Thinking About Getting Gs 430.

[dave1]

I am thinking about changing my series1 GS 300.Not really too sure what the GS430 is like regarding potential problems on these.Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mark W]

Not 430 specific but as you are considering a mkII - Make sure you take it for a good run above 60mph and dont get any vibration - MkII very sensitive around 60mph and you can spend a fortune trying to resolve (because so many different things can effect - dont just assume wheel balancing)

Brake master cylinder tends to go around 100K mark - very expensive for part - (again thats MkII related rather than just 430). Also check O2 sensors as these tend to give up around the 100K mark too - OEM parts not cheap and theres 4 (2 x pre, 2 x post cat)

And as its a V8 - Spark plug changes are not cheap - plus its COP so 8 coils too.

Once youve driven one - you'll be hooked by the sheer power - thrown in the back of your seat when you hit the pedal at whatever speed you are doing and they just keep on accelerating ;o) Loads of torque at low revs means you dont have to thrash it either.

Only time I've not enjoyed driving it - In the snow....even in "Snow" mode - You dont feel like youve got any control of the car at all - but any rear wheel drive car is a pig in that situation.

Fuel consumptin - I'm getting around 23mpg - I do 80 miles/day to/from work on mostly dual carriageway/motorway - but I'm not exactly light footed. Ive had around 27mpg out of it when I drive sedately - Around town or start/stop driving - mine often drops below 18mpg.

[dave1]

Thanks for that,but is it all mainly mileage related or can an older one on low mileage still get same type of problems?

Are these issues easy for a seller to conceal, or if buying Lexus Approved how could I get them to go "faulty" whilst still in the warranty period?

[Mark W]

All pretty hard to conceal - O2 sensors (if faulty) will give MIL on display, Master brake cylinder will make strange noises you cant miss.....but these assume they are already gone......just be wary buying a car around 100K mark if these havent been replaced recently.

Can't completely comment on the age vs mileage - but from experience and reading lots of forums - 100K seems to be the magic number - irrespective of age for these type of things.

[ColinBarber]

Brake master cylinder tends to go around 100K mark - very expensive for part - (again thats MkII related rather than just 430). Also check O2 sensors as these tend to give up around the 100K mark too - OEM parts not cheap and theres 4 (2 x pre, 2 x post cat)

And as its a V8 - Spark plug changes are not cheap - plus its COP so 8 coils too.

Facelift models (Oct 2000 onwards) have a larger brake master cylinder, I've not heard of any of these failing.

Plugs are only expensive if you get them from a dealer.

For general things to look out for:

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/knowledge...p;id=16&c=3

[hollywood]

Speed cameras!

I just bought one 3 months ago myself and I am still getting to know it and discovering new features. By all accounts the 430 is an awesome car. If you can find a sport model even better. I think these look so much better than the SE. I researched this a lot before buying and you can expect no major problems - these engines go forever. However make sure you get one with a lexus service history - don't settle for supposed specialist garages, even if you have to pay a bit extra - it's worth it. Also you can expect to have to change the brake disks from time to time as they are prone to warping. Apart from that some things will need replacing after 100k + miles but sure what the heck - you only live once!

[maneesh]

Like others have said, your biggest concern is going to be speed cameras! Good Luck!

[jsj24uk]

If the GS430 has the same engine as in my LS430 then I would say go for it. It is one of the most under stressed engines I have ever driven. Every day normal speeds it will never go over 2,000 Rpm. Forget fuel consumption and running costs, just go for it. That is all I can say. I used to have a Mk 2 GS300SE nav and my LS430 beats the pants off it in every area. Especially power. I've not maxed mine but look on youtube and you can see the speedo on an LS430 going all the way round. Quite impressive.

[hollywood]

If the GS430 has the same engine as in my LS430 then I would say go for it. It is one of the most under stressed engines I have ever driven. Every day normal speeds it will never go over 2,000 Rpm. Forget fuel consumption and running costs, just go for it. That is all I can say. I used to have a Mk 2 GS300SE nav and my LS430 beats the pants off it in every area. Especially power. I've not maxed mine but look on youtube and you can see the speedo on an LS430 going all the way round. Quite impressive.

It is the same engine that's in the LS430. If you think the LS feels quick, imagine the same engine in a smaller car. That's why the GS 430 is one of the fastest saloon cars on the road . . . apart from the likes of an M5 or Aston etc. Beats the pants off anything at the lights!

[eXOBeX]

You obviously haven't seen Aido's Aristo at the lights!

[maneesh]

You obviously haven't seen Aido's Aristo at the lights!

or dave's aristo on the autobahn!