BarneyTT

As per title, I'm looking for a Gen3 GS430, ideally a 2005 model but would consider an 06 if it was the right car. It must have a full dealer service history with service stamps/bills, ideally with mileage around 70k or below and would be in excellent condition with no outstanding issues and everything working as it should. Will travel within reason. Willing to pay good, strong (but not daft) money for the right car, cash waiting. Remember to reply to this thread offering anything for sale you need to be a Gold Member otherwise it is against the terms and conditions of the LOC. It also applies to private messages offering articles/car for sale. Car Now Found

Thanks Michael. It seems from the posts that the GS430 ride is going to be what I'm looking for ie: not as soft as the LS but not as firm as the Sportcross). I enjoyed the wafting along feeling of my LS but I think given the GS's duel suspension options, I can enjoy a slightly sporty feel/ride as and when the mood takes me. Many thanks for the ride offer, as you say distance would be an issue but your input here has been very helpful indeed and very much appreciated.

Michael, I use an Accumate charger for my car, it keeps the battery charged whilst the car is not in use. Have used it for years on a number of cars and it's proved invaluable. http://www.amazon.com/AccuMate-TM-08-6V-Charger-Maintainer/dp/B0001V0A94

Your thinking is much the same as mine John, I did try it in sport suspension mode but with everything else buzzing around my head plus thick fog it wasn't the easiest of test drives. I will certainly try your suggestion of using both gearbox and suspension in sport modes on my next test drive....................I just need to find a suitable car, which is proving a real difficulty at present as they are not exactly plentiful! Many thanks for your input and help.

Certainly sounds like the one I test drove was normal in it's throttle response from what you say John, it wasn't as quick to respond as my Sportcross but it picked up quickly once going. At least I now know that's normal for the car, thanks. I was aware the Gen2 gearbox, suspension and chassis were different, but always worth chatting to members for the wealth of helpful knowledge, especially when looking at a potential new purchase that is hard to source/test drive. The reason for my interest in the Gen3 430 was I love my Sportcross and loved my old LS400 and was hoping the GS430 was a mixture of both as I'm looking for a really comfortable, mid to large-ish sized car with plenty of toys that can do a bit of both, not quite pipe and slippers if you get my drift! I don't expect the GS to be as sporty and firm as the Sportcross but on the other hand not quite as soft as the LS. Just need to get my head around what a good Gen3 GS should feel like, I have to admit the one I drove wasn't quite what I expected but having no previous driving experience of one to compare it to I veered onto the side of caution regarding buying it.

I haven't ruled out a Gen2 Sport but pretty rare and it would be a step back in terms of year. Cheers Mike, a helpful review and always good to get owners opinions. How do you find the steering and throttle in terms of usage, also what's your experience overall, of the car on the road? I wish you all the best regarding the situation with the steel work closure and the far reaching effects these things can have, I do hope it all works out for you. Thanks John, I assume your referring to your Gen 2 430? The Gen 3 and 2 may well be the same for all I know.

Well after a 400 plus mile round trip I ended up not buying the GS430, perhaps I was being too cautious, but there were a few things I wasn't happy with. Both rear boxes had signs of corrosion, the right one had split but wasn't blowing, a few other niggly things such as tyre pressure warning light (it had been sorted but the garage couldn't cancel the light). I did negotiate a better deal but as I felt the car was a little top heavy price wise I didn't feel it was quite enough. My main concern was with the drive, never having driven one before I had nothing to compare it with but it seemed a bit vague on the steering at times, also the initial throttle pick up seemed sluggish before picking up strongly. Lastly, under braking on uneven ground, the steering felt a little skittish. I was expecting a smooth, powerful, comfortable and poised ride, this didn't deliver completely, Could any Gen3 GS430 owners or former owners enlighten me on what to expect overall when driving one?

Know how you feel Dave, I can't really justify mine due to the low mileage per year but what the hell, enjoy while we can. Hope you get something sorted in the end.

I tend to travel for most of my cars, as you say Dave, it's generally the only way your going to find a good one unless your really lucky. The downside for me these days is my back, it's not good and long car journey's kill it. That's certainly a fair old drive for your buyer, what are you thinking of getting next?

Thanks Dave. The car I was looking at didn't work out, but....................I've just put a refundable holding deposit on a lovely 06 GS430, full main dealer history which has covered 64k, plus they are giving me a good price Part Ex on my Sportcross. We are hopefully going to pick it up on Saturday 3rd. Only two downsides is that it falls into the higher road tax band and a 320 mile round trip.......oh and it was a bit more than I wanted to pay,but isn't that always the way!

Dave: Don't want to push my Lexus dealer too hard, they have been really helpful so far. Mark: Many thanks indeed, really helpful information. I'm guessing, like you I wouldn't use the rear blind that much but was curious after seeing it on an American GS. Suspension all sounds good as does MPG.....well by good I mean it's no worse than expected! May be viewing one on Friday.......watch this space

Anyone else?

Thanks for your input Dave, looking at the year of your car I think yours is a Gen 2 and I'm looking at a Gen 3 so that may account for the differences such as suspension/rear blind etc.

After a lot of heart searching I'm thinking of parting with my much loved IS300 Sportcross and buying a GS430 circa 2005 (I don't really want to go into the higher road tax bracket as I do such small mileage per year) and have a few questions. How many key/fobs should the car come with? Never having driven one I'm interested in the suspension settings, how firm/sporty is the sport setting, and what can I expect from the normal setting? Some of the American GS430's have a rear blind, is this the same with the UK version? What is the real life MPG, from my research it's going to be a little heavier than my IS300 Sportcross, does this seem realistic? I have done an awful lot of research and I think I have a reasonably good knowledge of the car but if anyone can offer any advise on things to look out for I would be grateful for your input.

Welcome to the club Owen, congratulations on your new IS.

Pete, have sent you a PM.

No problem James, here you go: Age: 57 Car: IS300 Sportcross NCB: Over 9 years Premium: £205 Excess: £300 I also have my wife insured to drive, plus, as my yearly mileage is now so small, I have it limited to 5k a year on the policy. Hope that helps. Why not give Adrian Flux a call, doesn't cost anything for a quote aside from a bit of your time.

No problem. Many thanks Dan

Thought I'd give the club insurers Adrian Flux a call as my renewal through Churchill had increased, they managed to save me £44 so I've taken out a policy with them, result :) Well worth giving Adrian Flux a call.

Thanks Ian, I'll do some investigating based on your/Bash's suggestions.

Reversing my car into the garage the other day and the parking sensor beeping started to break down until no sound at all. I have switched the boot switch on and off a few times and also cleaned the bumper sensors to no avail so I'm at bit stuck on where to look next, can anyone with a bit knowledge point me in the right direction please?

Good to have you back Ian

I would highly recommend Harly Wax, reasonable price for a brilliant wax: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HARLY-WAX-car-polish-PURE-NO-1-YELLOW-CARNAUBA-WAX-harly-harley-harly-/370355728382?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item563aebeffe Here is a picture of my car:

Thanks Brian, will store it for the time being and continue with the original until such time it requires changing. At least I have a replacement ready to go now.

Brian: Went back to your suggestion of a secondhand item and thanks to Scudney I now have a complete drivers door wing mirror assembly for the grand total of £90 delivered................and it's the correct colour! Thanks to everyone for your help and guidance.