Any ex-Lexus GS430 members here?
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
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Any ex-Lexus GS430 members here?
Thinking about trading in the '01 GS for an '03-'04 E55. Was wondering if any of you guys made that switch and what do you think of it? Anything you miss about your ex-Lex? I'm pretty concerned about the reliability and I've done a bit of research and for the most part the MB doesn't seem as "needy" as I expected. Any input, would be appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 667
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From: New York
old daily driver '07 E63(gone); new dd '14 750xi; 2013 Viper GTS
Thinking about trading in the '01 GS for an '03-'04 E55. Was wondering if any of you guys made that switch and what do you think of it? Anything you miss about your ex-Lex? I'm pretty concerned about the reliability and I've done a bit of research and for the most part the MB doesn't seem as "needy" as I expected. Any input, would be appreciated.
Never drove the new 4 door Maserati. The only downside (and there aren't many) to the 63 and assume 55 is the handling/cornering. Although MUCH better than ther Lexus you mentioned not as good as the BMW 5-series or M5. Don't think any 4 door has the steering response or handling of the 5-series. Had an '04 545i and the car could keep up with base Vettes and 911's (except for the acceleration of course). Hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: Houston
2005 E55
My wife had the '00 GS400. We ditched it for a 330i. It's so opposite of these cars. Lexus is driving on a cloud with very little performance, but very comfy.
The E55/E63 is a whole new experience and at least 2 or 3 steps up in performance and fun.
The E55/E63 is a whole new experience and at least 2 or 3 steps up in performance and fun.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
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Now car on the planet can give you the plush Lexus ride and quiet interior but the Lexus steering has always been numb. I had the low profile tires on the GS and the ride was still unresponsive. As far as acceleration it is obvious it can't compare to the E63. The 63 has pretty supportive seats, brakes seem to clamp dowm harder, cornering is better(ex. exiting a highway at speeds) and the exhaust sound is beyond comparison. Don't know if there is a better 4-door everydaydriver than the E55/63.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
The GS430 is a great car except for the handling. The car is just not as responsive as I would like. The soft plush ride is great, but I'd like something that lets me feel the road a bit more. I thought about modifying the car to try to achieve some of these things I wanted, but now I'm thinking I will just get a car that has these features already. High performance, good looks, with luxury feel.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 560
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From: Atlanta, GA
Lexus GS 450h
Thinking about trading in the '01 GS for an '03-'04 E55. Was wondering if any of you guys made that switch and what do you think of it? Anything you miss about your ex-Lex? I'm pretty concerned about the reliability and I've done a bit of research and for the most part the MB doesn't seem as "needy" as I expected. Any input, would be appreciated.
...Lefty and I were talking about this recently as well. E55 is fantastic. Good luck if u make that upgrade!
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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Interlagos Blue 06 M5
Former 98GS400 owner here. Not much difference in perf. between the 400 & 430. Same amt of horsepower but the 430 had more torque. Anywho words that come to mind when I think of this car--- soft, plush, comfortable.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 36
2006 E55
I have had a couple G4's ((aka 540ETR's) and loved them both.
MB no match for Lexus reliability (as a family, we have over 600K miles on about 14 Lexus' and only 3 unplanned trips to service) since 1998.
My E55 usually makes an unplanned pit-stop evey month or so.
However, the trade-off is fine with me. If you have not drove an E55 go do it, then get your checkbook out.
TK
MB no match for Lexus reliability (as a family, we have over 600K miles on about 14 Lexus' and only 3 unplanned trips to service) since 1998.
My E55 usually makes an unplanned pit-stop evey month or so.
However, the trade-off is fine with me. If you have not drove an E55 go do it, then get your checkbook out.
TK
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 789
Likes: 36
2006 E55
I have had a couple G4's (aka 540ETR's) and loved them both.
MB no match for Lexus reliability (as a family, we have over 600K miles on about 14 Lexus' and only 3 unplanned trips to service since 1998).
My E55 usually makes an unplanned pit-stop evey month or so.
However, the trade-off is fine with me. If you have not drove an E55 go do it, then get your checkbook out.
TK
MB no match for Lexus reliability (as a family, we have over 600K miles on about 14 Lexus' and only 3 unplanned trips to service since 1998).
My E55 usually makes an unplanned pit-stop evey month or so.
However, the trade-off is fine with me. If you have not drove an E55 go do it, then get your checkbook out.
TK
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
2003 E55 K1
Used to have a 1998 GS400 (First Year.) Great car. My son has it now. Car was and still is bullet proof. Far more reliable than my E55. It was the best performance sedan at the time versus the MB E420 or the BMW 540. Unfortunately, they have not kept up with MB/BMW or I would buy a Lexus in a second!!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 3
From: Texas
2005 E55
I had an LS430 and there is absolutely no comparison. The thing that initially drove me away from Lexus was the fact that most of the features, nav, phone, seat memory, etc. were not accessable while the car was moving. Stupid. 
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
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2004 E55
I had an '01 GS430 with tein coilovers, tanabe exhaust, SRT intake and tom's racing braces. The car is not in the same league as the E55. I picked-up an '04 E55 about two months ago and love the car. If you are worried about reliability, try to find a CPO car and get the factory extended warranty.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 561
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento California
2007 S550 (S65 Package)
heres what i have got to say about that. i had a 2006 gs300. and i just switched to the 2003 w211 e500. theres a lot more power in this mercedes but the things i like most about the lexus was the navigation (touchscreen and really helpful-had everything) and the way it drove. i havent had anything that drove like that ever b4. but the e55 is a beast and i would always take that change to a mercedes. my unlce has the 98 gs300 and i really didnt like it at all whenever i drove it. so my 2 cents is to go for that e55. hope it works out for the best.
