I took out a 2002 GS430 for a test drive and I liked it a lot compared to my 98 GS400. My 400 has Bilstein sports, L-sportline springs and K&N intake. Other than that it is stock and very well maintained. Running synthetic fluids throughout. Mine has Nak, the 430 has Mark Lev. I got e-shift, the 430 has the wood wheel. Otherwise the two are identical

Although my 400 is a very stiff ride I found the 430 had better steering response. The 430 was also quieter and doesn't have the irritating moonroof cover rattle like my 400.

The 400 has 190K (km) and the 430 has 95K (km). I expect it would cost me about $8500 (net if I sell the 400) to pick up the 430. I would probably transfer the suspension over to the 430.

What do you guys think. Should make the jump.

 

you just want a newer car......lol. You are tireed of being in the 90s....lol
And your GS will not get u $8500 here in Ontario. They will lowball you to $6000 or so.$7000 at most...
I say keep the Gs400 if u really dont need a newer car but if u have some extra cash for an upgrade, then by all means go for the gs430. The psychology behind it will be that u are driving a newer car. Even though they are "exactly" the same......lol
Your GS400 can still go double on what its at right now in terms of mileage.
spend few hundreds or so and u can get the wooden wheel for your GS400. That will almost make it the same as the GS430 (at least what u outlined in the GS430). Look for the thread on here on how to fix the annoying moonroof rattle...pretty cheap and fast.

Good luck though....


olddog

 

shoot, 8500? lets think about that:

Dragon 2600 or 2800 stall TC: 900
S&S headers: 1100(?dunnohelpmeoutguys?)
Apexi Neo: 300
torquemaster plugs: 80?
tanabe MT exhaust: 900ish?

so for a mere 3280(ish) you'll roast any stock 430 out there.

oh i forgot, 600 for the wood wheel too (wish i could afford it )

 

Good points guys. I am not sure I was really looking at this in terms of one being faster than the other but you're right that I would probably have a lot more "spending" money if I just keep the 400.

I agree that mechanically I could probably keep the 400 going about as long as I ever need to. My bigger concern though is with the effects of winter's salt on brake & fuel lines, gas tank, body panels, etc. I am pretty good with my war against winter terrorism. But it seems the rust never sleeps... lol

One other thing I really liked about the 430 was the brakes. Much firmer than the 400.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=266534

 

Oh it will soon enough.

 

Spend the $$$$ on your GS 4

 

Haha, When I first read that I was thinkin' the exact same thing. It took me a week to figure out what the hell kept rattling around my head. Is it the seatbelt? Glovebox? Change tray? LOL Glad I'm not the only one.

 

keep the 400!

 

a few hundred bucks for poly bushings.

 

maybe just get a good undercoating (i've always wondered how line-x would work underneath a car in that respect, probably deaden road noise quite a bit)

 

keep the 400...it's worth more to you than it's worth.