MoeZe

Greetings,

I am in the process of buying a car, and I fell in love with the design of the 3GS, but I'm conflicted on whether to get the gs350 or gs460. I really want the v8 option but there are a couple of factors I was thinking about. If I get the GS350 it would probably be a 2010+, and there is a 2011 model with 70k miles for sale about 15 miles away. If I get the gs460 its going to be a 2008 because thats all I can seem to find, and there isn't any around me. The closest one is about 2000 miles away. I wanted to get your input. Should I settle for the 350 or push for the 460.

Thank you.

DJtheGR8

I've had my 08 GS460 for a little over a month now and I really like it. It has a few things that need to be fixed but nothing to major. You can't go wrong with either. The 2010 models and up did come with a better nav system and bluetooth audio streaming.

MoeZe

Thank you for your reply. Do you think it's worth the trouble of getting a 460 over a 350 when it's 2000 miles away? If I do settle for the 460, what should I look out for? I'm probably not going to fly out there to get it and it's all going to be done over the Internet.

P.S: this is also my first vehicle that I purchase my self so maybe a little tips and tricks could help too.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I would own a newer 350 then a 460. The 460 engine and transmission is super reliable, same as the LS460.

The 350 is just as reliable and power wise they are not that big of a difference. Unless you plan on drag racing it, go for a 350! With a newer car youll get more options, but why not go for a higher mileage 2013-up gs350?

MJG87

Now that I have one I can say I would have been happy to travel 2000 miles to get one. 460 performs better than the 350 and is smooth as silk to drive. No question for me between the two but it's personal preference. Cant think of anything particular to this model you would need to check over anything else.

Google a few "used vehicle inspections checklists" and get an idea of what sort of things you should be looking for any time you buy a car. Check all the light/electronics/Air con/features are working correctly, look for a service history, make sure it has no rust, check the bottom of the dipstick to see if it has burnt oil on it.

TRD_Power

I drove a couple 350s before my 460, and personally felt a night and day difference in the way they performed. The 460 is just so much quieter and smoother, and the V8 sounds so nice. The 8-speed is a nice touch as well, as it helped me get over 29 MPG on my 4.5 hour trip out to eastern Washington a while back (1/4 the trip is all incline through the mountain passes). The 350 is a superb car, so don't count it out; but if you found a 460, there's nothing wrong with an '08, especially since most of the improvements in the '10+ are with the nav system (we all use our phones anyway). Even after driving a new GS 350 as a loaner, I found myself missing my 460 after a few hours of use. Get the 460, you'll be happy you did Plus it's rare, so that always makes it a little more fun.

wickedtaco

positives vs. negatives of the 460 over a 430?

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

460+ Engine and transmission built like a tank, very solid smooth reliable engine. Same engine as the LS460! Chain timing belt!
460- mainly produced in 2008 all other years are very rare

430+ its a v8 very reliable, produced only in one year
430- Less acceleration then a gs350, belt timing belt (needs changing every 80-100k)

rl9010

Also...

460= 8spd
430= 6spd

The 460 are rare for the 09-11 models because they were made to order only.
OP:
I would opt for the 460 due to the 8spd, v8 , and rarity. Either way you can't go wrong. But try to eliminate this thought "what if I had got the other one..."

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Hi, if you try search you'll find instant answers, no waiting to most of your questions.

Gs430 gs460. Search in 3GS thread titles
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs430+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs430+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs430+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs430+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs430+gs460

gs350 vs gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs350+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs350+gs460
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=Gs350+gs460
and a dozen more...

try it!

MoeZe

I really dislike the 4GS design, but thank you for you input though.

Very convincing. I will definitely keep looking for the one I want. Any problems to look out for in the 460?

tayslexus

I never drove a GS 460 but I liked the engine sound of the LS 460 I drove a while back. My only issue with the GS 460 is that there's no AWD option and I don't understand why. The car is not made for drifting and all the competitors have an AWD (if not only) option.

TRD_Power

Just the water pump and a couple recalls (brake booster and something with the fuel delivery). For peace of mind, just get the water pump changed and put new coolant in while you're at it. That aside, unless I'm spacing out here, there really isn't a whole heck of a lot that goes wrong with the 460. Like all 3GS cars, there WILL be interior creaks and rattles, so get some pieces of felt and something to wedge them into nooks and crannies handy. I've had my 460 for a little over 3 years now, and I've basically just done preventative maintenance (water pump, coolant, trans fluid, diff fluid, filters, etc.), and the car has been running like a top. Very pleased with it.

elibutton

I was in the same dilemma - upgrading from my '01 GS430 L-tuned which I love the V8, I was also looking at a 2013 GS350 F-type. Got good feedback from some GS460 owners here and found one about 90 miles away from home, test drove it, loved it, negotiated, and got it last weekend. So far it's been fabulous. Very smooth ride, love the V8 power, runs great. It was well maintained by the first owner who was meticulous and did some good maintenance and minor upgrades, the 2nd owner upgraded the rotors and brakes / calipers. I am considering getting the car lowered but not too sure as of yet.

Regardless, I couldn't be more happier with my GS460 purchase. It's my daily commuter to work (65 miles one way). I'll likely keep my GS430 as a weekend driver but she desperately needs front end work done and I don't think I'll be able to sell it to recoup the costs, plus she just passed the 295k mile mark last week and is still running strong.

designo

iTrader: (6)

I'd opt for the V8 honestly.
I know I'm being biased, but you can't beat the torque on that engine.