Zotto

I did the opposite choice just 2 months ago, from powerful GS450h to a MY 2014 GS300h: if you seek wonderful acceleration ad high speed the 450H is astounding, for "normal" driving and more fuel economy the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine of 300h works well. So, if you have tested the IS300h and it's good for you about engine performance, you will have same performance with a GS 300h, if you want more, MUCH more, go for 450h. Sometimes, not so often indeed, I miss it, except when fuelling. About this last topic, if you like to have sporty driving, may be the difference between 450h and 300h in just about 20%, while if you go for economy run you may have much more difference.

The difference between 300 and 450 Fsport is in rear wheels steering ( besides engines of course) and variable steer ratio, but in 300 the adaptive suspensions are the same. I tried IS but still I find GS more comfortable and with wonderful handling.

Do not worry... It is not so small .

I traded my GS 450h plus my 2008 for last version GS 300h with all optionals, and even if I miss the 3.5 v6 power I find the new GS wonderful and better; you will not miss handling of IS and appreciate all the rest.

My solution for BT audio was to connect a BT receiver with output to AUX in ; simple, easy , even if of course you can't read titles on car monitor...

It was also the main reason of my doubts, 120 HP less than former 450h , but after some time of driving , 300h power appears sufficient to usual needs.

:driving:So, it happened My GS450h MY2008 was in perfect shape, but I made the mistake to go and see the new GS MY2014, and I traded my 450 for it. The GS300h is the top version, full loaded of all bell & whistles and with only 10000 miles, it was a official Lexus Italy car made for press presentation, and wonderful. I was worried about less engine power, but actually in usual traffic it's not really a problem to have 220 hp instead of 345, and taxes are far lighter. The new GS300h have many improvements on my previous 450, and this is really surprising as it was already excellent! For the little time I drive it, I Noticed a better Handling, better brakes, less noise, a better steer, a complete inputs Mark Levinson... Just to list some features: Total LED headlamps automatic Seats with 18 regulations Night vision HUD Anti collision radar and safety pack. Very happy, discovering my new toy

In my opinion Q50 is comparable, but loser, with a GS450h, but still if I had to choose, i would like to buy a GS300h. And it was my decision, as I am trading off my 2008 GS450h for a less thirsty GS300h MY 2015 with all optionals and the engine of IS 300h.

GS 450h is far faster than any RX, and both RX have (more or less), same performance, but RX450h is a younger project. That' s a reason why you can find RX400h at lower prices, and here in Italy SUVs keep better value in time, so a used GS has usually a better price compared to RX .

Quite different vehicles: performance vs space; may be the real comparison is between GS450h and RX450h...

I understand your opinion, as at the moment I am considering to buy a GS300h in change of my GS450h; less power but more than sudficient for daily use and same relax. I was considering also a electric car too, but I think that at the moment there is too few autonomy for long trips, letìs hope in better batteries :)

About question #3, it's normal.

About oil smoke, I would chack if the oil is the right one, for 2007 GS is recommended 5W-20 or if not available 5W-30.

Beeps can also occur if you are too near an obstacle , and get faster till to be constant at less than a fixed distance...

Does the TC lamp blink? May be you are driving too fast for the road conditions...

The main mistake about driving a Hybrid car to achieve the best fuel spare is to try to keep the EV mode; best mileage is achieved with with pulse & glide technique, and trying to keep the charge of electric battery at about 6 bars. Anyway, if you use electric power too much you will need to charge it later with Thermal engine, and this means more fuel wasting.

Opss sorry, I made a mistake, only GS FSport has VGRS, it is a feature that I like so much in my MY 2008 GS and I thought Lexus have put on IS earlier models.

I forgot... my GS has Mark Levinson, dunno if it works with standard audio.

Never tried to burn a DVD data disk with mp3 files and listen to my GS, but I did it with CD and it works...

The engine is started by HV battery, always. You need 12 V to switch on all ECUs, and no need great currents. If you leave your car unused for long time you can keep the 12 V battery charged with a simple charger with maintaining feature.

Not so sure the right place is glovebox, behind it there is the air cond filter and it could make difficult to change it .

Compliments for the car, I own a GS450h too and still love it after almost 4 years I drive it. About your questions, the main limitation for audio/tel on screen is in video cd/dvd, you can watch a video only in P and with stationary brake inserted; in telephone mode you can search in memory only at still car, but it's possible to make a call to fast call numbers at any speed. Distance to go is very prudential: the reserve light is on with 50 km. left indicated, but actually you have at least 10 liters again in tank, nonetheless my suggestion is to make fuel when in reserve because it's not safe to go out of fuel as fuel pump is expensive ;-)

The steering system of IS is the same of GS, and it's quite sophisticate because it has a variable gear accordingly if working in SPORT or NORMAL mode; in sport mode you need less movement to have same steering, and in both modes of course the sensivity varies with speed. Personally I prefer in my GS the sport mode for steering, it's just a pity that setting it I have also a stiffer car for shock absorbers regulated to sporty ride. My suggestion is to try sport mode and see if it's better for driver's preferences.

IMHO if you like performance you have to get the RX, if you don't care about 0-60 the GS 300h is great also for mpg. Again, if you like speed, the answer is GS 450h (and probably it has better mpg than RX 450h).