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Fully loaded IS350 vs. GS430?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: CA
Fully loaded IS350 vs. GS430?
I was on a Lexus lot today, looking over the cars and trying to bide my time until my special ordered IS350 arrived.
Looking at the GS430 got me to thinking...
I know you can get about $5K off MSRP on a loaded GS these days, which would put it down to about $53K with NAV & ML.
A comparably equipped IS350 (Premium, Luxury & NAV/ML packages) would be around $45K and you'd end up paying MSRP or very close.
I'm beginning to wonder if I might be better off spending an extra $8K for a bigger car with very similar performance and likely a better resale. Plus, I could probably get the exact GS I want tomorrow.
I'm seriously considering this idea and thought I'd throw it out there for others to ponder.
Looking at the GS430 got me to thinking...
I know you can get about $5K off MSRP on a loaded GS these days, which would put it down to about $53K with NAV & ML.
A comparably equipped IS350 (Premium, Luxury & NAV/ML packages) would be around $45K and you'd end up paying MSRP or very close.
I'm beginning to wonder if I might be better off spending an extra $8K for a bigger car with very similar performance and likely a better resale. Plus, I could probably get the exact GS I want tomorrow.
I'm seriously considering this idea and thought I'd throw it out there for others to ponder.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 84
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From: CA
I realize they are different cars but 0-60 times are very similar.
I've had a concern about the backseat since I first drove the IS, so this is part of the reason my thinking is shifting a bit.
And if you go to carsdirect.com (which I have used in the past with great results), you'll see the $5K discount.
I've had a concern about the backseat since I first drove the IS, so this is part of the reason my thinking is shifting a bit.
And if you go to carsdirect.com (which I have used in the past with great results), you'll see the $5K discount.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 896
Likes: 2
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by OUMalibu
I was on a Lexus lot today, looking over the cars and trying to bide my time until my special ordered IS350 arrived.
Looking at the GS430 got me to thinking...
I know you can get about $5K off MSRP on a loaded GS these days, which would put it down to about $53K with NAV & ML.
A comparably equipped IS350 (Premium, Luxury & NAV/ML packages) would be around $45K and you'd end up paying MSRP or very close.
I'm beginning to wonder if I might be better off spending an extra $8K for a bigger car with very similar performance and likely a better resale. Plus, I could probably get the exact GS I want tomorrow.
I'm seriously considering this idea and thought I'd throw it out there for others to ponder.
Looking at the GS430 got me to thinking...
I know you can get about $5K off MSRP on a loaded GS these days, which would put it down to about $53K with NAV & ML.
A comparably equipped IS350 (Premium, Luxury & NAV/ML packages) would be around $45K and you'd end up paying MSRP or very close.
I'm beginning to wonder if I might be better off spending an extra $8K for a bigger car with very similar performance and likely a better resale. Plus, I could probably get the exact GS I want tomorrow.
I'm seriously considering this idea and thought I'd throw it out there for others to ponder.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: NY
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
I have no idea where your getting 5k off a new GS but be my guest 
Even though I love the IS, I really love the GS, so for me, I'd get the GS.
Even though I love the IS, I really love the GS, so for me, I'd get the GS.
As for the choice of car, it's really up to what you want and what you're looking for in a car.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 2
From: SC
Have you driven both? To me the GS430, while gorgeous, feels MUCH heavier around the corners. If you don't need the extra space, I'd say save the 8-13 grand (based on your discount) and go with that sweet new 5th generation voice activated nav, among some of the features you can't get on the GS!
That said, if you were thinking about a pre-owned '05 GS430 that you could find for the exact same price as a new IS350 fully loaded, that makes things a little interesting.
That said, if you were thinking about a pre-owned '05 GS430 that you could find for the exact same price as a new IS350 fully loaded, that makes things a little interesting.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 84
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From: CA
I'll still probably get the IS I ordered, but with the now only a relatively small price difference, the GS is an intriguing alternative.
Since my IS won't arrive for a couple of months, I have plenty of time to mull it over.
Since my IS won't arrive for a couple of months, I have plenty of time to mull it over.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 2
From: SC
Originally Posted by Badman Forever
i've test driven both the gs300 and gs430. both versions feel like a boat compared to the is350. if you don't want a sport feel and want comfort only, then gs is the way to go.
Well said. GS is sporty, but in my eyes an older person's car. The IS, much more tossable and fun, with still plenty of luxury, exclusive technology, and of course, by most records, the fastest Lexus ever built.
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