I had made this decision 1 year ago. Test drove both extensively. Made offers on both. Went with a GS460 for the proven V8, extra trunk space.

1 year later, I am having some buyer remorse. I love my GS460, it's rare (moreso than the GS450h), and problem free for 10k miles. However, my commute is 10 miles of city driving and I'm getting 17-18mpg and fill up 3x/month--really wish it were better.

Since I don't have kids, I've realized I rarely need a large trunk. I also wish I had the instantaneous acceleration of the hybrid. Maybe the grass is greener...I read about battery failure, extra maintenance, etc. of the hybrid. But I bought the Platinum warranty anyway, and Lexus was more reliable than the others I looked at (E550, 550i).

So in the end, is 17-18 to 21-23mpg worth it? Plus the fun of the hybrid. Minus the V8 roar. Hard call. It's a daily debate. Maybe if I find a clean GS450h, I'll bite. Or just have 2 GS's.

 

I really HAD to have a V8, GS430 was daily & when I had my ISF it was weekend/nice weather car. Sold my ISF couple months ago(business reasons but I loved that car). The sound of the V8, feel/acceleration of the V8 was alot more 'fun' then a 300 or 350. I did drive all 3 but had my heart set on getting a 430 or 460(which are very tough to come across). I get 20mpg on the reg in mine & thats 50/50 city & highway.

 

If I were to get another 3GS, I would get the 460. Only because its close to the power I have with my 450h and less of the techno-mess that makes it run.

Nothing is better than wailing on a car stop light to stop light and then letting them know... They had their *** handed to them by a Hybrid.

 

I have both but in different generations, an 01 430 and an 08 350 awd. As far as the engines go the V8 feels much more refined. As far as power they both feel about the same, the 350 feels a bit more lively, and louder when you hop on it, probably because its working harder. As far as MPG do not believe the EPA ratings, the V8 for me is lower in actual MPG and the 350 is higher. But then we are talking about two different body styles.

 

I love my 350 it very smooth. ^_^

 

So you're saying that if we use the gearing of a GS350, into a GS430, we can expect more aggressive acceleration? Hmm... Thinking about looking for a used 350 tranny now.

 

sooooooooooooSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHAT HAPPEN TO THE MATCH? Who won? what's the result?