Hello fellow CL members. I recently sold my 1GS hoping to upgrade to a newer one because the 1GS wasn't to good on gas. Now im stuck between getting a 00'-01' ES and a 98-up GS3. I'm not sure how much better the ES is on gas then the GS3 can anyone enlighten me? Also what is the gas tank size of the GS because the 1GS was HUGE!. Thought this would be the best p;ace to go to get my answer. THANKS!

 

the 2gs has about a 19 gallon tank. big, but it'll last.

if you get a GS3, like mine (which has 132k and an exhaust i LOVE to hear), you should average easily above 20mpg. Plus, the 2gs vs. the ES is much more of a luxury vehicle. It was made that way for the people who could afford it, the ES is more of a bridge for people who want the lexus, but can only afford the camry. dig what im saying?

not to mention the legendary 2jz responds superbly to modding.

and resale, as lexus is now pitching on new cars, on a 2gs will be triple what the ES would be.

come to think of it...i never really liked the look of ANY es, even the new ones. Whereas the 2gs is easily going to go down in the history books as one of, if not THE best looking/most reliable japanese products to ever hit the US market.

 

You are looking at 19.8 Gallon gas tank on the GS. If you go the GS route you might as well get a 400 or a 430, as the 300 gets relatively the same gas mileage...

Both models (300s and 4XX's) are great choices. The way I see it:

300 = Cheaper Insurance, Mod Friendly 2JZ
400/430 = V8, Power in stock form, silky smooth powertrain, Higher insurance

Oh and on the ES you could expect around 20 in town, mid 20s+ on the highway.

 

BTW I get between 21.8-24.9 in my GS430 .. The only time I get below 21.8 is when I drive short trips/alot of stopngo..Then I usually only get 20-21.

 

+1, i wasn't sure on the tank size and also neglected to mention that the 1uz and 3uz really don't get much different mileage than the 2jz.

 

Yeah, I average about 22 mixed driving in my GS400 on 20's. IMO the GS is the winner hands down in the looks department. I had a 92 ES years ago and it was a great car at the time but I don't care for the looks of the newest ES's. I haven't driven a newer ES to make a true comparison, but I love my GS.

 

Thanks for all the input! The 2GS indeed has a timeless look. And i did love my 1GS. And it seems like it averages pretty good mpg. Now time to find a good deal in my area. How drastic is the insurance difference on a 300/400/430? I seem to be in the market for a 400 and the famous TC,tranny cooler, LSD mod =). Also anything i should look for while shopping for these cars? thanks!!

 

oh by the way im not sure how many of you owned or driven a 1GS before but how is the 2jZ on the 1GS compared to the vvt-i 2jZ on the 2GS? and if i do get the 2GS regardless i will be focusing on more of the looks mod instead of speed due to all these tickets =\ just a little speed =)

 

the insurance shouldn't be too bad, though the replacement cost on older models will be a little higher since their parts are out of rotation now and will be more expensive in the event of an accident.

i dont think the difference will be big enough to be a factor in your decision.

as for the vvti, i'm not an expert and have not driven a non-vvti 2jz vehicle but from what i've learned on here you won't see too much of a difference.

good luck on the search

 

if you dont plan on turboing it, i say GS4. 300hp/300ft lbs is plenty for daily use IMO. I have a GS4 and get about 17-18city, and 29 highway. Not too bad for a V8 and 3800lbs.

 

I ran one of those Geico or Progressive online quotes for a GS3 and GS4 when I was shopping. Everything else being equal, they quoted the 400 $5 a month more for me. It might be a little different for others depending on other circumstances but it didn't seem like there's a huge difference between the two.

Like others have said, unless you plan to boost the 400 seems like an obvious choice. I started out looking at 300's until I realized the minimal mileage and insurance difference and ended up finding a 400.