With a lot of used GSs on the market, does anyone know what the previous owners traded their GSs for, e.g. another GS, Lexus, or another brand entirely? I'm currious to know because I've been seeing a lot of new 2nd gen GS owners here over the last few months (me included).

 

my local chrysler dealer has been getting tons of Lex trade ins on 300C's. GS 3 and 4 lately LS too, BMW and Benz etc.

 

That's interesting, I wonder if these people regret their decisions (they probably will in a couple years after taking their cars in for frequent warranty work).

 

I could see why you would trade for other luxury brands, but Chrysler? People must not like quality...

 

Agree. A 300C is still a Chrysler and a hemi isn't everything. I'd like to see what kind of value those 300C's will be worth in a few years compared to our Lexus models.

 

You guys might be right - they may regret it. But I for one never buy the same car twice. Would I consider a 300C to replace my GS? Probably not - but I tell you, the Legacy GT is on my list. I had a 2000 540ia with sports package. To this day the best car I have ever owned - do I miss it? YES! But to be honest, thinking about it, I'm glad I did something different. I'll bet the people that trade their GSs in feel the same way. Not knocking the brand, but let's be real here, the 300C has a lot more spice than the current GS.

 

Im seeing alot of the new Chrysler 300m's on the road...with big wheels too. Maybe is the in thing? I dont know....I still prefer our classic 2nd generation GS's to anything else on the road, but that's just me.

 

This is one of the 300C trade ins I was talking about. I test drove it & was thinking about buying it but I already had my 430. It was a 2000 GS4 plat w/35k miles for $26000. Nice car but it had the famous front end shake even at 45mph. It actually sat on the lot for like 2 months and then they sold it on ebay for full price.

 

umm i know some got the e55, m5, porsche

i know some current owners also got the evo viii, m3, another lexus (hehe), etc...

 

I have an '03 GS430. I'm not planning to get rid of it anytime soon. My plans are to get the LS as my "night on the town car" I also like the last 540ia Bimmer. There aren't many other choices for me. I feel the LS will be the car that I get this summer.

 

Not in the market yet, but current thinking is that I'll be looking at the M45 (still needs an interior up to Lexus-spec, tho), MB CLS (reliability issues yet to be determined), the new GS (but will wait on the Lexus sport division), or possibly C6 Vette (I know, apples and oranges, but I grew up in Chevys and have always had a soft spot for the bowtie). Cadillac STS possibly but I'm not too big on the origami styling. Audi dropped off when the largemouth bass front end became the new trademark. And Chris "Bungle"'s BMWs don't do it for me; the new 3 looks good but is too small for my needs, assuming I stay with 4 doors.

In any case, likely not for 3+ years for a number of reasons, so this list subject to change, ymmv.

 

yeah I have to admit....the chrysler 300c has 40k looks...but it surely doesnt feel like a 40k car

 

You folks are discounting the 300C awfully quick and it's on my radar screen as a replacement because Lexus has fallen off the engine wagon by rehashing anything under 400Hp. Remember how exciting the GS400 was when it came out? That Hp number is now 400Hp and the 300C will deliver this Spring for $39K

300C - SRT8 with 425bhp and equal amounts of tire shredding torque for $39K is compelling. Especially when the car is borrowing both suspension and transmission parts from Mercedes' E-Series. 0-60 est. in the low fives which everyone believes will be in the 4.7sec range.

It's a beast, a monster and, in my opinion, has compelling looks. I think Chrysler has turned the corner on quality - but cheapness of the interior is still a concern. Although, when a 4,000lb sedan can stay with a C5 Corvette in the straights, I'm not sure how concerned I'm going to be about the interior (just needs to be good enough).

Make no mistake the 300C-SRT8 rocks and for under $40K - that's a feat.

Shogun.

 

I agree the numbers on the 300C are very impressive, but and thats a big but, it is one of the ugliest cars out today. I mean it looks like a hearse. Everytime I see it I expect to see a coffin in the back or some guys in black suits getting out.

There are quite a few 300+ or even 400hp cars coming out, I just couldnt bring my self to do the 300.

Personally right now I like the M5 and the Z06 as possible future replacements.

 

When I got my GS400 new in '99, my wife required 4 doors. Beyond that, it was up to me. I'd had a 97 MB e420 and had nothing but trouble (averaged 840 miles between trips to the dealer for service!!) In '99, the thought of having 4 doors, 300hp, 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and luxury to boot was enough. There weren't any good alternatives to the GS400. Now, there are alternatives. My guess would be that GS owners are going for newer, cheaper, faster alternatives... Hemi's, M45, Maxima

Personally, I'm not switching. Not even considering it. After 5 years and 47K miles, my GS still feels and looks like new. I like having no car payment and an extended warranty. The only cars I've ever owned that I liked as much as my GS were my 83 and early 86 supras. I may even pick up another GS as a spare.