Hey guys,

Looks like I found this board a little late. I currently own a 2002 Toyota 4runner but am thinking about trading it in and getting a 2003 Lexus GS 300.

What do you guys think about the Lexus GS 300 in terms of quality, safety, looks, etc??? Is this a good decision?

If you own or have owned a GS 300 or know someone who does, I am particularly interested in hearing your opinion about the GS 300.

Thanks!
Jason

Jason,

First off, you're gonna take a big hit when trading in your '02 4runner. A very big hit!

GS300...my brother has a '99 model. GS300 is damn reliable...in fact, it is the most reliable car in it's class, by far! It is solid. Good crash test results. Very nice (but dated when compared to ES300) interior. Quiet, comfy ride (very little wind noise). Cupholders are tiny (again, compared to newer Lexuses). Performance is average at best...0-60 in about 7.8 seconds. Braking is average (GS430 has better braking). Handling is average. It is more of a comfortable highway cruiser than a sports car.

There will be a new GS model out in late 2004 (as 2005 model). That's a good and a bad thing. If you plan on keeping your GS300 for a LONG time, then you should get it now because you can get GREAT deals on it. However, once the '05 model comes out, your resale value will drop big time! (Similar to what is happening to your '02 4runner because the '03 just came out.) Again, if you plan to keep the GS for a long time, then resale value should not mean much.

If you buy a GS now, MAKE SURE YOU GET A GOOD DEAL with good financing rate. I am pretty sure you can get one close to invoice.

BTW, the Mark Levinson system in the GS is a MUST HAVE! That system sounds REALLY good! It kicks the crap out of my M3's Harmon Kardon system. Another good option to get is the DVD navigation system. Wood steering wheel is always nice to touch!

If Lexus is not going to give you a great deal on the GS300, then i would look elsewhere. For example, for the price of GS300, you can get a fully loaded 2004 ES330 (NOT ES300). With the ES330, you get a faster car (3.3L V6, same as in the new RX330, Sienna, etc.) with slightly more room than GS300. (HOWEVER, the 3.0L inline 6-cylinder in the GS300 is a great engine...some say superior to any V6!) ES330 won't be redesigned anytime soon...so it's resale value will be good for many more years. Handling probably favors GS300, but ES330 is good enough.

Have you considered the new Lexus RX330?? Again, for the price of a fully loaded GS300, you can get a pretty good RX330. Resale value will be good for many many years since it's just redesigned this year (as '04 model).

If you want to learn more about RX330, see this COMPARISON thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...=&threadid=147

And you will still stay in the SUV family!

Hope this helps.

Thai very good response. Now is there such a word as "Lexuses"?

I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually don't like wood on steering wheels. I had been thinking about adding one to my '98 LX 470, since a combo wood/leather steering wheel became available in '00 and people on e-bay are selling them. But last week I got to drive an RX 300 loaner car with a wood steering wheel while my LX was getting serviced, and I hated it! The wood was either cold or hot, and also felt too slick IMO. Now I am very content with the leather wheel in my LX

For those of you who bought or know someone who bought the 2003 GS 300, how much did you or they pay for it? Do you or they like it?

Thai,

How does your brother like his GS 300? Is the 2003 model better or the same? I think the '99 model is older model..before it was redesigned.

Thanks

Jason

Jason,

The 99 GS300 is the current design. The only major difference between 2003 and 1999 is side curtain airbags and other minor options (wood steering wheel, Mark Levinson instead of Nakamichi, etc.).

My brother loves the GS. He was thinking about upgrading to the new Mercedes E500 or BMW 545i. However, he's gonna hold off for a year or two to make sure the BMW/Mercedes is reliable. His GS300 had a few minor rattles early on, but now, it's running flawlessly.

Good Luck.

BTW, try CLUBLEXUS.COM for more info/questions about GS.

For pricing, you can try TMV on Edmunds:

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/lexu...able..2.Lexus*

This link will take you to Lexus GS300...just click on PRICE WITH OPTIONS.

TMV pricing will give you a ballpark figure to negotiate. I am sure you can get below it...near invoice.

(TMV = what most owners paid for their car.)

Hope this helps.

Or is it "Lexi"?? ;)

Hey guys,

Here's a little update. The best offer I could get for a new 2003 Lexus GS 300 with just leather/memory seat option was $37,050 plus tax and title. What do you guys think? Should I take the plunge or try to get them to go lower?

I think I will keep my 4runner instead of trading it in. Thai, you are right! I would be taking a big cut! I may just hand it over to my fiance.

Jason

Jason,

I am not sure of the exact options you got...but, just make sure that you are very close to invoice price.

With that price, just remember that you can get a fully-loaded ES300. Or if you wait long enough, you can get the new ES330 with the 3.3L V6 engine (same as RX330). If you check the specs, the ES300 is not much smaller (in some specs, it is actually larger inside than GS300).

Of course, you can also get a loaded Toyota Avalon for $7K less...or a fully-loaded Camry for $10K less.

Tough choice. But, if you're only looking at Lexus, then definitely take a good testdrive of the ES300...or wait a little, and testdrive the ES330.

Anyway, the GS300 is a great buy...but make sure you get a low price.

Good Luck...and keep us updated please.