GS300 or GS430

[bimmer528]

Having decided 1 year with my dream car (A8) is enough, I want to lower the chance of something going wrong, get away from full air suspension and lower my insurance.

Yes im only 22 but days of V8's and more are going to either become expensive or extinct.

Am I better going for the 3.0 which would not appear an upgrade from my 3.0 A8 apart from being 0.7 seconds quicker to 60.

Or just go for the 4.3, 6 seconds to 60 and slightly lower MPG.

The 4.3 is £20 a month cheaper to insure than my A8, and I imagine the GS300 being even less.

Only issue is on Auto trader there is only 1 or 2 430's in my price range, but over 5 300's.

Stick it out for a V8?

[Sump]

You sound like me.

I'm 21 and wanted a GS450h, boot was too small and it just wasn't right. Brakes were rubbish and felt unstable at high speed.

Got myself an 04 LS430 and couldn't be happier.

MPG appears to be around 30 but it's early days for me.

[bimmer528]

I've had 3.0 6pots as my last 3, i don't want another one.

I'm after the 2006> model however, although the engine is the same as yours. What is it like for power?

[Sump]

I'm coming from BMW Inline 6's.

Power delivery is very very smooth.

However, all the other attirbutes like eerily quiet etc I think are down to it being an LS.

I imagine the GS would be quite a bit different in that sense.

Plenty of power though and just a beautiful engine. It's so oddly smooth.

[bimmer528]

Going to wait for some interest to come in for the A8 then, and the right GS to show up. I always give in and end up getting a lower engine due to price. Hopefully not again.

Out of interest, how much is your 4.3 insurance wise, being 21?

[Sump]

On fleet, works in at £700 or something like that.

[RevolveR]

21 year olds in a Lexus GS or LS doesn't sound right. They'll think you borrowed it off your grandad.

[Sump]

2 questions here.

1. Why is that an issue?

2. Who cares?

[Ten Four]

Something with endless possibilities? hehe

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-TOYOTA-ARISTO-VERTE...

[bimmer528]

I was 20 years old in a 2003 Jaguar XJ, in GREEN! I doubt a sportier looking GS will phase me.

[cptsideways]

An Aristo might be the way forwards if insurance can be sorted


GS430's also come in sports variants

[bimmer528]

Thought the 2006> GS was just one spec?