Greetings everyone!

Not officially a GS 430 owner yet, as I have two '95 Acura GSs in my garage. One with 93k miles and the other with 50k. (both very nice)

I've been looking over this section of the forum and am thinking I would like to persue looking into a '04 or '05 GS 430.

I'm over 40 and have already been through the muscle cars (1968 Chevelle SOLD, 1966 Mustang still have) been through the mini truck stage in the early 90's ('89 Toyota extra cab show truck SOLD) been through the 4X4 stage with a 1990 Ford Eddie Bauer Bronco with 35" tires, Rancho lift kit and after market wheels SOLD, and now find myself with the twin Acura Legeng GSs.

Over the years, I realized that I was dumping $$ into cars/trucks that I will never get back. One reason I chose the Acura GS is because of the beauty of the OEM look. I prefer the unseen mods - better brakes, rotors, steel braided lines, tie bar for over the engine (handling), performance exhaust, and of course custom tinted windows. I like to keep my cars clean, waxed and detailed !!

I very much like the mostly OEM look of the GS 430s. I could be very happy with a stock model, and persue upgrades that will help the vehicle but without changing too much of the look that I like.

After looking through the stickied threads I didn't see a thread listed for us just getting into these cars so here is my question -

Is there a good link anyone can suggest that I can look at the options for those years?

And what options would you suggest I look for in a used '04/'05 GS 430 for someone thats pretty happy with the stock OEM look. (GOTTA have the rear trunk spoiler, and are the 5 spoke wheels available on the '04 and '05s?

thanks in advance for the help.

My search begins !



dave

 

Dave,

I would start with edmunds.com and wikipedia to find out about the options available for the year your interested in. Dont focus so much on add-ons since you can pick them up from here for the low. GL

 

Previous/current owner of the Acura legend right here!!

Even though the GS drives smoother, it's more powerful and luxurious, I smile more when I drive the legend

 

3 time 2nd gen Acura Legend owner here. I currently have a 03 GS430. The GS430 doesn't come with that 17" 5 spoke rims like on the previous GS400. If you want those you'd have to simply purchase a set off ebay or from an owner selling in the classifieds on this forum. The rear trunk spoiler can be added on anytime, so don't pass up a good deal if it doesn't have the spoiler. Most GS430s I've seen has the spoiler so it probably wont be a big deal. One plus in getting one with the spoiler already on is you don't have the 3rd break deck light as the spoiler had the brake light, so that is one less thing you'd have to remove later or have just sitting there doing nothing but taking up space. Not having that 3rd break on the deck makes that area much cleaner IMHO.

Things to look out for is at around 100K miles most of the suspension bushings will be shot. You probably need to start looking at suspension bushings, steering rack bushings and what not at around 60K miles. By 100K you probably need to replace them. The 01+ GS supposed to have improved front ball joints, but I'd still replace them at around the 100K-120K range as they can/have/may break and that would be dangerous. Replacement parts are about $130-$140 for both sides so it is not expensive at all.

Other than that just inspect the car like you'd do any other car and look for obvious signs of neglect or damage. Do your homework on the car, get a carfax or whatever.

 

thanks everyone.

With the small (although expensive) upgrades I could make to the Acura (wood steering wheel, Japanese Domestic Market navi console) I could get a newer car with those options already installed.

I've always liked the body style of the 2nd Gen 400 series, and wouldn't mind going from a lighter color car, to a darker color car so I could put to good use some of the high end wax products I have sitting in my garage!

GSteg - more smiles with the Acura? Just courious how so?

I'm not in a big hurry to go buy my Lexus just yet, so I have lots of time to research.

thanks again!
dave

 

I know this wasn't directed at me, but the Legend has a much better balance between sport and luxury. Yes, the GS400/430 with a 300HP V8 is much, much faster, but over all it feels like a luxury boat. The steering wheel is very light with little road feel and feedback. It is made to be a comfort cruiser. Unless you start modifying the GS with suspension, rims, and other handling parts, you mostly feel like cruising in the GS, whereas the Legend even in stock form tended to inspire a little more spirited driving. Now keep in mind, I'm not saying the Legend handled any better, just its driving dynamics tended to inspire you to drive it a little more spirited than the GS especially if you have a 6-Speed Legend GS. I had a 6-Speed LS Coupe and that was one of the more fun cars to drive that I had owned.

 

Ah thanks for the comparison.

I don't mind a "cruiser" at all.. lol Especially if I still have an Acura in the garage.

I WISH I could find a GS (sedan) 6 speed in the condition where I would buy one! Found several that aren't up to my spec. as to plunk down the $$

thanks
dave