Lexus GS 450h Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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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.
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.
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...
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
You can add one of those sport exhausts to make the car loud.
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
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
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...
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?
We were #3 on our dealer's waitlist for the GS450h. One came late April, 2nd came late May...and not a word since. Does anyone have any insight at all on the complete lack of supply? I thought we'd at least get it before the September 30th Tax Credit deadline, but not looking so good!
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
If you've kept track of the price of nickel, used in the batteries, this car is costly to produce.
I got the first one at my dealer and now have 2300 miles on it. There is a display which, if not reset, gives you the average fuel mileage since inception. Mine stands at 27.7 mpg. Given the performance, it's an excellent figure
Unfortunately, I am gone for the summer and won't see the car for a couple of weeks. Once I do get a chance to drive it I will post the experience in this discussion forum.
what do you guys think? I currently have a Infinti 2003m45 which the lease is up....p.s. I will lease and the money factor I'm getting is .00285 which seems a little high to me....55%residual...
thanks
sid
By the way, I'm getting a fantastic price on a demo vehicle with 500 miles on it. The MSRP is $60,200 and I'm getting it for below invoice: $53,000.
Lexus GS 450h: Lease Questions
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kyfdx
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Hybrid Tech A+++ - Works great - Seamless at any speed
Looks: A++++ -
Performance: A++ - Faaaaast is an understatment
Usablity of Glass Dash: D to C- : Useless Voice input, poor help (no list of what to say on screen, manual does not even list everything?? I have seen it displayed but not listed..beleive me I have looked, lock out of features on most items, song list of CD's (Only can play MP3 CD's (255 song limit) NO DVD MP3 even though it is a DVD changer.) Radio list remains at speed (why is this so different than a CD list I have no idea.
If there was a feature that is not worth the money it is glass dash with Nav. You can buy a NUVI for $400 that you can use when you need it. My Sister has a 2007 Acura MDX and they have it right when it comes to the Glass Dash. You can use the features as expected. Lexus (Toyota) has take conservative to a new level. I am VERY dissapointed with the usablity of the cabin features. I hope there is a software update coming soon or I will be an unhappy customer in the long run. I hope they take some lesson from Acura on this.
As long as you just want to drive the car and know where you are going and know what you want to listen to on the 300W $2000 sound system before you start driving then this car is perfect for you. Until that software update arrives. The cabin usablity now matches the trunk.. short changed...
LC - Boca Raton
Just hate the price negotiation game...
However, in my area (Washington DC area) dealerships do not discount 450h more than just a $1,000-$2,000 and have no more than one or two in stock.
LC Boca Raton
I want to report that I've come to live with these quite well. Here's my current opinion:
1. Voice recognition. Since the accuracy of the recognition software is so low that it's unusable, I now come to think of GS as not having ANY kind of voice recognition at all. This is disappointing given the state of voice recognition software used by Acura and Infiniti, but it's just as crappy as BMW, which was my second choice for a car.
2. Navigation system lockout while driving is still a nuisance, but I've simply learned to stop to program the destination, or do it before I drive off from home/office. The fact that the Navi offers several presets for commonly used destinations (home, office, etc.) that can be accessed with two button clicks while driving, is a mitigating factor.
3. Lockout of the dialing pad of the Bluetooth system while driving does not bother me at all anymore. The reason is that I can bring up the Speed dial screen with a touch of a single button on the steering wheel. I can have 18 speed dials programmed, which is more than enough for me. Another nice feature is that I can dial on my phone, or use its directory to bring up a name, and as soon as I hit the Send button on the phone, the call goes through the car's Bluetooth system automatically. In my previous car (Acura TL) I had to say "Transfer" several times to handle the call this way.
4. Since I pretend that there is no voice recognition, I am no longer bothered by the fact that Lexus failed to include a printed list of voice commands with the manuals.
5. I've eventually found all the features that I need in the Navigation system, including the ability to review the route directions before setting off or during the drive. I find the Navigation to be of very high quality and accuracy, and the maps seem quite good. The screen resolution is fantastic.
The above statements go to my previous complaints. As far as things that I love about the car: the power, the refinement, ergonomics, etc.; I'm falling more and more in love with this car. I feel I made a great choice and got a great value.
But this afternoon I was offered a new 2007 GS450h for $67,000 (OTD- Southern California)- Smokey Granite Mica w/ Black Interior.
2007 GS 450h
Exterior Color: Smokey Granite
Interior Color: Black
MSRP: $66,842.00
Chromes: $3,995.00
Black Kit: $695.00
XM Radio: $1,695.00
=========
$73,227.00 Plus Fees
What shall I do?
At least I know it is under invoice and into that coveted "2% Holdback".
Ken
San Pedro, CA
PS
What does the $1695 XM radio do that the $496 Lexus factory model does not do?
*Lexus Chrome Wheels
*Black Kit
*XM Radio
Base MSRP* $54,900.00
Available Package $11,227.00
Accessory Options $0.00
Lexus Link® Included
Rear spoiler Included
Trunk mat Included
Wheel locks Included
Cargo net Included
Delivery, Processing & Handling Fee † $715.00
Total MSRP** $66,842.00
APPLICABLE FEDERAL TAXES NOT INCLUDED.
Available Package
Active Stabilizer Suspension System (with summer run-flat tires) with Additional Options
- Active Stabilizer Suspension System (with summer run-flat tires)
- Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Mark Levinson® 14-speaker 330-watt @ 0.1% THD Premium Surround Sound Audio System
- Lexus Link®
- Rear spoiler
- Trunk mat
- Wheel locks
- Cargo net
When negotiating, try to get them to throw in the $1500 government rebate that is now (I believe) unavailable for this model. Go in with a copy of the article circulating in the news yesterday about slow hybrid sales. That oughta help.
As far as your point about the rebate, I have no idea what you're talking about. If they're selling the car for less than the dealer invoice, how do you figure they would want to discount by another $1,500??? By the way, the rebate is still available, but it's only half the original amount for 2007.
2007 GS450h
MSRP INVOICE
$66,842.00 $58,789.00
CHROMES
$3,995.00 $1,900.00
BLACK KIT
$695.00 $325.00
XM RADIO
$1,695.00 $760.00
TOTAL SELLING PRICE
$73,127.00 $61,784.00 Plus Fees
I just got off the phone with the Lexus Dealer and I told them I wasn't happy with $67K OTD. I preferred $66.8 OTD-
they countered back at $66.9 OTD- Said no- and they said
you are going to say no over $200- I told them yes- Like so many things granted it is only $200- but on the other hand it is a $66.8 OTD Deal. I was supposed to stay on the phone while they asked the GM again but I had to leave my cellular to take care of some business. I missed their call but I think they took my
$66.8 OTD. Now I have to figure should I grab it- or - wait for the 2008 GS.
They reminded me that it is under invoice and into the coveted "2% Holdback".
Any opinions would be appreciated.
For example, I have the Lexus XM radio and only paid $450 or $460 for it. Maybe they're putting different ones in now, but a satellite receiver is a satellite receiver, right? It's still playing through the MH amp system.
In any event, enjoy the car!
(PS: drive it at night before you commit --- the low beam headlights suck.)
My main question is how does it drive in the snow? The other question is whether the chrome accents are only available on the 450h? I do a lot of highway driving so the performance side will just be for the kid still left in me.
Thanks!
In fact the car did quite well (better than my old 5-series with less sporting tires). I credit it to weight distribution. The extra weight of the batteries combined with a full tank of gas, kept the back end of the car in good shape. The traction control worked well to minimize wheel spin and fishtailing.
Unless you live in a area with truly bad winter weather, I wouldn't be concerned about the RWD.
I don't know about the availability of the wheels and chrome. I suspect Lexus tried to keep a few styling touches unique to the 450h.
One comment about the wheels (which I also love the look of): because of the low side wall and lack of any lateral bulge of the run flat tires, the wheels are easy to scratch against curbs when parallel parking. Unfortunately I've done that a few times.
MSRP of $66,842.00 plus tax/license and fees.
Again I have not pulled the trigger yet but emails from both dealerships are for "$62,983.00 OTD". So if you pay no more than MSRP out the door- you have a good deal- this
comes out to basically once you include the 10K Mile Service
$4000+ Under MSRP- But OTD.
if the Xm is Factory Installed its a Good Deal. aftermarket put by a dealership is about close to $900.
You got your self a Deal.
Thanks and Good Luck.
Hope I am not too late; are you talking with South Bay Lexus in Torrance? I bought a LS460L from them in January and dealt with a very knowledgeable sales person; at the time he was Internet Sales Manager. Their service department is TERRIBLE!!
I am on the verge of dumping the 460 in favor of a 450h. Reliability of my 460 falls FAR short of the earlier 4XX series. It took 3 days for them to diagnose and replace a faulty trunk release switch. I have been promised by 3 different sources an opportunity to discuss my problems with the Service Manager, but to date NOTHING. The only call that has ever been returned was to tell me my car was ready.
I have experience with Cerritos and the Internet manager has been fair with me and I would not hesitate to go back if their price is competitive. Your price seems thousands higher than a price I got today for a ~$66.4K 450h.
Hope this helps
My price was $62,983.00 OTD; MSRP is $66,842.00 ++
I got this price which was matched by Lexus of Glendale and Cerritos Lexus. I did not ask South Bay since I wasn't sure I was going to get it- if I asked South Bay they would of beat it for sure- since I am a personal friend of the Owner of South Bay Lexus.
So did you get the MSRP car of $66,842.00?
If so, were you able to beat my $62,983.00 OTD?
If I am reading one of your replies I can't imagine
you are saying that Vista beat my deal by $2K.
Ken
I misread your earlier post; see my #48 in this series.
OTD was $66,527 inc'l XM radio; otherwise same equipment as you described (MSRP $66,842 not including XM.) Trade-in price was much more of concern to me, since I bought an LS 460L in January which proved unsatisfactory (electrical problems, dealer service difficulties, and seemingly disinterest on the part of the dealer to addressing these problems.) This flies in the face of your knowing the owner of this agency.
I am not wanting to start a Jihad against South Bay, but my experience is random electrical problems never go away until you dump the car. However, if one needs the back seat room and more trunk space offered by the 460L, it is probably the way to go...assuming you have not owned a recent LS430. I still argue there aren't that many differences between the two...except the 430 promised to be MUCH more reliable than the 460 based on my experience.
So far the 450h is a delightful machine; much more in keeping with my driving confidence. As you know, it has many of the same safety features included with the 460 and a couple that are not. The 460L seemed miles bigger than the LS430 I drove before; I was always very antsy driving it...not a good state of mind for a soon-to-be 80 year old geezer!
no problem I saw your misread comment previously- I was just
confused when you said you beat the price- since they were selling the car to me for over 2K Under Invoice.
even when I decided to pass on the GS450h (none of the three dealers that matched the deal and included the free
10,000 Mile Service were pissed I passed on the deal- since
they were going so low as it was- and now they can sell the
car for what you bought it for- roughly 4K more than I would
have paid OTD).
sorry that you had bad experience with South Bay Lexus.