GS430 vs 300, 350
 

Hello.

I am looking around to buy my next Lexus and I have an idea about what I want to get.
I've owned a 98 LS400 for 3 years (80-145k miles) and it was a great car.
I would love to get a LS460 but its a bit expensive .

GS430 2006-up can be had for 23k-30k . I prefer having a V-8 over a V-6 any day. I always had V-8 cars since I was 17 and I'd like to keep it that way.
I mostly drive on weekends and love taking my cars on long road trips.

Is there a good reason to stay away from a GS 430 model, compared to a GS300 or 350?
I know there is a timing belt job involved at 90K miles and thats fine with me. I also heard that AWD GS cars have some vibration issues here and there?

Thank you for your inputs.

Dave

the drivetrain is bullet proof that i can tell you. but its gas mileage is that of the old generation too (however since you drive during weekend that might be ok). the car has old gen4 nav which i think is the biggest bummer, and it doesn't play mp3 cds

answer is very simple, GS 350,,
350 got bigger brakes, upgraded navi, shark fin, and more hp than 430,,,

they all have the same brakes (430 vs 350).

350 might have more hp on paper, but 430 has far better tq, and on freeway speed 430 can take down 350 easily

Go with the 350, it might be a bit slower but its updated.

Both of my close friends told me to go with a GS430 and that is exactly what I did, they told me exactly what Rominl said that the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof. I am very happy with my car although wish I had the newer nav.

One of those close friends that told me that is a Lexus service advisor and the other one is a Lexus Master tech..

Edited to add take a look at how many recalls there are out on a GS350 vs. a GS430.

technically gs430 was still available in 2007 but it's very very rare. that will have the new nav

some reason i always thought 350 had bigger brakes than 300,,,
still 350 all day tho,,,

GS350 hand down. More horsepower. upgraded brakes, better gas. 430 has more torque though so it is a tad-bit quicker then the 350.

I say, 350.

I really like the stance of a 430. Wheels are nice and it sits nice and low. Im a torque fiend so it might suit me better. Is it that hard to install an updated navigation unit from a 2007-up car?

something to clarify. gs300 has small calipers. but gs430, 350, 450h, 460 all have big 4 pot calipers. so between 430 and 350, SAME brakes

a lot of 07 gs350 have the same wheels as that on the 430

Nope not happening, my friend has a GS430 2005 (its a lighter car then the 06 model). We raced from red light, 40 mile roll, 60 mile roll all the way to 135. I take him a few fenders lengths all the time. Tbilisi GS350 comes AWD might wan't to take that into the consideration. I have a GS350 no problems to complain about expect the usual, rattles.

2005 has a 5 speed box compared to our 6-seed one. I would say that makes a difference.

I keep reading about these rattles. Is this really such a serious issue? Something that can be dealt with with radio on, on low volume levels?

Also are driveline vibrations common with AWD systems, I am a vibration freak and it drives me insane so that can not happen.

Well thank you. I guess between a gs430 or a 350, Ill choose the one in best condition and best price.

Well about the Vibrations that only if you lower the car, at stock height there's not gonna be problems. Rattling issues cAn be dealt with music at volume 10+. Well with nyc bumps maybe 30+ :(

I gotta take a GS for a test drive. These rattles can not be that bad, its just sounds insane.