GS430/IS350 What should I get?
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GS430/IS350 What should I get?
OK, I'm looking for some opinions here to help me figure out what to do. I previously owned a GS300. My current baby is a 2003 GS430, fully loaded, but stock. I love this car, best I've every driven.
My lease is up next month. This is a "company" car, so I need to get a new lease. Problem is, I'm not sure what I should get.
The '06 GS430 exterior styling, honestly, is not as clean ad the 2nd Gen GS exteriors. A 2ndGen GS400/430 with the spoiler just looks *fast*. The '06 430 to me just doesn't have that look. I don't know if it's just something that I will grow into, or what. When the first 2nd Gen GS came out, it really stood out to me -- it had a very unique look. I don't feel the same with this current model. Plus, it looks to me like the 430 is going to be the middle of the road model, with the hybrid and the 460 coming out.
I looked at the IS350, and wow, for performance, that seems like the car for the moment. It's got better performance than my current GS430, and the '06 430. My concern with the IS is the size of the car -- I like the roominess and luxury of the GS. How realistic is it to haul kids around in the back of the IS versus the GS? My kids love the ride in the GS, in the IS I don't know...
I get the feeling that right *now* is a bad time for me to be trading cars, with new GS models clearly on the horizon, but I have no choice. If only I could defer this for another year or two...
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
My lease is up next month. This is a "company" car, so I need to get a new lease. Problem is, I'm not sure what I should get.
The '06 GS430 exterior styling, honestly, is not as clean ad the 2nd Gen GS exteriors. A 2ndGen GS400/430 with the spoiler just looks *fast*. The '06 430 to me just doesn't have that look. I don't know if it's just something that I will grow into, or what. When the first 2nd Gen GS came out, it really stood out to me -- it had a very unique look. I don't feel the same with this current model. Plus, it looks to me like the 430 is going to be the middle of the road model, with the hybrid and the 460 coming out.
I looked at the IS350, and wow, for performance, that seems like the car for the moment. It's got better performance than my current GS430, and the '06 430. My concern with the IS is the size of the car -- I like the roominess and luxury of the GS. How realistic is it to haul kids around in the back of the IS versus the GS? My kids love the ride in the GS, in the IS I don't know...
I get the feeling that right *now* is a bad time for me to be trading cars, with new GS models clearly on the horizon, but I have no choice. If only I could defer this for another year or two...
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
#2
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I've driven both...get the GS. The IS is super fun to drive and haul around but like you said, your kids may not like the cramped space in the rear seat. The GS430 is no slouch by the way. Just heavier/bigger 8cly version of the IS.
How many younguns do you plan to drive around and how often do they ride in the car with you?
How many younguns do you plan to drive around and how often do they ride in the car with you?
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Originally Posted by ocangelfan
OK, I'm looking for some opinions here to help me figure out what to do. I previously owned a GS300. My current baby is a 2003 GS430, fully loaded, but stock. I love this car, best I've every driven.
My lease is up next month. This is a "company" car, so I need to get a new lease. Problem is, I'm not sure what I should get.
The '06 GS430 exterior styling, honestly, is not as clean ad the 2nd Gen GS exteriors. A 2ndGen GS400/430 with the spoiler just looks *fast*. The '06 430 to me just doesn't have that look. I don't know if it's just something that I will grow into, or what. When the first 2nd Gen GS came out, it really stood out to me -- it had a very unique look. I don't feel the same with this current model. Plus, it looks to me like the 430 is going to be the middle of the road model, with the hybrid and the 460 coming out.
I looked at the IS350, and wow, for performance, that seems like the car for the moment. It's got better performance than my current GS430, and the '06 430. My concern with the IS is the size of the car -- I like the roominess and luxury of the GS. How realistic is it to haul kids around in the back of the IS versus the GS? My kids love the ride in the GS, in the IS I don't know...
I get the feeling that right *now* is a bad time for me to be trading cars, with new GS models clearly on the horizon, but I have no choice. If only I could defer this for another year or two...
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
My lease is up next month. This is a "company" car, so I need to get a new lease. Problem is, I'm not sure what I should get.
The '06 GS430 exterior styling, honestly, is not as clean ad the 2nd Gen GS exteriors. A 2ndGen GS400/430 with the spoiler just looks *fast*. The '06 430 to me just doesn't have that look. I don't know if it's just something that I will grow into, or what. When the first 2nd Gen GS came out, it really stood out to me -- it had a very unique look. I don't feel the same with this current model. Plus, it looks to me like the 430 is going to be the middle of the road model, with the hybrid and the 460 coming out.
I looked at the IS350, and wow, for performance, that seems like the car for the moment. It's got better performance than my current GS430, and the '06 430. My concern with the IS is the size of the car -- I like the roominess and luxury of the GS. How realistic is it to haul kids around in the back of the IS versus the GS? My kids love the ride in the GS, in the IS I don't know...
I get the feeling that right *now* is a bad time for me to be trading cars, with new GS models clearly on the horizon, but I have no choice. If only I could defer this for another year or two...
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
Last edited by jlin101; 12-16-05 at 08:53 AM.
#6
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by ocangelfan
I get the feeling that right *now* is a bad time for me to be trading cars, with new GS models clearly on the horizon, but I have no choice. If only I could defer this for another year or two...
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
So, please, any thought on the GS or IS would be valued!
Thanks!
- Scott
If your priority is straight performance, the IS350 on paper is a better choice. But if your priority is size and luxury, the GS is for you. I think the new IS is fantastic, but I prefer the larger size of the GS.
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I've got three kids, but the oldest is 10, so it's not like driving adults around. I've got one I take to school every day, but I don't usually have all three with me.
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
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#8
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by ocangelfan
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Put a stock 3rd gen GS next to a stock 2nd gen GS and it's apparent how modern the new GS is. But that's to be expected since the 2nd gen is about 8 years old in design. As much as I liked the 2nd gen GS, I really love the L-Finesse design style Lexus has adopted. The GS and IS look great, and the new LS looks very promising.
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Originally Posted by INHOCJP
As a previous 2nd Gen GS owner who loved his GS (since '98), I would say it's a stretch saying a stock 2nd gen GS looks "awesome." IMHO, a stock 2nd gen GS is somewhat boring. However, a modded 2nd gen can look fantastic though. That's why I added some subtle mods (body kit, suspension, wheels).
Are there L-tuned mods available for the 3rd Gen GS or 2nd Gen IS? If I do make any mods, it seems like L-tuned is the safest way to go on a lease vehicle.
#11
Originally Posted by ocangelfan
I've got three kids, but the oldest is 10, so it's not like driving adults around. I've got one I take to school every day, but I don't usually have all three with me.
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
5'10'' 165lb and my legs just would not fit there. The GS is quite a bit better for me (though
not fantastic either).
I also had a 2GS (01 GS430) and I absolutely loved the car. It was badass for its time.
I am not entirely fond of the 3GS styling either, but the AWD made me get it. A lot of
people have told me that they love the way it looks, though.
I still think that for luxury V8 is better than any V6's I have driven (although I have not
driven the IS350 yet).
#12
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Originally Posted by ocangelfan
I've got three kids, but the oldest is 10, so it's not like driving adults around. I've got one I take to school every day, but I don't usually have all three with me.
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
#13
Originally Posted by ocangelfan
I've got three kids, but the oldest is 10, so it's not like driving adults around. I've got one I take to school every day, but I don't usually have all three with me.
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
I do take customers out to lunch occasionally, and that I feel could be an issue with the IS. Although it could be a pretty short journey with 306hp in that size of car
How quiet is the IS350 on the freeway/highway, anyone know how it compares to the GS? Does it also have Bluetooth for cell phone integration?
I think what is really bothering me about the new GS is I'm just not liking the body style like the gen 2 cars. My opinion, the Gen 2 cars gotta have the rear spoiler, and at least 17" wheels to look right, and with that they look awesome. I don't have the same feeling with the Gen 3 cars -- anyone else feel this way?
Maybe I just need to get used to it though...
Thanks for the input!
As someone who is totally objective, if I ever decided to trade my M for a Lexus I would go for the IS350 over the GS430 in a heartbeat. I think it looks really slick.
#14
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by ocangelfan
Are there L-tuned mods available for the 3rd Gen GS or 2nd Gen IS? If I do make any mods, it seems like L-tuned is the safest way to go on a lease vehicle.
#15
Originally Posted by INHOCJP
As a previous 2nd Gen GS owner who loved his GS (since '98), I would say it's a stretch saying a stock 2nd gen GS looks "awesome."
would think the 3GS is more sporty.
The 3GS is slowly winning me over, especially after seeing some of the mods in this forum.
What is missing is a classy, yet agressive grill. I think that would improve its road presence.