Gs400 Vs Gs430

[Kuroi_tuki]

Hi! I been lookng around to get myself a GS........I found 2 GSss that I like with like $1000 difference, and mileage is about the same. Here is the question: What is the difference between the 2000 GS400 and 2001 GS430??

I tried going to difference forum and look for answers, but no result. From my research, it seems that the GS430 is slower, heavier, and less e-shift compare to GS400.....This is confusing!

As of this moment, I only know the GS430 has better tail-light, different grill, different engine, tranny, SLOWER 0-60mph, heavier, rain-repeal glasses coating, Mark levison instead of nakamichi.....

And for the current GS owners, couple more questions:

1) What mpg are you getting for city driving? (I have to drive 30miles to work in worst time of the day)

2) Any specific place I should look at to prevent a potential high cost repair after I buy my car?

Thanks for your reply in advance!

[kurtk]

Sounds like you've got most of the differences pegged. I have 1999 GS 400 and city driving I get around 15 mpg and 24 highway.

[1990LS400]

If I understanding correctly, only the 2001 and newer GS are compatible with adapters from VAIS and other companies that allow easily adding an interface for MP3 players (e.g. iPod), sat radio, etc.

For that reason alone, I would choose a 2001 or newer GS.

Check the application chart at http://www.vaistech.com/home.php

[Kuroi_tuki]

If I understanding correctly, only the 2001 and newer GS are compatible with adapters from VAIS and other companies that allow easily adding an interface for MP3 players (e.g. iPod), sat radio, etc.

For that reason alone, I would choose a 2001 or newer GS.

Check the application chart at http://www.vaistech.com/home.php

Thanks for your input. I am going to put my dvd player in the car, so vais is no use for me............but itz interesting though........

funny think I just found out is that the IS300 has the same mileage as the GS400...... howz that possible?? one is I6 engine, and another one is V8, itz like 33.3% bigger in displacement!!

[sakataj]

i have a 2001 gs430 (which actually isnt slower 0-60) and i get like 15-16 mpg city and 22-24 highway. oh our headlights have a green tint to them on the 01+ models. gs430 was not avaliable with e-shift.....actually makes more power than the gs400 although they use the same motor. this was achieved with a different bore/stroke.

[kjackles]

.....actually makes more power than the gs400 although they use the same motor.

The 430 does not make more power than the 400. It does however, make a bit more torque and makes said torque at lower rpms across the powerband.

[sakataj]

.....actually makes more power than the gs400 although they use the same motor.

The 430 does not make more power than the 400. It does however, make a bit more torque and makes said torque at lower rpms across the powerband.

that's what i meant. i didn't mean more horsepower. i meant more torque.......... tomato, tumato. ty noob and welcome to the club. B)

[kurtk]

Hea Sak,

Don't be dissing us pre 2001's just cuz we can't upgrade our GPS's. I'm thinking we'll smoke you down and off the line :D

[sakataj]

Hea Sak,

Don't be dissing us pre 2001's just cuz we can't upgrade our GPS's. I'm thinking we'll smoke you down and off the line :D

yeah u might but then you'll just get lost as you still back in 2004 and by the time u find it i'll have been there for hours . i still dont understand why they would do that kurtk. seems like them woulda built something to replace it........n actually they should be very close u def wont smoke us. think our torque will help us here even with you'lls little e-shift and our slow shifting tranny. havent seen u active on the "other" site u still on?

[kurtk]

Hea Sak,

Don't be dissing us pre 2001's just cuz we can't upgrade our GPS's. I'm thinking we'll smoke you down and off the line :D

yeah u might but then you'll just get lost as you still back in 2004 and by the time u find it i'll have been there for hours . i still dont understand why they would do that kurtk. seems like them woulda built something to replace it........n actually they should be very close u def wont smoke us. think our torque will help us here even with you'lls little e-shift and our slow shifting tranny. havent seen u active on the "other" site u still on?

Yeah I go spurts of activity :P Probably depends on the nightly intake

[Paulus]

Hi,

I'm about to purchase a GS430 and have been researching a fair bit. We didn't get the GS400 in the UK but as I understand it the Gs430 is SII facelift only and the GS400 is SII pre-facelift only therefore most of the below list from the UK knowlege base applies (some is GS300 vs GS300 only), personally I'd say the larger brake master cylinder is reason enough as it's a known weakness at around 100,000m and a very expensive part. I'd also find the improved sound proofing and more modern (cleaner, more efficient) engine fairly convincing. The increased torque, esp at lower revs, makes for significant performance improvements in most "real world" driving conditions. If the ETC lag from the lights is an issue for you do a stage 0 tune (esp. MAF) and get a Blitz controller.

SII facelift changes:

Exterior

New rear light cluster design

New front light design

New front grill

New exhaust tip design

Interior

Chrome trim around gear shifter

New dashboard dial trim

New steering wheel design with larger chrome L badge

Colour of centre air vent and instrument trim revised

Front ashtray is now in wood rather than grey plastic

Different stereo, although seems the same quality as the older one

Sat Nav option upgraded to DVD based system with widescreen LCD display

Increased sound insulation

Engine

Improvements to economy and reduced emissions

Iridium spark plugs

Engine cover now fitted

Transmission

GS300 now comes with E-SHIFT, push button steering wheel mounted gear selection

Safety

Brake assist

Electronic Brake force Distribution

Curtain airbags

Double locking doors

Seat belt pre-tensioners

ISO-FIX child seat fixings in the rear seat

Brakes

Larger brake master cylinder

Suspension

Improved shock absorbers

Uprated anti-roll bar

Revised suspension bushings

Servicing

Service interval is increased to 10,000 miles from 9,000 miles. Cam belt change interval increased to 100,000 miles from 63,000 miles

[Kuroi_tuki]

Hi! I have been busy dealing with the dealer about the GS430. I picked it up last night. I like it alot. Itz black on blk. I have couple question about the car. I read the whole owner's manual, didnt help.

I am wondering how does the auto leveling headlight works? I know the bimmer, audi, benz etc will move up and down when you turn it on, but I didnt see that on my GS, something wrong? also, I notice that when I am in Normal mode (ECT), it shifts at like 2500rpm, is it normal?

[Kuroi_tuki]

o, btw, The dealer offer to buy a warranty thing for my GS. It covers everything for 2yrs, 40,000KM for $699cdn......does it worth it?

I have a 2001 GS430 w/ 115,000km on it.... and the last owner serviced everything at the dealer.

[sakataj]

Hi! I have been busy dealing with the dealer about the GS430. I picked it up last night. I like it alot. Itz black on blk. I have couple question about the car. I read the whole owner's manual, didnt help.

I am wondering how does the auto leveling headlight works? I know the bimmer, audi, benz etc will move up and down when you turn it on, but I didnt see that on my GS, something wrong? also, I notice that when I am in Normal mode (ECT), it shifts at like 2500rpm, is it normal?

2 answer your question bout auto leveling...auto leveling works at start up, although my drivers side NEVER does this making me wonder if they both have auto leveling or if one of mine is out...

o, btw, The dealer offer to buy a warranty thing for my GS. It covers everything for 2yrs, 40,000KM for $699cdn......does it worth it?

I have a 2001 GS430 w/ 115,000km on it.... and the last owner serviced everything at the dealer.

how can they still offer a warranty on a car thats been out of warranty for like 2 years EVEN with the extended warranty it would be out. i mean i know u can get diffrent warranties but u sure this is A LEXUS DEALERS WARRANTY? tried getting one from my dealer on my 2001 back in 2007 n couldn't get one.

[raph]

Hi,

I'm about to purchase a GS430 and have been researching a fair bit. We didn't get the GS400 in the UK but as I understand it the Gs430 is SII facelift only and the GS400 is SII pre-facelift only therefore most of the below list from the UK knowlege base applies (some is GS300 vs GS300 only), personally I'd say the larger brake master cylinder is reason enough as it's a known weakness at around 100,000m and a very expensive part. I'd also find the improved sound proofing and more modern (cleaner, more efficient) engine fairly convincing. The increased torque, esp at lower revs, makes for significant performance improvements in most "real world" driving conditions. If the ETC lag from the lights is an issue for you do a stage 0 tune (esp. MAF) and get a Blitz controller.

SII facelift changes:

Exterior

New rear light cluster design

New front light design

New front grill

New exhaust tip design

Interior

Chrome trim around gear shifter

New dashboard dial trim

New steering wheel design with larger chrome L badge

Colour of centre air vent and instrument trim revised

Front ashtray is now in wood rather than grey plastic

Different stereo, although seems the same quality as the older one

Sat Nav option upgraded to DVD based system with widescreen LCD display

Increased sound insulation

Engine

Improvements to economy and reduced emissions

Iridium spark plugs

Engine cover now fitted

Transmission

GS300 now comes with E-SHIFT, push button steering wheel mounted gear selection

Safety

Brake assist

Electronic Brake force Distribution

Curtain airbags

Double locking doors

Seat belt pre-tensioners

ISO-FIX child seat fixings in the rear seat

Brakes

Larger brake master cylinder

Suspension

Improved shock absorbers

Uprated anti-roll bar

Revised suspension bushings

Servicing

Service interval is increased to 10,000 miles from 9,000 miles. Cam belt change interval increased to 100,000 miles from 63,000 miles

being in the UK/europe, if i were you,id go for the twin turbocharged straight 6(aristo) instead of the v8 (even more power) and there are specialists in the uk hat will convert the touch screen so the sat-navigation will work (if it hasnt been converted already)

both cars do however have the electric brake booster,so be wary of odd squeaks and a pump that is constantly purging ...and formorepower,get any imposrt specialist to tune it for you, or get a reprogrammed ecu from japan (there are loads of options, i got myself a blitz access ecu for my mK1)