Used 2004 Lexus GS 430 Consumer Reviews
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I'd buy another one at the drop of a hat
Let me first say that I am a career GM salesman! I would have never in a million years bought a Lexus, but we traded it in and I bought it. I LOVE the car! The seats and the interior are what sold me on the car. Thank God it was the V8 model... it's powerful, sleek, and butter smooth. The Nav and Mark Levinson audio system make trips a blast. The true test is that I bought mine AFTER someone else put 75,000 miles of business use on the car and it's still tight as a drum and runs like a dream. As I have a habit of running through a vehicle about every 6 to 9 months. This time though, I think I'll keep my Lexus and park way in the back at work!
GS430 Best car ever made
I waited for 6yrs to buy this car and when I bought was not disappointed.I also looked closely at the 540i and M3. Nothing can beat the performance of the M3 yet nothing can beat the luxury and looks of a black/black GS430. And with all that luxury it is still quick enough to beat almost all comers from a stand still at the traffic light (including a 540i). . The 540 is a weak car in my opinion and is over priced. The M3 is too expensive to maintain but handles like a F1 racing machine The GS is comfortable, fun to drive, the interior is rich, the Audio and Nav are just super and the quietness of the cabin is unparalleled.Lexus service is exceptional.
- Base SedanMSRP: $7,9951,312 mi away
Rocket on wheels
Awesome car to drive and faster than most sports cars out there. The person, "Must get another car for winter by jhave001" who rated this car 1.9 has no clue what he's talking about. He rates the performance 1.0 and reliability 1.0. I don't think this person has ever drove the GS430 let alone be able to afford it. He's one of those that drives the Ford Pinto, adds 22" Rims and adds a Boeing 747 Spoiler and thinks it's his Mercedes.
Best of both worlds
I have to say that this car is just perfect, no problems yet, and Lexus reliabilty is just Top notch.. This car has so much torque down low and without even pressing the gas that much the car holds u in the seat quite firmly, and it is so tame when u want it to be.
The best car I ever had
I had a 2000 GS300, and was extremely happy with it except that the whiny V6 left me wanting for more so for my next car I upgraded to 2003 GS430 with NAV, 17'' Wheels and Mark Levinson. Performance is unreal, the only cars that beat me so far are the BMW M3, M5 and the Corvette and with (maybe) exception of the M5 none of them are nearly as luxurious as my Lexus. Sound sysem is off the hook, if you turn it up a little you can see side mirrors vibrating a little with the music, and the NAV is super accurate and a cinch to use (unlike my dad's on his 745). If you have $50K+ to spend on a car you will not find a better combination of luxury and performance.
My first GS
I've been looking for a lexus for a long time and when i came upon this one I said to myself this is the one for me.The way it looked caught my eyes. and When i took it for a test drive i didn't want to go home without it. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants luxury and performance in one package.
Dream Car
Just bought a pre-owned 2004 GS 430, parchment exterior and black interior. What a beauty! This car is fast, classy, has wonderful fit and finish. Interior is a great place to be. Comfortable and controls are logical and fun to play with. The Mark Lev stereo is phenomenal. Best car stereo I have ever heard. Also have a 2001 TL with Bose which is very good, but Mark Lev is noticeably better. This car has it all - performance, reliability, comfort, value (especially if you purchase pre-owned in good condition - 7700 mis certified), looks, and a trusted brand with good service and warranty. I look forward to driving this car whenever I can!
I have two!!! 99-03
This is my 2nd GS.I first bought a 1999 GS 400. I was going to buy a 2002 Accord. Long story short the Lexus blew the Honda away. I loved the car so much I got a GS 430. The 2003 is a lot smoother than the 99. I have always been a fan of Lexus's, and their reliability has always been outstanding. This is a fast and fun car. I put Michelin pilot sport tires on and the car has excellent handling. I strongly recommend this car. I put 60K miles in less than a year and I drive hard. I have had no issues. Just change the oil and fluids.
GS 430 Experience
From the moment I took posession of this magnificent car, which resembles a "Faberge Egg" in styling and assembly perfection,I have been in awe. Quiet, yet powerful, it is an absolute driving pleasure. I have not had any problems with this vehicle to date and the experience I have had with the dealership servicing my vehicle has been exemplary. Other car manufacturers need to take not and learn from this Lexus eperience.
Great Car!!!!!
If you want a great luxury sport sedan, get the GS430...you won't be sorry. We love this car! Clarification...As for last review...The person who can't drive in the snow needs to get snow tires. The 17 inch Z rated tires are SUMMER ONLY -- read the users manual! There is nothing wrong with the car! Get the right tires! Only driver error in this case. What exactly happened at your dealership? Did you go in asking for free snow tires? We've had fantastic service in Tampa Bay. Again, no complaints what so ever.
I love this GS430
Excellent Better than the 2 Mercedes I had in the past.
GS430 Classy and Sporty car
I recently bought a GS430 let me tell you i've had nothing but a great experience with the car. The v8 engine is awesome. I chose the GS430 over an M3 Convertible, the M3 lacked many of the luxury features that the GS had. 300HP engine purrs and jumps off the line. Great car everything you would expect from the legendary Lexus name
Bang for your buck
The GS 430 2004 is just an amazing car I don't feel any separation from cars costing thousands more, the ride is exquisite, and the performance puts you in the mix of cars that cost so much more.
Silver 1999 GS400
I bought this car used and I must say it is an outstanding car. Right NOW performance under your right foot. Quality is second to none - everything looks and more importantly feels expensive. Need to pass someone? It does not matter what your speed is. Just do it!!
Germans need to learn from Lexus.
I've owned many cars in my life (Japanese and German) and this is by FAR, the most reliable car I've ever owned. Interior is great...clean, functional and with great quality. Power is ample with the GS430 (GS300 is WEAK!) and the best part is the quality, reliablilty and service from Lexus. Something that BMW and Mercedes can't touch! (How 'bout those BMW E46 M3 engine failures and Mercedes well know electrial problems? I know, I've owned both!)
Best In Class
In over 40 years I'v owned 25+ new and used cars. This is without a doubt the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven. If your thinking about buying a new or high dollar used car you owe it to yourself to drive a Lexus GS.
Performance/Luxury take your pick!
After about a year of research and test drives (comparing BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, etc.)I decided to purchase a black on black Lexus GS400. No regrets. Main factors in decision making were build quality and mix of performance and luxury. I have since modified the stock suspension to improve handling characteristics. I love the car even more now.
Sweetness
I have just recently purchased this vehicle and in my humble opinion it is a fantastic peice of machinery. I love the build quality and the ride of silence. Thanks Lexus. I do not prefer a tighter suspension I will leave this mona lisa alone.! :)
Nice car, but....
Great engine and acceleration, but the tires need to be bigger. The 17" wheels are not sufficient to fill up the wheel wells and cannot fully handle the power and torque put out by the engine.
Toyota
It was a great car that i wish i could have agian
CaTCHy TiTlE!? i LoVe iT!
Love it!! A little hesitant off the line but still has excellent power. Great combo for someone who wants the best of both worlds with luxury and performance. Love Love Love :)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Outstanding
What most purists see as an unacceptable compromise, has been a wonderful balance for me. The Lexus does 0-60 in the same time as my S4 did, but does not require me to "drive" all the time like the Audi did. For those with a long commute, it's an superb blend of power, handling and amenities. The best part, however, is dealing with Lexus, who is the ONLY car company that appreciates their customers. They simply cannot do enough for you and after dealing with the Audi's and BMW's of the world, that is beyond refreshing.
OVERALL REVIEW
MY LEXUS HAS THE SPORT HANDLING PACKAGE WITH THE 17 INCH WHEELS & LOW PROFILE TIRES. I FEEL THE GAIN IN HANDLING IS NOT WORTH THE NOISE GENERATED BY THE TIRES ON HIGHWAY ROADS, I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE NOT TO BUY THIS OPTION AS IT NEGATES THE PURPOSE OF OWNING A LEXUS WHICH IS GOOD RIDE, GOOD QUALITY, & QUIET INTERRIOR.THE CAR SHOULD COME PRE WIRED FOR PHONE INSTALLATION AS PHONES ARE BEING USED BY THE MAJORITY OF OWNERS. MORE AND MORE STATES ARE ENACTING HANDS FREE USE OF PHONE LAWS.
The Perfect Lexus
The GS430 is the second Lexus I have owned. I have to say it is The Perfect Lexus! The reason for this statement is Lexus has combined performance and luxury all in one vehicle and nailed it.
It is what it is
Great highway cruiser and commuting car.Handling is sad, so I bought mine with the 17" wheel package and Bridgestone RE 30's. It improves the handling marginally but ride goes to hell and the noise from the re's is awful. The car's a nice soft cruising machine with 16's. Don't try to change it by buying the 17's.
GS430
In love with the car.
ML to GS
I bought this case because everything was included. This is a great car for the La freeways and on the highways /long road trips. Fit finish live up to the Lexus name. Great power- I average 19 ciy 24 highway; I have 9000+ miles on the car and no problems! I switched from a ML430 where I had several problems. I miss my previous BMW 5 series!
Keep Coming Back For More
I am in love with this car, I had before this one the GS300 2001. I was also considering the SC430. But I still needed for right now more back seat room. I did not want a SUV although the new GX470 is really nice. I test drove the GS430 and I could not believe how different the 430 was to the 300. I have all the bell and whistles that the 430 has to offer. People ask me why did you get the same vehicle? Till they get in it and I take them for a ride, and they say wow this is not the same vehicle. I must say I am truly in love. Not only with the car but the service is outstanding.
power ect
this car is very sporty, but i cant wait till they come out with the 200 awd model this will make it more dependable in the snow.
Car of the year
As one who has owned 5 Lexus automobiles, this is definitely the best one. If you are interested in a relatively trouble-free vehicle coupled with good comfort and performance and all of the "bells and whistles", the 2004 LS430 is the car for you.
My 2nd GS
First one was a GS300, now driving a new GS430. Absolutely love these cars. The transmission is a bit hesitant on the GS300. The 430 is much smoother in excelleration, and has a very nice punch. Very satisfying G's in 0-60 accelleration :) Nav system is excellent, very good directions. Points of Interest database could be better. I really only use that to find a gas station. Sound system is the best I've ever heard in a car. It's a Lexus, it's got the best quality of any luxury car. Give me a GS430 over a 540 or the LS430 any day!
Must get another car for winter
If you are seduced to buy GS430, be prepared to buy another car for the winter. This one DOES NOT run even in 2 in of snow. Traction control is worthless. I have GS 400, Mercedes, BMW drive up my driveway 6 days after a snow fall, but my GS 430 got stuck repeatedly. WORSE dealership experience in my 25 years of driving. ABSOLUTELY unwilling to help. Be warned. BE very warned.
smoothest V8
this car is perfect
GS 430
I really enjoy the GS 430 we have not had it that long but I think it is a great buy.
Love it, but
Love this car in the dry warm weather. Awesome performance, reliabilty, nav, sound system. Just don't get caught in the snow with it. Car came with Z Rated 17" Tires that are pretty much useless in the snow. Also, tires are pretty loud on the dry pavement.
great car
the more I drive my new GS 430,the more I enjoy it. A little more rear leg room would be good
The Best car that I have ever owned
I expected a luxury car. This LEXUS is beyond luxury. It is more than I anticiapted. It is the finast car that I have ever owned. It was so good I bought one for my wife
Great Car!
One of the Best car's I have ever purchased. Performance is great.
I love it!
I had a GS 300 before this one. I love the size and overall performance. Teh V8 perfects this package and smooths the whole car out.
400 Series better performers
I moved into a GS430 from a GS400. Better Nav and sound but no more tiptronic transmission. I attribute the diminution in throttle response and tip- in response to the different tranny and possibly gear ratios from the 400. I have to stomp on the go pedal to get it going. GS400 more responsive and fun to drive. After the lease is up, I'm looking at the new Infiniti M45.
Lexus Quality
This is my second Lexus, bought the LS 400 in 1990, and like the GS 430 the quality and performance is outstanding. Has a Mercedes car before but the Lexus sure them.
Fantastic
I had my Benz since I was 16 till my GF got her GS300. I loved that car, smooth and quiet, powerful and sporty but lux as well. So I requested a GS430 and finally got it after 25 days, my car was imported from Lexus, Japan exclusively and now I even don't want to drive my new 2003 E55 AMG! It's smooth! It's loving! My mom has a 745ih and my father has a S67 Lourinser, believe me they never ride 1/10 of a Lexus! Of course the S67 is faster! Even I guess my E55 AMG is faster and of course M5 is faster, but even a V8 Camaro can't be seen on your miror. Go for a Lexus, it's almost 2 years that I'm driving 5 hours a day! I can't leave the car, nothing has been occured so far! Go for it! Go!
Time for Lexus to update the GS
Picked up my 2003 GS in December of 2002. Still have a host of issues with it from suspension rattles, ultra light steering, and road noise being picked up from the sunroof drain tube (have to keep sunroof shade closed at all times). Car feels loose - almost as if the dies that make it are getting worn. Time for Lexus to update the GS.
2003 GS 430
A well built car that is not being imprved as often as it's rivals BMW and Mercedes Benz. Therefore lagging behind in power and electronic sophistication.
Not worth the money
It's comfortable and reliable but handles like a bus and is marginally responsive. Bridgestone 17" tires are the noisiest I ever heard. Missing a number of features like, rain sensing wipers, a passenger side mirror that drops in reverse and the heated seats have but one level. My wife's 2000 ES has 2 levels. Has perpetual rattles in dash that dealer can't cure and a permanent stain on the rear seat from a tire being placed there, Lexus central was no help with either issue. It gets you back and forth smoothly and reliably, but at $50K plus there should be more from the car and Lexus service. Cars costing 30/40% less are more exciting and just as reliable.
This or the BMW 5301
I went with Leuxus' proven reliability and minimal depreciation. Controls are not intuitive. The memorized seat position requires the vehicle be in park and foot off the break. A definte minus on long trips if the driver want to return to the original setting. The Navigation Systems leaves much to be desired, there are over a 100 pages of instrution which must be mastered. The Lexus GS 430 which must be dirven by the book, in Japan the nail that sticks up will soon be hammered flat - so too for Lexus drivers.
lexus gs
beautiful car inside and out