scandy

Really sorry to hear you and EMjay have had such problems with your Mk2 GS430 sport - I've had mine since 2005 and only had a failed motor in the wing mirror (fortunately was still under Lexus warranty) and a front bush replacement due to the weight of the engine. (Had this with the Mk4 LS I had in 2000 too.) Touch wood apart from that been very reliable and fun to drive. I must confess I'm not fond of the 'new' style Lexus as build quality in some cases seems to be worse and I think you either love or loathe the Mk3 shape and I'm in the latter category. Had before the current car a MK4 LS (wonderful car but gave me speeding points on my license so I had to get rid of it!) and various GS300's and 430's along with even an IS200. Certainly reading the forums it seems 2004 / 5 was perhaps when build quality started to go down the pan?

Very true regards the womenspeak comment! I've had an LS400 Mk4 and it was a wonderful magic carpet - the review at the time said it was a motorised armchair and in a straight line it was, however I always felt the handling was a little too wooly around corners if you happened to hit a corner a bit too quick (though I never drove a DHP version to be fair). As a motorway car it can't be beaten though. Switched to the GS430's then found the GS430 sport - must admit I don't mind a harsh ride for good handling (GS430 Mk2 ok but sport a lot tighter) so all depends on your preference - reliability wise always found the MKII's (post the 2000 facelift) to be very reliable. I know someone who's got an 05 MKIII GS430 and it's been back to Lexus so often it's a standing joke - they've had a lot of build quality problems with cheap clips holding the trim in coming loose, gearbox issues too amongst other things. I'm sure the MK III is reliable but I've been put right off ever going to a MK III once it's time to change the 430 sport - I don't like the back end either but it's a matter of personal taste of course. Out of interest, does the last of the LS430's (sep 2003 onwards) have the same issues with corroding sensors as the previous version? That's the only car I'd consider going to, as apparently the last of the LS430's had half decent handling for such a large car - I like the shape too - reminds me of an update to the LS400 Mk4. But if they haven't fixed the corroded sensors issue from the first LS430 that's a potentially big problem for me.

Hi all, Not sure if anyone has posted this yet - apologies if you have - if not, hopefully UK models have different floor mats but as it's so unusual for Toyota / Lexus thought I'd post it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8281981.stm

You're right, actually. It's not that different now. Will still get it painted though! I had a set of those on a GS430 MK2 I used to have prior to the sport - they do look good but IMO were nothing but trouble - I had them replaced twice under the Lexus warranty due to the laquer coming off and the dealer told me Lexus abandoned them in the end due to all the warranty claims.

For MK2 one of them is probably black and is for the SatNav - cheaper at the factory to include the aerial part of GPS for all cars.

If you're interested in a Mk2 GS430 sport it was available from July 2003 onwards in the UK only though some dealers made 'sports' models before then but the suspension and brakes are different I believe from the official model: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/articles/...SPORT_144.shtml I think it's actually 20mm lowered from the standard model - the standard GS430 model came out in 2000 but watch out on 2000 /2001 models as some of them have no seat memory. The GS400 as someone mentioned is the US version of the GS430. Hope that helps.

Then maybe Lexus should not be following their lead. As I said, why the need to program whilst driving. If an accident should occur,possibly a fatality, as a result of programming whilst driving, could you really think it was worth it for the dubious ability to use your satnav in a totally unneccessary way and say "but BMW & Mercs can do this?" Maybe the answer is to it and remove the ability to do so in ALL marques. If it is just Toyota/Lexus drivers being restricted then it does at least mean that YOU will not have to live with any consequences of programming whilst on the move. It's not so much to program whilst driving it's if you need to go somewhere else - for example to be able to select destinations in the history section would be useful - i.e. like you can select home. That would be two or three button presses and shouldn't be too dangerous. I agree full input of a new place should be restricted as that is dangerous.

Lexus have released some new DVD updates - for owners of the Mk3 GS (and possibly other later models like the RX400H) it looks like upgrading is worthwhile as the lockout of the sat nav system whilst on the move has been removed: http://www.lexus-mapupdates.eu/ Click on FAQ to see if your system is updated. I don't think this was available before as it's one of the most common queries on the forum - I presume the systems are the same for the LS430 Mk2 and IS250? Why they can't enable it for older cars though - it can't be that difficult if they can do it on the new ones..

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/articles/...SPORT_144.shtml Although how does that work if you're not even doing 7,000 miles per year? It does say 10,000 miles OR once a year. Most importantly the 'facelift' 2000 on cars have the cambelt replacement set to 100k only and not 10 years - the mileage is what counts apparently.

Just to add some info on this one as a lot of people seem to get confused about the 430 Mk2 sport - here's a quick run down to help: Originally the Mk2 Sport appeared in the GS300 around 99 - 2001 but apparently Lexus were not happy with the suspension set up (as I read on this forum!) so deleted the model from the range. However at the time there were some dealers who modified GS430's and lowered the suspension 25mm (without changing the rest of the suspension) and placed all of the sport car's body kit and wheels onto the car even including the sport discreet markings. In July 2003 Lexus fixed the suspension problems and relaunched the car (in both 300 /430) with all new lowered suspension and it was available in only three colours, Canterbury blue, Silver and black. Additonally only the GS430 sport had the large spoiler on the back whereas the GS300 has a discreet spoiler with the usual GS300 paddle gear change on the steering wheel. The GS430 had all of the GS430 refinements such as the audio controls on the steering wheel etc. Having owned a 2001 sport and now a 2003 sport I have to say (totally personal preference) both compared to the standard GS430 are better for driving as they handle better around corners though of course you do suffer in ride quality - hence sport! 2001 vs 2003 sport - the 2001 handles well but the 2003 seems to have the edge to me - just that bit more composed under cornering - additionally go for a 2003 sport with satnav and you'll end up with the superior sat nav system as the 2001 sport I had lacked the route preview of the later system. Here's a link to the original press release: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/articles/...SPORT_144.shtml Hope that helps.

Never had this one myself so I'd be interested to hear what it is - not a bush issue as it would show over bumps.

Great - looks sorted car. I'd be interested too to discover how many GS430 series II sports were sold in the UK - can't be many as you don't see them often. Also for your tints this might give you an idea: http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/GS/2003.html Ok it's the US GS but the same thing as it's silver with tints.

Not a problem Ive ever come across when looking through both LOC forum and US forums (on any Lexus) so I wouldnt be overly concerned - perhaps the previous owner was using a hammer to press the screen The GS430 Sport was launched in July 2003 and came in only three colours - silver,black and canterbury blue - if you want to see a canterbury blue example, currently on the used cars on www.lexus.co.uk one is up for sale. As with other GS430's the beige leather interior came with wood around the steering wheel. The sport has different suspension to the standard GS430 and sits 25 mm lower - interestingly that's still 5mm lower than the current Mk3 GS430. Due to the extra price difference on the GS430 sport over the standard model there are quite a few models without sat nav so that is very desirable if it does have sat nav. Also like other GS 300/430's the satnav option gives you a fuel computer etc. Having owned a 430 sport for three years now I've had the following issues which is something to look for on Sunday (in addition to the usual things like tyres, brakes etc) when you view the car: 1. Suspension - for some reason they seem to be quite prone to bushes going on the front of the car (more so than standard GS430's) so you need to drive over a sleeping policeman or other bump to listen for a knocking sound. When you drive over a bump it should be silent if you hear a knocking sound that could be bushes or something else that requires replacing especially after that many miles. This also has a big effect on handling as the car can be a bit sluggish to respond under tight conrering - worn tyres also make a massive difference to handling on this car. 2. Wheels - check for pitting and the usual lexus problems of the laquer going on them. Also check for wheel wobble between 55 - 70 - that's a common GS thing to look for on all models. 3. Inside trim piping on the drivers seat - split on the vertical and horizontal on my car yet it's only done 33k miles. Had it fixed but something to check for. 4. Also had an electric motor fail on one of the mirrors - this is a whole unit to replace so check they work normally. 5. Seatbelts - had to have mine replaced as they did not retract properly. Apart from the above I've had no other major problems and it is a really great car to drive - ride may appear hard if you are used to the standard GS430 but the handling makes up for it and it is supposed to be a sport model after all. Hope the car is a good example.

I don't know if Apple do a FM transmitter for the IPOD but I have a Sony phone and I use a plug in radio transmitter with it. Find yourself a blank FM station and you can play your tunes without having to do anything to the car. Works very well on my Mk2.

I think it might have been Andrew they said.

Friend of mine started up their 2003 RX300 yesterday after parking for a short time in a shopping centre - massive bang when starting and they limped home. Turns out someone had sawn off the cat to get the platinum - apparently Lexus tunbridge wells said they are seeing this more and more as the RX is so high it is easy to get at the cat. Because it's willfull damage it's an insurance not warranty claim so could push up insurance on the RX if it wasn't bad enough with all the taxes already. Dangerous too. Thought I'd let everyone know.

Fair point - I had that opinon last year when I couldn't decide whether to renew it - I took a gamble and went for security as I run my own business, so having to pay out if something goes wrong could be nasty. Before I renewed the warranty this year I've had suspension bushes at the front replaced, and a set of new Alloys as the wheels started to corrode all paid for by the warranty. That's on a 2003 430 sport. Perhaps I'm unlucky but add in the labour and the parts and I would have ended up spending a hell of a lot more than the warranty cost. At the end of the day like all non required insurances, it's up to the individual to decide if it's worth it.

Exactly - that's why the GS and LS cars are such good buys - when you have Clarkson saying they are about as interesting as a freshly painted wall, theives attention is focused on the German brigade which benefits all of us as they are the cars that are stolen to order and not ours. The joyrider isn't interested either because to them they are like a Honda - i.e. boring old persons car.

Hi all, I read on here a couple of weeks ago that the warranty for the GS430 had gone up to £865? I've just renewed mine at a Lexus dealership for the GS430 sport and it was £825. Ok it's only £40 but that's at least half a tank of petrol so not as bad as first thought. Thought I'd let everyone know.

Just upgraded my sat nav to the latest version from the lexus-eu site. one thing to watch out for with this update is that when you receive the email confirmation it mentions a different disc code- 08927-00954! This isn't a mistake as it's now four DVD's instead of one with the west disc containing the UK data. Hence this is why you have a different disc code in the email than the one you ordered. It works fine though but doesn't appear to have any firmware updates on this release.

Having owned a Mk3 LS400 and Mk4 I agree with what is said above but the GS is better as a twisty lane car (especially the sport versions) whereas the LS is more of a straight line 'magic carpet' motorway car. Definitely more equipment on the LS as well but I wouldn't swap my GS430 sport for an LS - I've got used to the handling too much!

Don't know if this will help with your decision but these are my opinions having owned at some point all of the models you mention: The IS300 is a good choice if you want the same car as you have but with more power and equipment. Not bad on fuel either - if fuel consumption is your main concern I'd go for this car. Unlike the IS200, the engine isn't always revving so hard so in practice fuel consumption isn't all that different over long journeys from the IS200. I'd choose the IS300 over the GS300 for that reason. GS430 comes with more standard equipment than the GS300 (audio controls on the steering wheel and a few other bits) but watch out for X / Y reg ones with no seat memory! The standard GS430 is a nice ride but I found it could be a bit wallowy if pressed hard through corners if that's what you're used to doing with the IS200. The 'half' sport models pre 2003 are a good compromise as they offer much better handling but of course come with a firmer ride which isn't to everyone's taste. The 2003 GS430 sport which is what I currently have has great handling which is improved further over the pre 2003 'sport' models in my opinion. Hope that helps.

Got an 03 GS430 sport - I had the 2004 / 2005 v2 disc. My DVD had 86271-24124A - if anyone else has the same combination leave the A off when inputting this into the code field on the web site. Ordered mine boxing day and turned up today!! When you insert it, the DVD upgrades the Software of the DVD complete with backdrop of rising sun which was not expected. Takes about 5 minutes then it works fine though it did put mine in swedish initially. No functionality difference but seems a lot more responsive and more roads than before so definitely worth it.

Make sure it has the memory seats - it might be a 2001 model sold in 2002 - can be really annoying not to have them. See what version of DVD it is - £200 odd to upgrade it to the 2004/05 version. Should be the revised satnav with the route preview and calendar functions. Had a few GS430's and the suspension can often be a problem if the car has led a hard life - subject to wheel wobble and constant correction of steering when driving are typical symptoms. Had 3 GS430 SE Mk2's and a 2001 GS430 Sport - now on a 2003 Mk 2 GS430 Sport which were all from Lexus dealers so know the suspension issues well.

I had a 2001 GS430 sport last year and someone I know also had a 51 GS300 - both SATNAVS were DVD. My SAT NAV did not have the route preview or the calendar function you describe as missing - I also was missing the 3rd route option and the info button for the DVD vesion. The 51 GS300 though did have all of this! I would guess that Lexus switched over to an updated DVD satnav somewhere in that year - the one I had reminded me very much of the CD based version but quicker as it was on DVD. Also your SATNAV DVD disc will not work in the one with the calendar functions and route preview - they have different codes as I found out when I changed my Sport. Lexus confirmed this. Hope that helps.