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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Lexus GS 450h Prices Paid and Buying Experience
67 messages, Last post on Mar 29, 2009 at 2:13 PM
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Replying to: msobus (Jul 10, 2006 1:14 pm) The more I researched this vehicle the more convinced I became that I had to have it... good to hear satisfied feedback from the real world experience of owning and driving it. |
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Replying to: flid (Jul 11, 2006 1:00 pm) I received my car at beginning of May, the 1st one out of the dealer. Silver/Black, the only colors that initially came in I believe. Paid same price everyone else has been noting. Drive it mostly 25-50mph range while commuting. My frequent average is 23.8mpg. Best I've done on a 200 mile round trip to upstate NY (up and down a lot of big hills) was 27.1mpg. That was about 26mpg going up and 28mpg coming back -- makes sense heading up to the mountains, and coming back down. I drive around 70-75mph, but I was still surprised I didn't do better with the highway mileage. You can't beat the car's top end accereration though. My latest thinking about the GSh is this: it's a technologically spectacular and has a stellar performance/economy balance, but the car lacks soul. I often think of a comment in one of the auto magazine reviews of the Camry Hybrid: "...under acceleration, the car sounds like a Cuisinart on high speed..." or something to that effect. The CVT is cool, efficient and gets the optimal performance, but it doesn't make you feel as good as a good automatic revving through the gears (or of course a manual, but that's not what we're driving in these cars). Yes, you can use the simulated gears, but it's not the same. From the interior lighting style (looks like a 1980's era Ian Schrager hotel) to the rev tones to the muted dashboard lines, the car is somewhat cold and lifeless. It's just a feel thing. Maybe this goes a bit beyond comments specific to the hybrid as well. The feeling of (most) german luxury cars is unmistakable: rich, solid, sporting, ready to attack the road, etc. The feeling of the Lexus to me is more dressed up Toyota -- not a criticism since these are the best cars built in the world, but just a different feel. It's as tight and well put together as any BMW I've owned (actually more so), but it just lacks the X-factor you feel when you get behind the wheel. Don't take my comments wrong -- I do in fact love the car and am constantly recommending it. It's just been an adjustment coming from the BMW's (2 previous gen 5 series and 2 3 series prior to that). I bought the GS for the hybrid technology/economy, performance and exterior styling. It has delivered on all of my key requirements. Now if only Lexus can figure out how to add some life to these cars... |
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Replying to: flid (Jul 11, 2006 1:00 pm) Color: I got silver with black interior. Dealer told me that all they have seen is silver, black and white, and they have only had 1 silver (I bought it) and when I went back to get my tags they had a new black with black interior. (Lexus Houston North) Mileage: Most of my miles are short trips in communities. I get no better than 22-23 in this environment which is a bit funny since you would think that the stop and go would be where the hybrid would really provide a mileage benefit. On the highway the mileage quickly goes up to 25-28. I have yet to have a tank average better than 23. As you know, however, as a ulta low emissions vehichle you get this mileage in a very clean way. Driving experience: I really love this car. From the incredibly high quality back up cameral to the stealth speed, I am really impressed with lexus. The ride really is incredible. Is it worth 60K? I think so. I am really glad Lexus hasn't gone toward gimmicks like I-Drive and keeps the basics simple while providing all the other luxury one would expect. Hope this helps
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Replying to: msobus (Jul 15, 2006 3:25 pm) |
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Replying to: bmwconvert (Jul 13, 2006 4:24 am) You can add one of those sport exhausts to make the car loud. 
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Replying to: 2001gs430 (Jul 19, 2006 1:12 pm) I bought my car in June and are returning to let you know I love it, especially the performance, it is fast and like you have read so many times before the acceleration when your going 60 is QUICK. Only negative is it makes a noise when you put it reverse, which always makes me look at the back-up camera  to make sure im not backing over a curb!! They could also make the interior a little nicer since it is a 60k car, maybe add some real wood rather then the shinny plastic that scratches easily.... Anyone notice the plastic like film on the bottom rim of the arm rest when you have it open peeling, it looks like contact paper. (driving me crazy CHEAP!) In Florida if you have a Hybrid you get a pass to use HOV durning rush hour with only one person. Again this thing is so nice to drive, I can definitely see this as the future of cars. AS Ferris Said,"If you have the means I definitely recommend picking one up" Cant Wait for my LS600h Eccentric
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Replying to: 2001gs430 (Jul 19, 2006 1:12 pm) |
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Replying to: eccentric2 (Aug 07, 2006 10:21 pm) I agree with your comments on the interior. Readers of these boards have probably seen my complaints about the thing I dislike most -- the interior lighting. I have complained to Lexus and given the most negative scores on the various surveys I've received about this. I've never had air conditioned seats before. Is it normal to be barely able to feel it? It is better than nothing though. I can tell the back rest doesn't have it, because that part of the seat (and my back) are noticably hotter. Another small criticism is that you can't open the trunk without the key fob, even if the car is unlocked. Lexus says this is by design. I find it inconvenient. Otherwise, love the car... |
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Replying to: eccentric2 (Aug 07, 2006 10:21 pm) Regarding the HOV lane use in Florida (which is where I will be driving this vehicle)... do you have to do anything to get the "pass" or just do it in good faith that the polic will know it is a hybrid? |
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I've read the complaints about the interior lighting and I totally disagree. I love the fact that the interior lights are not overwhelming. I rarely read in the car, the reading of maps no longer being a necessity given the Navigation system. The lighting is sufficient for anyone to see anything they might sit on, and where to place or pickup any drinks or objects they might need. I equate the lighting option to that of restaurants. Bright lights are what I expect in family style or inexpensive resturants. Lower, but adequate lighting indicates a more refined, comforting atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Its also very cool at night when you walk up to the car and it just subtly glows, as opposed to becoming a beacon. All in all, after 3K miles I love the car. Ed in ATL |
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