Lexus GS 430 Review (2000 to 2005)

Quick Summary

If you're looking for old money image and the ability to create an impact at the golf club, the Lexus may not be your prime pick. If you're buying for more practical reasons, the GS430 has a lot going for it. It's probably better built than any car in its class, it's quick, comparatively inexpensive to keep on the road, and has been designed with day to day living in mind. Although it may not be endowed with the biggest sense of occasion when you slip behind the wheel, you'll forgive its slightly anonymous character when you realise what this car can actually do. If substance counts for anything, a used Lexus GS430 is worthy of a place on your used executive car shortlist.

Overall:

Models Covered: Second generation GS Series – Four door saloon, 4.3-litre petrol

A YEN FOR QUALITY

Circumstances have conspired rather cruelly against Lexus' GS430, but while this has resulted in modest new sales, it only plays into the hands of the used buyer looking for a bargain executive car with plenty left in the tank. Although it has struggled to establish itself as a viable rival in the Audi A6/BMW 5 Series/Mercedes E-Class echelon, the GS430 nevertheless offers a unique slant on the executive theme, serving up peerless reliability and refinement backed up with a huge helping of standard equipment. It's well worth your time.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale

History of the GS 430

Lexus launched the second generation GS series in January 1998, although it wasn't until October 2000 that the more powerful GS430 model debuted. With a 4.3-litre V8 engine developing 280bhp, this was the quickest Lexus to date. Offered in one luxurious SE guise, the GS430 ran head on into rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi and struggled at first, hampered by the fact that few perceived the GS series as a new car, despite the fact that the German rivals were hardly in their first flush of youth.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale

Lexus GS 430 Road Test

The engine offered in the GS430 is the same unit which powers the range-topping LS430, and it's an absolute gem. Powered by a 4.3-litre 32-valve V8 that can muster 279bhp, the emphasis, as with all large Lexuses (Lexi?) is on driveability and smoothness rather than outright muscle. Nonetheless, it's still enough to haul the 2145kg GS430 to 60mph in a negligible 6.3 seconds before being electronically limited at 155mph – a fair way short of becoming breathless.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale

Buying a Lexus GS 430

As with the LS series, there is, amazingly, almost nothing to report. Toyota were determined to make these cars as faultless and long-lasting as possible and it seems they've succeeded. The main worry with a Lexus will be accident damage or mileage clocking. The panel gaps on both LS and GS series cars astound even now in terms of consistency and flushness of fit, so a second-rate repair will be obvious. If you can, check the car's service records and cross-reference mileage with the dealers who carried out the scheduled maintenance. That way, you'll have peace of mind that the immaculate, low-mileage car you're looking at, really is just that.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale

Lexus GS 430 Typical Pricing

Although it would be a stretch to call it a significant bargain, £14,775 for a 2000 X plate GS430 buys you an awful lot of car for your money. If you're shopping for something with a little less leg on the clock, a 2003 52-plate example currently changes hands at around £21,375. Factor Group 17 insurance into any budget calculations.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale

Lexus GS 430 Parts

(Based on a 2001 GS430) A new exhaust, excluding the catalytic converter will be just over £800. Brake pads are roughly £70 each and a headlamp is around £140.
Used Lexus GS 430 for sale