1998 Lexus GS300: the Oppositelock Review

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11) 09/19/2016 at 23:00 • Filed to: None

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Lexus’ are supposed to be all that, and then some. They’re supposed to be comfortable, have a hint of sportiness (at least for the GS), and last forever. So how is my GS300 after owning it for 1200 miles and almost 4 months?

( Full disclosure : Lexus wanted me to drive the GS300 so badly they had someone in Minnesota lease it and sell it to another person in Peoria, IL. They then traded it in for a Chrysler after putting 230,000 miles on the car, and then the dealer sold it to the used car lot across the street, who in turn failed to sell it for $4500 and sold it to me for $2900 after tax, title, and fees.)

For those who don’t know, the GS stands for Grand Sedan, which it really isn’t. But don’t tell Lexus. It leans towards the comfort side of the luxury-sport spectrum. Mine is the GS 300, the 300 denoting the 3.0L straight six, better known as the 2JZ-GE. It also had the 400 version, which had the 4.0L 1UZ.

Exterior: 5/10

It’s not exciting, and I won’t pretend it is. Also, the quad headlights can turn some people off. Personally, I don’t mind them. I really like the look of the rear 3/4 and the side profile. A consensus among my friends is that it looks much newer than it is. Most guessed it was from 2005, not 1998. So I’d say that’s a styling win for Lexus.

Interior: 7/10

This is where the Lexus roots shine. To me, the steering wheel design is great, and the deeply inset gauges look good and are practical, as they don’t get washed out by the sun. There’s minimal chrome, which I like. It’s incredibly well built, with only one occasional rattle from the sunroof. Only downsides are the taupe secondary color is very ‘90's and the cupholders are too small for the typical American big gulps.

Acceleration: 4 or 6/10

The key factor here is my favorite feature of the car, called Power Mode. It increases the amount it revs before shifting, sharpens the shifts, and makes the transmission much more willing to downshift. When in normal mode, or Comfort Mode as I call it, the focus is on comfort. It has a smooth, linear acceleration that’s adequate for most. I, however, like to get to the speed limit quickly. If you put your foot in the pedal more than a quarter of the way, it will downshift at least one gear, if not. When in power mode, it will definitely get you in trouble if you don’t pay attention.

Braking: 4/10

It stops, which is an improvement over my last car. It will need new pads in a few months, so it’s not the greatest. And the ABS might be a little broken. Maybe.

Ride: 8/10

To me, it seems to be that perfect in between of comfort without seeming boat-like or soft. At normal speeds, body roll is minimal.

Handling: 6/10

Even with 262,500 miles on the ODO, it’s taught and not sloppy. It’s direct and reacts well.

Gearbox: 7/10

Overall, acts how you’d want it. In the aforementioned “comfort mode”, it’s super smooth and mostly unnoticeable. In Power Mode, it is eager to downshift and hold the gear longer, allowing you to get it up to 5 or 6k without much difficulty. Downsides: “comfort mode” makes it reluctant to downshift at all and power mode is potentially a little too willing, for example dropping 2 or 3 gears when you only wanted to drop one. I’d prefer paddles like they had on later models.

Toys: 9/10

My specific car is as loaded as a 300 gets. It has the high-end audio, the touchscreen, and power everything. Yes, I said touch screen. Despite being from 1998, it works really well. My only complaint is screen can washout in direct sunlight. It also has dual power seats, all one touch windows, a power moonroof, heated front seats, power telescoping steering wheel, memory driver’s seat, and automatic dual zone climate control. All in a $2500 car from 1998. I’d say that’s pretty good. Oh, and it has driving modes before it was cool (Power, Comfort, and Snow).

Audio: 7/10

The stereo rivals modern systems and is overall impressive. The exhaust note is ok, could be better if I didn’t have an exhaust leak. But once you hit 4.5k, the 2JZ really sings.

Value: 8/10

This is a lot of car for $2900 after taxes, etc. I should note that I have had or wanted to do a few different repairs (battery, camshaft position sensor, timing belt, costing $165, $550, $712, respectively). However, even after all that, I’d still consider a great deal. It has loads of luxury and it’s CLEAN. It’s not beat up or abused. It’s also got full dealer service records on Carfax, so it’s obviously been babied.

Total: 67/100

That’s a pretty good score. Granted I’m rating relative to price, not relative to all cars. While it has given me some headaches, it’s been a great car overall and I don’t regret buying it.

Engine: 3.0L straight six

Power: 225 HP

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

0-60 MPH: 7.5 seconds

Drivetrain: RWD

Seating: 5 people

MPG (EPA): 17 city/23 highway

MPG (observed): 15.5 city/24.3 highway

Notes:

Great turning circle consider its size+age.

Back seats are very cushy.

Fronts seats are very comfortable but offer little lateral support.

Trunk appears smaller than it is.

It has a fullsize spare on a matching OEM rim.

Could use another gear or two to get better MPG.

Very quiet and comfortable.

Only has 4 cupholders.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:05

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The Toyota power mode makes a shocking difference. Even in a 4Runner.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:08

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My sister is on her 2nd ‘99 GS300. First one had 305,000 before she decided to do some body/mechanical work using the back side of a Ford Escape. She still loves the car.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/19/2016 at 14:17

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It’s like they made it slow so the power mode would seem really fast.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:19

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Power mode lets the 5VZ get into its powerband.

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:21

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I like this generation of GS.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/19/2016 at 14:22

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That’s true with the 2JZ as well.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2016 at 14:23

1

Thanks! I like this (2nd) and the third. After that they are too boring or overwrought and I’ve yet to get a good look at a 1st gen in person.

HammerheadFistpunch > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:42

2

Nice, I always like the NA 2JZ and the GS seems like the bargain ride these days. Anything coming out of Toyota/Lexus that cost a lot in the 90's is pretty well screwed together and lasts. The A6xx and A7XX trans are pretty bombproof too. Those stupid sunroofs though, mine rattles too.

HammerheadFistpunch > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/19/2016 at 14:43

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Its helpful towing with the 1FZ because it makes it a little more eager to down-shift but the broad torque of the engine makes it a little silly otherwise.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > HammerheadFistpunch 09/19/2016 at 14:48

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I only use it to pass if I really need to.

HammerheadFistpunch > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 09/19/2016 at 14:49

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At least with the cruisers, the “PWR” button just uses the WOT map for the transmission, so flooring it has the same effect as the “PWR” button does.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 09/19/2016 at 14:51

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Also what OEM wheels fit it? I’m thinking about getting an upgrade eventually and knew you’d done that.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > HammerheadFistpunch 09/19/2016 at 14:53

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I’m pretty sure that it’s the same on the T4R

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:57

1

Any of the GS300/400/430 wheels fit of course. My LS400 has 430 wheels on it. You would probably have to do some research but I imagine the IS350 wheels might?

philipilihp > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 14:59

1

Hey you forgot to mention the sweet tape deck under your Toys heading. 11/10!

My brother in law has a 2003 i wanna say? It’s a pearly white color GS300 in the sport design trim. I drove it a few times and it’s pretty nice! Very comfortable. Congrats again on the car!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > philipilihp 09/19/2016 at 15:04

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Thanks! I love the pearl white with the sport design trim! It’s also got a 6 disc cd changer with room for 6 extra discs!

interstate366, now In The Industry > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 16:08

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I’ve seen a couple 1st gens. They don’t look as good from behind.

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 17:53

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I've never heard of the power button before. Where is it located on your car?

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > No Prius Needed 09/19/2016 at 19:25

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Behind the shift lever and in front of the center console hatch. It’s to the left of the heated seats switches, it’s labeled PWR, blank, SNOW. A little green light should show up on the dash.

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 19:32

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I can't find anything. All I have is TC OFF. The first gen ES got the power button, but not the 2nd gen. :(

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 19:51

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Can’t edit on mobile: I meant 4th gen not 2nd.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > No Prius Needed 09/19/2016 at 19:57

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EDIT: Looks like it does have it, at least in the 05's. Labeled differently.

Not surprised, that’s when Lexus when full beige with the ES. Still a nice car, but a bit soft.

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 20:00

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Still a nice car, but a bit soft.

car boat

:(

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 20:01

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Can you post the image again? It got kinjad.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > No Prius Needed 09/19/2016 at 20:01

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Hmmm, upon further inspection, it looks like it has it.

https://www.netcarshow.com/lexus/2005-es3…

No Prius Needed > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 20:05

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Aww man, I don't have it. It looks like I have the most beige of beige.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/19/2016 at 23:42

1

And the 1uz

Jobjoris > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/20/2016 at 06:08

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So why has it given you headaches? I only read positive things. IT’S A $2900 CAR! Best buy ever!

Funktheduck > HammerheadFistpunch 09/20/2016 at 09:00

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My sunroof leaked but didn’t rattle. If it rained hard enough and I was parked at a few select angles, I’d be greeted with cold water dumping on my head in the morning. Only happened a few times. One way to wake up at 5:30 in the morning in November.

Funktheduck > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 09/20/2016 at 09:02

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Pretty sure I told you I had a 1st gen. Great car. Well, off to CL/Autotrader/etc to pretend I have the money, space, and time for another car.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Jobjoris 09/20/2016 at 10:00

1

Mostly things breaking and paying for them