caverman

I'm considering buying a GS300 for my son's first car. I've found a really clean looking maroon '98 with 185k miles for $4,650. Timing belt was done around 95k so it's up for another one. I'm going to make some more phone calls next week but my Lexus independent mechanic want's $1,200 to do timing belt/water pump. Even if I can get out the door after TTL for $4,500 then it's getting closer to $6k for the car.

I also found an '04 silver GS300 with 168k for $4,500 but it's about 200+ miles away. It also had it's timing belt done around 95k but I can probably get two years of driving before that one needs to be done. It also has the factory spoiler on on the back that I really like but I can already see the headlights need restoring (no big deal). Otherwise from the pictures it looks pretty clean as well.

The main question I have is what are some differences between an '98 and an '04. I can't really see any from the pictures but I'm sure there are some. Is there any reason I should consider one year model over the other?

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

You're not going to get many replies on this because all the answers are in our FAQ sticky.

However, that 98 is overpriced.

The only significant differences between the two are mostly aesthetic.

Without knowing the difference, theres a 20k difference in miles on a 6 year newer car, shouldn't be any question about it. Newer cars of the same generation models will always have the 'kinks' pulled out of them, Get the newer one .

Now if it were a 98-00 400 vs an 01+ 430, then there would be a lot of differences to discuss...

GS400V8

iTrader: (4)

I think the 2001+ are significantly better looking. You can put all parts on the 1998 but it gets pricey. I've done everything cosmetically except the grill which I plan to do next.

Cosmetic updates:
Tail lights (cleaner)
Grill (much better/cleaner looking. think the 98-00 is kinda bad looking)
Steering Wheel/Airbag (chrome "L" and perforations in steering wheel unless you got the wood grain)
Gauge Cluster Bezel (dark graphite matching radio with light silver rings unlike the 1998-2000 black tolex type dash material)
Top air vents (dark graphite color matching radio and cluster bezel)
Rear view mirror with compass (think this was an option)
Wood ash tray (option, don't like wood personally I painted all mine gloss piano black, the black transparent wood was cool though)

Other updates:
Larger cylinder bore in the master cylinder for more linear braking feel
Increased sound deadening for cabin noise, so slightly heavier car overall
Mark Levinson System (was option, this may have come out earlier than 2001)
Different steering rack
Slightly stronger and different style caster arms
Updated stronger ball joints
Different power steering ECU for tighter steering feel (had 2001 version and l-tuned/sport version)
Discontinuation of e-shift of steering wheel on the gs430, but the GS300 didn't have e-shift until this year
Gs430 ditched the throttle cable for the throttle body but GS300 retained it through all years

caverman

Thanks! That's the kind of info I was looking for. I appreciate your time to summarize it for me.