I'd like an objective opinion as to which car would be a better purchase. The GS 400 is quite nice and I've found two that I like.
One is a 99 with a little over 28k miles and the other is a 2000 with @ 35k miles. Both are priced at $34,000Retail.
The TL S type is being touted to go for @ $33,000 with nav and people on this forum seem to think I'll have to pay sticker since they're in such hot demand!
I need to buy the car before mid to late May so I'm in no real hurry.
Which car would you buy?

 

Hmmm, I'd have to go for the Lex - it'll be both faster and quieter, and will also likely hold value better. Not sure I like the looks, though. How 'bout a used BMW 5-series or E320 Benz?

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'01 White Diamond Pearl 3.2TL
-Wing, tint, wood and Whistler

 

Where do you get that price, Lawrence? Are they full loaded? I would consider the full loaded '99 or '00 GS400 with that price.

 

I've owned 4 Acuras, 2 currently, and as much as I love them, I really like the GS400. My next 4 door car may just be that Lexus GS400.

Oh, and are you sure that is a GS400, and not he GS300? Damn, $34K for a 99, or 00 GS400 is cheap.

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Chris K.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by ChrisK on February 16, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

I think I better double check the price. I know at least one of them was a 400 but I'll check it out.

 

Lawrence, definately check out the price.

Assuming you can get the car for around that price, you have some heavy thinking to do. Just 5 months ago I was in a similar situation. I purchased a certified '98 GS400, loaded with 17"s, spoiler, and Nav for $33K, and it already had 53K miles on it. It sounds like the deals you are getting are incredible, but I would run carfax first to make sure the titles are clean and that they are not damaged vehicles.

Regarding the GS though, I LOVE it. Every day I cannot wait to drive it. It does everything so well. Super fast, super smooth, handles good, and the fit & finish is top quality. The only thing that it sucks in is driveability in the snow. The TL will run circles around the GS in the snow.

I have to admit, although the TL is a great car for the money, I have never been a fan of it, until the TL-S that is. My wife is going to need a new car in the next year or so and I am trying to convince her that the TL-S is the way to go. That or the MDX...

For me, I never considered a new car. I put on too many miles and the depreciation just kills me. I like buying a newly used car that already has taken a huge depreciation hit. I feel that a used GS will be worth more then a new car when you are ready to sell.

Now if I could only convice my wife of that...

 

Where do you live? If you live in a region with snow, I guess you should stick with the TL. My friend has a GS, and that thing is horrid in snow...

I do like the looks of the GS though... and considereding that I think the TL looks like a$$, that's a big difference. But no thanks, not going to take a RWD car in my area...

 

I'm in the Deep South.
I checked the prices again. One is a 300 and the other is a 400.
The 300 costs 34,000 and the 400 is @ 37,000.
I'm leaning toward the 400 in hopes that they'll knock off @ 3,000. The 300 doesn't have the "Umph" that I want.
Still though, I want to see and drive the TL-SType before I do anything.
I'm going to drive the Lexus' today.

 

GS400 (NOT 300) pees on the TL.

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My very own "Honda Inspire"

 

Go for the GS400 all the way. That is a 1 or 2 steps up from the TL and that is a pure luxury car. As my other fellow members here say, don't get the GS300, make sure GS400, there is something about this car that makes all us TL owners here, just want one when we have enough money. Buying a new GS400 is ideal, but just too much for me at least now. I look forward to the day, when I can just blow $50K on a car! ;-)

Besides, Lexus Service is probably great too. I hear they give you bagels / donuts and caviar during your scheduled maintenance! HA!

Something about that GS400 that is fine!

 

GS400 is an awsome car!! I've wanted that car for a loong time, but then I saw the TL, I really liked it.

$34K is pretty good, but just consider the gas and insurance you'll have to pay on each.
The GS is a V8 which probably will be a bit more expensive in gas, but hey if you are buying a $34K car, then that won't be much of an issue.
a 2000 with 35K miles? was it a loaner car or something... damn..

But to compare a GS to the over-hyped TL-S, I would go for the GS400 for sure!!
Let us know what you get and post some pictures.


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Knowledge is potential, Action is power.
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/phanthavong/mytl.html" TARGET=_blank>
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Me again. I just have to post again about what a good experience I have had with my 98 GS400. I know many people are nervous about buying a used car, but I really do feel this is different for 2 reasons. First is, the Lexus is just such reliable car (so is the TL). You really shouldn't have to worry about any problems. After 60K miles in my car, it still feels like a new car.

The second reason is the dealership experience. They treat you like gold! Every little problem (all cars have them) they treat the same as a big problem. I have only had my car for 5 months or so, and I have had one problem (sunroof rattle) that the dealership bent over backwards to fix. I have had the car there also for standard maintenance (oil) and to upgrade my nav system. I always get a loaner (a new Lex) and great treatment.

One warning though, any non warranty maintenance (like 15, 30, 60, 90k) services are expensive! I was just quoted $1000 for a 60K service which does not include many things (lots of inspections). Well, I ordered the parts for less then $100 and I will pay my local mechanic to do it for another $100. As long as I keep a copy of my reciept for work my warranty is valid. I could also take it to Toyota, but they were around $500. I think most luxury dealerships are like this, just something to keep in mind...

 

I disagree about Lexus service. Have a new ES300. I get a loaner once in a while . I didn't even get a loaner for a recall and they kept the car overnight too. Rattles and wind noises are never fixed or made worst. I gave up on Lexus. The service manager does not even say anything at all when I tried to ask them about these concerns. All he did was hunched his shoulders as if to say "so what?" Acura service has also been good.

 

I'm not sure about performance though.
I like what I'm reading about this TL S Type. It's handling and quickness look to be top notch for it's class.
The GS400 is super nice looking both inside and out. I haven't driven it though.

 

Hey, i'm new here, just wanted to say that some Lexus Dealerships suck, mine does, just gotta find a good one. I Love Lexus i wouldn't give it up for anything. You guys got a really nice site here, really like your layout and your forum. About the GS4 vs. TL, the GS would just burn you TL guys, sorry!

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-Sasha Anis
98 Lexus GS300 | GReddy Power Extreme Exhaust | Legacy Subs/Amp/Box (i know they suck but it was really cheap and i'll replace them soon) | Razo RA-42 Shift Knob | Quest Racing Pedals

 

No need to apologize. The TL is a different type of car and it isn't even in the same class as a GS400. Not to mention the $17,000 price difference.

 

I'm leaning more towards the TL-S.
I want a new car with performance and this one has it.