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Looking To Become A Lexus Owner (Gs300?)


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New to the world of Lexus, I have started by looking at the LS400 (Mk4) as the car to go for but am now wondering if I should consider the GS300 also?

I now commute to work on a scooter which means my Lexus would only be used for a thrice weekly, 35 mile round trip (mostly Motorway) and a 450 mile round trip to London)

Currently drive a Pug 406 Hdi Execitve which has just topped 151k miles (70k of it whilst in my "care") in typically workorse fashion but it is time for a bit more refinement and bit less tiredness post long trips

I saw this car advertised and might go see this week.... any Insights, opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201406275357094/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/2000/page/1/model/gs/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/onesearchad/used/postcode/m203qx/make/lexus/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/seller-type/trade_adverts/radius/1500?logcode=p

Thanks

VKP

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It's a nice looking car, I may be wrong but I thought another member was interested in this one. I've not had a GS but I've had two LS400's, and I think they would be a very hard car of their era to beat. Best thing is to try both, they do come up quite often.

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Depends on what you want from the car, if you enjoy simply being wafted along in comfort and not prone to hard driving along twisty roads then the LS400 is hard to beat, the V8 engine is superb and I found in mine the mpg can be surprisingly good, in fact not much different to my current Lexus (IS300Sportcross) which has the same 3ltr engine as the GS. Can't comment on the GS itself as I have never driven one.

I would certainly buy another LS400.

Good luck with your search.

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Thanks so much for the replies.....plenty to think about - I am ready to be "wafted" and there is no doubting the LS400s Iconic status (amongst the knowledgeable)

I noticed this LS400 offered locally to me - I assume the car is a Jap Import given who is selling the car

http://www.alljapanesemotors.com/inventory/lexus-ls-400-4-0-auto-4-dr-saloon/

Are their any particular considerations/pitfalls if buying a Japanese Import car? ... and (as always) I'd be very grateful for your opinions on this particular candidate

Thanks,

VKP

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The level of refinement, comfort and build quality is vastly superior in the LS compared to a GS. If you want a GS then get a facelift model (late 2000 onwards).

Regarding a Japanese import it is somewhat dependant on how well it was imported/converted. Look at how well the fog light, speedo, radio, sat nav conversion was done. They weren't branded as Lexus in those days so you should expect to see Toyota badges unless they have been changed.

Personally I would stay away from an import if a UK equivalent is available - for example of you want an LS400 or GS300 then get a UK vehicle, if you want a GS300 Twin Turbo then import is the only option.

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  • 2 months later...

I haven't been in an LS but my GS430 is sooo lovely on the motorway and retains composure on the windy stuff. Its the most comfortable and quiet car I've owned. Its most likely a bit better on fuel and quicker than the LS as well.

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A vote here for the early GS300,I bought a 1997 series 1 GS300 and love it,it's 'at home' in the twisty bits as on the motorways and I prefer the shape to the series 2 as I don't like the bug eye'd headlights of the newer models,I predict a series 1 will be classic in a few years and therefore I will be able to insure it on my classic policy. (I hope! :D )
Fuel consumption will always be an issue if the car is used daily as they are not known for being frugal! :wacko:

Suspension bushes take a pounding as any Lexus is quite a heavy car but bushes are widely available so shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I think the Lexus GS and LS are the best kept luxury car bargain secret as early cars sell for peanuts.

Good luck with what ever you decide and let us have a pic or two when you get it ;)

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