New to Lexus - looking for many types of advice

[Stewart W]

[Reposted in main GS forum - miss-understood the sub-topics]

 

Hi All, just joined this forum as I think I'm about to buy a 2009 GS300 as my post-pandemic toy. 

Background - I'm more-or-less retired after running a fleet consultancy for 40 years, so know quite a bit about the overall motor trade, have enjoyed many a launch event and had good access to manufacturer demos etc. Unfortunately, almost all of my pre-covid contacts are no longer in post (retired/ changed jobs/ reorganisations etc) so I'm just about on my own for this.

Most of my company cars were of the A6/ 5-series/ E-Class level, many diesel (and latterly hybrids/ BEVs). So my wishlist was for a bit of a barge with lots of toys, a fair bit of poke and comfortable. Now has to be petrol/ possible hybrid (I'm done with diesel and well aware of the ULEZ issues). Options for a car purchase included all these makes plus Lexus (GS over IS) and Volvo (S60 or S80). Running costs for a 4k - 6k annual mileage are not a major priority. My wife runs a 1.2, 66-plate Polo auto, which as served us well during lockdowns etc but I now want a car of my own!

I've seen and test-driven a 2009/ 09 GS with 78k miles. Drives well, everything seems to work. (Android) phone connected quickly and my wife reported a clear conversation on test. Car seems clean with a 2-owner history and decent MOT record - but servicing mostly done at non-Lexus sites (last owner was for about 6 years). I have to decide whether to buy this or keep looking. Because it's a bit of an indulgence, I've retricted my budget and searches to a max of £8k.That budget allows a fair selection within a 100-mile radius (SE Hampshire),  

 I'd really appreciate any contributions or advice from forum members with relevant experience/ expertise. I have driven only a few Lexus models before, but have always had a bit of a soft spot for their brand qualities. However, the budget (for a Lexus) and the couple of examples I've tested, indicates that some of the toys I'm "demanding" are quite old-school. I would be keen to change the SatNav & radio etc kit for something more modern (and without the H&S notice to agree to use SatNav carefully every time!); and with DAB radio, and probably Android Auto. I'd want to retain all the steering-wheel controls, reversing camera function etc.

I also want the "3-flash" lane-change function which I use extensively (even on the Polo) and which I understand is a feature on later-model GS. Is there a way to achieve this either via ECU tweeking or a ready-made aftermarket do-hicky?

I'm very keen on good headlights. I think this era of GS usually has HID headlights - is this correct? Has anyone fitted LED daylight running lights?

Is there anything I should be looking for apart from a dealer warranty and a clean MOT?

Any help/ guidance/ advice/ tips gratefully received.

 

Stewart

  

[Mike Hartland]

If you are looking for a "fair bit of poke" then you may wish to take a look at the GS450h as well, as they have enormous poke and there is probably more of those to choose from, and its a hybrid (I don't think the GS 300's became hybrid until 2012)

If you are looking for DAB radio then these became standard on the 2010 facelift for the GS450h. I don't know about the GS300.

Hopefully someone else can help with your other queries.

Mike

[serbarry]

I also suggest to look at the GS450H as being hybrid it has a better fuel consumption than the GS300 and even more powerful. There should be a good variety to choose from on AT. 

[johnatg]

GS300h from 2014.

£20 road tax from 2014-2017.

Might be hard to find with your budget.

[Initial P]

Just remember "Joe's motors" can't fix your hybrid 😉

Still I would love to know the full tank hybrid range on both the 450H & 300H.

[johnatg]

I think my full tank range is about 500 miles. I rarely run it down to close to empty - I usually fill up when it gets to half way - get a full tank before the next price rise! Maybe I should run it lower, now that prices are falling (for now).

Actually, there's not much that Joe's Motors (or diy) can't fix. Maybe not the Hybrid drive bit (inverter and traction battery) but they don't need finger-poking anyway. The rest of the car is conventional - you just need to be aware of a few things (eg don't open the driver's door with a brake bleed nipple open). I look after my own GS300h - no-one else gets to touch it! (except for specialised things like tyre changing and wheel alignment)

I highly recommend watching the youtube videos by 'Car Care Nut' - he's a Toyota/Lexus Master Technician but he tells you the truth - when to use Lexus stuff, when to use aftermarket, when you can ignore Lexus service schedules (eg only even think about changing spark plugs after 120K miles) and things you must do religously - (eg change the oil every 5K miles)

[Initial P]

Thanks for your excellent reply I've asked about the range thing on here before but only had daft responses or inflated MPG figures.

My GS250 range is about 320 or but you can get about 400 if driving mostly on the motorway despite the MPG barely changing hence why I never go by that only the range, F Sport has 19" rims.

The tank on the GS4 is about 5 litres smaller than the GS3 which caught me off guard when I got the 250 over my previous GS300 as the fill up range was less.

I don't use main dealer servicing only indie & usually pay in cash so only I know what's been done but keep on top of it all.

I had a new set of tyres in the summer & black circles were even cheaper than my cash guy.

I think GS450H (GS4) is about 430 full tank range, I guess the hybrids are better for town driving stop/start.

[Stewart W]

Thanks to all who have responded to my intro request. Withn these, plus other research, I've now committed to buy the Lexus GS300. Not rushing to get it before New Year, so still plenty of time to absorb informantion.

Ref the suggestions to upgrade to the 450h - I may have used " - want a fair bit of poke - " unwisely. I really meant "as opposed to MrsW's 1.2 Polo"!  I had looked at this model but decided it was probably too pokey - plus I saw few nice ones in my budget/ at a reasonable distance from home.

Johnatg/ Initial P - I appreciate the fuel consumption data, but I think these posts might have been meant for another thread. No problem anyway - I'm anxious to learn as much about Lexus as possible. I suspect I might become a regular poster here come mid-January -- --

I'll assume it's within forum rules (and spirit thereof) to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Stewart