New Owner Battery Queries

[Mike112]

Hi.

I'm in the market for a GS 450h in the sub 10k area. Whilst I'm familiar with all the standard checks one should carry out when buying a used car, this is definitely not the case with the hybrid system.

I have noted two 450's currently for sale that have had hybrid system issues, which is more than a little concerning, but I have my heart set on one of these cars now :)

Does anyone have any pointers/ tips/ advice?

I'm also interested in knowing what the options (and their cost) are if a Battery unit should fail.

Thanks in advance.

[steve2006]

There have been reported cases of inverter failure on hybrids apparently due to poor soldering within the unit which have been replaced under warranty but at that time no reports of a Battery pack failure,in fact Lexus Derby told me one had never had to be replaced.

I think the hybrid system is warranted for 6 years but it may be worth confirming this.

[wendle]

I think there has been one Battery failure reported in the
US and this was quickly rectified by Lexus
free of charge, with Lexus bringing out so many new hybrid models I don’t think
they would want any hybrid or Battery issues, nothing lasts for ever, but the
general Lexus opinion is that the batteries and hybrid system will last the
life of the car. Someone on this site has one with 170k miles with no problems.

[tonyricha]

That's me, now on 191,000 with no issues, still charges and holds charge as well as ever, interestingly (well to me anyway,yes I know I am a saddo!) Lexus M.Keynes are offering a free 12 month traction Battery warranty if your car passes the hybrid health check, normally £59 but free with a service at the moment, thats a really cute deal and probably will cost them nothing. Got mine booked in but then they have serviced mine 20 times.

I see one 450h on Autotrader states it had new hybrid batteries, not sure.

[Mike112]

Thanks for the replies.

That seems like a really good deal Tony. Unfortunately I live a long, long way from that dealership. In fact my nearest Lexus dealer is 45 mins away!

[steve2006]

Thanks for the replies.

That seems like a really good deal Tony. Unfortunately I live a long, long way from that dealership. In fact my nearest Lexus dealer is 45 mins away!

45 minutes from your nearest Lexus dealer, that's a total of 90 minutes pure driving pleasure getting there and back :)

[Mike112]

[Mike112]

Thanks for the replies.

That seems like a really good deal Tony. Unfortunately I live a long, long way from that dealership. In fact my nearest Lexus dealer is 45 mins away!

45 minutes from your nearest Lexus dealer, that's a total of 90 minutes pure driving pleasure getting there and back :)

Ah, but I'm self-employed and would likely palm that job off to my mother. Her interest in cars amounts to what volume of shopping she can fit into the thing, and the more the better!

[InIgo Lexus]

I bought one with a replacement hybrid pack . Still loving it and I am not so worried as the Battery is under 8 years warranty from Lexus. I should upgrade way before then.

[Mike112]

I bought one with a replacement hybrid pack . Still loving it and I am not so worried as the battery is under 8 years warranty from Lexus. I should upgrade way before then.

Was it a high miler?

Did the prev owner say what exactly went wrong?

Do you know the cost of replacement?

Thanks.

[Mike112]

I bought one with a replacement hybrid pack . Still loving it and I am not so worried as the battery is under 8 years warranty from Lexus. I should upgrade way before then.

Was that the black 06 plate in Swansea?

[InIgo Lexus]

Yes it is somewhat mature in mileage. Loss of economy in fuel. Batteries were about two k all in.

No it wasn't from Swansea.

[Mike112]

Yes it is somewhat mature in mileage. Loss of economy in fuel. Batteries were about two k all in.

No it wasn't from Swansea.

Thanks Inglo.

The replacement cost much less than I expected. Good luck with her!

[InIgo Lexus]

Thanks Mike

[ChumpusRex]

Don't forget that there are a few independent hybrid Battery specialists around now. I was planning on buying a GS450h, so rang a inquired for estimates for Battery replacement. Estimates were in the region of about £800 + VAT for rebuilding a GS450h Battery.

[Mike112]

Don't forget that there are a few independent hybrid battery specialists around now. I was planning on buying a GS450h, so rang a inquired for estimates for battery replacement. Estimates were in the region of about £800 + VAT for rebuilding a GS450h battery.

For £1300 more you can have the peace of mind of a brand new Lexus Battery with 5 year warranty on it + higher resale value.