between a 98+ GS300 and GS400. i know of course there's the V6 and V8 difference, but other than that what else? i've heard minor things but don't seem to remember and just wanted to confirm with you guys cuz you would know the best. are there like any options on the GS4 not offered for the GS3, or minor convenience/luxury options? i want a 400 but can't seem to afford it, so i just wanna see if i'm missing out on anything at all if i purchase the GS3.

 

Factory 17" rims only offered on 400's.
Shifter **** has wood as well as leather only on 400.
After '98 (I think) HIDs were standard on 400s.
No e-shift on pre-2001 GS300s, only GS400s.
I don't think the spoiler was offered for the 300 either.

 

the only major diffrence is the E-shift everything else you can add on later, ofcourse the V8 is diffrent but you know that already

 

ok, this is kinda off topic, but not really....what is the difference between a 98 and a 02 model GS4 then? i noticed the different taillights, and the 400 to 430 displacement but are there any other exterior/interior differences? Thanx.

Gary.

 

Other than engine displacement, the only major item is the loss of e-shift on 2001>. The only other things that I'm aware of are slightly different grill, a little more wood in the interior, chrome "L" on steering wheel, available DVD based NAV system w/larger screen, available ML stereo, and as you already meantioned, the taillights.

If you go to the below link, you will find a year by year changes
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model.html

 

HID's were never standard on the GS400. They were optional on both GS300/ GS400's('98-'00). They became standard on '01 GS430's.

 

The 2001+ GS430s also have heated outside mirrors and include side curtain airbags (to protect the head) along with the front and side air-bags. The 1998-2000 GSs only had front and side airbags.

 

GunnerMac,

Thanks for the great link!

I'm not sure I've ever seen it before and it's damn handy.

Overclocker

 

On the 2000 model, HIDs were part of the Premium or any of the packages and of course the only way to get a 400 then without a package was a special order so in other words, all 2000 400s included HIDs.

(From the Lexus link above I see this was true on the 99s too. Only the 98s didn't have packages and everything was 'a la carte'. I figure after a year they knew what was popular to put in packages.)

 

So it sounds like your agreeing with me that HID's were an option on the '98-'00's and that they weren't standard. As someone who frequents Dealer Auctions and various car markets I can tell you that most GS400's out there do not have HID's and are not equipped with the premium package.

 

For '98s, sure many didn't have HIDs, but good luck finding ANY '99 or '00 GS400s without HIDs because they ALL (except special orders) came with Nav, Nak, or just Premium packages, ALL of which include HIDs.

So no, I don't agree with you except for '98s.

 

 

interesting.. i didn't know gs300 didn't had e-shift..

ok.. good to know.. thanks for info

 

Just to confuse you though... the 2001 and 2002 GS300s DO have e-shift, and the GS430 DOESN'T.

 

Yeah...so...HID's were optional on '98-'00 GS400's