lemaylexus

Thanks for the replies. It is sad to lose the SC - it was in great shape, an original 97 with black leather.

The general consensus seems to be that I should buy a GS, and I think I agree. I'm going to test drive a GS400 tomorrow. I'm amazed how little these cars are selling for these days. I'm pleased, but amazed. I hope to find a clean GS430 in my price range near my area. Southern Illinois is literally a black hole for used Lexus's, and I'd really like to test drive a 430 to compare to the 400 I'm going to drive tomorrow.

SEXC

iTrader: (2)

If you're looking for fuel economy the ES would be your best bet. If you're looking for an overall better car the GS would be my pick. Good luck

95TEALSC3

My sister has a ES300 she loves it. i fit great as well and im 6'2 and my sister is 5'9 so Her and I fit Great. now the GS300 is NICE, My friend has one, Super Roomy. . Best of Luck!

lemaylexus

Thanks again for the positive vibes, people.

One more question for you all:

I've done a fair bit of reading in the GS Second Gen section of the forum today. Seems like most people are perfectly comfortable buying these cars above 150k miles. Given a decent service history, that shouldn't be an issue with these Yota V8's, right? Coming from the 2JZ platform, I'm guessing these are just as reliable.

95TEALSC3

my friend has a Black on Black 1 For Sale, $7000. 120k Miles. EXCELLENT Condition. just saying.
fully loaded. ^_^

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

150 k is nothing for 1uz , IMO Gs is light years ahead of sc . We got 220k on ours with no major issues . As long as major service was performed youre good, also Gs has front suspension , steering issues . Lower control arms , ball joints , tie rods etc wear out . If those were not done at 150k you will have to replace them sooner or later. Other then that one of the best Lexus cars ever made

lemaylexus

Well friends, I am happy to report I've decided for sure to stay in the Lexus family. I think I'm going to fly to Ohio and scoop up a minty fresh 95 LS400 with only 44k on it. It was a locally bought and owned vehicle, serviced at Lexus. The 1UZ was a must, and the GS400/430's were just too sketchy in my price range.

Let me say - I'm pumped about finding such a clean car. I hope I can get it before someone else does. Anybody have any good advice on some wheels for the LS? I've been checking out some wheel setups here on the forum, and it seems a lot of people go for the VIP or slammed look with the LS400s, neither of which interest me much.

What I'm after is an OEM look with a larger diameter. The pie plates on this car now are horrendous.

ihiryu

iTrader: (7)

So what are you going to do with the SC?

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

Non vvti 1uz....hmmm good luck what's so scetchy about Gs ? For 7 to 8 you def get a very nice one

lemaylexus

The SC is gone. I had the option to buy it back, but had no interest in fooling with parting it out.

As far as the GS - I live in Southern Illinois, there are no GS400/430s anywhere near here for 7k-8k worth looking at. They're all like 4/5 owner with 150k+. I've had experience with cars like that, and I've learned to steer clear.

lexfrmtex

iTrader: (11)

GS430 all the way.

lemaylexus

I know I said I was going for a low mileage '95 LS400, but when I got to the dealer, I couldn't help but get a GS430 instead. Picking it up tonight - '01 GS430, White on Tan. Pics to follow soon, though I may start a new thread in the GS section, as I'm not sure this is relevant here anymore.

BLK13X

Sucks about the car mate. Congrats on the GS though! I've both (actually two) Soarers and a Series-II GS300 and it's brilliant. Over the past 3 years of ownership, so far the only things that have gone are the power antenna (ours aren't attached to the rear windscreen), door lock actuator and one a/c servo which should all be getting replaced sometime this month.

Joey-E

iTrader: (1)

GS for sure

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

Congrats you made the right choice