Hi All,

I've really enjoyed these Lexus forums since 2007, when I bought my 2001 GS430 with 127K miles. Now it has 200K miles and I've been really happy with the car! However, now I want an affordable fast, reliable, luxurious car with backup camera and bluetooth music streaming. I've had minor problems during the past 3 years on my GS430 including door actuators, servo motors, tape deck (for smartphone music playback), alternator, engine mounts, ABS system leaking brake fluid, and now there are a bunch of squeaks in my suspension/shocks. Timing belt/water pump system replaced a year ago. I really love the driving experience of the smooth V8 and I'm nervous that I'll spend alot and then my next car (GS350) will be less fun to drive. Note that I care A LOT about straight-line speed and quiet non-bumpy rides, and I also care about handling but to a lesser extent. The 2006 LS430 was not fun to drive for me at all compared to my GS430 due to steering response. Anyone have thoughts on:

A) Keep the 2001 GS430 with 200K miles and replace the radio with a NAV unit like Pioneer Avic and add backup camera. My car has no Nav currently. Upgrade wheels from 16 to 17-inch and make minor upgrades to suspension. Fix engine mounts and pray that the car lasts another 100K miles with no ABS unit failure ($2000 installed).

B) Get a 2004/2005 GS430 with only 130K miles for $8000 and drive it for 7 more years. Same upgrades as listed above, replace the Nav/radio with a year-2015 system.

C) Get a 2013 GS350 for $30K. I only like the 6-speed tranny (not 8-speed) and the F-Sport is a no-go because it probably rides rougher and I want smooth and non-bumpy. 17-inch wheels preferable. Major drawbacks: not enough torque, and I've also heard the nav/radio with mouse is annoying.

D) Get a 2013 Hyundai Genesis V8 for $20K. I"m nervous about earlier models (2009/2010) of this car because it doesn't have Lexus reliability. Not sure about 2011/2012 but 2013/2014 should be OK.

I'm not considering the 2006 GS430 or 2008 GS460 because I consider the 3GS to have squeaky dashes and cheap components and too small with tiny trunk.

My plan is use Turo (service similar to airBnb for cars) to rent a 2013 GS350 and a 2013 Genesis for 1 day each during January and then decide.

Any help is appreciated, sorry about the long message. I think many of you might be in the same position as me.

Best Regards,

Joe in Los Angeles

 

I was in the same boat.. I would ls swap it to get more power and still maintain reliability. Get a new deck for all the nice new features. The moment you let it go, some kid will prolly throw a bunch of ebay parts on it and will just completely destroy it. And also everytime you see the gs on the road you will wish u never had sold it. Thats what happend when i sold mine. Missed the car everytime i saw it on the road. Even met the guy who had bought it from me and it was of course a kid, who totaled it 3 months later.

 

Assuming that money is a significant determining factor and that any vehicle can incur significant issues, I'd take option A.
Because:
1.) The cost to maintain it and sustain your current level satisfaction is relatively low compared to the other options.
2.) The GS4 motor is legendary and well known to easily exceed 300k+ with basic maintenance
3.) It's pretty easy to work on
4.) It ages better than most other cars.
5.) The other options leave a +$20K hole in your pocket

Just my $.02

 

I thought about trading my '99 GS400 a couple of times, but just can't part with the car. It is easily the most reliable car I've ever had. It's both fast and luxurious. At 215k I've had the usual problems (alternator, starter, motor mounts) but that's to be expected. I love the motor and hence looking for a low mileage SC 430 but I'm keeping the GS. I've owned it since new and have every bulb, battery and oil change logged in a spreadsheet. Any car will need minor repairs as they get older but this one is a keeper. I bought a Motorola T505 for bluetooth connectivity and it works well. I use Waze for navigation and haven't missed an in-dash system (I have the Nakamichi stereo option). All-in-all I love my GS and plan on keeping it for the foreseeable future!

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your own 2GS to gsean, Alphaman, and Kevin, it's much appreciated.

So far we have three votes for A, and zero votes for B,C,D.
Anyone vote for B,C,D?

I'm surprised that everyone is suggesting to put money into fixing up a car with over 200K miles. But I might end up doing that if most people think it's the best way forward. Quick reminder of options that many of us have for our 2GS, assuming we don't want to spend more than $30K:

A) Keep my black/black 2001 GS430 with 200K miles and fix it up and upgrade it.

B) Get a 2004/2005 GS430 with only 130K miles for $8K and upgrade it.

C) Get a 2013 GS350 for $30K.

D) Get a 2013 Hyundai Genesis V8 for $20K

Thanks everyone an d Happy New Year!
Joe

 

I vote option A, but I am biased as I own a 2001 GS430 (152k miles) and it still feels rock solid. The strangest part is that it still feels more solid than cars my colleagues have that are ten years younger...

 

Actually if you want a new car, i would just buy one. And keep the gs, its not like you will get much for it anyways

 

Ok. I'll bite. Option D. Get the Genesis. The only reason you keep a late 90's to early 2000's GS4 is for nostalgia or basic transport if the only other option you have is AT (alternate transportation ie. walking and taking the bus).

Other than that the praises of the GS4 are well earned. No other car like it in terms of aging gracefully and providing performance etc. But you will spend money on it as the miles go up. It's not the most modern design anymore.

You're on a Lexus forum so you know that on a GS4 sub-forum the responses are from enthusiasts

 

Here's a non GS4 sub-forum regular member opinion, go with option A. And, if you have $30k burning a whole in your pocket or just an urge for something new go with C.

I'm a T/L fanboy, so can't in good conscious suggest that you downgrade from a Lexus to a Hyundai.

 

Hi,

I think option A is the most sustainable. and that´s what I would go for if I had the same questions. Just invest some money to make the necessary repairs or upgrades and keep enjoying your car. If you like something new, than I´d go for option D, but instead of a Hyundai I´d go for a Infinity.

Regards, Bluebeard

 

Thanks everyone, you have all talked me into sticking with the GS430. I'll start working on getting good navigation, backup camera, and bluetooth music streaming. Maybe Pioneer Avic system. Thanks and Happy New Year!!

 

Just curious--is smartphone navigation not sufficient for you? I never even really considered using the NAV in my car, because I just use my phone. Am I missing something about what car navs can do that smartphones can't?

 

Hi Brahms,

I like smartphone navigation, but the main reason I want to add a music/nav system to my 2001 GS430 is to improve music playback. I'd like to have:
- Aux input for streaming music playback
- Bluetooth streaming for music playback
- Backup camera system
- Large navigation screen versus small smartphone screen

 

Option "A" is cheaper than the other options even with an ABS unit. Lexus made some of their best products at the time your '01 was built.

 

I cant get myself to sell my car after all the money I put into it, fixing all those known common problems, replacing worn and damaged parts, and upgrading with some accessories to my liking. It's been 2 years since I last replaced any parts on it only engine oil, filters, and tire changes. I'm creeping up to 200k miles with 181k, and I recently did a 600 mile drive with no problems. I just pray that my trans or ABS unit don't start going out anytime soon. I'm going to drive this car to the ground. Or until it gets mangled in an accident.

keep your GS and upgrade it. It's a much cheaper option.