Hello boys and girls: after a long time of not posting on here, I am faced with a good problem. I have owned
my 98 LS400 for about 2.5 trouble free years. During that time, I've put about 25K on her and have had nary
a problem, with the exception of replacing the alternator, tires, and front shocks.

My Dad recently retired, so I passed on the car to him to use. He loves the car and it couldn't be easier for
him to drive. Which leaves me in an enviable, yet somewhat tricky position. What car to replace the LS with.
I have contemplated several other Lexus, so with that said, I was looking for opinions on those of you who
have owned the LS400 and other models as well. Here are the other models I have contemplated (though
not test driven yet).

LS430 - from what I have read, this is all the LS400 (98-00) is, with perhaps a bit more luxury and creature
comforts.

GS430 - in my brief browsing of this site, I have read some describing this car as being a cross between an
LS430 and GS400. Not having driven one, I cannot attest to that, but it does sound appealing.

OK, let me put the question to all of you Lexus enthusiasts. If it were you, what car would you choose, and why.
Give me your favorite color for that particular car, and some highlights of what you like about that model.

I'm eager to learn more, so feel free to indulge me. I look forward to the dialogue.

 

Pearl White in any shape works for me.

I have the LS430 and the 400 and prefer the 400 as my daily driver. Just has a better feel and ride to me than the 430.
I don't need all the fancy bells and whistles, just need a good ride that is reliable.
I prefer the softer luxury ride of the LS over the GS. If you want firm and sporty to go the GS route.

I think the actual car choice depends on the ride you're trying to achieve. You've already decided, as many of us have, that the Lexus is the only thing to choose from.

Good on you for passing on the Lexus to your dad. I did the same and he frequently states it's the best car he's ever owned.
Good luck in your search.

 

I also would tend to gravitate towards a 400 than a 430. but the 430 will generally have lower miles and finding a used gem will be easier.
as for a GS, it is actually built in closer relation to the IS not the LS, so with that it will drive closer to a sports sedan than a luxury cruiser. think of it as an IS with more room.
as legender stated, it will come down to you personal taste and use. if you are inclined to the LS, then stick to the LS regardless of generation as they are all built on a unique chassis not shared with other platforms.
the GS will certainly be a change of pace, drivability, and overall satisfaction, and only you can define that.

as for me, I am spoiled with the LS so anything else would be a downgrade (and this is coming from a 35 year old male enthusiast who has a car on high spring rates and a fixed bucket seat as a weekend track car). I'm with legender too, white in color with black or grey interior if possible.