My wife and I are thinking of upgrading to a 450h from an 03 LS430. It would be her primary commuting car in heavy traffic, about 50 miles each day. We are looking to go used and have found a 2013 with 77k miles on it and an unlimited mile transferable warranty. The seller is asking $22k for it.

Just want to know if there are any nagging issues with these cars I need to know about, including any regular GS stuff that may also be a problem with the Hybrid. I have been reading old magazine/website reviews and no one really has anything bad to say about them.

Also would like to know if the gas engine uses a timing belt, and what if any other major maintenance needs to be done on them.

Also opinions on the car in general would be great.

 

Only thing I can think of are the common 4GS things like the moonroof making noise.

The gas engine uses a timing chain so until you're at like 300k miles it's not a concern.

 

Is there a fix for the moonroof issue?

 

Spend $50 and replace the gasket yourself. Fixed.

 

Good deal.

Doesn't seem like a very popular car, I wonder why. A nationwide search on autotrader only pulls up 19 total.

Might have to look into the 300h as well. much more of those it seems.

 

Hi,

2013 GS hybrid owner here with zero problems to report thus far (besides small things like a little window noise because of the moonroof seal - mine was fixed under warranty by my dealership). I would have never had that moonroof seal replaced if it wasn't for how quiet these vehicles are. I haven't had to pay to get anything fixed on this vehicle.

I would suggest that you read through posts in the hybrid subsection: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hybrid-technology-242/

That subforum is dedicated to the 4GS hybrid and there is a wealth of information there specific to the hybrid. The 4GS hyrid is a rare vehicle, hence why you won't find very many used ones and definitely not any new ones at dealership, since it's a custom order car now. You mentioned the 300h, which is on the ES platform and has totally different characteristics (and is on a very different price point) than the GS. It seems like you're just starting to do your homework, so I would first make a choice on which type of hybrid vehicle will suit your family best.

The 4GS (hybrid or not) is generally a bulletproof car - it's requires very little upkeep/maintenance and I haven't read anything too common that was of concern. Of course, you can do your own research on here and other places online.

Additionally, you can have the vehicle that you're interested in inspected by a dealer/independent (trusted) mechanic if you have any doubts about what you're purchasing. Check out the link in my signature to check out and read about my vehicle [shameful plug for myself]

All the best,

~ Im2bz2p345