Buying 2004 LS430 or 2006 GS430??
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,215
Likes: 250
From: New York
Basically if u like DRIVING DONT get the LS430. The steering wheel is huge and the car is very boring. Its great for luxury and for cruising.
My father has 05 LS and id rather drive my GS3 anyday over the LS.
I would get the 06 GS430 or new GS350.
My father has 05 LS and id rather drive my GS3 anyday over the LS.
I would get the 06 GS430 or new GS350.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,215
Likes: 250
From: New York
See my old first gen GS300 and my 94 LS400 may have more body roll than the 2nd gen GS, and have softer steering, but both of these cars provide plenty of feedback, and have very predictable handling. I could drive both of these cars at 90mph, layed back, weaving between traffic with one hand on the steering wheel, sipping coffee or better yet shaving with the other hand. Heck, even with my old modified Civic I could do that, with the exception that the tiny engine at 90mph was revving like it was about to explode. But I cant do that with the new GS. I simply don't feel confidernt driving that car, I dont gen any feedback from the steering, so I don't know whether I'm going to lose control or not, and the retarded VSC system is rather scary. The only thing the car is good for is straight line - it's got plenty of torque and thanks God the brakes are pretty damn good.
I agree with you that interior of 2GS>3GS in terms of quality.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,639
Likes: 2
From: California
Well, I happen to like the Lexus lineup before it got L-finessed, and I like the unique looks of each model, except of course the ES, which I don't even consider to be a real Lexus. But the new L-finessed lineup is rather bland in my opinion.
And while the driving dynamics of the 2nd gen GS an 3rd gen GS are pretty much the same, the interior of the new GS took a dive. My 2nd gen has these gorgeous leather door inserts, and the leather seats in the 2nd gen are cushier, with this "wrinkled" leather as opposed the new GS flat leather that looks cheap. Then in the new GS the dashboard is flimzy and the plastics are rather cheap looking. Not that 2nd gen was perfect, it did have some flimzy assembly, particularly B-pillars and door armrests, but the dash is rock solid. But the 3rd gen GS interior isn't even on par with Acura TL, IMO.
And while the driving dynamics of the 2nd gen GS an 3rd gen GS are pretty much the same, the interior of the new GS took a dive. My 2nd gen has these gorgeous leather door inserts, and the leather seats in the 2nd gen are cushier, with this "wrinkled" leather as opposed the new GS flat leather that looks cheap. Then in the new GS the dashboard is flimzy and the plastics are rather cheap looking. Not that 2nd gen was perfect, it did have some flimzy assembly, particularly B-pillars and door armrests, but the dash is rock solid. But the 3rd gen GS interior isn't even on par with Acura TL, IMO.
But I'll agree about the dashboard comment. The 3rd gen dash is a endless sea of plastic. I'm not usually a fan of excessive wood trim, but the 3rd gen definitly needs additional wood on the dash, especially when compared to the E and 5.
Regarding the exterior looks, I'll put on my flame proof suit and agree with Och. Although the L-Finesse models look nice, they lack a visual punch IMHO. Especially when compared to the new MB models, I also find the Lexus offerings a bit bland. While some cars have a love it or hate it styling, the new Lexus models play it pretty safe.
Regarding the LS430, definitely a nice car. My mom has a '06 LS430. It's a much different driving experience than my GS430. Comfort/luxury versus sport/luxury.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
Och, thanks for the detailed review. The steering is one of the reasons why I chose a BMW. For cruising I think the car is great, but I tend to enjoy a spirited drive now and then. I didn't like the feedback or lack of feedback during the Taste of Lexus either. The LS460h was not any fun yet very nice. When detailing the GS350 I did find the door panels inserts a bit cheap looking/feeling.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
Das, I definitely agree the older generation GS and LS can look very nice if you mod them. However, stock to stock (for those who don't mod them, like my parents) the new generation Lexus' look SOOO much nicer IMO.
Och, thanks for the detailed review. The steering is one of the reasons why I chose a BMW. For cruising I think the car is great, but I tend to enjoy a spirited drive now and then. I didn't like the feedback or lack of feedback during the Taste of Lexus either. The LS460h was not any fun yet very nice. When detailing the GS350 I did find the door panels inserts a bit cheap looking/feeling.
I owned a '99 GS300 for over seven years before getting my '06 GS430 in 2005. Regarding your interior comparisons, I actually find the 3rd gen interior nicer than the 2nd gen. The new guages and interior LED lighting are great. I actually like the perforated leather in the 3rd gen as well.
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