Lexus GS Review (1998 to 2005)

Quick Summary

The Lexus GS series operates in a tough corner of the market, running head-on into astonishingly complete cars like the Mercedes E Class, the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 and the Jaguar S-TYPE. Few would finger the Lexus as the best all-rounder in this line up, but if you want a used car that offers peerless reliability, superb ride quality and some of the best gadgets around, you could do a lot worse than test drive a Lexus GS. They won't appeal to those looking for sporty handling or those looking for the most elegant shape, but the whisper quiet Lexus GS series would probably be the car we'd choose if we were in it for the long haul. Sssshhh…

Overall:

Models Covered: Second generation GS Series – Four door saloon, 3.0-litre, 4.3-litre petrol[ [SE]

QUIETLY DOES IT

Although most laughed at the prospect of a credible Japanese rival to a Jaguar or Mercedes, the laughing stopped when Lexus launched the LS400 back in 1990. Having achieved this masterstroke, the GS300 was, in certain respects, the equivalent of the difficult second album. Whereas the LS instantly rubbed shoulders with the class best, the GS300 never quite hacked it as a credible rival to the Mercedes E Class or the BMW 5 Series. Much of that changed in 1998 when the GS range was thoroughly revised. With the subsequent introduction of the 4.3-litre GS430, the GS range suddenly looked very appealing. A Lexus is about as bulletproof as a used luxury car can get . Just make sure you know what you're getting.
Used Lexus GS for sale

History of the GS

The second-generation range arrived in January 1998 in two versions, the S and SE, with a new five-speed automatic transmission to complement the more powerful 3.0-litre engine which now featured variable valve timing. Power was boosted from 209 to 218bhp in the process, although if it was power you were after, the GS430, introduced in October 2000 certainly had that in abundance. With a 4.3-litre V8 engine developing 280bhp, this was the quickest Lexus to date. At the same time as the GS430 was introduced, the S variant of the GS300 was canned, the range consisting of the GS300, short-lived GS300 Sport and GS300 SE. A very minor facelift was also undertaken, with a revised radiator grille and rear lights although few would spot the changes. The base GS300 model and the Sport didn't last very long and nowadays the GS range campaigns solely with plush SE versions of the GS300 and GS430.
Used Lexus GS for sale

Lexus GS Road Test

Certainly the GS300 is as fast, as smooth, as refined and pretty nearly as good to drive as the best of its rivals. A glorious 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine with variable valve timing gives 143mph performance, while the five-speed automatic gearbox is, in our opinion, the world's finest. Handling is predictable and aided in extremis by a new 'Vehicle Stability Control' which cuts into action with a ringing bell and a flashing light should any of the wheels lose grip. The GS300 Sport is further improved by stiffer springs (meaning a 25mm lower ride height), re-calibrated gas-filled dampers and a set of grippy Pirelli P Zero 245/40 tyres. There are also standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, twice as powerful as conventional halogen units.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 for sale

Buying a Lexus GS

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 for sale

Lexus GS Typical Pricing

If you're looking for a bargain, you'll be disappointed. Lexus resale values have always been strong but that also means you're likely to be smiling when you, in turn, sell the car on. The second-generation GS300 starts on 98R plates at about £7,500 for an S. The Sport (from 99S) is still rare at prices from around £10,300.Opt instead for a GS430 and you'll need to stump up around £14,775 for a 2000 X-plated example and the best part of £20,500 for a 52-plated car. Insurance is surprisingly reasonable given the cost of these cars, all variants being rated at Group 17.
Used Lexus GS for sale

Lexus GS Parts

(Based on a 1998 GS300) 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 for sale