My first post here, please be nice to me .

I am in the market for a used GS430, want to spend under $28K. Seems like around here, the '01s are selling for almost $3K less than similarly equipped '02s. My question is, were there any differences between these two years? If not, I would prefer to get the older one (assuming all else is equal, such as miles and options) and save some money.

All info I found online suggests that there is no difference between '01 and '02. Is that correct?

Thanks in advance!

Leon

 

Yes, major no.

There are side rear airbags in the 2002 models but other than that I can't think of any.

Good Luck and joining the club

chaskim

 

The only other difference I can think of (other than an 02 might still be under factory 4 year/50,000 mile warranty whereas the 01 is most likely out of warranty based on the years) is that in 01 it was possible to get the Mark Levinson stereo without navigation whereas in 02 you could not (you had to get either both or neither). I know there are some who say that you could order Mark Levinson separately from navigation in 02 as well, however, I have not yet seen an example of that. As it is, it's pretty rare to find an 01 with Mark Levinson without navigation. I've seen one or two, but most come with either both options or neither. That's about the only difference I know of. Hope this helps.

e

 

That is very helpful, thanks for the quick replies. As it is, I am looking for a car with both the navigation and Mark Levinson.

I saw a couple of '02s already, and have an '01 to look at tomorrow - just want to make sure I am not missing anything by going to the '01. Only 37K miles, hopefully it'll be nice.

And thanks for the welcome!

 

hey the 02+ have read side airbag? that's new to me. i thought all 01+ gs only have curtain airbags

 

Welcome to the CL family... Post a pic when you get your GS Good Luck

 

Based on the Lexus web site, there's no difference between 01 and 02. In 03 add'l equipment was added along with in dash cd changer

 

the 01+ all have the same amount of airbags.

 

01-05 all have the same CD changer in glove box.

only difference I can think of is all 02+ GS430 have perforated seats.

 

i thought perforated seats was optiona ?

 

02's have standard leather, perforated seats didn't come out until 03 or 04.

 

Changes Made To The 2001 GS 430
Standard Features:

- 4.3-liter V8 engine with VVT-i
- Revised headlamps, grille and rear combination lamps for sportier look
- Meets Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) certification
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- New wheel design
- Front side-curtain airbags (SRS)[3]
- Additional wood paneling
- Compass
- Water-repellent door glass
- Lower rigid bar Child Restraint Seat (CRS) anchor
- Larger exposed dual exhaust
- Glass markings changed to "Lexus"
- Fuel cap tether
- Two front-assist grips
- Occupant-detecting front passenger airbag cutoff mechanism
- Impact-detecting door-lock release system

Optional Features:

- New exterior colors: Black Cherry Pearl, Mystic Sea Opalescent, Midnight Pine Pearl and Blue Onyx Pearl replace Antique Bronze Mica, Imperial Jade Mica and Spectra Blue Mica
- Mark Levinson® Premium Sound System
- Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio switches

The 2002 GS 430 retains the significant upgrades that were added to the 2001 model.
Available Options
Premium Package

- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Heated front seats

Mark Levinson® Audio System Package

- Mark Levinson® 10-speaker 240-watt[5] Premium Sound System
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- Heated front seats

Navigation System Package

- Lexus DVD Navigation System[4]
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- Heated front seats

Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Audio System Package

- Lexus DVD Navigation System[4]
- Mark Levinson® 10-speaker 240-watt[5] Premium Sound System
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- Heated front seats

Individual Options

- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close, pinch protection and sliding sunshade
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Lexus Chrome Wheels
- All-season tires (no-cost option)
- Walnut- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls (requires Premium Package, Mark Levinson® Audio System Package, Navigation System Package or Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Audio System Package)
- Upgraded tire size with Lexus Chrome Wheels
- 17 x 8.0-in wheels with 235/45ZR17 tires[6]
- Lexus Dual-Mode Mobile Phone with Command Module and audio muting
- Rear spoiler
- Wheel locks
- Gold-trim kit
- Car cover
- Cargo net
- Trunk mat
- Front-end mask

According to Lexus, the ML sound system, the Nav system and a combined package were all available options for 2002. Whether or not dealers chose to order any cars that were not equipped with both is another story however.

 

maybe it was 03 , I know after one of those yrs they made perf seat mandatory for the 430.

I actually like the plain seats more.

 

I lifted this off the Lexus web site under Model year changes (note: there were no changes for 02):
Changes Made To The 2003 GS 430
Standard Features:
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats and interior, with Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside rearview mirrors and steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- In-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer

 

It is 03 for the perf. seats. I noticed the perforated seats seem softer than the solid. I kind of like it but really no major difference.