Hi, my first post here. I love GS models and my friend got a GS300 couple of weeks ago that make me more eager getting one. What options goodies I should look be looking for like Mark Levinson Audio and Navigation System? Any packages?
Second question is GS300 more easy to fix than GS430 because of v6 vs v8?
What is the the 4 buttons on the gs300 where up and down, is that the auto stick shift, how do you activate it?

Sorry noob to GS... Thank You!

 

the GS300 has an Inline-6 engine.

The I6 are generally easier to fix since you have more room to work with. But it really depends what you're doing. The starter on the GS300 is easier to replace, but the spark plugs are a pain to change because you have to take out the intake manifold. The V8's starter is a pain because you have to remove the intake manifold, but the spark plug change is a breeze. For the most part, if the car is well maintained, you dont have to really fix much.

The buttons on the steering wheel for the GS300 is an 'auto manual shift' selection. Basically you're just changing gears with it. Expect the upshift to be really slow, but downshift isn't that bad. To activate it, you move your shift lever from 'D' to 'M'.

 

WELCOME ak11

 

the gs430 doesnt have the e shift buttons. The gs400 does though and I have heard throttle response on the 400 is a tad faster than the 430 due to the lack of electronic throttle control on the 430. The 430 at least 2003+ had the wood steering wheel.

 

welcome ak11! thre's tons of knowledge in CL!

 

You really will need to test both the 300 and 430 to get a feel for the one that you prefer. I say that because they are very similar in overall ownership costs. Insurance costs are slightly higher with the GS430, but gas mileage is very similar between the two. Maintenance costs can be higher for the 300 if you perform the manufacturer-recommended service at the dealership (60K spark plugs for the 300 vs. 120k spark plugs for the 430 - per the owner's manual maintenance supplement for 2002 models), but they may come out to be the same if you perform your own maintenance or take the vehicle to your own mechanic. I would definitely get the Nav/Mark Levinson package, and the leather/wood steering wheel is available 2001+ on the 430. Do you have any other specific questions?

 

Thanks for all the replies. I was busy looking for different GS430s, but most of them are crashed…lost paint on the bolts/screws, adjusted on HID… I guess NY is like this. What other parts of the vehicle that I should look for? I learn from this forum that the door actuator is a major problem. Is there any other common problems? Thanks!