Guys was thinking about a gs400 but happened upon a 2003 gs430 and drove it the other day. My question is are there noticeable differences between the 400 and 430, should I still try to find a 400 to drive? This 430 is a nice car priced in our range w the mileage and condition we are after

 

IMO the gs430 has more of a luxury feel to it compared to the sporty gs400.

 

I would go 4.3 the 4.0 will most likely nickel and dime you to death.

 

There are subtle differences between the two vehicles.

GS 400 has E-Shift, GS 430 does not.
GS 400 has more Power at the top of the band, GS 430 has smooth linear power through out.
GS 430 has more wood
GS 430 has day time running lights ( I think the 2000 GS 400's have these, too, but my 98 does not)
GS 430 has green tinted headlights
GS 430 has larger Caster Arm Bushings
GS 400 and GS 430 have different Premium sound systems (Nakamichi vs. Levinson)
GS 430 has more C-Best Settings

There are other differences, but these are all I can think of for now.

 

GS430 no doubt.

 

Can you be more specific? Certain parts?

 

Ive owned both and what it really comes down to is which color you prefer and the miles that you come across on it, oh the price is usually huge too.

 

I've owned both too. The biggest difference that bugs me is the GS430 has the electronic throttle/drive by wire thingy, which adds what I feel to be a significant delay in throttle response. The GS400 did not have this delay. There are times waiting to turn left that I hesitate because I know my car won't jump the instant I hit the gas.

 

The only thing I like about the GS400 is the e-shift. Other then that GS430 all day.... Didn't Blitz make a throttle controller for the 430? Or was that for the 400?

 

I'm not sure what you are even debating here.

Get the newer, more powerful version. GS430 all the way.

 

I'm curious to see what your reasoning behind this is.

 

There is no reasoning behind that statement, at least not valid reasoning.

 

gs300 is always good too

 

I have 430 and I love it, I can't imagine how bad it feels to have 220hp to move such a heavy car. Yes there is a lag if you punch it, but honestly my car rarely hits above 1800 rpm for daily driving due to enough torque. Later down the road il get a blitz or apexi throttle controller to fix the lag but it doesn't bother me too much

 

OP, you may want to check this:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-analysis.html

Very informative thread. Basing on what is stated there, I would definitely go with GS400 if only I lived in the States (they are extremely rare in Europe, much more 430's here).