Unbiased opinion needed -- keep GS4 or upgrade to LS430?
01-21-07, 06:58 PM
#1
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Unbiased opinion needed -- keep GS4 or upgrade to LS430?
Hey guys. Here's the deal. I currently own a 99 GS400 with 93,000 miles. I love the car. This is my second GS400 (my first being a 98). So, between the two cars, I've been driving a GS for the last 3 years or so. At some point in the future, I will be driving an 01-06 LS430. The question is whether now is that time. Being that my car just turned 90k, I need to do the 90k maintenance, which will cost around $1,500. Once done, though, I should be all set for another 90k (aside from the usual 30k maintenances).
Here's the thing. I'm just not sure that I'm ready to move up to an LS. Of 01-06, I prefer the 04+ model, but it's out of my price range at the moment and I get the sense that there's more prestige (i.e., more stares) that goes along with the 04+ models than the 01-03. I could be totally wrong on this, but it's just my perception, and whereas I might feel comfortable in an 01 or 02, I could see feeling kind of funny in an 04+. So, I'm thinking that I could pick up a nice 01 or 02 for around the mid-$20k's, but I know myself and if I do that, I'll always be looking at the 04+ models driving around and second guessing my decision.
So, if you were in my shoes, would you invest $1,500 in the 99 GS4 and do the maintenance, drive the car for a while longer, and then, when the time is right (both financially and personally), buy an 04+ LS, or would you forego the maintenance on the GS, apply that money towards an 01 or 02 LS and sell the GS. I think I've already made up my mind, but I wanted to get some opinions to make sure that my thought process is reasonable. Thanks for the help.
e
Here's the thing. I'm just not sure that I'm ready to move up to an LS. Of 01-06, I prefer the 04+ model, but it's out of my price range at the moment and I get the sense that there's more prestige (i.e., more stares) that goes along with the 04+ models than the 01-03. I could be totally wrong on this, but it's just my perception, and whereas I might feel comfortable in an 01 or 02, I could see feeling kind of funny in an 04+. So, I'm thinking that I could pick up a nice 01 or 02 for around the mid-$20k's, but I know myself and if I do that, I'll always be looking at the 04+ models driving around and second guessing my decision.
So, if you were in my shoes, would you invest $1,500 in the 99 GS4 and do the maintenance, drive the car for a while longer, and then, when the time is right (both financially and personally), buy an 04+ LS, or would you forego the maintenance on the GS, apply that money towards an 01 or 02 LS and sell the GS. I think I've already made up my mind, but I wanted to get some opinions to make sure that my thought process is reasonable. Thanks for the help.
e
01-21-07, 08:24 PM
#2
What do you mean by kind of funny? Well, I had (and still have) my '98 GS300, and have owned it for 5+ years. I bought an '04 LS430 last month, and love the new car. It's a huge jump up as far as rear seat room, interior, toys (bluetooth and better NAV). For me the 6 speed transmission and v8 are a huge performance increase, but since you have a 400 you won't notice any difference performance-wise. You should get better gas mileage with the 04+ LS430.
Look, if you're going to get an LS430, then I'd suggest an 04 or newer. I found mine in December for 27,500 but it was a high mileage (81k) car. Still, it's quieter, roomier, faster and more fun to drive (to me) than my 98 was back in 01.
If you're thinking of other people's reaction to your car, I let people drive my LS all the time, and they always tell me it's the nicest car they've ever driven. All say "I could drive this car on a long trip and not get tired" and "wow this thing's fast" or "I can't believe how quiet it is".
Do this - go take a long test drive in an 04+ at your local Lexus dealer. Then, sit back and wait for a nice to show up on EBAY / Auto Trader / Cars.com. The prices on 04's will be dropping surely with the new calendar year. I'd suggest getting anything manufactured in 01/04 and up.
Just my thoughts - Shawn
Look, if you're going to get an LS430, then I'd suggest an 04 or newer. I found mine in December for 27,500 but it was a high mileage (81k) car. Still, it's quieter, roomier, faster and more fun to drive (to me) than my 98 was back in 01.
If you're thinking of other people's reaction to your car, I let people drive my LS all the time, and they always tell me it's the nicest car they've ever driven. All say "I could drive this car on a long trip and not get tired" and "wow this thing's fast" or "I can't believe how quiet it is".
Do this - go take a long test drive in an 04+ at your local Lexus dealer. Then, sit back and wait for a nice to show up on EBAY / Auto Trader / Cars.com. The prices on 04's will be dropping surely with the new calendar year. I'd suggest getting anything manufactured in 01/04 and up.
Just my thoughts - Shawn
01-21-07, 08:54 PM
#3
After reading about the 01 and 04' differences, I am now on the hunt for an 04'.I was going for a 01' ultra but a reg 04' will do for me.I am willing to pay the extra cash for the car.I too had a gs, that i just put 2k into but I sold it in a heartbeat for the ls.The problem you will encounter is finding one in your price and options you want.I have the cash but I still cannot find one that I like.Go figure.
01-21-07, 09:08 PM
#4
I drove my 04 in the snow for the first time today. It did WAY better than my 98GS ever did. The 6 speed transmission makes these cars feel way faster than just .04 0-60 (vs. the 01-03 models). I drove a few 01's and a really sweet 03 before I bought the 04.
Our local Lexus dealer had the 03 - it had about 54k on the odometer, non Nav, for $34900. It was a certified pre-owned though. My 04 has the NAV and all the other goodies with the Modern Luxury package, and had 27k more miles, but was $7400 cheaper. It was a no brainer. Plus, the 04's don't have those silly dual glove compartments, which I thought was a tad silly anyway..
Our local Lexus dealer had the 03 - it had about 54k on the odometer, non Nav, for $34900. It was a certified pre-owned though. My 04 has the NAV and all the other goodies with the Modern Luxury package, and had 27k more miles, but was $7400 cheaper. It was a no brainer. Plus, the 04's don't have those silly dual glove compartments, which I thought was a tad silly anyway..
i agree with chris, if you were to change, get the 04+. i wouldn't get myself into 01-03, maybe just me but i would rather keep the gs400 now
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01-22-07, 11:13 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
GS4 or LS430 2001-2004!
I agree with Rominl, I say keep the GS4. I thinkif you are conerned with price now,wait about another year. The 2004 you want will be a bit cheaper by then. Also if you do the 90,000 mile service you can drive the GS4 for another year and not feel like it was a waste of your money.
Any way your surely blessed to drive any Lexus. And you in my opinion own the best car Lexus has made (GS4,GS3). The GS model has the best look of any Lexus made to date. Even better than the new GS and LS models! Also you save the money. That all being said dont buy the 2001 because you dont want it. If you do decide to buy anything buy what you dont mind paying for. You will regret paying for anything older than a 2004 LS so get that or newer.
The 2004 also has a couple of things different than the 2001-2003 models! Anyway all the best on your choice! Do what will make you happy and makes the most sense financially!
(GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME)PS: this saying is just a part of my signature and is not meant to offend anyone. Thank You!
Any way your surely blessed to drive any Lexus. And you in my opinion own the best car Lexus has made (GS4,GS3). The GS model has the best look of any Lexus made to date. Even better than the new GS and LS models! Also you save the money. That all being said dont buy the 2001 because you dont want it. If you do decide to buy anything buy what you dont mind paying for. You will regret paying for anything older than a 2004 LS so get that or newer.
The 2004 also has a couple of things different than the 2001-2003 models! Anyway all the best on your choice! Do what will make you happy and makes the most sense financially!
(GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME)PS: this saying is just a part of my signature and is not meant to offend anyone. Thank You!
01-22-07, 11:18 PM
#9
Forum Administrator
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As an owner of both, I'd say keep the GS for now and wait until the 04+ drops within your price range.
01-23-07, 07:25 AM
#10
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Wow...why all the hate on the LS '01...
I had a '98 GS400(Sold it 3 years ago)and just recently picked up a '01 LS430. And I absolutely love it! Granted I haven't tried an '04 and the LS that I picked up is a little modded...
I'd say for sportiness there's no question I would rock the GS. But for luxury and additional Pimpfactor, the LS is the way to go. That and the fact that I drive much slower in the LS...maybe to get more head turns or because I am getting old.
I had a '98 GS400(Sold it 3 years ago)and just recently picked up a '01 LS430. And I absolutely love it! Granted I haven't tried an '04 and the LS that I picked up is a little modded...
I'd say for sportiness there's no question I would rock the GS. But for luxury and additional Pimpfactor, the LS is the way to go. That and the fact that I drive much slower in the LS...maybe to get more head turns or because I am getting old.
01-23-07, 07:31 AM
#11
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iTrader: (2)
Hudini,
No hate intended from me, just personal preference. For me the performance aspect (6 speed tranny) was only minor but the cosmetic updates for 04 - 06 are a big factor and (for me) an improvement that made me want the LS430 vs keeping my LS400.
No hate intended from me, just personal preference. For me the performance aspect (6 speed tranny) was only minor but the cosmetic updates for 04 - 06 are a big factor and (for me) an improvement that made me want the LS430 vs keeping my LS400.
01-23-07, 10:51 AM
#12
Not only the cosmetic differences and the 6 speed, but the Navigation is a newer generation on the 04's, as well as the rear view camera and bluetooth. Not to mention the 04+ is 5.9 0-60 vs. 6.3 for the 01-03.
01-23-07, 11:43 AM
#13
Hey guys. Here's the deal. I currently own a 99 GS400 with 93,000 miles. I love the car. This is my second GS400 (my first being a 98). So, between the two cars, I've been driving a GS for the last 3 years or so. At some point in the future, I will be driving an 01-06 LS430. The question is whether now is that time. Being that my car just turned 90k, I need to do the 90k maintenance, which will cost around $1,500. Once done, though, I should be all set for another 90k (aside from the usual 30k maintenances).
Here's the thing. I'm just not sure that I'm ready to move up to an LS. Of 01-06, I prefer the 04+ model, but it's out of my price range at the moment and I get the sense that there's more prestige (i.e., more stares) that goes along with the 04+ models than the 01-03. I could be totally wrong on this, but it's just my perception, and whereas I might feel comfortable in an 01 or 02, I could see feeling kind of funny in an 04+. So, I'm thinking that I could pick up a nice 01 or 02 for around the mid-$20k's, but I know myself and if I do that, I'll always be looking at the 04+ models driving around and second guessing my decision.
So, if you were in my shoes, would you invest $1,500 in the 99 GS4 and do the maintenance, drive the car for a while longer, and then, when the time is right (both financially and personally), buy an 04+ LS, or would you forego the maintenance on the GS, apply that money towards an 01 or 02 LS and sell the GS. I think I've already made up my mind, but I wanted to get some opinions to make sure that my thought process is reasonable. Thanks for the help.
e
Here's the thing. I'm just not sure that I'm ready to move up to an LS. Of 01-06, I prefer the 04+ model, but it's out of my price range at the moment and I get the sense that there's more prestige (i.e., more stares) that goes along with the 04+ models than the 01-03. I could be totally wrong on this, but it's just my perception, and whereas I might feel comfortable in an 01 or 02, I could see feeling kind of funny in an 04+. So, I'm thinking that I could pick up a nice 01 or 02 for around the mid-$20k's, but I know myself and if I do that, I'll always be looking at the 04+ models driving around and second guessing my decision.
So, if you were in my shoes, would you invest $1,500 in the 99 GS4 and do the maintenance, drive the car for a while longer, and then, when the time is right (both financially and personally), buy an 04+ LS, or would you forego the maintenance on the GS, apply that money towards an 01 or 02 LS and sell the GS. I think I've already made up my mind, but I wanted to get some opinions to make sure that my thought process is reasonable. Thanks for the help.
e
I see your point 100%. Not everyone enjoys the extra stares associated with a newer car, and im one of them. But at the same time, you dont want to buy something and second guess your decison everytime you drive it, or drive by a newer one. These are both very tough issues, and deciding isnt always easy.
To me, i went ahead for the ULTRA because i didnt want to have any regrests later. I feel if im goign to get a car, might as well get something that fully loaded, or not get at all. Thats what i did with both my GS, and LS, and i've never been happier with the purchase. So i say, wait a year or so, until prices drop, and they will drop faster now that the LS460 is here, and the LS600h is on its way (thats what I did).
The same thing applies with the 01-03 VS. 04 LS.
Anyhow, the choice is yours, and whatever you do, make it the one thats going to make you happy in the end.
01-23-07, 12:34 PM
#14
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It is the same for me as far as personal preference. I had a MKIV Supra(in my avatar), GS400, and now this 01 LS430. Now...there is noooooo wayyyyy I would drive my LS430 the way I drove my Supra so the 6-Speed tranny and the .4 off the 0-60 doesn't matter to me. Now that I am in my ahem...somehere in the 30's.... I don't have a speeding ticket bank savings like I use to. As far as the cosmetic differences, I think I made a pretty good decision
http://sr1.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244295
01-23-07, 05:31 PM
#15
Drive both. Then figure if the extra money is worth it. It all depends on your budget. You might wanna just keep your gs until prices go down even further. Don't buy somthing you don't like. Don't NOT like somthing you haven't driven either.