Champstar

I need help deciding which GS450h to purchase.
1. 2007 Gs450h - 85k miles - $18k - including 4yr/100,000 mile extended warranty
2. 2007 Gs450h - 137k miles - $13,500 total - No warranty

I drove both, and they both drive very well. I am a bit afraid of the high mileage, but know that Lexus reliability is second to none. The one with 85k miles has the "Check Hybrid System" light, but I was told it was something minor, and will be taken car of if I bought it. The 137k mile Gs has had all recommended maintenance done (Carfax), but also has"Check System" light on, I was told it could should be something minor also.

All insight will be greatly appreciated. I would like to buy one of the two in the next few days.

jbuffett

If I'm reading your post right, it looks like the first car (85K) only has 15K left on the warranty?

Considering both of them have indicator lights on, without a specific answer on what the problems are (is it a one-time thing, chronic?) then I'd avoid them.

Are you sure you want the hybrid? It's not that much more efficient than the gas cars (GS460's have been known to get 29+ on the highway) and there's a lot more stuff to break. Why not just get a regular 300/350?

Champstar

I love the quickness of the gs450h. If I can get an extended warranty I would much prefer the hybrid system to the conventional system. I'm not interested in the g300, but the 350/430/460 would be my last resort.

Gotcha350

Question....sound like you are about to get played. Who sells a car with a warranty with a "check systems" light on. I wouldn't have driven either if when I cranked them a warning light was on.

They need to fix the problem...period. They can tell you it's minor but if it is then why didn't they have it fixed? Nothing on the hybrid system is minor or inexpensive. No way in hell im dropping that kind of money on a car that's about to be 10 yrs old with warning lights on unless I know the complete history and exactly what needs to be fixed. You are better off getting a 350/460 at this point. The better deal is the one with the warranty and lower miles but this looks shady.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

+1 with the above comment.

Champstar

I spoke with the dealer today, the car was looked at and has a bad solenoid. He will have it replaced, and assured me the system was working fine. He did mentioned the 12V battery did die at some point from the lack of driving. fyi
Also warranty is from 3rd party not from dealer (ASC)
I will test drive it again Monday and see if the chs light is still on.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

none. keep searching.

why dont u try to get 2008+ instead ? better front bumper look imho.

keep saving..

Gotcha350

I'd keep looking...don't settle..if you can hold out you will find the one you are looking for. You will start to see more and more show up.

Also, be careful of that 3rd party warranty....do you homework...cause you might get burned.

NickTee

1. I'd never buy a Hybrid without a warranty, I do not care how reliable the brand is supposed to be.
2. I wouldn't buy a car where it has a problem that will "supposedly" be fixed, especially if it isn't a Lexus dealership.
3. I wouldn't buy it unless it has a Lexus platinum extended warranty.

Keep looking, there's a reason the hybrid vehicles rapidly depreciate once the drivetrain warranty expires: the components are ridiculously expensive to replace. I've seen 2007 GS350s with around 100,000 miles for around $14,000.

Jaygs350

Agreed with gotcha350.

Champstar

Thanks for all of your replies. After a bit more searching I came across a 2008 GS350 AWD 86k miles $18k and a 2009 GS350 AWD 81k $18k. I will test drive these Tuesday (Labor day Monday) as they are both possible options at the moment.
I am still very interested in the GS450h 85k miles, and I have a hypothetical situation I want to run by.
If the dealer is telling the truth and I purchase the GS450h with the extended warranty, say 4yrs/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery craps out 2 years from now, will Lexus replace it under warranty? Also 90k maintenance is coming up, is this covered under the extended warranty? I know it may depend upon the type of warranty, but assume I purchase the top of the line 3rd party package.

LexusLive

Forget the hybrid. No trunk space. Rode like an oxcart, due to the run flats and possibly the heavier curb weight.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I doubt the 90k service is covered by any warranty. It would be better to ask them to do it as a condition of purchase.

Gotcha350

Service is not covered by any warranty. As far as that 3rd party warranty you need to read the coverage and make sure that they will pay for any future problems and cover the full price. Sometimes if they can determine that you had a previous issue they might try to deny any claim that is presented to them.

Be careful....but I'd walk away from both...thats my .02 cents

gr8fulRed

Are you saying the warranty being offered is "ASC" or Auto Services Co.? I'm familiar with there contract and here are a few things to consider...

they don't offer "exclusionary" (factory type coverage) on vehicles older than 08" and/or if odo is over 85k miles. They do not have a 4/100k mile term. They surcharge Hybrids an additional $650. Not sure if they cover "hybrid components" on any of their coverages...but they do cover the normal battery. They definitely don't coverage "maintenance" items..as no service contracts do.

As for the check engine lights....I agree with Gotcha. If it truly is a "minor issue"...then any smart/ethical dealer would have or will fix it BEFORE completing the sale. Smart dealers know that CEL's will scare off customers. Some will simply "clear the codes" with a reset process, etc and then try to sell the vehicle before it shows back up (usually within a 100 miles or so).

I'm not saying don't buy one of those cars...rather....have the issues fixed BEFORE you buy.