the-oneil

Hi everyone

I was wondering if you could tell me, if you had the choice between these two cars, which one would you buy?

Both are same price & colour combination (Silver / Black)

GS300 245HP (No GS350 in the UK)

Gs430 280HP

They share the exact specifications but the GS430 has the following extras (which are standard on the GS430)
Adaptive Cruise Control / VDIM / Adaptive suspention

As you can see the GS430 has an extra 45HP and more torque (I think 100NM which are reached at a lower Rev)

But it is also a Fuel guzzler.

SGT

Are they really the same price? That doesn't make sense. If that's the case, go with the GS430.

Gojirra99

I think he is probably talking about two used ones ?

I would take the GS430 as well .

csq860

How much of a difference are we talking about with the fuel consumption? Gas is quite a bit more expensive in the UK isn't it? That could play a big part in the decision.

the-oneil

They are the same price

In the UK the big engined cars depreciate much quicker than smaller capacity ones, as petrol is 85p/Ltr - That is $1.63 a litre

One more thing though, I get the feeling that 280HP from a 4.3 Ltr engine in the GS430 is very low, whereas 245HP from the 3.0 Ltr GS300 is very good.

What I want to say is The GS430 will give 0.65hp per Ltr where the Gs300 gives 0.82hp per Ltr.

does that make any sence

the-oneil

They are both Ex Lexus GP cars (both have less than 1000 miles on them) so yes they are used.

They are priced at £30,000 ($58,000) but in the UK everything is standard (Sat Nav, sun roof, ML...etc).

I believe the GS430 fuel consumption is around +15% of the GS300, which translates into £325 ($620) extra per year for my mileage.

RandalR

Are these 2007 models with the Gen5 Nav system? I would insist on that, even if you can't get a GS350 (?!?) in the UK. If they do have the new Nav, I would go with the GS430 because of the additional features, and the fuel economy specs really aren't that different. If the GS350 were available, it would be an easy winner, but since these two are the same price, the GS430 is an easy choice in this case.

hsk73

For most of people... 245HP is more then enough and fuel economy is very important!

Nauticalx

He's asking a majority US crowd what they would buy without expressly telling people to consider his situation in the UK is much different than the US. Maybe you shoudl restart the poll asking people what they would buy if they were in the UK.

sbrown02

If the extra $600/yr (or more if fuel continues to increase) is no big deal to you, then definately go with the 430. If you feel uneasy about the extra fuel cost (which is what it seems like given the questions you've been posting), then definately go with the 300. Whatever path leads to your own personal peace of mind is worth it, regardless of HP, torque, or any other factor.

It's fun to see CL members from all over the world. Good luck.

the-oneil

Could someone please let me know what is the Gen5 Nav? And what is the difference between it and the previous one (I assume it would be called Gen4)?

Thanks

RandalR

It's the vastly improved navigation system on the 2007 models, featuring a much clearer graphic display. But since you are apparently looking at used 2006 cars, you will get the earlier version, regardless.

marshmallo

I voted for the GS300 because I believe it makes more sense from
a practical standpoint. You won't have to spend as much time at
the gas station.

As for which one rides better, the GS430 rides much better.

GFerg

+1...and you mentioned something about the depreciation factor for big engined cars in the UK and your spending a lot more money to fill it up. 300 seems best for your situation.

the-oneil

Thanks guys, I agree that the GS300 is more suitable for my need It is just VERY difficult to resist the temptation of buying the V8 for the same price as the V6. Moreover, the GS430 adds adaptive suspention, which makes is sportier than the GS300 on country lanes. Add to that Adaptive cruise control, VDIM and Variable steering ratios on the GS430 all for the same price as the GS300 and I feel like I am loosing my head