Is there any reason you would want the 3.0l engine over the 4.3l.

It sounds like a HUGE difference in engine size but does that really show?
The 300 also has the E-shift which is way cool.

What else...any opinion and all facts are welcome!

Thanks

 

If I don't care about the 0-60, 1/4 M time and don't want to spend an extra $10,000 for the V8, then I would buy the GS300 instead of GS430. 0-60 time for the GS300 is close to 2 seconds slower than the GS430.

 

the v8 also has a much quieter and smoother ride too

 

A reason for getting the 300 engine over the 4 would be easier/ cheaper ability to turbo. If that does not interest you gs400998's reason's are also valid. Otherwise the 1UZ would be the way to go.

 

Have to disagree with this one a bit. I have a 2k1 GS430 and my wife has a 2k3 GS3 and they are very, very close. If anything, I would say the GS3 idles smoother and quieter than the GS4. I think the V8 is a great engine but I have owned that straight six in a Supra and I hope the V8 equals it for longevity, it really is a quality piece, much, much better than bimmer straight sixes in my opinion, after having owned both.

 

Yeah I agree have had both and they are very similar. Actually I think the GS300(a year or two ago) was voted quietest car of the year while cruising at 70mph by Car & Driver.

 

You can't hear the GS300 engine at freeway speeds although you can hear a little in city driving. Not sure about the smoother ride. The GS3 is pretty smooth and suffers no "low idle" issues the V8 has. And the GS300 is a little cheaper to insure.

The GS4xx has more hp and is probably the choice if you need speed and cannot/will not mod the engine. Given that the GS400 from 99 on will probably have hids and 17 inch rims the difference, used, will be closer then 10k. New, that's another story.