Time to upgrade, gs430 or ls430?
11-22-15, 07:16 PM
#17
Racer
Nothing Wrong with the GS350. Still using the same engine in the 4GS and many other models. The GS350 might be the better buy since it does not have expensive electronic shocks that fail well under 100K miles. Just dump in some Sea Foam in the gas tank once in a while to clean out the intake .
11-23-15, 01:18 AM
#18
Instructor
Thread Starter
Nothing Wrong with the GS350. Still using the same engine in the 4GS and many other models. The GS350 might be the better buy since it does not have expensive electronic shocks that fail well under 100K miles. Just dump in some Sea Foam in the gas tank once in a while to clean out the intake .
11-23-15, 01:19 AM
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
11-23-15, 10:56 AM
#20
Racer
Didn't realize or hear anything about the shocks, I'm actually looking at an 08 GS460 now which has the same thing, I know the LS430 would probably be the smarter buy, it's about 5k cheaper and I know how reliable they are, but so far I've heard good things on the 460s as well, just haven't seen many LS460s or GS460s with high mileage, they're still not that old yet.
Gs460 electronic struts are very expensive which made me cross it off my list of car choices. The price of all 4 strut and strut mounts comes to well over $1500+ for parts alone when I researched online . Some switch over to aftermarket coilovers and have reported that the ride is just as good as stock. Of course you lose the ride adjustment feature. It is 1/3 of the cost with the GS350 RWD. AWD requires that you get the Lexus oem front struts and mounts which cost me $410 shipped. The rear shock are just KYB brand which you can get for about $90 each.
Since you are in MN, I would suggest getting a GS350 AWD unless you have a beater 4wd vehicle specifically for snow driving. I was reluctant to get AWD since I thought It wouldn't feel as smooth as rwd, but to my surprise the drivetrain is very smooth like rwd. I have enjoyed the Gs350 so far coming from a 1999 Gs400, 2005 Gs430 and two 2001 LS430s. I do miss the silky V8 growl but the high revving V6 sound pretty cool stock but especially cool with the K&N Typhoon air intake.
The LS430 is legendary and would be the most reliable, but it looks so dated these days.You still have to deal with the timing belt service. I would get one WITHOUT navigation since the technology is so dated
Last edited by JLAWS; 11-23-15 at 11:52 AM.
11-23-15, 12:01 PM
#21
Instructor
Thread Starter
It's odd, there's only two 3GS350s for sale anywhere remotely close to me and their both very overpriced, yet two GS430s and the Gs460 which are supposed to be a lot rarer, looking at the service history on the 460, it had one of the struts replaced at the dealer, I suppose you could just do them one at a time if they failed.
11-29-15, 08:55 PM
#22
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Tn
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i want to thank everyone for their suggestions and input. im going to try and change out the spark plugs and the vvt sensors. i doubt the previous owner kept up on the maintenance like they should've. this is a great and informative forum and i'm happy i became a member. Much props to everyone who chimed in on this issue. hopefully my problem will be solved. the car drives so flawless and smooth when it was running. it felt like i was driving a 2015 lol.
12-01-15, 08:10 PM
#23
If it was me I would get the 06 430 it the best Engine ever made now add tgat new body with new technology is priceless.lexus took a wrong turn with the 350s as you see as they age In mileage there having consumption and carbon issues now if your leasing 350 all day.
12-02-15, 12:25 AM
#24
Instructor
Thread Starter
I ended up getting an 08 GS460, faster than the 430 and from what I've heard on 3GS forum just as reliable. It also has a much better and more modern navigation/touchscreen interface than what was on the 06 GS
12-02-15, 07:57 AM
#25
Gs460 electronic struts are very expensive which made me cross it off my list of car choices. The price of all 4 strut and strut mounts comes to well over $1500+ for parts alone when I researched online . Some switch over to aftermarket coilovers and have reported that the ride is just as good as stock. Of course you lose the ride adjustment feature. It is 1/3 of the cost with the GS350 RWD. AWD requires that you get the Lexus oem front struts and mounts which cost me $410 shipped. The rear shock are just KYB brand which you can get for about $90 each.
Since you are in MN, I would suggest getting a GS350 AWD unless you have a beater 4wd vehicle specifically for snow driving. I was reluctant to get AWD since I thought It wouldn't feel as smooth as rwd, but to my surprise the drivetrain is very smooth like rwd. I have enjoyed the Gs350 so far coming from a 1999 Gs400, 2005 Gs430 and two 2001 LS430s. I do miss the silky V8 growl but the high revving V6 sound pretty cool stock but especially cool with the K&N Typhoon air intake.
The LS430 is legendary and would be the most reliable, but it looks so dated these days.You still have to deal with the timing belt service. I would get one WITHOUT navigation since the technology is so dated
Since you are in MN, I would suggest getting a GS350 AWD unless you have a beater 4wd vehicle specifically for snow driving. I was reluctant to get AWD since I thought It wouldn't feel as smooth as rwd, but to my surprise the drivetrain is very smooth like rwd. I have enjoyed the Gs350 so far coming from a 1999 Gs400, 2005 Gs430 and two 2001 LS430s. I do miss the silky V8 growl but the high revving V6 sound pretty cool stock but especially cool with the K&N Typhoon air intake.
The LS430 is legendary and would be the most reliable, but it looks so dated these days.You still have to deal with the timing belt service. I would get one WITHOUT navigation since the technology is so dated
Not to mention, regular GS350 shocks will work just fine, you will simply lose the AVS feature. Not a big deal if you never use it.
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