CT200h Test Drive
03-18-11, 09:18 PM
#1
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CT200h Test Drive
So I was down in OC today and decided to see if Newport Lexus had any CT200h in stock. I've been toying with the idea of getting one, but still can't make up my mind. The one I test drove had every option including the PCS, leather package and LED headlights. The sticker on the car was 47K, but thats b/c the dealer added some aftermarket rims that were $6.995. I was pretty impressed with everything on the car. It drove solid, and once switched into sport mode was pretty peppy for a hybrid. The only con I could find was how loud the car was. I took it onto the 73 and damn was it loud. Also every road imperfection came thorough, but im guessing that was the wheels they added. The interior felt very spacious and everything was high quality or at least felt that way. Navigation with real time traffic was a nice feature. The 10 speaker sound system was also pretty impressive. Newport Lexus is getting a Starfire Pearl With Black Nuluxe sometime this coming week, so im going to consider making the switch from my IS350 to the CT200h. Heres a pic of the one I drove.
03-19-11, 08:04 AM
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Those wheels look really good on the CT, but yeah $7k is fricken NUTS. ;-(
I am glad you pointed out the noise factor with the aftermarket wheels. This is the very reason I will not be changing to 18's. (although I would love the look) IMO, the CT is VERY smooth and quiet with the stock wheels. In fact, the CT's quietness becomes more & more apparent everytime I compare it to our Gen 3 Prius . ;-)
I am glad you pointed out the noise factor with the aftermarket wheels. This is the very reason I will not be changing to 18's. (although I would love the look) IMO, the CT is VERY smooth and quiet with the stock wheels. In fact, the CT's quietness becomes more & more apparent everytime I compare it to our Gen 3 Prius . ;-)
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03-19-11, 10:49 AM
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^ it's technically not so much the aftermarket rims/wheels, but moreso the tire that you will need to run when using the 18's. lower profile are necessitated to fit/look proper and thus will transmit more road noise and vibration/feedback to you as a result. i do agree that the stock tires are very quiet and smooth--it's very nice.
03-19-11, 11:14 AM
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Their dealership looks like a resort. We sat by the fireplace near the waterfall while the sales guy went to get the keys for our test drive. They are used to rich old guys coming in and writing checks for the full price of the car without so much as blinking. To negotiate would be considered gauche and 7 grand for rims is pocket change to most of their customers.
You should have seen their expression when I suggested they knock a little off the MSRP of the CT. It was as if I was the first person to ever suggest paying less than sticker (and maybe I was).
03-19-11, 11:50 AM
#10
You gotta understand Newport Lexus: They're in Newport Beach and have a totally elitist attitude. I doubt they have any interest in selling a low-priced model like the CT (unless they can make a killing on dealer-added accessories).
Their dealership looks like a resort. We sat by the fireplace near the waterfall while the sales guy went to get the keys for our test drive. They are used to rich old guys coming in and writing checks for the full price of the car without so much as blinking. To negotiate would be considered gauche and 7 grand for rims is pocket change to most of their customers.
You should have seen their expression when I suggested they knock a little off the MSRP of the CT. It was as if I was the first person to ever suggest paying less than sticker (and maybe I was).
Their dealership looks like a resort. We sat by the fireplace near the waterfall while the sales guy went to get the keys for our test drive. They are used to rich old guys coming in and writing checks for the full price of the car without so much as blinking. To negotiate would be considered gauche and 7 grand for rims is pocket change to most of their customers.
You should have seen their expression when I suggested they knock a little off the MSRP of the CT. It was as if I was the first person to ever suggest paying less than sticker (and maybe I was).
03-19-11, 06:42 PM
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Wow, $47k, that seems to be pretty steep, even with 7k for rims.
Here in Canada, a fully optioned car would sell for $40k plus PDI, taxes, etc. i always thought we always get screwed on price
Here in Canada, a fully optioned car would sell for $40k plus PDI, taxes, etc. i always thought we always get screwed on price
03-21-11, 01:45 PM
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, it's a used car... not new. They better knock somethign off or else I'd walk.
03-21-11, 02:32 PM
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Anyone paying $47k for a CT200h shouldn't be concerned about hybrid fuel economy.
My concern would be lack of performance when spending that kind of money.
Our choice of CT was made on fuel economy without spending an arm and a leg. My wife's only must haves was heated seats.
Hence premium model without any options.
My concern would be lack of performance when spending that kind of money.
Our choice of CT was made on fuel economy without spending an arm and a leg. My wife's only must haves was heated seats.
Hence premium model without any options.
03-21-11, 03:10 PM
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Finally got to sit in a CT. At 6' 4" I had a fair amount of room but that was with the seat ALL the way back. That leaves about 3"'s of room between the front & rear seat.
Other then that seems to have enough room to haul some smaller stuff in it. Just don't think it will be for us though. Looks like another RX or looking at the Infinite also.
Other then that seems to have enough room to haul some smaller stuff in it. Just don't think it will be for us though. Looks like another RX or looking at the Infinite also.