Lore

Thanks for the reply Steven. The car in question has 80,000+ miles on the clock, but I somewhat lost trust to that dealership, claiming to have all their cars inspected and prepared to the highest standard and then suddenly an oil leak and problems with AC and seized calipers turn up...

I found another interesting one, this time from a private seller, and he's willing to take the car for a HHC before we strike the deal, it's a 2007 SE-L with 70,000+ miles and 11 Lexus stamps, a little overpriced for the age and being a private seller, but I will probably go see it.

3 hours ago, Herbie said:

They are correct with respect to the hybrid battery. Just a few days ago another member on here had the check done at Lexus and they told him the same thing.

I can't remember the exact reason for this, although I'm sure someone else will be along shortly who can explain it in more detail. I think it's to do with the logging systems that may have codes listed, not because something really is faulty but just because the system doesn't have enough recent data to work on, which is why they need you to drive it for a few hundred miles.

I'm really not sure about the other things though. Yes, they may only be small things that are easily dealt with - but they may turn into a nightmare.

I suppose it boils down to how urgently you need or want a car. It may take a bit of time and it may mean you have to travel a bit, but I'm sure that sooner or later a better car will turn up without the problems that this one seems to have.

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, I've been looking for a good one for months now, and slowly it becomes more and more urgent.

2 hours ago, johnatg said:

You don't say which model you're looking at, or how old. Some of the things you list may not be minor - you can't live with bit of dampness on an AC system - it has to be completely gas tight or it will empty quickly (unless you want to dispense with AC altogether - but hey - this is a Lexus GS). Oil leaks might not look much but can cost a fortune to fix. If you went to a Lexus dealer they would want to replace the seizing brakes lock stock and barrel.

The hybrid battery might recover or be recoverable - but it might not.

I would walk away - find a car with a full Lexus service history including a (passed) hybrid health check.

Silly me, I have no idea why I didn't mention what exactly I am looking for. It's GS 450h, preferably 2010-2011 (can't afford the next gen at this moment).

1 hour ago, Thackeray said:

If the independent dealership has taken the car to a Lexus dealer for a hybrid health check, they might expect to have been given a printed report. This is what private customers get. This has a number of different categories under which it can fail, including diagnostic codes. But it also includes internal resistance, internal voltage, and variation between the battery modules that make up the whole unit. To replace any of these could be expensive, particularly if you pay Lexus prices. I would ask to see this report.

...

But really you want to see the hybrid health check report to see what the problem actually is. Replacement of modules could be expensive if this is the problem.

Thank you, I will definitely ask for the report!

I hope this is the right subforum for this topic!

The car I wish to buy comes from an independent dealership and has been taken to Lexus for a hybrid health check yesterday. Unfortunately it failed the check, plus a several other issues were diagnosed (a minor oil leak at the rear of the engine, some issues (dampness and a possible leak) with the AC condenser, and some minor stuff like worn wipers and break pads, seizing rear calipers and missing wheel lock). The dealership told me that the HHC has been failed because the car sat unused for a few months during the COVID-19 pandemic peak and the car will pass the HHC without problems once the car is driven for a few hundred miles to recharge the Battery. They asked me whether I'd like to get my deposit back, or purchase at a lower price, or if they should sort out the issues found in their garage, I chose the last option for the time being. Seems honest and genuine approach to a customer, it is a reputable dealership. After consulting with my dad, who has decent level of mechanical expertise, I am not that concerned about the oil and AC problems if they want to fix them, but I am a little worried about the hybrid Battery, is it true what the trader claims? If they are happy to fix everything and re-do the hybrid health check, should I still be interested in purchasing the car? Thank you for any information provided!

4 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Welcome Anita.

Yes, it can be HHC`d again.The warranty is for 12 months and 10,000 miles which can be renewed annually until the vehicle is 15 years old.

Will cost about £60 at Lexus Dealer.

I thought so, just needed someone to confirm. I am relieved now, thank you so much for your answer, John! 

Hello, I am sorry for shoving into this topic, I am interested in buying a GS 450h as well, I found my ideal one, year 2010, but I also just found out that someone skipped the Hybrid Health Check last year. Does it mean that the extended 15 years warranty is gone now, or is it renewed if I do a HHC now?