Test drove a GS430

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Old 07-04-2001, 10:01 PM
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Test drove a GS430

What the hell else is there to do on the fourth of July

Wow, what a surprise. This car was absolutely NOTHING like what I was expecting. If I had to choose one word to describe it, it would be smoooooooth. My gawd, it's like our tranny is made by Kia. The GS's is sooooo much better. You can barely hear the engine at full throttle, the ride is very supple and the overall noise levels are very low. This car is deceptively fast. I must say that it felt slower than my CL-S although I know it's not. I think there are two reasons for this: 1) The thing is so quiet and smooth, you don't realize how fast you're accelerating or how fast you're going; and 2) there were 3 people in the car including a very large salesman!!
The handling wasn't too impressive. I didn't push it too hard, but with springs/sways, my car feels much sportier and has much less body roll. Overall, the car is slanted as much towards luxury as the CL-S is. I was expecting the GS to feel more sporty. I'd love to drive one by myself. The only thing better on the CL is the seats. I think they're much more comfortable than the GS. And more kudos to Lexus service. Very friendly, no pressure salesman. I want to buy this car just because the guy was so nice!!! This could very well be my next vehicle.

[ 07-04-2001: Message edited by: GoldTypeS ]
Old 07-04-2001, 10:07 PM
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that's good to hear. i too am a big fan of GS430's and after sitting in my friend's GS, man i was in love...! if it wasn't so damn expensive, i would have gotten the GS over the CL-S
Old 07-05-2001, 12:49 AM
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I came real close to buying a 1998 GS400 instead of the CL ... had the check ready and everything ... but in the end decided having a NEW car (and an Acura with 260hp) plus another $10,000 in my pocket ... was a saner idea ... it was a sweet car.
Old 07-05-2001, 12:53 AM
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my uncle owns one....it was still in break in period but the thing did not feel fast at all...some exhaust note would have been nice considerin people buy the car for its sportiness as well as luxury...and it doesnt have an in dash changer!!!! we have one and ours is 30k cheaper! :p
Old 07-05-2001, 01:30 AM
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yah v8 power.. RWD..and big sports sedan.. good ..but expensive... i like that car too..but too expensive to afford..
Old 07-05-2001, 01:31 AM
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I have driven them a number of times, sat in the newer GS430 (love the upgraded interior)....they are nice, but never left me saying "Wow, I have to own this car"-

Plus, if the GS doesn't have aftermarket wheels (or at least the optional 17's in chrome) and the spoiler- the styling is fairly blah looking IMO.

Beltfed
01 CL-S
00 Viper GTS

[ 07-04-2001: Message edited by: Beltfed ]
Old 07-05-2001, 01:36 AM
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wanted one for the longest time, until the cl type s came out..everything i was looking for, for $25k less...plus i couldn't nearly afford the gs400 at the time...also contemplating about my next car, the mercedes-benz c32 amg (instead of a supercharged gs430)...i've heard the retail for the benz is $50k...sweet...
Old 07-05-2001, 01:37 AM
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Originally posted by z28typeSWRXkid:
<STRONG>we have one and ours is 30k cheaper! :p</STRONG>
You might want to do the math on that ... maybe 20K ... they retail for $47,000.
Old 07-05-2001, 11:28 AM
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My father-in-law just picked up a SC430. I have to agree that the engine is smooth but the transmission on this one is horrible IMO. Maybe it just needs to get worked in but the shifts are terribly slow and sloppy.

Secondly, where is the power off the line, typical Toyota?? It feels like it is pulling harder when it hits 3rd.

But, the car is a beautiful work of art!!
Old 07-05-2001, 12:58 PM
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toyota makes killer automatic tranny's. An automatic supra will be a 6 speed one all day everyday
Old 07-05-2001, 01:38 PM
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Originally posted by CLpower:
<STRONG>toyota makes killer automatic tranny's. An automatic supra will be a 6 speed one all day everyday</STRONG>
Having swapped out two Celica transaxles I wouldn't say they are killer.

I find them to be very soft in feeling, which IMO, was probably the goal they had in mind...

[ 07-05-2001: Message edited by: scalbert ]
Old 07-05-2001, 06:12 PM
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Just buy a big BUICK ! I'll stick to my CLS and continue to count my money !
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