During my test drive of the GS300 today, I noticed the ‘M’ position on
the transmission stick! Te salesman said this lets you change the mode
to manual transmission, and do the shifting from two buttons on the
steeering wheel. He mentioned also ALL GS 300′s comes like that. But,
I the bruchures show some models without that ‘M’ position.
I’d appreciate any advice on what the E-shift is? usefullness? how
reliable? do I have the option NOT to have it (in th 2003 GS300
model)?
Thanks,
Mourad
All GS300s have the E-shift standard since I believe 2002 (or maybe 2001). You
can’t NOT get it, but it’s a no cost option and you’re always free to not use
it, so it’s not really a big deal. The pictures you see in the brochure
without it are of the GS430, which does not have E-Shift. Pre-2002 (or 2001 as
it may be) the GS400 had E-shift while the GS300 did not. I’m not sure why
they changed it.
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>I’d appreciate any advice on what the E-shift is? usefullness? how
>reliable?
Oh, the E-shift is similar to the "manumatic" mode in some other automatic
cars. It allows you to tell the transmission when to shift, rather than
letting the computer decide. This lets you hold the car in gear longer for
better acceleration, since by default the car shifts at the optimal point for
fuel economy and comfort, not performance. It doesn’t make a significant
difference in acceleration, but it’ll help a little bit. As far as reliability
I don’t even think that’s an issue. If you don’t put the shifter into "M", the
E-shift will never even be a factor.
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I find the responsiveness on my GS400 to be better with the manumatic; you
can rev the engine more. However, the buttons are too small to my liking and
especially changing gears in turns is a hassle. Also, the engine is so
smooth and the car so quiet that you have to make an effort to determine
when to shift. Take the option nevertheless I’d say, it makes for another
line item of pro’s when you sell the car again
Have fun!
Mischa.
"Mourad" <mourad_bara…@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6554b826.0211292240.213403cb@posting.google.com…
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> During my test drive of the GS300 today, I noticed the ‘M’ position on
> the transmission stick! Te salesman said this lets you change the mode
> to manual transmission, and do the shifting from two buttons on the
> steeering wheel. He mentioned also ALL GS 300′s comes like that. But,
> I the bruchures show some models without that ‘M’ position.
> I’d appreciate any advice on what the E-shift is? usefullness? how
> reliable? do I have the option NOT to have it (in th 2003 GS300
> model)?
> Thanks,
> Mourad
What color is your Lexus? is it the Silver or the Parchment?
Just my two cents worth, I have the GS300 and find the shift buttons
useless. Can’t shift in turns and I keep thinking they are the horn buttons
(since my last one had them there). Another reason to get the GS430
Sully