Lexus GS300 vs GS400 (2nd gen)

[trini shotta]

Hey

I'm in the market for a used 2nd generation (1998-05) Lexus GS300 or GS400.
I've noticed a significant price difference with the two models, but it's the opposite difference of what one would expect. The GS300 is a 3.0L 220hp 6 cylinder. The GS400 is a 4.0L 300hp 8 cylinder. The GS400 is much cheaper than the GS300. The only reason I could think of is gas consumption. Any ideas?

Also, how are these cars in terms of reliability and repair/maintainence costs?

Thanks!

[untaka]

ballin now eh Shawn the 300 is an olds man car.

[trini shotta]

ballin now eh Shawn the 300 is an olds man car.

Whos Shawn?
But yea, the GS300/400 is a grown mans car I'm done with my Integra and the ricer boy scene. It's all about the luxury whips!

[mr_raider]

Actually they are both excellent sport sedans, somewhat underappreciated. The reason the gs300 is more expensive is that it houses the infamous 2jz inline-6 and is much sought after. The engine has huge aftermarket potential, and is sought after by ricers everywhere, along with the IS300, sc300 and Supra which share the same plant.

The gs400 is a much more refined powerplant, and definitely worth a look if you are not a modder.

Reliability on major components should be good, but like all luxury cars, the electronics are prone to get glitchy with age. That being said, I'd take my chances with a 10 year old Lexus any day over a 10 year BMW, Benz or Audi. Just stay away from the models with adjustable suspension.

[g5cubed]

Definitely go with GS400/GS430, the V8 really makes it worth driving.

The only reason the GS400 is priced lower would be because it's probably an older model and/or has higher mileage or bad colour (Bronze, Green, Red). Other than that, the GS4 is definitely the superior buy (if you're not modding the engine).

[Evil Techie]

try to get GS430 if u can
its 01 and on and has quite a few small improvements over the older GS400 other than drive train

dont bother with GS300, u only get like 1mpg better than GS430 in the city which isnt much

i have a GS300 and thats the regret i have lol
come find me on clublexus.com/forums
UberNoob

oh btw
when buying a GS, if u see cars with around 90k miles (not KM) mileage, make sure the 90k big service has been done
thats a big one
also get a mechanic to check out the ball joints as those are the common failure components on the GS

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

It's not as if the N/A 2JZ is that good/moddable anyway. The turbo version is quite a bit different, the turbo versions of most engines are quite a bit different.

[mr_raider]

It's not as if the N/A 2JZ is that good/moddable anyway. The turbo version is quite a bit different, the turbo versions of most engines are quite a bit different.

Allow me to rephrase: the 2jz is sought after by modders since it is amenable to a turbo swap.

[trini shotta]

try to get GS430 if u can
its 01 and on and has quite a few small improvements over the older GS400 other than drive train

dont bother with GS300, u only get like 1mpg better than GS430 in the city which isnt much

i have a GS300 and thats the regret i have lol
come find me on clublexus.com/forums
UberNoob

oh btw
when buying a GS, if u see cars with around 90k miles (not KM) mileage, make sure the 90k big service has been done
thats a big one
also get a mechanic to check out the ball joints as those are the common failure components on the GS

I'm so glad you brought that to my attention! I thought the GS400 would chug gas compared to the GS300. I'd much rather have a 300hp beast! I've heard the ball joints go on these cars. But I've also noticed the shocks have been replaced or need to be replaced on the cars I've come across. Is this a common problem too?
I'll be sure to find u on clublexus when I make the switch from toronto integras!

I couldnt find much info on the 90k miles service.. What does that involve?

[olddog]

i will tell you the truth since i have both a GS300 and a GS400.
the GS300 compared to the GS400 is weak and slow. Remember i said compared to the GS400. if u are not power crazy or have a heavy need for speed and such, the GS300 is fine. But do your self a favour, if u end up buying a GS300, NEVER TEST-DRIVE A GS400 because you will most likely feel the difference in power and get an urge for a GS400.
if u are a regular smooth driving kind of guy, the GS300 is alright, it performs just fine but i will tell you the GS400 will be my choice anyday, anytime. 300HP off the bat with more torque. nice for sporty driving and cool driving.
also some GS300 might not have the manual 5speed control on the steering. all GS400s have them.
Many worry that cos of the 300hp, the GS400 sucks more gas than a GS300. I tell you now that the gas mileage difference between the two is very minimal. maybe not even obvious. it all depends on your driving habits. i have the tedency to step on it everytime i see free space i got a heavy foot so am their favorite customer at the gas stations
Good luck with search though.
you are making a good choice by going with a Toyota...sorry Lexus
as long has its maintenance history shows it was well maintained, mileage and age are nothing to worry about.
a couple of my friends have almost 400-500,000km on their GSs.
Also, make sure to join my club: clublexus.com if u end up getting a GS.
you will love it. Lots of info, mods etc...
if u around my area, i can let u test drive my cars.
pm me if u want to...


olddog

[olddog]

evil techcie....
whats up?
u need to summon a Cross country meet for GSs on Clublexus.
and am still dying for a tte front lip on clublexus.
just have no luck...

olddog

[lesnar]

Also, make sure to join my club: clublexus.com

olddog

you started the club?

[Evil Techie]

haha yeah
we in GVRD just had a great meet

btw 2001+ GS300 will have the e-shift on the steering wheel
but 2001+ GS430 will NOT have the e-shift

try to get 2001+ if u can, better looking rear lights, better nav (DVD based instead of HDD based for easier updates but still cost $250 per disc), upgraded audio switched vendor (Mark Levinson instead of Nakamichi), and many other little details that make the car better (ie. water repellent windows permanent treatment... etc)

shocks usually last the lifetime of the car unless you put some aftermarket drop springs on the stock shocks
thats a whole diff story

GS300 is good if u want to do 2JZ-GTE swap or a NA-T setup
but stock 5 speed auto transmission on the GS can only handle up to around 350-400 hp
usually ppl swap the internals of the tranny when they go up to that level