2005 Lexus GS300 (3rd gen)
Discussion
Struggled to choose between a GS450h and an Audi A6 3.0T. They seem like really good cars and very refined, but I have read drivetrain issues with hybrid batteries etc, having to change them out and send them off to people on eBay to repair. They definitely have a better spec than their German equivalents, thats for sure, and the power of the Hybrid is really attractive. The petrol is certainly a better option than the hybrid, but just doesn't have that much power we wanted.
Nonetheless, you seemed to have found one in really great condition for its age, very nice indeed!
Nonetheless, you seemed to have found one in really great condition for its age, very nice indeed!
Cambs_Stuart said:
I've been looking at these recently as it looks like my commute will be via the A14 roadworks for quite a while so I'm after something very comfortable, well equipped and reliable. These models appear to be fantastic value for money. How is yours going?
4 months in and the GS is still going strong. However, I've just been forced into taking a base-spec diesel Mondeo as a company car in my new job, so the Lexus won't be getting much use now. The Mondeo is actually a pretty good drive but severely lacking in gadgets compared to the GS - no auto lights/wipers, no keyless entry, no heated/ventilated leather, no auto-dimming mirrors etc, but it is very refined, does 60mpg on a run and rides very softly on its 16" rims and huge sidewalls!
I don't actually need 2 cars at the moment so I'm trying to decide whether to keep the Lexus or not. On one hand it's a lovely, reliable car and would be perfect for family duties in a couple of years - very little depreciation to worry about if I store it for a year or 2. On the other hand though it's worth close to £4k which I could put towards a fun weekend toy like a Z4 or Boxster. Decisions decisions...
rayyan171 said:
Struggled to choose between a GS450h and an Audi A6 3.0T. They seem like really good cars and very refined, but I have read drivetrain issues with hybrid batteries etc, having to change them out and send them off to people on eBay to repair. They definitely have a better spec than their German equivalents, thats for sure, and the power of the Hybrid is really attractive. The petrol is certainly a better option than the hybrid, but just doesn't have that much power we wanted.
Nonetheless, you seemed to have found one in really great condition for its age, very nice indeed!
I really liked the idea of the hybrid, but the smaller boot and added complexity tipped the scales in the GS300's favour. It's certainly been fast enough for me so far. I didn't really consider the A6 to be honest - with complex gadget-laden executive cars >12years old I really wanted something with a top notch reputation for reliability and the A6 didn't seem as good as the Lexus in that regard. Nonetheless, you seemed to have found one in really great condition for its age, very nice indeed!
Edited by Jimi.K. on Sunday 27th May 16:10
FlatToTheMat said:
OP im curious to know how the Mondeo compares to the Lexus, especially interested to hear in outright refinement and comfort?
To be honest there wasn't a lot in it. The Lexus was obviously a lot faster and smoother thanks to its auto gearbox and V6 petrol engine compared to the 1.5 diesel and manual gearbox in the mondeo. The ride quality on the mondeo was softer and more comfortable thanks to its fresher suspension and smaller wheels, but it did wallow around corners and made the lexus feel like a sports-saloon in comparison. The Lexus was marginally more refined on the motorway but not by much. The cloth seats on the mondeo were surprisingly comfortable and had lumbar support as standard which I'd say put them on par with the Lexus (ignoring the lack of leather, electronic adjustment and memory presets).In the end I sold the Lexus to a chap who saw it on the Smoker Barges thread. Ironically, 4 months later I was offered a new job with the option to drive my own car again, so in some ways wish I'd held on to the Lexus! I considered getting another GS, but I got used to the practicality of the huge hatchback boot on the Mondeo (the lexus is only available as a saloon and doesn't even have folding rear seats) and my new job is considerably more miles than I'd like to do in a 3.0 petrol, so I went with an A5 Sportback 3.0tdi Quattro and I'm very happy so far. I'll try and get round to doing a Reader's Cars thread on it at some point.
I think these are definitely a try before you buy car. I always thought they looked smart and liked the idea of reliability mixed with refinement. From that I've owned both a gs450h and gs300 (both 2006 and both specced up) and ultimately both left me cold compared to the similar era 3.0 e60, s-type, A8 and w211 that I owned either side of them.
There were lots of positives but the quality of materials seemed below par, they were expensive when the broke and the driving experience was clinical. If you're looking for a bargain refined reliable motorway mile muncher and these things don't bother you, I think its hard to beat though.
There were lots of positives but the quality of materials seemed below par, they were expensive when the broke and the driving experience was clinical. If you're looking for a bargain refined reliable motorway mile muncher and these things don't bother you, I think its hard to beat though.
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