Goodbye GS300... Hello GS430
03-03-06, 10:19 PM
#1
Goodbye GS300... Hello GS430
After only having my 2000 GS300 since March 05, I traded it in for an 02 GS430.
I just wanted to share my impressions on the differences to help anyone looking to purchase either one in the future.
First off, I noticed that the ride quality in the 430 is much smoother. The engine is also noticably quieter... especially when accelerating in lower gears at small throttle openings. The 430 accelerates effortlessly. Punching the gas to make a yellow light results in no increase in engine noise until the RPMs climb a bit and even then, the added noise is the nice throaty rumble of the V8.
Second, the interior is bit more refined. This is more of a difference in the years, I know. The newer gauge cluster is more modern and the layout of the navi system is ten-fold better than the 98-00.
My main reason for getting rid of the GS300 was lack of power. My previous cars have all been sports cars with more than enough power. The GS300 didn't sastify my speed cravings. I got sick of the engine screaming away and mot taking the car anywhere. My GS300 was also due for it's 90k mile service so I figured now would be a good time to trade it in before wasting my time and money doing the service.
Here's a pic of the GS300:
I'll post a picture of the GS430 tomorrow when it's daylight.
Tomorrow will be spent migrating my satellite radio and bluetooth phone kit into the new toy.
I just wanted to share my impressions on the differences to help anyone looking to purchase either one in the future.
First off, I noticed that the ride quality in the 430 is much smoother. The engine is also noticably quieter... especially when accelerating in lower gears at small throttle openings. The 430 accelerates effortlessly. Punching the gas to make a yellow light results in no increase in engine noise until the RPMs climb a bit and even then, the added noise is the nice throaty rumble of the V8.
Second, the interior is bit more refined. This is more of a difference in the years, I know. The newer gauge cluster is more modern and the layout of the navi system is ten-fold better than the 98-00.
My main reason for getting rid of the GS300 was lack of power. My previous cars have all been sports cars with more than enough power. The GS300 didn't sastify my speed cravings. I got sick of the engine screaming away and mot taking the car anywhere. My GS300 was also due for it's 90k mile service so I figured now would be a good time to trade it in before wasting my time and money doing the service.
Here's a pic of the GS300:
I'll post a picture of the GS430 tomorrow when it's daylight.
Tomorrow will be spent migrating my satellite radio and bluetooth phone kit into the new toy.
Trending Topics
03-04-06, 07:26 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Congrats...I too made the same decision 5 yrs ago when I traded my 00gs300 for an 01 430.
Got tired of honda accords getting the best of me off the light. Now that you have a 430, consider a 3.76lsd upgrade and make yourself even quicker than stock gs4's
Got tired of honda accords getting the best of me off the light. Now that you have a 430, consider a 3.76lsd upgrade and make yourself even quicker than stock gs4's
03-04-06, 07:29 AM
#9
I too went from GS300 to G430, although my GS300 was a first gen, but it's drive train is still pretty much the same as 2nd gen. My only complaint with the 430 is that it handles quite a bit worse than the 300, I guess it has to do with the added weight.
03-04-06, 08:42 AM
#11
Originally Posted by rheiy
Now that you have a 430, consider a 3.76lsd upgrade and make yourself even quicker than stock gs4's
03-04-06, 04:33 PM
#13
a wise decision that you won't regret, my friend! 
My first 2nd Gen GS was a 300, and yes, the power diff is like night and day.
I dont understand your comment about a difference in ride quality though. We are talking about the same chassis here. Maybe it's the wear and tear thing again like you said.
From 90K(GS3) to XXK with the new ride?
My first 2nd Gen GS was a 300, and yes, the power diff is like night and day.I dont understand your comment about a difference in ride quality though. We are talking about the same chassis here. Maybe it's the wear and tear thing again like you said.
From 90K(GS3) to XXK with the new ride?
