Hi guys!

I am closely considering buying either an '03 GS300 or an '01 GS430. Both have similar mileage, similar prices and both are on sale at Lexus dealers, I.e. Credible. I have some questions and really need advice!!

1) How would anyone compare the drive between these two? I had a GS300 ('01), and I loved the smooth, light ride but it lacked some power. I'd love the power of the GS430, but concerned it might ride too "heavy"--anyone have concrete experience with these two cars and how they feel on the highway?

2) They both have great Catfax reports and low mileage, but do I need to be concerned about age nevertheless?

3) Any big differences between the ''01& '03 GS models in terms of features, reliability etc?

4) Finally, taking into account 1) reliability, stuff's not constantly breaking and 2) quality of the drive, which one would you buy? I'm freakin' paralyzed by indecision on this!

 

Speaking as someone who has a 300, I would defintley go for the 430 if you are looking for more power. But if power isn't an issue, the 300 would be good also because an 03 is a later model, so all the little quirks of a 98 or 99 should have been resolved by then. But either choice will have suspension issues eventually so be prepared. I'm sure others who have those exact models will be able to give you more info.

 

Both are equally reliable, and both get about the same gas mileage. So it's kind of a no brainer. Unless the 300 is a really nice color combo, or a nice sport design. Other than that though I'd go 430. Im trying to find a low mileage 430 with a black interior myself.

 

I'd go with 430.
I think it's also more rare in the states than 300?

 

Take the 430. You won't look back.

 

So the obvious choice here is the GS430. Now see if you can test drive a 2003-2005 GS430 to compare it to the 2001 & 2002. They made final tweaks and refinement to the 03-05. I believe the acceleration delay was mostly corrected in the 2003-05s. Some people have reported the 03-05s are much more smoother and refined.

BTW my 2005 is for sale in the classified. I'm testing the sale waters. Send me a PM if interested.

 

What colors are they? Regardless the 430 is the way to go.

 

^ What he said...430 hands down. Not sure what you mean by the term "heavy feeling" but with the power the 430 possesses, that won't be an issue.

 

430 for SURE, you will be regretting your decision everyday if you got the 300 because you will CRAVE that extra power. Now comparing an 01 to an 03, compared to the price difference I am not sure If it is worth the extra money unless its not alot. the 03 might drive better but if its $2,000 more thats a decision you will need to make. Speaking of that I wish I could drive an 03 to see if the lag really did get fixed, it does kind of annoy me sometimes when your feathering the throttle the response is not all that, aggressive driving you dont notice it as much and its very responsive.

 

If you plan on keeping it near stock (with regards to performance) than get the 430. However, if you're the type to start craving more power as time goes on get the 300 as Aristo 2ZJ swaps are much easier. I love my 430, but if I could go back I'd have gotten a 300 and done an engine swap.

 

When I was looking at these way back, I looked at many things. Financially speaking the GS430 is VERY close to run when compared to the GS300...

The cost? Less HP with the GS300, and similar gas monies? Go with the 4.3L

Not to mention, the sound of that motor with some nice pipes... can't be beat!

 

^^^^^ +1 on the pipes! I love my 430 and hated my gs300

 

Serious no brainer. 430. Theyre both reliable.

 

I definitely have to agree on that one, I love driving my 430, look forward to it everyday. I still remember the first time I drove it after coming out my 300 it felt like a completely different car, just feathering the gas and your flying. It feels so much more luxurious and heavy like a 7 series. the 300 feels like a light cheap piece of crap, especially on the highway you have to mush the gas to pass anyone. the 430 has EFFORTLESS passing on the highway AND street. Even until this day my friend has a 2013 BMW 750 and when I drive his car and get into mine I dont feel like im stepping down that much and thats saying alot because that car is 100,000+ the 430 shouldn't feel anywhere near as good. When I used to have the 300, coming out of his car I felt like I was getting into a go kart or a cheap saturn tin foil car with the power of a sloth.

 

Having driven both the GS300 (a 1998) briefly on a test drive, and now owning a GS430 (2002):

They both handle similar because it's basically the same platform. Curb weights are within 65 pounds of each other - 3649/3715 lbs.

Believe it or not the GS400/430 have the lighter engine compared to the GS300 which uses the
Supra's six. All aluminum block and heads on the V8 vs iron block and aluminum head on the 6.

Up to about 30 or 40 mph they drive similar. But once you mash the gas on the V8's... lookout - they takeoff and leave a lot of cars behind them.

The "heavier" feeling might have something to do with Toyota fooling around with steering or ecu.

I bought my 430 because I like how it keeps up with traffic. Remember in this day and age granny can easily whip past you in her V6 powered Rav4 which can hit 60 in just over six seconds.