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Lexus GS 450h: Prices Paid & Buying Experience

69 messages,  Last post on Dec 16, 2009 at 4:25 PM

You are in the Lexus GS 450h Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 450h, Hybrid Cars, Car Leasing, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 8

#7 of 69 GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus by msobus

Jul 10, 2006 (2:14 pm)

I have been driving the car for 3 weeks. I paid 60K flat but in the form of a 3 year lease. I was a bit worried about resale and how the value would hold so I figured I would remove that risk from the equation. The 60K covered the premium stuff plus tinting, mats, and pin striping. I bought the dealers only car (it was also their tester but I bought it about 5 days after it arrived so it only had 200 miles on it). My experience was that with the exception of little stuff like mats and tinting, there was no dealing whatsoever, and I tried. I was also seriously considering the Mercedes CLS 500, but I just couldn't pass up this new Lexus/Toyota technology. I find the drive to be amazing and the power is endless. It is fast off the line, but even better, it is fast when you are already going fast. I have been impressed that Lexus can get great sports car performance/handling, but the car is still really quiet inside, cruises great and keeps the road noise out.
 
Was it expensive for a Lexus? Sure, but I love the "G-Whiz" factor of the hybrid and I have been getting about 22-24 mpg which is somewhat better than the Infiniti I had. I find the hybrid to be totally seamless. Unless you are sitting still you cannot tell when the combustion motor kicks on.
 
Some complain that the trunk is small, but I knew that going in. The only real negative I see so far is that at 6' 2" I frequently have to stoop my head to see the stop light when I am sitting up close the light. The back seat is also a little short for taller folks, but only my kids ever sit back there.

#8 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [msobus] by flid

Jul 11, 2006 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: msobus (Jul 10, 2006 2:14 pm)
Just out of curiosity... what color did you get? I am waiting for black and wonder if any color other than white, silver and black are available. Thanks for your report. I have been surprised by the lack of postings on this discussion board. Regarding gas mileage, could the epa estimates be that far off? What kind of driving do your do and what is the terrain. Although I am not getting this vehicle for gas mileage (per my earlier posting I am drawn to the emission quality), I hoped for something within the 28/25 range published. During my test drive I fooled with the seat adjustments quite a bit. I too am 6'2" and was trying to get real comfortable...other than the stop light issue, are you finding the seat/cockpit area as comfortable as a 60k car should be?
 
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.

#9 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [flid] by bmwconvert

Jul 13, 2006 (5:24 am)

Replying to: flid (Jul 11, 2006 2:00 pm)
Been a while since I've posted (my earlier comments about the car can be seen under the "2007 Lexus GS450h" discussion title).
 
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...

#10 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [flid] by msobus

Jul 15, 2006 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: flid (Jul 11, 2006 2:00 pm)
Seat Comfort: Good not great. I would love to have an extension for underneath my legs or if the seat front would tilt up a little more; however, I have never been uncomfortable. I also love the vented seats. My infinti did not have this and in Houston I am starting to think it is a must in a high-end car. As for view out the front window, it definitely is a bit more restricted b/c of slope of window plust the mirror is right in your sight line being tall. My wife did not have a problem with it. Do note that I have yet to take a long trip in the car so to some extent the jury is still out.
 
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

#11 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [msobus] by flid

Jul 16, 2006 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: msobus (Jul 15, 2006 4:25 pm)
Thanks, this is very helpful and I am glad that your "bottom line" experience is postive. I am eagerly awaiting delivery of the car and hope to post my own driving experience in the fall.

#12 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [bmwconvert] by 2001gs430

Jul 19, 2006 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: bmwconvert (Jul 13, 2006 5:24 am)
Now if only Lexus can figure out how to add some life to these cars...
 
You can add one of those sport exhausts to make the car loud.
 

#13 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [2001gs430] by eccentric2

Aug 07, 2006 (11:21 pm)

Replying to: 2001gs430 (Jul 19, 2006 2:12 pm)
Hi All,
 
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

#14 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [2001gs430] by bmwconvert

Aug 08, 2006 (11:53 am)

Replying to: 2001gs430 (Jul 19, 2006 2:12 pm)
There's a marginally amusing Nissan commercial out for one of their cars that will have a CVT. The guy driving makes the shifting noises to get his girlfriend's attention. Maybe I'll have to resort to that!

#15 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [eccentric2] by bmwconvert

Aug 08, 2006 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: eccentric2 (Aug 07, 2006 11:21 pm)
I would have your dealer check out that noise going into reverse. Mine doesn't do anything like that.
 
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...

#16 of 69 Re: GS 450h buying experience: New to Lexus [eccentric2] by flid

Aug 08, 2006 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: eccentric2 (Aug 07, 2006 11:21 pm)
Are you serious about the plastic? I thought this car had real wood interior trim.
 
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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