XT5

I think I saw them for sale in Aldi today? Not certain, but I think so.

Just how much time has that car spent standing unused to end up with a mileage as low as that? That would put me right off TBH. Especially with a hybrid battery, surely it's better for these things to be used? And these cars take miles very well indeed. I think a well serviced and cared for GS450H with six times that mileage would be just as good as that one in everyday use, and would be half the price. And that would leave enough money in the bank to (only if he's really unlucky!!) replace the exhaust, and the shock absorbers, and have the battery reconditioned, and you'd still have a significant amount of money left from your Dad's budget. Just my opinion, I'm sure others will have other thoughts.

Just one thing, if you are keen on getting the Lexus warranty, that one would be too old.

You need to try one. I've had all sorts of fancy cars and bikes over the years, and a nice GS450h is one on it's own in my opinion. If you were a little closer to where I live, you'd be welcome to try mine; and if you happen to be in this part of the world anyway, you most certainly can. I've never been in a GS300, but surely a GS450h is the same but with effortless performance? Lower emissions therefore lower tax? I do mixed motoring and get mid-30s + mpg on a regular real world basis without having to drive like a granny to do it. Try one before you give up!

I would just like to clarify something here (before Richard or anyone else does) that Hybrid Battery Solutions recondition the whole battery unit for that price, whereas I merely replaced a single cell and cleaned up all the copper busbar connections. Brian.

Well, that is one way of looking at it. It can surely be looked from another angle? The whole hybrid battery cell replacement issue is covered by this excellent pictorial guide right here on this forum:- https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/104412-2007-gs450h-hybrid-battery-cell-replacement-for-50/ As per the subsequent comments, this guide really does demystify the whole thing. It does not take special tools, in fact it does not take many tools at all. It does take a strong friend to help you lift it out though!! Follow the guide, it shows every stage. It does work. If you are a reasonable DIYer, it can easily be done in a day. Cells are readily available for £30. If you want to look at it in purely financial terms, a GS300 costs more per year to tax (£250 more?) and more per year on fuel (£250? Based on Parker's guide for GS450h & GS300 for just 8000 miles p/a). That's £500 more per year, every year, regardless. If you do not want to replace a battery cell yourself, Richard (Hybrid Battery Solutions) on here does it for £800. On the fuel & tax savings alone, you could almost have it done every 18 months by him - and no matter how much you trawl back through the search facility I don't think there is anyone who claims the hybrid system fails every 18 months. There are definite upsides of the GS450h that cannot be matched by the GS300, in terms of the real world running costs (£500 p/a on just 8000 miles a year); it is cleaner in environmental terms, and the performance is as effortless as it is amazing. Now, the shock absorber replacement cost..... that's something to consider but the hybrid battery cell replacement is not the big scary horrendous thing some people make it out to be. Just my personal opinion & my personal experience, I hope this helps!! Brian.

I've used Pagid discs on Volvo V70s and had perfectly satisfactory service, but don't give up on getting genuine Lexus parts at a reasonable price. Lexus Birmingham were selling front discs and pads on Ebay for £175 delivered, and my local Lexus dealer effectively matched the deal by doing them for £170 collected. Just ask, you've nothing to lose.

Correct.

According to this https://usedcars.lexus.co.uk/en/service-your-lexus the Hybrid Health Check warranty is only for the first 10 years of the car's life, so unfortunately wouldn't apply to the 2006 car that Mike 67890 is considering. Brian

I thought there were two, the one above the number plate and the one by the high level brake light.

For the reversing camera?

I've no idea where you live, but my brother in law had his GS450h centre section fixed here for less than half of what you've been quoted :- http://xtremestainless.co.uk/ They also sorted the equivalent section on my wife's Volvo S40 2.4 a few years ago, and it's still going strong. Hope this helps! Brian.

FWIW, I don't think they are just online, I saw them in our local Aldi branch yesterday.

I found it difficult to do this job properly, because I couldn't reach it all! These are on sale in Aldi at the moment:- https://www.aldi.co.uk/autoxs-car-windscreen-cleaning-set/p/095578196588500 They are £2.99, I bought one last year and they make the job a doddle in my opinion. Hope that this helps somebody! Regards, Brian.

That may be so, but one day Gus might decide to "identify" as a she.... ☺

Plus one for hybrid, agree with all that's been said. Get a tidy one with Lexus history, you'll never look back. But do consider the small boot for the size of the car, other than that it's all positive IMO. Brian.

FWIW, although I didn't buy my GS450h from them, Lexus Stoke have looked after it for the last 2+ years. This is for servicing through their service plan scheme including MOTs; Lexus warranty work; non warranty work such as the dreaded rear exhaust section; buying parts such as brake discs and pads etc, and I have to say I cannot fault them. Not even once, not in any respect about anything whatsoever. And believe me, I am as fussy as it gets, I'm a lifelong petrolhead and I've had many car brands of all types in my lifetime; and I am happy to confirm to you that in my total experience with them that Lexus Stoke customer service, care and attitude beats every other brand I've had by a very long mile. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your new car, and I'm certain that you will. As I say, FWIW! Best wishes, Brian.

When I bought my GS450h front discs & pads, Lexus Birmingham were selling them from their Ebay shop for £175 delivered. I told my local Lexus main dealer parts manager the Birmingham price but said I'd rather buy from him so he did them for £170, collected from from the local dealer. This was earlier this year I think, maybe the end of last year. Just my opinion, but I'd much rather have the real thing rather than aftermarket stuff. Always worth asking, you've everything to gain and nothing to lose!

The intelligent way to stop the seatbelt gong chiming is to fasten the bloody seatbelt.

That's because they are all here. I have one, my nephew has one, and my brother-in-law has one too! Brian.