F-Sport Conversion to 450h?
03-11-13, 07:33 AM
#16
Oh man, so much unsolicited advice but I can't resist.
I was in a similar situation to you (although mine wasn't a 4GS 450h). Now 10+ years have gone by and I have a job, family, etc. My main question with you is to ask yourself the type of satisfaction the new car will bring, and more importantly, what you're going to do with your life after you graduate. The reason I ask this, is because you should be thinking of the "where do I go from here?" question. No matter how fortunate you are or how much money you have, I feel that it's nice to "feel progress" in life. When the bar is set so high before you graduate, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Again, I don't know your financial situation, your plans for after university, etc, etc. But it seems like you're comfortable and taken care of. So I'd focus on the "will I be happy" in the future if I start here question.
Not sure if this applies, and sorry for the unsolicited advice, but I think that's what this forum is for. For none of us to judge each other but share our experiences. Regardless, all the best with your choices and good luck in school! You've got a good head start in life already, I'm sure you'll make the most of it.
BTW: If I were in your shoes I'd trade in the RX and get a 4Runner, then work up to a luxury car later. But that's because that's what I did
.
I was in a similar situation to you (although mine wasn't a 4GS 450h). Now 10+ years have gone by and I have a job, family, etc. My main question with you is to ask yourself the type of satisfaction the new car will bring, and more importantly, what you're going to do with your life after you graduate. The reason I ask this, is because you should be thinking of the "where do I go from here?" question. No matter how fortunate you are or how much money you have, I feel that it's nice to "feel progress" in life. When the bar is set so high before you graduate, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Again, I don't know your financial situation, your plans for after university, etc, etc. But it seems like you're comfortable and taken care of. So I'd focus on the "will I be happy" in the future if I start here question.
Not sure if this applies, and sorry for the unsolicited advice, but I think that's what this forum is for. For none of us to judge each other but share our experiences. Regardless, all the best with your choices and good luck in school! You've got a good head start in life already, I'm sure you'll make the most of it.
BTW: If I were in your shoes I'd trade in the RX and get a 4Runner, then work up to a luxury car later. But that's because that's what I did
.
03-11-13, 07:43 AM
#17
^ Sound advice. I'm not gonna lie I agree with these guys, I went through the same situation with my dad when I was in my first year of college , but he gave me a choice to put the money aside and let it grow or buy a car I really wanted. I'm pretty sure you won't listen to us but some words of advice let the money grow keep the RX and when you graduate from college you can get a better newer car cause your gonna want a new one when you graduate. They are giving good advice!
03-11-13, 10:09 AM
#19
definitely dont try to do the conversion. Modding a hybrid will kind of defeat its main purpose and it doesn't seem like you have any problems financially if you can afford to buy the car so gas shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you are getting the hybrid for the extra boost in power than that is a different story. Converting this will definitely cost you a ****load of money just for the two bumpers.
03-11-13, 11:08 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Adding the Fsport bumper to the hybrid won't effect its "hybrid-ness" at all.
Thats a good point though. The $2,000 or so this conversion will cost will make the payoff of the hybrid that much harder to meet.
Thats a good point though. The $2,000 or so this conversion will cost will make the payoff of the hybrid that much harder to meet.
03-11-13, 11:37 AM
#21
It's kind of extravagant, but i guess $700 per month is not a fortune if this guy's family has the cash. No way in hell I'd give an 18 year old that kind of car unless I was a multi-millionaire. I sincerely hope this is the case. Anyways, what was your question again? 
03-11-13, 11:42 AM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Even if I were a multi-millionaire I still would not. I think kids need to have something to work for. If you start out life in a $65,000 car to replace your only 3 year old $50,000 car...what is there to work for and achieve in life? What happens when your child gets to where they have to replicate this lifestyle on their own? Assuming they do...
I'm not one of these people who says don't give your kid a car, I was given my Mom's hand me down car when I was a kid, similar situation to his 2010 RX, but to give them such an extravagant car is the thing. Its an achievement to be able to go out and buy yourself such a car, I think it robs the kid of that experience.
Now, obviously looking at what his girlfriend drives and where he lives (I note the Lexus of Beverly Hills license frame), this is par for the course amongst his and his parents peers...but I think it does kids a disservice.
I'm not one of these people who says don't give your kid a car, I was given my Mom's hand me down car when I was a kid, similar situation to his 2010 RX, but to give them such an extravagant car is the thing. Its an achievement to be able to go out and buy yourself such a car, I think it robs the kid of that experience.
Now, obviously looking at what his girlfriend drives and where he lives (I note the Lexus of Beverly Hills license frame), this is par for the course amongst his and his parents peers...but I think it does kids a disservice.
Last edited by SW17LS; 03-11-13 at 11:49 AM.
03-11-13, 12:38 PM
#23
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Front Bumper Conversion
Here is a list of parts alone in the "Shopping Cart".... You will need a quote for a Bumper Cover paint job...
The JDM Fog Light Bezel covers run an additional $80 bucks or so..
The GS450h with F-Sport Front bumper will look awesome..!!
~ Joe Z
03-11-13, 01:10 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
Also be sure to budget for painting, paint blending and matching, labor, etc.
03-11-13, 04:18 PM
#25
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One thing before I individually reply, I realize the majority of you guys have way more life experience than and are more money management savy...
Thanks for the advice, it more of a personal thing, I hate to admit it but I'm, momma's boy, I hate to leave the comfort of my home when I need to something academic, I just can't focus if I'm not in my room even if I'm studying for something. Plus it would be useless for me to move out, I'm Punjabi, my parents are going to live with me and my brother once I get married, so independence not an option. +Me and brother have an agreement that when we buy houses it will be in the same neighborhood so it's easier on them on who they want stay with when want a change...
I'm going in the medical field, it's very long but it's why I attending JC along while in HS to cut a year and get all my GED's done, not sure if I want to downgrade though...
Advice accepted, my dad is one those guy's when you tell you want something, he won't quiet down until he goes and buys for you or you buy it, he most likely say "You wanted a car!, Now you wan to invest it!!!, ok I'll buy you the car and invest in more stuff?" I"ll say "No dad just investment" , then he'll be like "If I was your I would take the deal up in a second." He says this to me in punjabi though...
Thanks
I the want the juice and mileage...
Really? I'm just personalizing it, when I selected it I just thought in terms of mileage on both 350 and 450h, didn't really factor in the costs...
You guys don't that I met my requirement the full deal was, if I kept of over a 4.0 freshmen, sophomore, and junior year(almost done), he would buy me any car within reason... To clarify SW, I was born up in Ventura, moved to Calabasas(when the RX was bought) and now live in the Bay Area. So I really don't have anybody to compete with at school, even though it is private. I'm just hoping my GF moves up here because her parents are thinking about it...
Oh man, so much unsolicited advice but I can't resist.
I was in a similar situation to you (although mine wasn't a 4GS 450h). Now 10+ years have gone by and I have a job, family, etc. My main question with you is to ask yourself the type of satisfaction the new car will bring, and more importantly, what you're going to do with your life after you graduate. The reason I ask this, is because you should be thinking of the "where do I go from here?" question. No matter how fortunate you are or how much money you have, I feel that it's nice to "feel progress" in life. When the bar is set so high before you graduate, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Again, I don't know your financial situation, your plans for after university, etc, etc. But it seems like you're comfortable and taken care of. So I'd focus on the "will I be happy" in the future if I start here question.
Not sure if this applies, and sorry for the unsolicited advice, but I think that's what this forum is for. For none of us to judge each other but share our experiences. Regardless, all the best with your choices and good luck in school! You've got a good head start in life already, I'm sure you'll make the most of it.
BTW: If I were in your shoes I'd trade in the RX and get a 4Runner, then work up to a luxury car later. But that's because that's what I did.
I was in a similar situation to you (although mine wasn't a 4GS 450h). Now 10+ years have gone by and I have a job, family, etc. My main question with you is to ask yourself the type of satisfaction the new car will bring, and more importantly, what you're going to do with your life after you graduate. The reason I ask this, is because you should be thinking of the "where do I go from here?" question. No matter how fortunate you are or how much money you have, I feel that it's nice to "feel progress" in life. When the bar is set so high before you graduate, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Again, I don't know your financial situation, your plans for after university, etc, etc. But it seems like you're comfortable and taken care of. So I'd focus on the "will I be happy" in the future if I start here question.
Not sure if this applies, and sorry for the unsolicited advice, but I think that's what this forum is for. For none of us to judge each other but share our experiences. Regardless, all the best with your choices and good luck in school! You've got a good head start in life already, I'm sure you'll make the most of it.
BTW: If I were in your shoes I'd trade in the RX and get a 4Runner, then work up to a luxury car later. But that's because that's what I did
.^ Sound advice. I'm not gonna lie I agree with these guys, I went through the same situation with my dad when I was in my first year of college , but he gave me a choice to put the money aside and let it grow or buy a car I really wanted. I'm pretty sure you won't listen to us but some words of advice let the money grow keep the RX and when you graduate from college you can get a better newer car cause your gonna want a new one when you graduate. They are giving good advice!
Thanks
definitely dont try to do the conversion. Modding a hybrid will kind of defeat its main purpose and it doesn't seem like you have any problems financially if you can afford to buy the car so gas shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you are getting the hybrid for the extra boost in power than that is a different story. Converting this will definitely cost you a ****load of money just for the two bumpers.
Even if I were a multi-millionaire I still would not. I think kids need to have something to work for. If you start out life in a $65,000 car to replace your only 3 year old $50,000 car...what is there to work for and achieve in life? What happens when your child gets to where they have to replicate this lifestyle on their own? Assuming they do...
I'm not one of these people who says don't give your kid a car, I was given my Mom's hand me down car when I was a kid, similar situation to his 2010 RX, but to give them such an extravagant car is the thing. Its an achievement to be able to go out and buy yourself such a car, I think it robs the kid of that experience.
Now, obviously looking at what his girlfriend drives and where he lives (I note the Lexus of Beverly Hills license frame), this is par for the course amongst his and his parents peers...but I think it does kids a disservice.
I'm not one of these people who says don't give your kid a car, I was given my Mom's hand me down car when I was a kid, similar situation to his 2010 RX, but to give them such an extravagant car is the thing. Its an achievement to be able to go out and buy yourself such a car, I think it robs the kid of that experience.
Now, obviously looking at what his girlfriend drives and where he lives (I note the Lexus of Beverly Hills license frame), this is par for the course amongst his and his parents peers...but I think it does kids a disservice.
Last edited by MjThind; 03-11-13 at 05:04 PM. Reason: grammar mistake...
03-11-13, 04:37 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
This is silly, just do it once and do it right. Why take shortcut and get a GS450 to make it look like the GS350 F-Sport? You should just get the GS350 F-Sport, then convert the engine to hybrid. You'll be a one of a kind with the awesomeness of a GS350 F-Sport, and the ability to save gas.
You could also look into converting the GS350 F-Sport into an EV. Since you're in California, EV = don't need to deal with smog
You could also look into converting the GS350 F-Sport into an EV. Since you're in California, EV = don't need to deal with smog
03-11-13, 04:51 PM
#29
I'm putting myself in his shoes... and given that he is coming here for automotive advice but listening to our personal advice AND is a teenager (or in his early 20s) says something about him. If everyone else from his generation is as open to advice and not defensive to our comments (some of which, as we see are judgemental and borderline insulting) AND is going to college for a profession that adds value and has a future, I think the country will be in good shape.
Although I do take offence to his comment about the 4Runner being a downgrade from an RX
Although I do take offence to his comment about the 4Runner being a downgrade from an RX
03-11-13, 05:10 PM
#30
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Really?
I would have to buy a CVT, electric motor, ECU, wiring, etc., etc. It would cost more than just buying a 450h and doing F-Sport bumper conversion...
Thanks man it's nice to to have some one not bashing me and I wasn't intending to offend you, probably not a downgrade to a Limited 4Runner but it will be going to a 4 or 6 banger SR5 but what did 4Runnner did you have?
This is silly, just do it once and do it right. Why take shortcut and get a GS450 to make it look like the GS350 F-Sport? You should just get the GS350 F-Sport, then convert the engine to hybrid. You'll be a one of a kind with the awesomeness of a GS350 F-Sport, and the ability to save gas.
You could also look into converting the GS350 F-Sport into an EV. Since you're in California, EV = don't need to deal with smog
You could also look into converting the GS350 F-Sport into an EV. Since you're in California, EV = don't need to deal with smog
I'm putting myself in his shoes... and given that he is coming here for automotive advice but listening to our personal advice AND is a teenager (or in his early 20s) says something about him. If everyone else from his generation is as open to advice and not defensive to our comments (some of which, as we see are judgemental and borderline insulting) AND is going to college for a profession that adds value and has a future, I think the country will be in good shape.
Although I do take offence to his comment about the 4Runner being a downgrade from an RX
Although I do take offence to his comment about the 4Runner being a downgrade from an RX