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Yea, I would never look into a TSX. I've never owned a 4cyl car and dont plan to.
I have a 545 sport with active steering. No Lexus can come close to that in handling. 0-60 the BMW is faster as well. But I'm somewhat ready to sacrifice those to get into another Lexus. My BMW's warranty will run out soon so thats another reason I want to sell it. Its been holding up well so far but I dont want to take the chance when I can still get some decent money out of it.
That being said, I guess I should wait and see if its possible to get a low mileage GS430 for $25k. So far it looks like a hard feat. If I cant find one then I'm back to the same dilemma between these 3 cars.
the handling of the gs430 in sport mode is superb, second to none in its class. Handling is very responsive to the driver. And for that reason, you won't find many 06+ gs430 available.
But to the original post, so did the OP decide what to buy yet???
The GS430's handling may be superb if you compare it to maybe a EX350, but its not even close to the 5 series, even if the GS is in the sports mode. The comfort mode is purely for cruising and the sport mode is too stiff for its handling capacbility. Unless the GS460 have the APSSS option, it will comapre to the BMW or for that matter, even an Audi.
The reason why there are so few used GS 8 cyl around is because Lexus doesnt make that many to begin with due to the low demand.
I drove all 3 before buying my GS430, but agree finding a decent GS430 for $25k may be a challenge.
GS300 - great cruiser and toys, but will feel sluggish and soft after the 545
M45 - a blast to stomp around town but felt a bit too boy racerish for my taste (older and use the car for trips and work). Very crisp handling and performance for a Japanese sport sedan.
LS430 - I planned on buying an '06 LS but it was just too cushy for my tastes. Amazing car though.
Of the 3 I'd choose the M or the LS depending on which one feels "right" to you. I'd guess the M45, coming out of the BMW.