Hi Everyone! Got a problem. I want a 2002 LS 430, but wifey likes the looks of the GS 430 (more sporty). Plus, I think she doesn't like spending what they want for the LS. We ARE going to buy one of them, but unknown right now which one, but I do have to keep the peace in the family (we are in our late 50's).

I really like all the luxury the LS offers and the gadgets as well. She likes the smaller car that doesn't seem to reek in as much luxury. Which way do I go? If I go the GS route, will I eat my heart out when I see a LS? (I know, I will see it in my rear view mirror as I pass it). Am I going to miss not have the do-dads like backup warning, the radar thing, etc?
Would appreciate any feed back on the two cars. I know the GS will tear up the road and I do like that part, but is it as comfortable and luxurious as the LS? Etc. Etc.

Thanks, Phil

 

Hey Phil,

how are you, my friend?

for a $50k plus car, if the difference is less than $5k(based on 2 similarly equipped lex of nav+ml), i would probably get the LS. has the mrs. driven the GS? what is her thoght on the car? the GS, you said, is more sporty, which also translate into more noise and bit harsher ride(relatively speaking for the lex of course).

i recommend more longer test drives and more imagination of daily life with either one. it is like trying on expensive italian suits for a few times and stand infront of 3-way mirror for a while.

william

 

Will, did you get the car fax results?

Phil, if you can afford it go for the LS. JMO... ALWAYS buy what you want 1st... It'll save you more loot down the road once you trade your GS in for a LS you should have gotten in the 1st place.

 

Hey IKON,

i did(also left you a note there)....thanks a bunch once again.

william

 

No problem, anything to help out a CL member!!!!

 

phil - I may not have been that far off from your decision process. This may not help but in my mind the first issue would be room. If you are going to be carrying around four people a lot, especially if trunk space is an issue, the reality favors the LS. The GS is very comfortable for two and four is not really pushing it but still not like the LS. You pay a little bit for that size if you spend a lot of time at the mall, the GS is not too difficult to get into spaces. Trunk is probably the bigger difference but haven't spent too much time with the LS. Second is obviously performance. If you tend to want more response and cornering ability, the odds go for the GS. As you can probably tell, the GS actually has a fair amount of aftermarket parts available for it, at least relative to the LS. The GS may not have as much available as a corvette or other popular domestic and imports but it is a lot more than the LS. I never intended to do much to the GS but I quickly wanted a firmer ride and handling and it was pretty easy to put a set of bilsteins on (with an appropriate contribution from the checkbook). Third issue would have to be who the primary driver will be. Neither car is undesirable but if you will pine for the LS, sounds like your decision has been made. If it is in the economic ballpark, might as well go for it. Lexus are pretty good on depreciation so if you can swing the higher up front cost of the LS, you should see a good part of the difference returned in trade in/resale. It's not like that extra up front money for the LS relative to the GS gets instantly used up.

 

if she likes the sportiness factor just take her in the LS430 and punch it I garentee it would be fast enough for her ( unless she owns a corvette ) but the LS430 is probably the best choice in your case of the 2 if you can afford it then get it