KAHUNA

We own a 99 GS400 and a 02 LS 430 both cars have similar miles and both have Navigation and similar options. Mileage on both cars are both around 120,000. Well one must go as we are getting another car from a family member.

I am the one who gets to choose which to keep. Both cars need exhaust work and both cars have had their 100k service. Also the 99GS400 has been through the magical famous front wheel assemble collapse so that is repaired.

I have two kids under the age of 6 so the room of the LS seems to make sense but I have gotten used to the sport feel of the GS as that is my everyday car. The GS has had the starter replaced and anyone who knows understands what an expensive job that is thanks to the dopey placement of it.

I seem to have a good grasp on the costs of fixing things with the GS but the LS I do not know what to expect. Current repairs needed on the LS are the exhaust, trunk lid pistons, driver window motor(seems weak and often needs a tug to finish closing) and the rear seems a touch low to me which makes me think it may need shocks.

Looks wise the GS has it over the LS but LS has the size and they extra hint of luxury. We have owned the GS since 01(bought from father in law) and the 02 we have owned since 2007(again bought from father).

Whichever car we keep I intend to drive for another 3-5 years at which time I wont be too concerned about resale price. So any advice would be great and which would you choose?

GLIDESUL

Or the long run I would keep the newer of the two meaning the ls. You can also swap a more sportier suspension set-up too.

kg19989

To me that GS looks a bit dated.... no... very dated. The LS is still a very fresh looking car with timeless lines and despite the fact it's not meant to b sporty it's not like you are stepping form a Porsche to a Town Car.... Hope I didn't offend but you asked..... Either way you know you have a great car. Cherish those little ones..EVERY DAY... they won't be little much longer.

KAHUNA

Thanks for the replies and not offended at all KG, Yeah they do grow quick and it is actually those two little guys that got me out of my Porsche and into the GS400 which I almost declined when my wife got the LS but thank god I did. The GS is much better than driving some SUV I would have gotten.

I am thinking of bringing the LS to Lexus Dealer and paying for an evaluation or whatever they do, I know they charge around $200 or so. I guess just to make sure there is no serious issues.

Been going through the threads here getting some information on potential problems that seem to arise and it has been a great help.

Brewmyown

Besides the fact that the GS is older, its also worth about half as much as the LS

AJT123

One word: FLAGSHIP. Pulling a rank on 99 out of 100 cars at stoplights is priceless.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I think you should keep the LS. It's got more space and it's a nicer car all around. You can always make the LS feel more sporty by adding an exhaust, headers, intake, wheels, and coilovers.

KAHUNA

thanks to poking around a bit more on this site I was able to find the MyLexus feature an put in both cars VIN's and it pretty much helped seal the decision. The LS had brakes done as well as the 90,000 service which I was not 100% sure included the timing belt but it did. The LS has 118,000 so we have only put 18,000 miles on it since late 07 so the brakes and major work is all done- now we just have to deal with the 120k service though my mechanic pulled a plug recently ont he car and said it looked perfect.

The GS had its 90,000/100,000 service with timing belt at 78,000 miles(we actually did that but I didnt remember) so it has been 53,000 miles since that was done-

I know I posted this in the LS thread but I am shocked by how many people love the way this car drives(I also have driven the 05 LS and 2010 LS 460). I find the 02/05 to have big body roll and very soft acceleration. The LS460 was a beast though - I loved that car but we could not afford to buy it used.

I feel way more connected to the road in the GS an I was shocked that the sticker prices were not that far apart new. The GS400 was 56K and the LS was around 63K or so.

We are keeping the LS at this point and I am sure will get used to it and end up loving it, after all I went kicking and screaming ino the gs400 and now hate to see that go.

KAHUNA

Well I sold the GS400 with the major exhaust leak for $4700 not bad for a 13 year old car with 126k miles.

So I have started the journey of getting the 02 LS430 back up to snuff, first getting the car cleaned out which was no small feat, just stunning to see how many places on a car a lolipop can get stuck too. Oh and that banana air freshner..turns out all you have to do is throw a peel under the seat.

Anyway first things first I replaced the rear truck lid pistons with aftermarket which cost about $50 for the pair and installed in literally five minutes. Why anyone would install OEM pistons at $125 a piece is beyond me..I mean that is the same ****ty part that failed inside 8 years to begin with.

Tomorrow the exhaust gets a $1000 make over with a few aftermarket parts, no not doing anything cool just replacing a rotted out Y pipe, again a joke this should go on a 10 year old car. Regardless going aftermarket as Lexus OEM proven sucky original part was about $1400 alone.

The NAV has the famous can not read disc issue, the passenger door needs am actuator, a few rear bulbs are out and the air conditioning smells like a dead mouse is stuck in it when it first turns on.

My tires though fairly new suck it would seem, something from Firestone and the rims are hideous.

Looking at a new sway bar for the rear as this thing rolls over more than an Italian cruise ship.

Though the brakes were done 19k miles ago(is that long?) the car shakes when braking at highway speed.

Amazingly enough the car is starting to grow on me though and I figure if 3k is needed to keep this car going for another 3 years, it is well worth it.

Of course I already thought of selling it and throwing another 6k in and getting an 04 LS430 but I guess that too would present its own special problems

C8V6C

I've owned both...I much prefer my LS to the GS, although the GS was surprisingly quick!

Overall, I wanted comfort and roominess...if I wanted something fast, I will buy a 2dr personally, but the GS is a very well rounded car

sajack

I love that one! There is a lot to be said for running with the big dogs.

KAHUNA

I can not lie that really helped ease my mind choosing the LS...LOL I am such a feable mind

BigBoi94

good choice on the LS.