jrock77

Hi there!
I will be selling an LX450 and am leaning toward either the GS300 '98-'99 or the LS400 same years. I am have actually never driven either and am hoping to hear this forums expert opinions.
I was hoping some of you could give me advice on the GS300 and pros and cons to the car and also if you have had both which and why you preferred one over the other?

GS300 Questions:
- Good in Snow?
- Reliable
- Power good?
- MPG's?
- Repairs expensive? I can turn a wrench some but not an expert
- Overall driving experience?

Anything else you all might be able to ad would be much appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!

4eign

Hold out and get a GS400/430 wont regret it! I wish i did.

But i also like the look of the lS...cant speak on it too much since i dont really know.

I have a GS300 on the eats coast and mine passed my expectations in the snow. I thought i was in for it since it was rear wheel.

But i dont think you will go wrong with either model...but if you can get the GS400 if you go the GS route.

D-Boi

iTrader: (5)

get the GS

jrock77

GS300 = 6cyl
GS400 & 430 = both have 4.0V8 correct? I am suspecting not a huge difference in MPG between the 6 and the 8? But I am imagining the 8 has considerable more performance?
Are those the biggest stand out differences?

YviE

iTrader: (3)

I can only speak for the GS300. It's a comfortable car and roomy car. The engine has good power for daily driving, but it's not a beast. The V8 is said to get the same MPG as the I6, so not that great...

I find the GS very easy to work on. I am not a mechanic, I do all of the basic maintenance and have done suspension work without any problems. These cars are very well designed.

I wonder why you are not considering a GS400 which would be the best of both worlds.

jrock77

Well as I am learning it looks like the GS400 or 430 are indeed what I would desire the most! I was considering the LS400 but in all honesty I like the looks of the GS as much and maybe a slight bit more. I will have to drive both and see which I like more I guess.

sikkwidit

iTrader: (5)

I would say go for the Gs either 400 or 430

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

The LS400 is a fantastic car, but it's outdated. If you buy a 98-00 LS, there aren't any OEM parts you can use to make it look newer. A 98-00 GS300, also a fantastic car, has OEM upgrades such as headlights, tail lights etc. etc.

I personally would go with neither. Just like a few mentioned above, I would go with the GS400.

maxXx430

I got my car recently and was in your shoes. Go big or go home. Gs300 is weaker, hence you need to work the gas pedal more to push the car. Gs400/430 has more power so less gas pedal to move the car. Its the same gas mileage pretty much. So I say go with the v8!

2gsfowner

iTrader: (2)

GS300 is preferred.
Gs430 is Preferred too.
Gs400 is in the mid. I rather get either gs300 or 430.
LS is a totally different story.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to CL! Please try out our forum search Not many things you can ask that haven't been covered so you can get instant answers, no waiting.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ht=gs400+ls400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=gs400+ls400

These links are a little dated, but still apply. There are many more threads (including more recent); suggest you please try the search feature and you'll find a lot of the stuff you're asking (or may want to ask), no waiting. For example, I searched for the question "Should I get a GS400 or GS430?" using "gs400 gs430 difference" as keywords and found the following threads among others.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference

Should I get a GS300 or GS400?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-or-gs400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=149311


Should I get a GS300 or GS430?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...400-430-a.html

What year is best
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=15832
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=83730


The GS Series has few problems as it ages. The earlier years (98/99) have more quirks then the later years, but both have been known to have:

Moisture in Healights
Low/rough Idle Issue
Door Actuator Problems
Dash Rattle
Sunroof Rattle
Vibration at Highway Speed in wheels
Wheel bearings
90k timing belt service needed


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...400+Rough+Idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=Door+Actuator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=Dash+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Sunroof+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...GS400+low+idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light+Moisture
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...s400+Vibration

Are there any technical service bulletins? TSBs

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&highlight=tsb
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=28501

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

I wouldn't say RWD are good in snow, compared to your AWD LX. If you are looking for spacious roomy and comfort, get the LS430. If you want a sporty look, get the GS430. With all respect, dont get the GS300.

BLK13X

Welcome. If you're not looking to modify or lightly modify I'd say get a GS430. The GS300 is good tobut you really have to nail it to get them going, judging by my own experience with a 300. I think Aussie spec 300s are spec'd different to US models (more like a 430) as we never got them here.

Kyle Harty

iTrader: (17)

If you're looking at a GS and don't want to go FI get the V8, you'll appreciate the extra power with little loss in gas mileage! From my slightly biased perspective, the 2GS body style has aged less than the LS400, it's more comparable to a LS430 as far as freshness. Like others have said, you can keep a 2GS looking relatively modern with some minor mods.

VNN326

iTrader: (21)

Ls bro. Straight rick ross boss!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGp5nO6RX5A