GS450h

Skilid · 24 Oct 2018 at 16:08

Hello!

I’m after a new car. I’ve been eyeing up the 2008 Lexus GS450h.

I want something comfy, quiet, reasonably economical, high quality. However I also don’t have the budget for anything over £8k. I also don’t want a diesel (not because of the recent stuff with VW, I’ve never liked diesels).

Do any of you have any experience with these? Any thoughts? Any alternative suggestions?

Thanks.

rodenal · 24 Oct 2018 at 17:28

I see a few problems with it unfortunately.

In isolation they're good cars and I really like them. However you'd be buying something pretty old for your £8k and need to be prepared to spend money to run it. It will also feel like a very well made, but really old car inside even compared to some other mid 2000 examples from other "premium" manufacturers. The infotainment for example is quite laughable and you have things like pop out controls for the mirrors etc that seem very....90's.

I'd be really really sure I wanted one, keep the cash for potential battery work aside and expect to spend relatively large sums of money on it now and then..for example £1-1.5k for battery issues outside of the Dealer network. On the flip side of this they go really well, are screwed together well inside and wear big miles (from an interior point of view) flawlessly.

Oh and the boot is hilariously small.

I still like them though, would probably have one despite it not being a very logical choice

Skilid · 24 Oct 2018 at 17:57

I tend to like cars that are a little ‘different’. I enjoy having a car that not many others have.

I agree the infotainment will be shocking, but I’m coming from an R26 Megane that doesn’t even have infotainment. I also think the pop out controls are kinda cool lol.

The boot is an issue, although saying that it’s no different to the Megane and I’ve been fine with that.

I realise it will probably end up being a bit of a money pit, but if I really like it then I don’t think I’d mind.

Are there any alternatives that you’d suggest?

Pyscho_Si · 24 Oct 2018 at 18:04

As a owner of a 2014 GS450h, I really wouldn’t buy a 2008 model as you will be just over the age limits for warranties. They are complex machines and the previous generation have documented issues. Take a look at the Lexus Owners Club.