myLexus007

My brother was shopping for a used 2013 ES300h, then we ran into a great deal on a 2013 GS450h, we need your help.

'13 ES300h - 19,000 miles
'13 GS450h - 42,000 miles

Both vehicles are the same price, not CPO, from reputable dealers (BMW and MB), it was a trade I assumed.

We just wanted the ES300h for the fuel economy and Lexus craftsmanship. But boy, after looking at the GS450h interior, it was day and night (bamboo vs plastic, bigger screen, better interior overall, aggressive exterior etc)

We still like the ES300h fuel economy and back seat leg room a lot.

I put this on the GS450h forum, but wanted to hear from ES300h owners. If price is not a factor, would you get GS instead ES? Beside fuel economy and rear leg room, what advantages ES has over GS?



Thanks.

Mike728

If you really need rear leg room, get the ES. Otherwise, go for the GS.

atoyota

The hybrid for the 450h is for a smidge more off the mark performance rather than for fuel economy. You won't see anywhere near the fuel savings to offset the cost of the hybrid 450 as you would the 300.

If you like the GS interior more, then maybe you might look at a non-hybrid GS same interior.

NickTee

The GS is a much nicer car and I'd choose it over the ES, even with double the miles, without a second glance.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The GS is a big step up almost every category. The interior alone is enough for me to sacrifice some mpg. When you sit in it, everything screams quality and you get a sense that you got your money's worth. We're also talking about 338hp vs 200hp, V6 smoothness vs I4, and quite possibly better resale value in the long run.

SW17LS

No question I would get the GS

TechNut

We really enjoy our ES, but the GS is definitely more car. Front wheel drive does better on slick roads, but in Texas that is unlikely to be a factor. Without knowing the condition of each, I would think the GS is the better choice as well.

chromedome

I would go for the ES if you want low fuel consumption. The ES has enough grunt for most city driving and if driven carefully, it'll return 50 mpg in the city.

The GS is better built, handles much better and has almost double the power. You're getting a lot of car for that money but fuel consumption is a lot higher and maintenance costs would be higher too.

For peace of mind and fuel savings, I'd go for the ES. If you love driving and don't mind a hybrid that guzzles gas, go for the GS. That's if both cars are the same price as in your first post. If money is no object, I'd get a Tesla P90D

Canesguy

Actually, the exterior's between the two are quite similar. The GS is the better car, but I actually prefer the looks (subjective) of the ES more. It's dimensions are less boxy. Because of more than twice the mileage on the GS car, I'd give it only a slight edge overall. Which car's color scheme do you like better?

Let us know what you decide.

myLexus007

My first choice is Starfire Pearl, second is Liquid Platium or any other bright colors. But so far, most of the vehicles listed (only 25 listed on cars.com) are dark colors.

I love the ES too, but only ES350 with the upgrade 18'' wheels. I hate the ES300h 17" wheels. Although I must say I like the 2016 ES 300h wheels, looks more aggressive but of course it's still pricey.

Canesguy

I meant, of the ES300h, and GS350 available for the same price, what color between the two is favored?

myLexus007

Just thought I should update.

Finally pulled the trigger on a 2014 ES300h CPO. White/Tan, NAV, BSM, Park Assist. Very happy!

Getting 41MPG on 75/25 hwy/city driving at around 65 degrees average temp. Traded in our 07 ES350 ultra luxury, I must say the drive on this gen ES is much better, not lose (boat feel) like the last gen ES. Love the center console, looks very upscale and much more luxurious. Wish the ES300h would come with panoramic roof and the 18" inch wheel option.

chromedome

Congrats on the new arrival, I think you'll be pretty happy with the huge tank range, low fuel consumption and ride comfort on the 300h. It also handles surprisingly well on sweeping mountain roads, probably because of that heavy battery pack hanging over the rear axle. I recently drove a thousand miles in freezing weather, up and down passes over 10,000 feet high and I still got 42 mpg.

myLexus007

Thanks! 535 miles range on our first fill up.

How did you get 42 MPG on freezing weather? Are you on the Canada's MPG rating? I got 41 MPG and I thought I did well. We own a Prius and RX450h so have a lot of experiences maximize MPGs on hybrid.

chromedome

Mine's a metric car, my fuel economy readout showed 5.5 l/100 km or roughly 42 mpg US. I got that on mountain roads: the car uses a lot of fuel on climbing but it runs almost completely on battery when descending. On one long descent I didn't hear the engine fire up for half an hour, although it was spinning for engine braking and to take up excess charge.

Any tips for getting good mileage in cold weather? I do pulse and glide at slow speeds and I use cruise control on the highway.