I haven't posted on here in forever, but I finally have a reason to again...

I just graduated from UM and as a present my Dad offered me my choice between his 2002 Ford Explorer and his 2002 Lexus GS430. Aside from some body mods, rims and stereo the Lex is pretty much stock. This would seem like a completely obvious choice but I'm a bit torn. Over the years the cost of upkeep on the Lexus is considerably higher, and there almost always seems to be a problem with at least one of the Work 3 piece rims. The front shocks need to be replaced and due to my dear old Dad's lack of caution the bodykit could use some work and repainting in some areas. The cost of insuring both cars is almost the same but the cost of running premium gas in a V8 will definitely be higher than regular in a V6. Both cars have about 130K.

I guess I'm coming here to ask you guys to convince me why I should take the Lexus. Right now I'm leaning towards the Explorer for the lower maintenance, gas, and insurance costs. Keep in mind I'm a broke grad just starting out... Any comments are appreciated, Merry Christmas!

 

GS430 hands down. Not even a question. Lexus vehicles are pretty reliable. Post pics and let us see what we are dealing with here.

 

your dad has a lexus on works with a body kit? wow..hehe post pics

 

Heres a few pics...

 

Tried to link it to photobucket but it didnt work, heres attached pics

 

OH man..NO brainer. The Lexus any day. I would remove the chrome on the door, but that's just me. You can hunt around and find parts for cheaper than the dealer, and all in all these cars have a great track record.

 

Keep in mind you came to clublexus to ask if you should choose between a GS430 and a F..o...rd. Sorry, had trouble getting that out.

Seriously, the Explorer obviously has greater utility and the plus of using regular gas. EPA estimates are 14/19 whereas the GS is rated at 16/21.

Of course if you want to look cool and impress your lady, handsdown the GS.

I would say the parts are more expensive for the GS but you can be frugal about it if you search. There will be less that goes wrong with the GS.

Lastly Ford: SUV that rolls over and potentially kills you

GS430: 300 hp and 325 ft lb of tire burning torque

Nuff' said.

 

^ have to agree my mother flip'd one back in the day.

Get the 430.. shave the spoiler, get rid of chrome door pillars, exhaust, and get coilovers or Air!

 

GS430 hands down. I would take a old ES300 or Honda Accord over a 02 Ford Explorer after driving a few and seeing all the issues they have. You do not want a Ford from those years if you are going to be keeping it and driving it for a while and all the things that go wrong will far exceed what you end up paying for parts on the GS430. The newer Ford Explorers are much better and on a different level then the older POS Explorers.

 

GS

FORD

 

GS all day... No brainer here

 

Wow, really? Not sure how this is even a question! Even from a strictly financial standpoint, take the GS and sell it to buy whatever you want, but for the love of Pete, PASS on the Exploder!

 

GS430. Faster, prettier and probably the same fuel economy numbers (albeit prem vs. reg). Explorers don't turn heads like a nicely done up GS will.