I've read the 430/400 comparison sticky, so I'm familiar with the differences, but I'm just wondering if anyone would think of something else I'm not...

I'm almost ready to buy my GS4. I don't want to be shelling out a ton of cash every month, though. It's my back and forth to work and toy car--not family car. Cheaper=better.

SO...do I go '98-00 400 or '01-02 430? They're roughly the same mo. pymnt.

Future plans aren't huge, just a PI TC (C/E light an issue on some 430s?), 3.76LSD, K&N intake, Medallion exhaust, and a NEO AFC, along with some appearance mods.
Color-wise, I'm leaning toward black, silver, or the dark blue on the 01+.
Navigation would be fun if I could upgrade the data, which my understanding is I can't on the 400s--only 430s.
Is Mark Levinson better than Nakamichi?

Probably isn't a huge deal to most--just been wrestling with what I want to pursue. I'm willing to travel to get the car I want...

 

Hows the mileage on both cars? If it were my decision, I'd go with the 430.

Why am I still up?

 

get a 430 w/oem nav.
some ppl say ML is better while others say likewise.
all depends on you.
GL!

 

stay away from dark colores.

If i had to it all over again, i'd get white.

its not that i dont like black, its just really really hard to keep clean.

 

silver would be a good color too. especially with black interior.

 

I'm running a 01' GS430. I love it. Be careful messing with the electronics though, its a very sensitive system as is the GS400. Make sure the installer is aware of how GS's react to foreign electronics. (ie: NEO).

 

GS430

It has all the upgrades.
-Lime Green Tint headlights
-Nicer tail lights
-Mark Levinson stereo
-Nicer steering wheel, gauges, Navigation.

Way better Navigation!!

If it was me, I would find a 2002 Black on Black GS430 w/ Navigation.

2002 has the nicer 7spoke 17" rims.

Go spend some time on Ebaymotors & see the differences.

1998-2000 vs 2001+

You'll see a fat difference.

 

Aside from the navi and entertainment system you can buy these 01+ parts separately.

Get the GS430 if you car about leaving your audio system stock, or you want navi. If you dont need any of these, then the GS400 is good enough. I've upgraded my car with 01+ parts and its cost me less than buying a gs430 in the first place. To me, both nakamichi and ML system sucks, so I opted for an aftermarket system instead. With the money I saved, I was able to buy more goodies.