sakataj

iTrader: (182)

cause i test drove a gs300 before the gs430 i bought....then after owning for almost a year i drove a buddies stock gs300. its a turd in OEM condition compared to the v-8

badman2205

Dealer says the rotors need to be refinished. Anyone have an idea of the cost?

shvc1991

Screw refinishing rotors. You might as well just go buy some new, upgraded rotors.

but if you decide to get them refinished, I think it's anywhere from $20-$45 depending on the shop you take it to.

austin7891

welcome badman. i would just buy new rotors, maybe 200 max all corners. join the dark side (unofficial member #4)

side note-i wonder if the v8 models were most popular in black?

shvc1991

I doubt it. There's not many black ones around here... They're mostly silver and white in MA from what I've seen.

There are a lot of black GS3s though.

I say go for the 430 man... You can't go wrong, especially since the MPG is the same.... The motor and tranny also should not have any major maintenance costs as they are good for about 300K miles... Your car is still a baby.

austin7891

seriously bro. thats the true jawdropper - same mpg. ridiculous. just get a v8 im telling you it is so fun.

BLK13X

If I had the choice I would've gone for a 430 but don't have them over here (Australia) So my 300 does me fine for now. If I've got spare cash I'll probably swap in a 430 motor.

The NA 2JZ is plenty quick for what it is and enough for most people (doesn't stand a chance against my 1JZ though )

CPMD

iTrader: (2)

Welcome

I also have a GS300...just remembering the day before I picked it up. I couldn't sleep lol. I got it at a crazy deal and I couldn't pass it up.

Have fun with the car. Resurfacing rotors shouldn't be a big deal- just don't tell them it's off a Lexus and they won't charge more lol. I had it done for $10 each at an independent shop

Kubs

Hey to get those cut it's relatively cheap, maybe $75 or so maybe more depending on labor. Personally i've never had mine cut, I usually replace my pads once b4 replacing them... When i do i get aftermarket rotors, prefferably NOT made in China!!!

FYI: I've owned both a 2000 GS300 & two GS430's both 02's and were both fine. Will say this though go with what you can afford with the best possible deal. (lower mileage). GS430 is actually believe it or not after having 3 of those cars same MPG if you dont have a heavy foot,(85+MPH) otherwise it's makes more sense to have 300horses with MPG average of the GS300's straight 6. which is nice... If you can hold out for the V8 great! if not, still a good car!

All the best. Make sure car has no frame dammage, no major accidents, clean title, no engine leaks(oil and so forth, no knocking noise when u rev it). Check for maintenance records...

badman2205

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I went ahead and test drove it, thoroughly checked the engine for leaks to the best of my ability, car fax is one owner and clean, interior and exterior is spotless, everything seemed to be working except the heated seats which the dealer is having fixed. Main reason Im going with the gs300 the price. Im moving from a 98 es300 to the gs series which requires premium gas(works out to $200-300 for the year more than regular), and other more expensive maintanence costs. I did look at the gs430's, extremely hard to find, I would have to get one shipped. But for the price($16k including tax) im getting the 04 gs300 with 52k miles, I cant find a gs430 anywhere close to that. I beleive this would be the smart financial decision for me to make at the moment then pursue the gs 400 series further down the line in my life. Im 23, just getting out of college, and work to pay for everything including rent. Once again thanks for all your advice and input.

ErseOne

I passed up on a gs430 blk/blk and am kicking myself because of it. Ended up with a 04 gs3 pcp/blk. The monthly note would've been almost the same. Depending on where you get it from, you can fly or drive with a friend to pick the car up and drive back. But I do understand you're out of college and a high car note is not pocket friendly. But either you'll be happy of Lexus quality! good luck

McKrevice

iTrader: (1)

Do not get a 300.

CPMD

iTrader: (2)

Post pics after getting the GS300 You found an awesome car with low miles man...I picked mine up at around 58k on the clock. Enjoy

werewolf

Have you considered buying a car with more miles?

When you get over 100k+ miles, prices drop substantially. As long as the car was cared for and you can do basic DIY, you should be good

I was looking for a gs300 when I started but I found the 6 to be a bit strained on the highway. If you value the big GS body and the look, then the 6 should be fine but if you're looking for some shove you may not be happy

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Just to let you know, I bought a '98 GS400 (V8) for half of what you're getting that GS300 for. All it needed was a $500 repair to be kosher! If you truly want to save money, hold off until you find the right car. I just happened to find the right car at the right time - wasn't really looking at GS's, although I had before. I almost bought an ES330 (glad I didn't!)