Fro98686

Hello, new to the Lexus forum.

I am looking at buying either of these two vehicles. A 98 GS400 with 130K base model vs a 1999 LS400 (all options) with 130K on the clock.

Assuming both are in good condition, which one would you buy?

The LS400 goes for 6K and the GS400 for 4500.

Which one will I take less of a beating on if I decide to sell in a couple of years?

The LS400 has traceable service records while the GS 400 doesn't.

Just not sure and I need some help.

Thanks, Fro

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Are you looking for Luxury or Sporty?

LS400 = More Luxury
GS400 = More Sporty

Fro98686

My daily driver is a 2014 mazda 6 with a 6sp mt. I wanted something different to drive.

Sanfou510

As stated above, are you looking for a more luxury feel or a half luxury half sporty feel? Btw, check to see if either of the cars you are looking at ever had their ps pump, alternator, and starter replaced. If so it will save you less headache. Wouldnt want to be stranded on the road when one of these things go out.

Bhubb18

At that price I'd go the LS, but give them both a drive.
LS is very much a tank, whereas the GS is.. somewhat sporty

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Forum search gives you instant answers, no waiting! Couple of examples

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs400+ls400

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs400+ls400

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ht=Gs400+ls400

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

It sounds like between these two particular cars, the LS is the better buy. Our cars aren't getting newer; service records mean a lot.

Robles84

I would go for the ls400. I went from a 2001 ls430 to a 2000 gs300. And it's a difference... from leather to woodtrim to suspension. Even the window buttons.
I miss the stash box under the seat of the ls430. I don't know if the ls400 has one.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

No offense to the pre-facelift GS300 owners, but it's not really a serious luxury car. It's a base Aristo with leather standard. The interior trim is awful and the powertrain is insufficient. The extra wood, better finishes, and sport shift in the 01-05 make it a better proposition. But a GS300 is still a mushy, slow, gas guzzler, so you might as well get a nicer mushy, slow, gas guzzler, the LS400. But since OP, you're looking at a GS400, one could make the argument that it's a better candidate if you do want to get sporty. The 4.0L has just enough hustle to get the GS going at a decent pace and there are a lot of chassis mods available. Less of a waste than doing a performance GS300 (not counting NA-Ts and GTE swaps). The LS400 is definitely a nice, albeit dated, luxury experience. The window for resale on both is long gone though. UCF20s and J/UZS160s are both 4 figure cars all day long, and prices are dropping more every year, mostly as a function of age over anything else. They're already basically worthless (my bank doesn't give two ****s about my GS430 as an asset) so unless you're talking about saving hundreds of dollars, either one as a financial consideration is pointless.

Arcadian

I love my GS400, but hate the never ending expenses on front suspension repairs. If the LS doesn't have that issue, I'd seriously consider it. Given you're driving a Mazda 6 though, I think the GS is more your style.

Sanfou510

that sucks arcadian. So far the only front suspension parts ive replaced was both inner and outer tie rods as well as lower ball joints. Other than the rough ride of coilovers my fromt suspension is holding up pretty well.

Lividd

Hi guys! I just joined... maybe u can help me... I am planning to buy a 2000 model GS400 and some of my friends are advising against it. I plan to take the car for thorough test before purchase. The car has original 60,000 miles (original miles). It's North American Specs driven in Japan. It needs tyres, brakes and AC service. Other than that looks neat and I'm getting it for a reasonable price. Now my question is... Is it ok to buy a 17 yr old gs400 with such little mileage. Will I be facing surprises???

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

No surprises really. It's important that all the suspension components be in good condition, and that the timing belt is changed regularly. If it hasn't been done by now, it would be a good idea to do it, the water pump, and the radiator as a preventative measure. Should last you at least another 100,000km. I suggest the radiator because the plastic tanks turn brown and become brittle with age, leading to leaks, most used GS' original radiators are in this condition by now.

Oh, also the power door lock solenoids are prone to failure. There are DIYs for cheaply replacing them.

DMPesso

it all depends what you value more? The GS' suspension flat out SUCKS in comparison to the LS if you live anywhere that doesn't have perfectly smooth roads. I can't even tell you the countless amount of money I have spent maintaining my GS living in NYC with these roads. The tranny and engine are very similar in both cars, the GS will "feel" and look more sporty and the LS is just pure luxury refinement. The 1999 LS is probably one of the most reliable cars ever made, besides the 1st gen LS. If you prefer the sporty looks and don't mind spending some money to maintain the suspension, get the GS, it is very fun to drive, it WAS the fastest sedan of its time. I have owned a 99 GS4, 99 GS3, and currently own an 01 GS430 so I talk from experience. I was in the same boat as you a while back and I just couldn't stand the looks of the LS, the design of the 2GS is timeless, but the LS just looks flat out old and ugly. I ended up with my 01 GS430 and I couldn't be happier, except I am very jealous of the suspension quality in comparison to the LS, you can clearly see where they cut corners to save money. But to be honest, those prices sound insane, my brother just grabbed a 2004 LS430 for 5k that had only 90k original miles. Granted, this is a steal, but you are definitely overpaying for such an old car unless the condition is immaculate and the color is black on black, I have seen better deals.

kevin3344

It really depends on what you're looking for. I drove both the LS and GS in 1999 and decided to buy the GS400. I still own it to this day. As previously mentioned it was one of the fastest sedans built back then, but can still beat many a car today. It's fast, sporty and luxurious. Both are great cars. I'm looking to buy a low mileage SC430 one day as a weekend car but will keep the GS as my daily driver.