FutureOwnr

2004 GS430 in black black or a 2004 LS430 in black black..both with NAV...

I've got some tough comp. as I narrow my search down for a vehicle this week. Overall, which one do you all like better? For what reasons?

They both have the same 4.3 Litre, leather quality seem to be the same, same navigation and mark levinson.

Any better in reference to maintenance?

AlexusAnja

You really can't go wrong with either...it's up to which one you feel will give you better balance of what you need. The GS will drive sportier (good or bad) but short of that, I think the LS is superior in interior room, comfort, prestige, and subjectively the '04 LS I think has aged in look better than the '04 Gs. I think maintenance/cost of ownership is a flush.

Legender

It's not what we like.... it's what you like. In the LS forum we'd lean more towards the LS... in the GS forum they'd surely steer you towards the GS.... but in the end it's your call. The LS is bigger interior and rides softer than the GS. Which one do you want to drive every day? Which one makes your heart race and causes you to smile every time you sit in it? What is your decision criteria and how do each stack up. You're asking me... the LS is the clear choice.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I was in a similar position last year and chose the LS430. The 04+ LS is a much nicer car in my opinion, but the GS430 is great car as well. It really comes down to if you want a sportier car (GS) or a pure luxury car (LS). You can't go wrong with either to be honest.

chunkyda

You will need to answer this for yourself. I considered the GS but it was too small for me and my family of 5. I hit my head on the roof getting in and out of a 2006 GS. I have twin 14 year old boys that are 5'11" and still growing. When I got the car they were 10 and I needed room for 3 kids back there The back seat of the LS has the most leg room of just about any car in this price range.
Regarding maintenance, both are highly reliable. There is probably more variation within model type than between GS and LS. Chances of finding an abused LS I'd personally say is smaller just given the sporty nature of the GS with the V8 engine.

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

I've had both and the LS feels like a newer and more luxurious car. I do miss my GS a lot because it was more fun to drive.

ls430lover

ill answer it for you and all the responses the 04 ls
is a great car one of the top 5 automobiles ever made, handles just fine no need for the gs
if looks of the ls vs gs is a deal breaker i understand if you buy the gs
the gs up until this year was missing the ride quality to make it a genuinely great car
the interior for bigger people is also an issue where as the ls has both the great ride the powertrain the handling and the ability to adapt to a lot of size drivers.
safe driving to all

Squirrel1

Am i late? Haha just a little. I have both 2004 ls and 2006 gs. It's quicker to tell you what i like more about the ls because its a short list.
1 interior is bigger, more comfortable, better built, softer seats, quiter etc.
2 and this only goes for some, no nav! That means modern double din woohoo!!!! This is a big deal for me maybe not for others.
so other than that i like everything about the gs more. Faster, sportier, sexier, handling etc.

XJSFan

I have owned both an LS and the GS for a long time and recently sold the 2006 LS430 to a family member. Love the 06 LS because it drove great and had plenty of space inside and also in the trunk(last model year of a vehicle is always the best). Great rode trip vehicle and also around town. I do like the look of the 06GS430(original owner) better then the LS because it was redesigned for 06. The GS rides more sporty then the LS but also handles much better. It a sports sedan and built like a tank... Your choice, but I would buy a 2006 of either model over anything built earlier... Last year of a model is usually always the best because reliability wise all the issues have been taken care of...

CSA

Holly old thread revival, Batman. For those pondering the same question, some random thoughts from a guy a year and a half into ownership of an 05 LS. :

• Although the GS and LS share some drivetrain components, the LS is the flagship.
• To me, the LS has aged very well aesthetically. It doesn't look dated to my eyes. To me, it remains one of the nicest looking cars out there. It has the looks of a classic if you will.
• As a sports sedan, the GS lacks the goods relative to its competitors, especially in the horsepower department.
• For whatever reason, the LS's I see out and about appear to be better kept than the GS's I see. More loved? Maybe.
• Parts for the LS may be easer to obtain. I suspect Toyota sold a lot more third generation LS's than third generation GS's. I see a lot more third generation LS's on the road than GS's.

At the end of the day, I think comes down to which of the two does it for one the most and what's available in the market place when one is ready to buy.