TexGS450

So I've been on the forum heavy since i got my 07 GS450h a couple a weeks ago. I'm just curious if any of you that own a GS450h wish you had chosen another car in the Lexus line-up particularly the 430 or 460. I have never driven a 430 or 460 and maybe its on my mind alot because I kinda ended up purchasing the car in a rush. Most of my car research had been focused on gas powered engines and not hybrid systems. The night before I went back to the dealership, I read several post stating the hybrid systems in the GS were reliable and some that said its $6K or more to replace the battery. The fact that my car has 62k miles on it and there is a 8yr warranty on the battery does give some level of comfort. Also, the prior owner seems to have taken the car in for scheduled maintenace every 5k or so miles. My self and probably most members in this section have never owned a hybrid, so maybe its the hybrid technology that is making me nervous this time because I plan to keep the car for 5-7 years. And I'm not sure if the repairs will be come more expensive because the hybrid system requires extra work.

LovezLexus

When I bought my 450h I was kind of in shock too. I thought I just bought a space ship and that I wasn't capable of managing it. I had alot of second thoughts and regrets too. It was like nothing I had ever bought. I always expected buying a 350 or a 460, but after driving the 450h my mind changed completely. The others pale in comparison to the 450h. Don't quote me, but last time I checked the 450h's 0-60 was faster than the macho V8 460. After a few weeks I got use to it, it was like second nature driving a hybrid. The technology scared me at first, but as I read about it I learned that it isn't much different than the 350. All the maintenance is the same, the only difference is that the battery MIGHT have to be changed. Then again the battery is backed by a 8yr/100k warranty. Also I have read that Lexus will replace the battery as goodwill after warranty because they want to keep you as a customer and to reverse engineer the battery to find out what went bad. Worst case scenario, you have to DIY replace the battery for a couple hundred bucks(search on the pruis forum) or fork over a portion of the $5k (Lexus usually takes some of the cost). PM me with any questions/concerns and I will try my best to help out.

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

The only thing I'd rather have is the 2010+ LS600H. As far as I'm concerned, I have the next best car.

sonnyhood

i wish i got a RX450h because i like the space of the boot, but i didnt like the console and the cluster.
I still love my GS450h but the RX would be more practical for the hunting trips and such.
My next car would be a LX570 or a LS600h for sure, if only LX had a hybrid system it would be ideal

LexFather

The only other Lexus I think I should have gotten is the IS F. I really have enjoyed this car!

Coolpop

ZERO regrets - I LOVE this car. Powerful, very fast and fun to drive. I'm the type that gets bored with vehicles every two years and I have a bad habit of trading them in every 2-3 years. Not this one. Mine's a 2007 with 115,000 miles and I will be keeping it for at least another year, now that I just put new Continental DWS's on it. If I do end up getting another at the end of the year, it will be a pearl white 450h.

The only minor issue I've had is that the hybrid battery failed at 110,000 miles. After initially being told I'd have to pay $7,000 to replace the battery, I haggled with Lexus for a few days and they ended up covering the cost (minus $400+ for them to replace my spark plugs).

SO - one piece of advice to you Tex - look into getting an extended warranty, just for the peace of mind regarding the hybrid battery.

CP

LexFather

Awesome!! I remember your posts

TexGS450

I've looked into getting an extended warranty, but I haven't found any that will cover the traction battery. Any suggestions!!

Stormforge

no regrets, still driving my 450h

Coolpop

Hmmmm...have you done a Google search? I'd start there. I can't say for sure, but I'm betting that there has to be an extended warranty that would cover the hybrid battery.

On a side note - it is now pollen season in FL and my black beauty is covered 24/7 in the stuff. I am not happy lol.

TexGS450

I'm a traitor. I traded the 450h for a 08 Gs350!!

projectsle

I totally agree! I love my GS hybrid

L8Apex

No regrets here.
I test drove the 300,350 430 and the Hybrid. The Hybrid wasn't even on my radar but i was at carmax and the rep offered. One test drive and I was sold. When you do your research, on paper it is the superior GS in every way. 0-60, MPG, they come fully loaded, the profile is nice and flat with exclusive rims. When you drive one like mine (optioned with ****) The acceleration in sport is VERY Satisfying. I also own a Porsche which I've thrown into 45MPH corners at 80. I've done the same corners in this heavy GS above 70. It doesn't handle like it looks!


PS- I like the LS's but it doesn't suite me. The GS is a sport sedan and that's what i was looking for. I also looked at the Infinity M45, used BMW 550 and 650's. The GS had them all beat IMO with the exception of the 650. But I just got out of a BMW maintenance nightmare and the interior layout and navigation was clearly in the GSs favor. The ride and sound of that V8 was superb.

BTW I raced a 2007 BMW 550 and won. The hybrid torque gave me an entire car length at the start that I was able to hold up to about 90 MPH before he started gaining.