GS430 or GS350. Which one would you buy?
03-13-07, 11:43 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
To me it all comes down to how much $$ you have and if you care about spending extras for the GS430 or even GS450h over the GS350... it's as simple as that.
03-13-07, 11:50 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Back in May 2005, my choice of the GS430 over the GS300 was easy d/t the large performance difference. But with the arrival of the GS350, that performance difference no longer exists.
If I had to make my decision now, my choices would be as follows (1) GS450H (2) GS350 (3) GS430.
If I had to make my decision now, my choices would be as follows (1) GS450H (2) GS350 (3) GS430.
Last edited by INHOCJP; 03-13-07 at 05:07 PM.
03-13-07, 12:11 PM
#5
I think the GS430 does not offer any compelling reasons over
the GS350. The low end grunt on the GS350 is probably quite
adequate in most conditions.
I would wait for the GS460!
Edit : If fuel economy and performance are the issue then GS450h
could be an option.
the GS350. The low end grunt on the GS350 is probably quite
adequate in most conditions.
I would wait for the GS460!
Edit : If fuel economy and performance are the issue then GS450h
could be an option.
03-13-07, 05:37 PM
#7
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I'm being lazy and don't feel like explaining the differences between the 430 and 350, but the 350 is the better option in almost every catagory when you compare those specific two cars.
do you have the extra$$$? then get the better car hands down.
do you have the extra$$$? then get the better car hands down.
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03-13-07, 06:52 PM
#8
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are you considering a preowned GS430 over a brand new GS350. 07 430's have to be special ordered and to find a new 06 430 is about impossible. the gs350's are in limited supply in some areas too.
I saved almost $4200 by getting an 06 gs430 with 7300 miles over a new gs350 with everything on it. that was enough of a $$$ difference for me.
I personally like the torque power of the V8 over a V6 but overall speed is about the same. the gs350 also has a shark fin if that matters to you. i believe the 430 has some suspension upgrades and also the AFS lighting (rotating lighting around corners)
good luck
I saved almost $4200 by getting an 06 gs430 with 7300 miles over a new gs350 with everything on it. that was enough of a $$$ difference for me.
I personally like the torque power of the V8 over a V6 but overall speed is about the same. the gs350 also has a shark fin if that matters to you. i believe the 430 has some suspension upgrades and also the AFS lighting (rotating lighting around corners)
good luck
03-13-07, 08:26 PM
#10
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I had a GS430 for a year, put 18k miles on it -- and then after some issues, Lexus bought it back last month.
So, after a year with the 430 and Lexus's check in hand, I had to decide what to do next.
I drove the 450H and the 350 -- and of course I knew the 430 well. It was an easy, hands-down decision: I bought a brand new 350 and couldnt' be happier. Just as fast as my 430 and in some ways more fun, more "tossable" somehow.
I *slightly* miss the variable steering and variable suspension I had in the 430. BUt in a way, at least regarding the steering, the 350 feels tighter somehow.
But other than that -- for $5-6,000 less money, and MUCH MUCH better gas mileage, and just as much speed -- it was no contest.
BTW, the EPA highway is almost identical to the 450H. Real world, I'm getting about 20 compared to about 16-17 with the 430.
Final note: Despite previous comment, the 350 does have the adaptive headlights just like the 430 (at least on my version!). The Mark Levinson package was hard to find, though...
So, after a year with the 430 and Lexus's check in hand, I had to decide what to do next.
I drove the 450H and the 350 -- and of course I knew the 430 well. It was an easy, hands-down decision: I bought a brand new 350 and couldnt' be happier. Just as fast as my 430 and in some ways more fun, more "tossable" somehow.
I *slightly* miss the variable steering and variable suspension I had in the 430. BUt in a way, at least regarding the steering, the 350 feels tighter somehow.
But other than that -- for $5-6,000 less money, and MUCH MUCH better gas mileage, and just as much speed -- it was no contest.
BTW, the EPA highway is almost identical to the 450H. Real world, I'm getting about 20 compared to about 16-17 with the 430.
Final note: Despite previous comment, the 350 does have the adaptive headlights just like the 430 (at least on my version!). The Mark Levinson package was hard to find, though...
Last edited by edbern; 03-13-07 at 08:32 PM.
03-13-07, 10:16 PM
#11
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03-14-07, 11:43 AM
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That said, it was a fantastic car in every other way, and Lexus was TERRIFIC in taking care of me along the way. I'd had five Lexuses to date, first one with a problem -- and if the 350 hadn't come out along the way, I'd probably have bought another 430 (or 450H).
03-14-07, 04:31 PM
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03-14-07, 04:34 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
Rattles, pops, clicks -- but a bad weld in the front end that had it in the shop for 3 weeks solid put me over.
That said, it was a fantastic car in every other way, and Lexus was TERRIFIC in taking care of me along the way. I'd had five Lexuses to date, first one with a problem -- and if the 350 hadn't come out along the way, I'd probably have bought another 430 (or 450H).
That said, it was a fantastic car in every other way, and Lexus was TERRIFIC in taking care of me along the way. I'd had five Lexuses to date, first one with a problem -- and if the 350 hadn't come out along the way, I'd probably have bought another 430 (or 450H).
Ah, I see. Glad to hear Lexus took care of you. And now you get to enjoy the Gen 5 nav system...so much nicer than the Gen 4 in the '06 GS.
03-14-07, 09:02 PM
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Indeed! Love it. Can't quite get the voice recognition to do everything i want yet...
Regarding the weld -- it was actually (I'm told) a place where the weld was secure but apparently touching another panel -- in the LEFT front of the vehicle, over the LEFT front wheel -- and it had to be "peened" down. I don't think the weld was the cause of the delay, it was finding the problem in the first place. By that time, though, the front end of the car had been completely disassembled twice...that alone made me nervous and press for the repurchase. After all, you buy Lexus so you *don't* have issues like that!
Last edited by edbern; 03-19-07 at 01:26 PM.