After looking for about 2 years, I've finally come across 3 different GS's to choose from:

1) 2000 GS300, silver/black, spoiler, 16in. chrome rims, factory spoiler, 69000 miles, $21,900
2) 2001 GS300, black/black, 16in factory wheels, 62000 miles, $19,900
3) 2002 GS430, silver/black, 16in. chrome rims, Navigation, Mark Levinson, 65,000 miles, $26,000

I'm really leaning towards the GS430. I'd kill for silver/black (I've heard too many horror stories about black). What do ya'll suggest?

 

Typhe,

You've got a few more details than most of these posts in your comparison, but I'd personally go for option 3 unless you plan to significantly modify the car with forced induction.

Here are a number of posts that I've collected from prior members deciding between the GS300 and GS430 - please try the search feature of our forum, you can get most of your questions answered with no waiting

Oh, and welcome

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430

 

Unless ur planning on getting FI, def get the 430.

 

Welcome to CL

id say # 3

have you test driven them all ??

also make sure they all had their 60K service ..if they havent make sure they do it for you !

 

I haven't driven any yet. I'm heading out to see the GS430 on Friday morning. What service should I be looking for besides the timing belt?

As a side item, the dealer asked me about trading in my Camry (1992 LE w/ 345,000 miles)! I can't part with it.

 

Id keep the Camry for starters unless he is going to give you something incredible for it

well search for 60,000 mile service ..plenty of info on that

make sure all the panels line up and check for all the vin#;s

make sure the heater and Ac both work

good luck ..and welcome to the Fam once you get it

we will take care of ya

 

Plus, I'd KILL for a silver/black GS430! I LOVE the dark interior - much easier to keep clean.

-K

 

Option #3.....Why?? Because

1. 300 Kleisdales
2. Silver Black Nice combo and easy as hell to maintain interior and exteriorwise.
3. No need to turbo or FI to get that Raw power
4. Newer car
5. Wood steering wheel with audio controls
6. Navigation/ ML stereo
7. Spoiler if youre into that (I'm not personally)
8. Because Kendre and I said so.

Good Luck

 

Welcome to CL by the way. Greatest car forum by far.

 

#3 sounds like the most desireable. See if you can get them to bite at 24 or 25 since the mileage is a little high.
#2 looks like a very good deal though. If having a v-8 and alot of hp is not a very high priority then you are not missing out on too much by getting the GS300. You will save on insurance too not to mention gas mileage but it will only be a little bit since the 300 and 430 get pretty close mpg, but with high gas prices these days even a little better gas mileage is certainly welcome. Make sure 60K service is done and make them show you records of it. If they don't have any records and there is no way to confirm then assume it was not done and offer them less or get them to perform the service. What horror stories have you heard about black. It is one of the nicest colors you can get for a car. You just need to wash it a little more often and dirt does show up a little more but it is worth it. I would skip #1 because they are asking way too much for it and pre 2000 GS's have the unattractive steering wheel and not as much wood on the center console. Good Luck

 

Whats good folks. . .

I ended up getting #3. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon. All service was done, and the CARFAX report came back clean (Lease Trade-in; that was the only "owner")! I was calm when I went to test it, but started getting jittery once I got back home last night. I stayed on the 'net last nite til like, 2:00am looking at stuff for the car, then woke up about 5:30 and couldn't go back to sleep!

I want a spoiler, front-end mask, and tint. Lookin forward to gettin up with you folks. It'll be official in about 3 hrs (after I leave class)!

 

Good choice, I would pick #3 also
Now that you're part of CL, you're asking for it

Lots of goodies happening in the vendor section, hurry!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/for...ysprune=&f=118


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=173512

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=173534

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=172240&page=1

 

Great choice! You won't regret picking up the 430. Nothing like the excitement of picking up a new ride

 

Congrats, #3 is a great choice

 

this is definitely one of the best decisions you'll ever make (like how most of us here feel )