jackyche

I'm looking to buy a 2008 GS. Both have similar performance numbers and acceleration and features. Except obviously one has better fuel #'s.

Is there any overwhelming argument for a GS460? I mean, bigger trunk space but that's about it right?

Thanks.

Seven07

I don't buy into the hybrid thing so I'd say the 460. One less maintenance to worry about. Plus, isn't hybrid more expensive? So basically you're paying for gas upfront.

TWong350

iTrader: (8)

I somewhat agree with Seven07. If you're not going to hold onto the car long-term, I say go for the Hybrid. If you are going long-term, go with the 460. Them batteries aren't cheap to replace and you can't just DIY either.

Rider

460. Unlimited Torque.

jackyche

Hybrid is more expensive compared to the GS350. But I compare it to the 460 due to similarity of performance and feature set.

I'm not concerned with battery since Toyota got that sucker down pretty good with years and years of Prius stuff. Plus its got like 6 years warranty on the battery or something.

I'm more concerned with how the car drives. Some find the hybrid's engine start-stop thing kinda weird. Plus, is the 8-speed tranny an overkill? I mean, I have a SL500 and I find the 7-speed to be 2 speeds too many. Its not fun manually shifting when you gotta do it every 20mph uptick.

LIMS407

i will take 460,,,it something about them v8,,,,

Seven07

I test drove a hybrid RX before. It did start funny, not as smooth as normal cars, and it's a little louder when hybrids engaged, not much if I remember right.

lucasb7

I would say to get the 460 if you need a larger trunk or need to feel the car shift gears otherwise 450h all the way!

The 450h has a continually variable transmission so it can just place the engine in the sweet spot for what ever it is doing and never actually change "gears" because it doesn't have any fixed gear ratios. That said that transmission design also provides better performance. The 450h has the most torque in the GS line-up and is just fun to drive. Passing power is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! The battery over the rear wheels does make the car a little heavier but it also changes the handling dynamics for the better. Making for close to 50:50 weight distribution. I am very happy with my decision. Any you're correct on the battery front. Warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles, more if your in California. Battery replacement cost has gotten significantly cheaper as well. Salvage batteries and installation can be as low as $1200 and a new battery and installation is around $3000.

Visit the hybrid subforum to see some other owners' opinions as well.

designo

iTrader: (6)

V8 4.6 just sounds too good! It's a no brainer

Bushwack

If you absolutely desire a V8, got with the GS460. But if you can find a comparable car in a GS350 for less money, that's more attractive. I doubt you'll notice any difference in performance.

*Batman*

Difficult choice. I think the points previous posters made on long-term expense certainly weigh against hybrid, but not an issue if it is under warranty period.

From a driving perspective the 450H has great torque and instant response that only an electric motor can provide. This can be fun. However if you are an exceptionally aggressive driver you can wear down the charge in certain circumstances and then be left with a heavy V6. So I think driving style is a key part of the decision too. You should drive both on an extended test drive (say an hour) and then decide.

As a V8 owner, I can say I love it. I genuinely believe that it is the best powertrain in the world for a car under $75,000.

LexFather

Maintenance is the exact same as non hybrid models. The only additional worry is the battery may get old over time and Lexus has been very good in helping consumers with battery replacement. Its more than just gas savings, the car is quieter, rarer, looks slightly different, less emissions with instant torque. You lose trunk room (which improved for 2009) and you might not like the CVT over the 8 speed.

You mean 450h 460 is torquey though

Bingo.

I've driven both the 450h and 460 at the track as well.

I still love V-8s and if you desire that sound and traditional V-8 feel with the 8 speed with more space, go for it.

If you want the future now in a V-6 hybrid that is faster and torquier than V-8s with the feel of a CVT and less trunk room the 450h is for you.

Rider

No the 460.. 450h does not have unlimited torque... it may have slightly more than the 460, but when it runs out.. ull end up with a GS300

LexFather

From C&D vs the V-8 E550, 550, M45

Do you know how hard you have to run the car to make the battery "run out"? You basically have to run it at the 1/4 mile dragstrip like I did over and over. When you are not at the dragstrip but on the street the battery will not just "run out" unless you race it over and over and over and no one here is going to do that.

Contrarily the 460 being a traditonal V-8 doesn't have that issue as it is a traditional car.

The other tidbit is the 450h is a CVT vs the 8 speed in the GS 460. You better hope the 460 is in the right gear as the 450h is technically always in the right gear being continuously variable.

If I had a 460, the first thing I would do is get an exhaust to hear that baby

Stormforge

and don't forget the GS450h has the V8 power but in a V6 engine/hybrid package instead, so fuel efficiency is better. if you believe that gas prices will not go up in the future, then buy the GS460.

and let's not forget that mercedes and ferrari are also jumping aboard the hybrid bandwagon as a way to promote fuel efficiency and performance. imho, hybrids is the wave of the future. by getting the GS450h, you are getting the future now.