

TranV

iTrader: (4)

if you a car, you should go for the ISF. otherwise, you will keep wondering what it's like to own one. GS is just another car.

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

Yep. GS is just "another car." ISF is something special.

semnosNSX

I also own a 07 GS350 in addition to the ISF and the two are very different cars. When I want a smooth, comfy ride somewhere or if I plan on hauling around extra people, I take the GS. If I want a fun, sportier ride, I'll take the ISF. Like many have stated, you just need to figure out what your needs vs wants are and what you are trying to accomplish.

Fsport2UR

That year GS does not appeal to me at all. Even if my other choice was not an ISF, I still wouldn't go with the GS. HAHA