I didn't know where else to put this, but i was wondering how you guys thing these cars stack up against eachother. Do they both require premium gas?

My budget os about $17k

Pros/cons of either? insurance cost? I'm going from a 96 integra.

Thanks guys!!

 

If you're going from Integra, you will like the IS better. Its lighter, firmer sprung, handles very nicely, and available with LSD. The mod potential is great as well. However IS is lacking on the interior, it's more to the Toyota standards than Lexus standards. Don't get me wrong, its built very sturdy, but some of the materials used are hard plastics and generally look cheap.

 

They both use the same engine so you're going to have to use premium in both cars. The IS300 has one of the highest insurance rate of cars today. the GS300 is cheaper.

I myself would take the GS300 because its bigger. Both of these cars aren't really fast stock anyways so the extra speed the IS300 has might not be worth it.

 

The choice is more about your personal aspirations. If you want a sporty ride, the IS is your ticket. The GS300 is a bit of a slug getting going due to the curb weight. If you prefer luxury, the GS offers more of it. It has a classier look to it as well.

I'm not sure about insurance, but the gas mileage should be marginally better on the IS, again due to weight savings.

 

also keeping in mind they have the same engine, GS300 is going to be slower

 

I figure at this point in time - having a reliable car is a bit more important than a fast one. Both are reliable, so the quickness of the IS300 isnt a huge factor, right now.

That being said, the lower gas mileage will probably be offset by the lower insurance with the GS.

If i wanted to make the GS fast what kind of $$ would i need to spend. I'm thinking fast = 0-60 ~ 5.5sec

What are the biggest wories when buying either one of these cars used?

 

For the GS, there are various problems (i dont know much about the IS). You'll want to change out the balljoints and tie rods first. Its probably the weakest link of the GS. Shouldn't run you more than $300 for parts though.

If you want a fast GS, you're going to have to turbo. Dont spend lots of money on little bolt on parts that will barely get you sub-6 second runs. Jefftsai spent about $3000 on turbo parts. A stock GS400 can run about 5.7 seconds from 0-60 with ~240whp. A turbo GS300 will have no problem getting to 300whp with a little bit of tuning here and there. That should be enough for you

 

I think you would be better off with a GS400 or 430.
GSteg's 400 is much quicker then mine. I could tell just from driving it around the block.

IMO a turbo build in CA is problematic due to good ol' CARB and smog (unless its older the 75). Hence why I picked up my 240z. Plan on making friends with a smog shop and bring extra $$$

 

Ehh... i forgot about CAs BS smog.... what a crock of....

 

theres more room in the engine bay of GS300 to put a turbo in it easily
a LOT more room compared to IS300

 

yes ubernoob, yes ... becuase you need one - HA

major things that go wrong w. the IS300: O2 sensor (~$175 to replace), error 3 on the CD player ($xxx to fix), thats it, those 2 things ... there are many threads over in the 1IS section because it seems like we have a new member every week w. the same questions (we need a sticky rly)

to off set those two small things, there are a LOT of parts available ... i *think* the IS is more tuner friendly than the GS

 

1IS is also more ricer friendly than GS

1IS is more performance oriented than GS
2GS needs a bit of suspension mods to make it more capable but 2GS is much much more luxurious and ull feel pampered in one
depends on what you are looking for

i stopped worrying much about performance after i got used to the soft and cushy ride, now i love it... and no, im not old

anyways
you are better off getting a GS400/430 if you want the 5.5s
start with a V8 and start doing some simple bolt ons and it will get u there eventually

 

Like the other guys said... go with a 400/430 and call it a day. It gets pretty much the same gas mileage as the IS & GS300.

 

I found myself in this dilemma at one point also. I chose a GS400 because I love the "bug eyes" and for the extra power (stock). I haven't touched the engine yet and don't plan on it. 300hp/300tq from the factory is enough power for me for daily driving.

 

I would also go for a 400/430. You should be able to find a clean 400 easily in the price range you are talking about