caverman

I'm starting to look at a '04 or '05 GS for my son. I was curious on what's the difference between the GS300, GS350, GS400, GS430? I'm assuming it's mostly just engine size from a 3.0 V6 up to the 4.3 V8 in the 430?

LexusK

iTrader: (14)

There's no GS350 for the 2nd generation GS (98-05).

From 98-00, the GS300 and GS400's were available. From 01-05 the GS300 and GS430's were available.

If you're looking at an 04 or 05, they only came in GS300 and GS430 models. Main difference is engine size like you said. There's going to be some interior trim differences here and there between the two.

The GS300 came in a Base or a Sportdesign model, which is basically a sportier version. I don't remember if it was offered 01-05, but for sure up until at least 04.

Others can chime in with more details, but as a first car for a kid, a 300 is enough. Just make sure you get the ball joints swapped out. That's a very common problem with our cars.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

For not much price difference, the 430 is a better car. The V8 just makes sense; it's not even about showing off or going fast, the car just is better with the V8.

The GS300 has the 3.0L 2JZ-GE naturally aspirated I6. The GS400 has a 4.0L 1UZ-FE naturally aspirated V8, and the 430, a 4.3L 3UZ-FE naturally aspirated V8 just like in your LS430. Mechanically it's pretty much all the same aside from the engines. Not necessarily part-for-part identical, but no major differences. Some options were or weren't available on certain models, but there were a bunch of different packages and pretty flexible dealer-order customizing and there's probably going to be a combination close enough to anything you can think of out there. If not, these things aren't exactly rare and there's plenty of knowledge available on part swapping or repairs.

'06 had a GS300 but it's not the same 3.0L engine, it's a new V6 in a completely different generation. The GS430 still had the 3UZ, but the GS350 was another V6.

caverman

Thanks for that info.

There are a lot more GS300 out there to choose from than a GS400. There is a '05 GS300 close to me that looks to be in good shape from the pictures but you know how that goes. It has 135k, is white/tan, and I could probably get it for about $6k. I haven't looked up the service history on the Lexus site to see if there is any records but I might do that next week and well as try to go look at it. I'm afraid if it's in as good of condition as it shows in the pictures I might be coming home with it. I've always liked that 2nd Gen body style especially with the GS400 spoiler, which this one doesn't have. The only other thing it doesn't have that I would like is the wood steering wheel but I'm sure I could add both if I wanted.

The '06 GS are in the $9k price range which I could swing if I had to but right now my budget for a 16 yr old's first car is $7k.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

It's been a while since I've been on here but do your research first if you plan on adding a wood wheel. I think they only came on the 430 so if you get one from a 430 you lose the ability to shift the gears manually. Also, the 430 came with steering wheel controls so you may have to do some wiring to get them to work.

slaapen

Find a gs300 with low miles and good service record, if possible. These cars stand the test of time and high mileage and besides the inline 6 2jz motor has an array of aftermarket parts available if anything were to happen to it.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

GS400 was available with e-shift and wood. There's something about a difference in airbags between the pre and post facelift models though? I think there's a compatibility issue there.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

GS400 vs GS430. 430 being better? Thats relative. The 400 was built with a sporty feel, while the 430 was built more for a luxury feel.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

I believe the airbag in the 400 was a 1 stage and the one in the 300 is a 2 stage.

blkblklex

Gs400 ftw!!!

ZanderZ32

iTrader: (2)

100% agree with this after owning both. 400 feels much better to drive and is only slightly less luxurious.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Pasting in a six year old similar reply of mine, there are tons more (and more recent)

Welcome to CL! Please try out our forum search Not many things you can ask that haven't been covered so you can get instant answers, no waiting.

These links are a little dated, but still apply. There are many more threads (including more recent); suggest you please try the search feature and you'll find a lot of the stuff you're asking (or may want to ask), no waiting. For example, I searched for the question "Should I get a GS400 or GS430?" using "gs400 gs430 difference" as keywords and found the following threads among others.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...430+difference

Should I get a GS300 or GS400?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-or-gs400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=149311


Should I get a GS300 or GS430?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs430
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...400-430-a.html

What year is best
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=15832
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=83730


The GS Series has few problems as it ages. The earlier years (98/99) have more quirks then the later years, but both have been known to have:

Moisture in Healights
Low/rough Idle Issue
Door Actuator Problems
Dash Rattle
Sunroof Rattle
Vibration at Highway Speed in wheels
Wheel bearings
90k timing belt service needed


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...400+Rough+Idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=Door+Actuator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=Dash+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Sunroof+Rattle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...GS400+low+idle
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...light+Moisture
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...s400+Vibration

Are there any technical service bulletins? TSBs

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...&highlight=tsb
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=28501