Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

Hey all,

I'm getting a vehicle for my wife (and occasionally myself) to drive in Iowa year-round. I'm shooting for the $5-6k pricerange. I had nearly settled on an '01 GS430 - good size car, super reliable, and a 300hp silk smooth V8.

The biggest deterrent on that one is the fact that it's RWD. Still, I don't mind driving on snowy days, as that only limits her utility on 20 days a year or so, or about 5% of the time.

Then I discovered that the first gen RX is in a similar price range. While it sounds like power-wise it's a bit of a dog, the prospect of AWD is very attractive.

That said, my absolutely biggest concern is reliability. There are older/higher mileage cars in this price range, and I'm not looking for something that's going to have sudden $1k+ repairs, or even several $300 repairs a year. That's why I'm selling my BMW M5 (400hp V8, RWD, 6spd) - for peace of mind and utility.

So what are your thoughts? Is the first-gen RX going to need more maintenance dollars than a GS430 with similar mileage and care? How does the value compare to the GS?

Thanks!

mshumack

I would think about the type of people that buy and drive these two models. Granted, they are expensive so you don't need to worry much about the teenager drivers but who do you think is heavier (harder) on the accelerator, the GS driver or the RX driver?
I think of the wife driving the Rx and the yuppie hot-rodder driving the GS.
Just my stereotype view.

bob2200

I was a passenger in the rear of a GS years ago and was shocked by the lack of space, particularly headroom.

The RX is very different in that there is really room to seat passengers comfortably and store luggage or groceries. Of course, the GS has the looks and acceleration.

My own feeling is that the SUVs are the guys cars (e.g., carrying lumber, gardening supplies) and the sedans (i.e., ES, GS, IS) are the cute, girlie cars.

salimshah

There is no way to compare the two. Getting off M5 you would be disappointed in both [unless GS4 has the right mods] and RX is not even in the same category.

What you can move and do with either the RX or GS are again so different and that is why they are in different category. Best judge would be you or your wife. Also check the repair histories.

Maintenance cost between the RX and GS would be similar. Labor/hr is identical. Wearable parts are some what similar in cost [filter, brake-pads, oil etc]. V6 vs v8 does add more plugs etc, but both have 2 banks.

Some items repair would be very different ... starter on GS is 6 + hours of labor while RX is 1+.

I would suggest loan a vehicle for couple of days and see which fits your need.

Warning: Lux vehicles are always expensive to repair ,,, and even non-lux typically run a $350+ bill for repair.


Salim

kalali

The only thing in common between these two cars is the brand/manufacturer. The RX will be a much more confident vehicle in snow, especially if you mount a set of snow tires. I have driven/owned both "types" of vehicles in snowy climates and an AWD car with M+S tires is much superior to a RWD with snow tires.