Hey guys I'm looking at getting a used 1998 GS300/400, obviously price is a major concern of mine, I have a few questions and I'd really appreciate it if i could get as much feedback as possible from you guys who are more experienced.

1. What is the difference in insurance? I'm only 18, so if the gs400 is a LOT that may be a desciding factor.

2. In terms of exterior/interior, what are the differences between the gs300/400? they look almost the same to me.

3. Without forced induction, is it possible to get a fairly fast gs300, like one that runs 0-60 close to 7 flat and maybe can break into the 14's quarter mile.

4. I see something about a Steering ECU in everyone's profile, what does this do/price/where can i buy it?

Thanks so much guys I look forward to owning a Lexus, it should be a big step up from my nissan maxima.

 

Welcome to club lexus! As the GS Forum Moderator, feel free to ask us anything and we'll gladly help.

Obvious the GS400 has the V8 and it is faster. If you have the money get the GS400. Nothing is different about the interior and the exterior of the 98 GS4/3 EXCEPT if there is the 17" upgrade for the wheels, and there is also the e-shift feature on the GS4 which a quite a few have. There were more standard featuers on the GS4 then the GS3 in 98.

The Steering ECU is a ECU which costs a lil more than a 100 dollars which makes the feeling of the steering wheel more "euro" like at high speeds.

 

My opinion on # 3 .

I believe you can run 7 flat and high 14's without F/I . I will find out soon enough , by christmas . This is how i'm going to do it . Get an exhaust , intake w/ecu , light weight wheels and TC . I beleive that will get the job done .

I have all the parts except for wheels and TC . Hope to get the parts in by christmas. It should be real close to see if i can run 7 flat and high 14's .

Now if toyomoto decides to make headers for the 300 that should put you under 7 sec. I plan on getting this as well if it comes to market. You can also get pulleys as well .

As for the exterior they are identical except for the 400 badge .

 

Your insurance will be even more godawfully high than it normally is with the GS4. Neither insurance rate will be cheap cause it's expensive to fix luxury cars, GS4 will likely be considered hi-po, and you are in the most expensive age group to insure.

 

Your insurance should be $1300 for 6 months on the GS300 and $1750 for the GS400. Now if you buy it cash you will not have to get full coverage thus dropping the GS400 to a measly $700 every 6 months. I just got the GS4 and would rather cut off my left foot then give up the e-shift. GO FOR IT

 

I'd probably get one of my parents to list themselves as the primary driver to save some $$$, but overall I was just looking for a car that costs about the same as my nissan maxima did when it was new (about 28,000), plus I just love how the GS looks. I really having a tough time cuz i don't know if i want an all show no go GS300, or something faster that doesn't look quite as nice, i think its gonna be GS400 or something else for me.

 

Speaking as someone who just bought one, I'd say spend the oney and buy the 400. It's been five weeks, and the smile hasn't come off of my face yet.

Things to look for would be the factory 17s, which are nice if like me you can't really afford much in the way of upgrades, and maybe HID lamps.

Have fun.