Hybrid battery level indicator
07-29-14, 08:50 AM
#1
Hybrid battery level indicator
I am considering a higher mileage (118K) 2007 450h and I am hoping to get some advice/info from others.
I noticed while test driving, that the battery level would charge up the battery to within one or maybe two bars of full however it never got to totally full. I also noticed that as the battery got closer to full charge the level indicator bars turned from blue to light green in color. Is this normal? What does it mean when it changes color. Finally even when the battery got close to full level it seems that the car would hardly run on electric only for more than a few seconds. It almost always ran with a combination of gas and electric. Is this normal?
What is your opinion on the value for GS4h with this mileage. The rest of the car is in very very good condition. Clean and looks to be all original paint. The car seems to pull strong. There is a very slight vibration at speed which I would attribute balancing or the fact that it has different branded tires front vs. back.
Thanks for your comments
I noticed while test driving, that the battery level would charge up the battery to within one or maybe two bars of full however it never got to totally full. I also noticed that as the battery got closer to full charge the level indicator bars turned from blue to light green in color. Is this normal? What does it mean when it changes color. Finally even when the battery got close to full level it seems that the car would hardly run on electric only for more than a few seconds. It almost always ran with a combination of gas and electric. Is this normal?
What is your opinion on the value for GS4h with this mileage. The rest of the car is in very very good condition. Clean and looks to be all original paint. The car seems to pull strong. There is a very slight vibration at speed which I would attribute balancing or the fact that it has different branded tires front vs. back.
Thanks for your comments
07-29-14, 09:47 AM
#3
not much to pay for $150 insurance for them to do the check. they look at it as an inspection like they were going to buy the car and find all the problems it may or is going to have...
07-29-14, 05:19 PM
#4
Not so sure about the lexus certifed car check. I saw an 09 450h which was supposed to be Lexus certified and quite frankly it was in worse shape than my '98 GS400. It had numerous poorly done body repairs, with paint over spray and loose fitting clips. It just looked like a well worn used car. When I questioned the state of the car I was told basically that all is just fine. I chose not to pursue that car. In fact it has been sitting on the lot for six months even though it is priced close to market value.
07-30-14, 09:35 AM
#6
Driver
Yep, sounds normal to me as well. However - before you buy, make sure you have the traction battery tested and/or get an extended warranty that covers that. Other than that, you should be good to go.
I LOVE my hybrid. Has 124,000 miles on it and going strong.
I LOVE my hybrid. Has 124,000 miles on it and going strong.
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08-18-14, 08:41 PM
#8
You will absolutely love the 450h, but do look into the traction battery. It can be pretty pricey at the dealer to have replaced.
Wouldn't be a bad idea to call around to some shops in your area to see what it would cost to replace the bad cells when it does go bad. At lest you will know what your getting into.
Mine went at 94K and was replaced for free under the 100K mile warranty but there are threads all over here saying theirs went right around the 120k mileage mark
Any questions, ask away.
Good Luck
Wouldn't be a bad idea to call around to some shops in your area to see what it would cost to replace the bad cells when it does go bad. At lest you will know what your getting into.
Mine went at 94K and was replaced for free under the 100K mile warranty but there are threads all over here saying theirs went right around the 120k mileage mark
Any questions, ask away.
Good Luck
08-20-14, 06:54 AM
#9
I don't think I would buy a hybrid with a battery that has been that well used unless the price is so low it basically has a replacement battery cost built into the asking price.
11-09-14, 09:04 AM
#12
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traction battery insurance?
Hi, where should I look for traction battery insurance. No problems at all with my, new to me, GS450H 110k, but don't want to worry about that battery. From what I read if one goes, that would be the one...am I correct?
Love this forum!
Love this forum!
12-20-14, 07:13 AM
#13
i find the car always runs on gas if the heater is on.
I use the heather in winter only, other wise the AC is on cool most days, and it turns off as soon as i get to the lights.
Maybe you had the heater on while driving?
I use the heather in winter only, other wise the AC is on cool most days, and it turns off as soon as i get to the lights.
Maybe you had the heater on while driving?
02-09-15, 05:11 PM
#14
great story, i want to get some seafoam myself.
I just got over 200,000kms which is 124274 miles.
I had plugs and fluids changed. I really want to do that seafoam for upper engine, but i cant find where to buy it here.
I think im going to have to import a couple of boxes and sell them here myself.
Anywhere you can suggest at a good price?
I just got over 200,000kms which is 124274 miles.
I had plugs and fluids changed. I really want to do that seafoam for upper engine, but i cant find where to buy it here.
I think im going to have to import a couple of boxes and sell them here myself.
Anywhere you can suggest at a good price?
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