Hello everyone. New to this forum. I'm here because I am seriously considering a GS3.

Some background. I just got a new job, which will extend my daily commute from 15 miles to 100 miles. I currently drive a 98 Prelude, but I'm getting getting older(lamost 30), and my damaged ears(too much clubbing and loud music in my youth) are begging for relief. I really want a smooth quiet ride to make my commute more enjoyable.

Is the GS the right choice for me? Or will the ES330 be a much quieter ride? I'm also considering a SC400. Can someone compare the 3 in terms of ride and noise level? Of course, I will test drive the cars, but would like to narrow it down first. I am also looking for comparisons to other cars like the infiniti G35 or the acura TL. Thanks

I would answer your question as a previous prelude owner myself
First of congrads on finding this site and on your first post.

If you want a boring 100mi daily commute than go with the ES330 - I am also a previous owner of a 95 ES300. - Got the job done but very boring to drive.

If you want to jazz it up a bit and look good doing it go with a GS300

I always loved the SC400 but its an older car and the look is getting a bit dated But that smooth V-8 is very nice and will make your commute even nicer.

For all out fun and quiet go for the GS400 - no regrets here

Just dont put on and exhaust or intake .....

I have a 03 TL and will be buying a GS3. Regarding noise, seemed to notice wind noise slightly more on the GS than the TL, but the engine and road noise is less on the GS. Maybe I notice wind noise in the GS more since everything else is so quiet??

In any case, the GS is a quiet car, no question. One thing to consider: will your new commute be all freeway miles? If so, the ES has taller gearing and its engine is spinning less rpm at a given speed than the GS. Personally, I feel the GS is geared maybe a little too low, I'd like about 300-400 rpm less on the highway. If you just want to sit back and have a soft ride with minimal noise and with the engine loafing, get the ES

If you want rear drive, and a little more sport, get the GS.

ES and GS are both nice quiet cars. The GS is a little more fun but I am relatively impressed with the ES too. My mom has an 03 ES.

If you want to keep things quiet, then keep the car stock. In addition to the intake and exhaust, aftermarket suspension and wheels (especially larger rims) will add to noise as well. If you get a GS, you will be really tempted to upgrade a few things here and there if you hang out on CL. The ES might give you less temptations to mod since the parts availability is less.

welcome aboard

Are you going new or used?

I'd go with the GS. Have you considered the LS though? You want quiet, then it doesn't get any quieter than this.

I had an 1999 ES (which was formerly my wife's car, just so we're clear) and sold it for a 98 GS400. I have to say that the ES was not all that quiet, especially on the highway. Before the style change, the ES300 did not have frames around the door windows. As a result, I found that the car had an excessive amount of wind noise. I also agree with the other comments. The ES is a nice car, don't get me wrong, but it is boring. It has no personality, in my opinion. I don't think the GS is a quiet car, but it's not loud, and the balance of luxury and sportiness is perfect. All things being equal, I would go with the GS. Oh, and one other thing. If quiet is important to you, go with 16" wheels. The 17" wheels are quite a bid louder and give the car more of a firm ride. I have a set of each.

Let us know what you decide to do.

e-man

Thanks everyone for your replies. I don't start my new job until 2nd week of Novemeber, so I probably won't be getting a car until december.

The 100 miles is all highway. I will most likely buy used, since I will be racking up huge miles on the car. No point in taking the depreciation hit of a new car.

Again, the GS is the top choice for me because I don't won't to drive a perceived old man's car like the ES/LS just yet. Sadly, my girlfriend thinks the GS is still too "mature" a car for me. Will keep everyone posted.

Oh, I'll be looking for a used GS in the LA area, so if anyone has any tips on where to look besides the standard autotrader and ebay, or knows anyone who is selling, please let me know!

All of them are quiet but they seem to each have a different set of noises on the road. Tires seem to play the largest factor in this so you probably could choose any of them and be content. Of course I'll put in a plug for the LS.

Oh, the LS isn't an old man's car...it merely states, "mature" and "refined". If you are young, it says you realized it much sooner than others.

I don't know what your budget is but Will has a very well kept mildly modded GS4 in SoCal. Look here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=137465

I'd be more concerned w/ a fuel efficient car. but whatever rocks your boat bro. goodluck

Lexus are world reknowed for being some of the quietest if not quietest cars on the road. I don' think you will really be able to tell a difference. Especially since Lexus sound systems are some of the industry best.

My music is always up. I can't even hear the cell phone ring. The GS and ES will have the comfiest rides, the GS is more athletic, the ES is more luxurious riding (think Caddy). The SC is great but small on the inside. Great ride but the GS and ES will offer newer technology.

OK let's start off by saying that no matter which Lexus model you choose, they are all going to be much quieter than the prelude. Actually the only Honda model that I know that comes even close to Lexus quietness is the 03+ Accord... and even it falls short.

In terms of quietness: the SC300/400 is definitely the loudest and also the roughest riding. The SC430 which replaced it is much quieter, but you don't seem to be considering that model. The 2002 and above ES seems overall about equally quiet as the 98-04 GS is. The ES has more engine noise by far, the GS has more wind noise overall for some reason, and they both seem to have about the same road noise overall. I guess that's just what an extra 4 years of technology will do for you since the ES was ground-up redesigned in 02 whereas the GS is of an older design. With that said, the ES also seems to ride slightly 'softer' than the GS, but please don't confuse that with a confident and solid feeling ride. The ES seems to ride very light and fluffy, but also kind of has a hollow feeling when hitting bumps. It's not bad especially compared to the rest of the industry, but the GS (and LS) just feel quite a bit more substantial when driving around town. And then you get to Engine noise. The 1UZ-FE is much quieter than the inline six or V6 sound in the 300/330 models.