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YACT: Any opinions on the Lexus GS430?

BillGates

BillGates

Diamond Member
My sh!tmobile (91 S-10 Blazer) is finally dying and I've started searching for its successor. I'm leaning heavily toward a Lexus GS430 (probably 2001) but haven't had the chance to test drive one yet. Has anybody had any real-world experience with them? (I expect to pay $25,000 - $30,000 for one with average mileage for this year)
 
don't have personal experience with it, but sat in a GS300 before, power is okay for a boat like that, but the looks of it is timeless. they can never replace the GS... this gen is the definitive classic.
 
Originally posted by: andylawcc
don't have personal experience with it, but sat in a GS300 before, power is okay for a boat like that, but the looks of it is timeless. they can never replace the GS... this gen is the definitive classic.
Click to expand...

There is a photo of the new GC class from the Paris auto-show in either the current AutoWeek or Automobile magazines. I'm not sure which, because I read both over the weekend. The photo only showed a front 3/4 view, but it looks like they kept a strong resemblance to the current model.

Edit: I found a LINK. Shows pics. Enjoy!
 
I didn't have a GS430 but I had a GS300.

What would you like to know?

The car fishtails a lot in snow even with VSC. The interior is very nice. I didn't care much for the automatic 5 speed. Its supposedly a learning transmission but I think it takes special ed classes because it wasn't that great. The 5 speed auto in my MDX is much better. The bumpers get scratched very easily. I hear the GS430 tires don't last very long and are noisy. What else. The interior looks big but isn't really. The Maxima is much bigger. That's about it. All-in-all, I really liked my car. It was absolutely the best car to drive on long trips. There was no road noise, it was smooth, fast and had an awesome stock stereo. Lexus customer service is way overrated though. I have a couple nightmare stories about them.

Here's the new GS430 from the NYC auto show.
 
Thanks for the feedback, Doggiedog. When I started reading your review I was getting a bad vibe (which was surprising since most feedback I've seen is positve) but then I got to the good parts.

I love that new GS430 but there's no way I could ever afford it. I got approved for a $25k loan (plus whatever down payment I want to get together) through my credit union, so I should be able to pick up a decent '01 GS430. (side note - there are way more '01 models available than any other year - I wonder if this is worth investigating).

This probably won't be the most practical vehicle for me to get as a Wisconsin resident but I need to satisfy the lust and get it over with before I get married - I hear toys dwindle after that. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: BillGates
My sh!tmobile (91 S-10 Blazer) is finally dying
Click to expand...

My father's 1991 S-10 Blazer 2-door started dying in 1995. And I really wanted him to keep it for me. Anyhow, he traded it in for a 1995 Lumina. And the Lumina lasted until early 2003. My point...well I don't really have one 🙁

 
Originally posted by: BillGates
Thanks for the feedback, Doggiedog. When I started reading your review I was getting a bad vibe (which was surprising since most feedback I've seen is positve) but then I got to the good parts.

I love that new GS430 but there's no way I could ever afford it. I got approved for a $25k loan (plus whatever down payment I want to get together) through my credit union, so I should be able to pick up a decent '01 GS430. (side note - there are way more '01 models available than any other year - I wonder if this is worth investigating).

This probably won't be the most practical vehicle for me to get as a Wisconsin resident but I need to satisfy the lust and get it over with before I get married - I hear toys dwindle after that. 🙂
Click to expand...

Depends. You need to offset your toys with her toys. Maybe a nice handbag or shoes and you might get your car. 😛

An 01 GS430 doesn't sound bad. A couple of my friends bought used Lexuses (sp?) and they've all been trouble free. The one issue would probably have to be snow/ice though. We never drove the GS in snow. It was a nightmare. The VSC only worked on the rear wheels so it didn't really help much. I'd say it was only useful on dry or wet pavement. Plus with the 430, I suspect you'd have even more trouble with all that torque and HP going to the fat tires.

Again, all-in-all I had a very positive experience with the car. If the new IS is nice, I might consider going back to Lexus. I need to replace my 10 YO BMW that is breaking down practically everyday.
 
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