waynedog

Am looking at a 2009 with 45k miles for $36k. Don't know much about these cars - always owned LS models. What are the downsides to this model? What issues/maintenance should be planned for? Is this a good price?

Boron

Serious lack of boot space due to batteries positioning.
Set aside at least $3K for a new set of batteries - if you never need to use it, then it's a nice little nest egg for a treat.
If you do, then you've accounted for it, so no nasty surprises.
Other than that, a bit less legroom in the rear, and that's about it really.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

There are no major issues, the price is a little high though as we are in 2012 and there is a new model GS Hybrid so I think that price should be a little lower. The 2009 has a little more trunk space than the '07, you should be good.

Krstobond

So the batteries are 3k?

Boron

Around that figure, plus installation - but you should be able to get some goodwill from Lexus, if you service at a main dealer.
Bit of quid pro quo or play the you scratch our back, we'll scratch yours game.

neurocity

iTrader: (17)

Please show me where you are getting the 450h traction battery for $3k.
Cause that cheaper than the price I got quoted.

Boron

I said at least $3K, based on expected price equivalency to the UK typical price of £2.5K, which includes 20% sales tax.
As I also said, because of brand reputation, and Lexus nailing their corporate image to the hybrid mast, there's an expectation they'd assist in the cost to replace, especially if the owner has used the dealership for servicing and/or has previously owned a Lexus or Toyota.
They can't very well be encouraging secondhand owners to buy into something that has a highly expensive consumable element attached to it - if they did, the used market for their hybrids would dry up overnight.
So it's in Lexus best interest to maintain an air of belief that the hybrid batteries are good for the life of the vehicle, rather than something that needs routinely replaced every 5-7 years.
That's how I see it, and how I'd approach it if I had the 450h instead of the 300.

neurocity

iTrader: (17)

The battery isn't the only thing you need to worry about.

Straight up prices. $4800.00 with a $1300.00 core credit. For the battery.
$4500.00 for the inverter assembly. (But the internals can be repaired by a company like ATS for far less)

http://www.ats4solutions.com/

These guys are not just electronics. They are also the SLP installer for Chicago land.

Boron

At those prices, all the more reason to kick up a fuss in Lexus' largest market!
Why there's such a difference compared to the second largest market's prices, I don't know - you'd think it would be the other way round, given up to 10x as many Lexus are sold than in the UK, per annum.

Krstobond

Have anyone had to replace there hybrid batteries yet?

hdlex

iTrader: (1)

no , I heard battery problems were very rare and most have extended warrantues check with your local lexus dealer.

EDIT: Check out this thread, shed some light about battery failure warranty: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...id-system.html

hdlex

iTrader: (1)

other than bootspace there isn't any major issues