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I was looking at a 5series BMW, E class Mercedes, and G35 C/S. I wanted something with power, but also classy. The Bimmer and Mercedes are definitely classy...but the expense of parts and labor shifted me away....and I didn't care for their interior appointments. The G35 is certainly nice...but the interior felt a little on the cheap side...especially the carpeting. And the GS....well, it fulfilled all my wants and needs...plus it's a relatively easy car to get modifications for (compared to the others)....as I am a car modding fanatic.
After I received a GS brochure from Lexus back in June of '98, I knew I had to buy the car. In that brochure, there was an evening picture of a black GS, parked in front of a restaurant, w/ these really blue headlights. I visited the Lexus dealership the next week to take a closer look. Six months later, I purchased my GS. My hardest choice was choosing a color. I chose Silver, but I still LOVE black!
I always intended on trading in my GS when the new model arrived, but since changed my mind. If the new GS is sweet, I will definitely purchase one and keep my current GS driving it 'til it dies. However, the AMG models are really tempting. I test drove a 2003 CLK55 and absolutely loved it, and the new E55 sounds like a beast. But after being spoiled by Lexus over the years, I'm hesitant about buying a Benz.
I bought a pre-owned LS400 years ago. I kept the LS for four years and not a single problem. The services at the Lexus dealership are great and always get a free Lexus loaner for any regular maintenances over a couple of hours. I bought the GS400 because its V8 has 50 more HP than my 93 LS400 thus much better acceleration. I love the styling of the GS, its built quality is much better than my Acura and Nissan. In addition, found my current pre-owned low mileage GS400 with navigation package at a great price.
Since the days of the first gen GS it was a show stopper. When somebody came through with the system bumpin and some chrome rims everybody froze on the block. When I got around to buying one the 2nd gens came out and I had to get one. Now Im the show stopper.
Well, having driven the SNOT outta the ES, I KNEW I would buy another Lexus. It was so reliable, I LOVED the interior and how ergonimic and classy it was.. I'll never forget seeing the 2 page preview ad of the GS back in summer 1997SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES!!!! with the quad headlights and HIDS glaring. My jaws dropped.
I could not believe the styling of this car. When the car mags tested it and it became .the fastest automatic sedan in the world I was stunned. However, I only wanted white/black leather and NO ONE every had this combo. I would have gotten a GS 300 or 400. I wanted the same color combo as the ES.
So my number 1 factor was previous Lexus ownership
2. Was looks, INSIDE (not just outside) and Outside
I had NO IDEA all these mods I have were even available (THANKS CLUBLEXUS). I know for the rest of my life, it will be a HUGE factor in buying my next car.
Gotta be honest...when it first came out, I wasnt a fan of it. My wife on the other hand loved it and said "one day I would like for us to get the car. I was like..uh huh...ok..whatever. But lo and behold, I have a beautiful GS300 in my garage. What makes it better, are the stock 17'' chromies that I bought from Justin....the dood that started this thread!!
What up Justin...havnt seen you post on here in a while!!!!!!!!
TTYL
My friends grandmother(lol) had one when they first came out, she got one of the first ones available. It was Gold Metallic, had no HID/17's/Spoiler, all it had was Nakamichi and gold lettering. I was about 17-18 at the time and we had it almost every weekend. I was always very much into performance and obviously fell in love it. Told myself if I ever had an opportunity to get it, that I would. Now, a few years later, I was able to acquire one with ease. Truly enjoyed it for about a month and a half, now getting to see some sides I'd never imagine. Exterior styling and interior fit and finish are just perfect. However, in my opinion, the way the car drives doesnt live up to its looks and interior. Its just flat out sloppy. Any risky high speed manuever feels like risking your life, something that is a breeze in any 5 series. One day this thing feels like I can eat up anything that challenges me, next day I feel maybe an Altima would take me. The stupid permanent idle problem is outrageous. I might be a bit picky compared to the rest of you, but basically the only reason I still have this car is just because it simply outshines everything around it, and makes me almost forget all of my little problems.
I needed more power than the vehicle I was currently driving (2000 BMW 323CI) and I was ready for a little more roon, and reliability. I knew the GS was around when it frst came out, and a buddy had had a couple GS3s, but really never paid much attention to it, although the idea of a V8 in the car really did appeal to me.
When I started shopping, I found a Blue GS4, made an appt to drive it, and bought it that same day. Within the month, I found CL, then met up with DaveGS4, and the rest, as they say...............
V8 baby. and yes, the looks. my only other option was a 5 series bmw, but we all know the quality of those cars. i was just amazed that a japanese stock car could whip a 540 bmw.