Lexus GS (2005 - 2011) 450h 3.5 SE-L 4d CVT Auto (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Says that I know a really good car when I see one. And for really sensible money if you buy used.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone loves it. Such a well equipped and quiet car. Many friends have already started making enquiries about them.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, for sure. It's faster than you realise and the power is continuous, no let up for gear changing as there isn't a gear change.... but press that power button, slide the gear lever to the right, select sport suspension and expect to see almost anything behind you as you challenge someone to a 0-155mph run. Even the BMW M5 struggles to achieve this. There is a video on Youtube showing this. Just search for Lexus GS450H 0 - 260. Look for the one showing just the dials and time it (251kmh is our 155mph) and takes roughly 25 seconds. Not everyone who buys this car wants to outrun M5's and Mercedes AMG's. MOst will want it for what I want it for. Quiet, serene driving with the ability to pull your face off if you feel you need to.

What are you likely to buy next?

Really don't know. I've had so many cars but the two most luxurious ones, a VW Phaeton and a Range Rover Vogus just don't even come close to this. So, what's better for affordable money? Looks like another Lexus then.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,300

When did you buy the car?

March 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Excellent deal. Not only were we able to put an online offer on the car, but we also managed to get 12 months RFL in the price. I just can't see why Lexus cars lose so much money. It makes them fantastic value.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Purchased a Lexus IS 250 SE-L and loved it so much that we sold our other car to buy this one. Loved the idea of low emissions and lower road fund licence cost. Plus legendary Lexus refinement and reliability,.

What was the dealer like?

Couldn't do enough for us. Brought the car to us to view and test drive (They did that with the IS too). Also gave us a full tank of fuel and sone other lexus goodies. The whole dealer experience was as evryone else seems to say, First class in every way.

What's it like to drive?

In standard driving mode, i.e NOT in 'PWR ECT' node and in D not S mode, it's VERY quiet, economical when driven sensibly but still very very fast.

What's it like to park?

Piece of cake. Visual assistanc all round on the screen with an outstanding reversing camera which even superimposes a grid showing you where the car will go as you turn the wheel.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not a thing. I haven't owned it for long, but in all honesty, I really doubt that I will have trouble. The build quality is phenomenal. Vastly over-engineered.

What's most practical about your car?

Astounding comfort. I had a VW phaeton a while ago and this is easily as queit and just as comfortable. The hybrid system is for performance on this car, not economy. It has low emissions and that is a bonus, but this car is all about beinga ble to get from 0 - 155 mph in less than 30 seconds is supreme comfort.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Mark Levinson sound system. It's astounding. Or maybe the electric sun blind on the rear window.... or... the Bluetooth connectivity... the radar cruise control.... er.... the steering headlights.....or.... the heated and ventilated seats.....the fast opening and closing sunroof.....the keyless entry.... the lovely start button..... or perhaps the rear camera.... desicions, desicions..... Did I mention the three seat memories for driver AND passenger? Or the Sat nav system.... or the DVD player......the system voice control.....the visual parking assistance.... the rather nifty energy monitor..... should I go on?