ix3ph09

Hello CL,

Long time lurker and first time posting here. I was wondering how much better the Lexus GS 450H is over a base Lexus GS 350. I currently own a 2014 Lexus GS 350 with the premium package. There's a 2015 Lexus GS 450h at a dealer near me. I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade for the extra features and for the gas efficiency.

https://www.downtowntoyota.com/used/...m#&gid=1&pid=2

A few things to note:

1) I still owe about $19k left on my current Lexus, which I've had for 3 years now. I was thinking of trading in my current Lexus if I were to go this route.

2) I use my car as my daily commuter, which is usually about 60 city/40 highway. I also take it on a few trips 2-3 times a month when I go hiking or go out of town on weekends. I currently telework and will most likely do this for the foreseeable future (until probably end of the year at least).

3) I did the 60k tune-up on my car last year in June. It currently has 66k miles on it since I have not been driving it much the last few months.

4) I bought my car used with 36k miles May 2017, but it still looks/feels brand new. Has not given me any issues at all. I have not seen the 450h at all.

Had anyone done a trade in like this? Is it worth it?

MBradshaw

I thnk this will come down to a 'how bad do you want it' question....

From my quick research, in your area you could expect to get between $15-17K in trade for your 2014 GS. Let's split it and assume you get $16k, which *almost* gets you out of your current loan (but you'd need to put in at least $3k here just to make that happen).

The new car is $28,485, which is right in the 'Fair Market Range' for your area on KBB. Thus, the price seems at least in the ballpark (not factoring in any options or anything) of what you would expect to pay.

But you need to add the $3k that gets you out of your current loan, which boosts you to roughly $31,500 on a car that is now 5 years old. Do you value the hybrid factor *that* much? If you do, you could go for it - not the best deal under the circumstances, but you could do a lot worse. If you waited another year, you might be able to get out of the loan without any out-of-pocket cash - but do you want to wait that long? Would you just rather have a newer model GS (non-hybrid)? What do you value the most? Would this car make you so much happier that the expense is worth it?

songoku

I personally would go with 2016+ model if you're thinking of "upgrade" (I had 14 GS Fsport and went with 16 GS F-Sport).

For 16+, you'll get full display Navigation, Free "HD Radio" navi traffic, power trunk, etc.

The vehicle you're looking at doesn't even have Luxury package (rare for 450H I think).

azipod

I have a GS450h.... Whether this is an upgrade from a GS350 will depend on who you ask. Either way, I don't think it's worthwhile to spend so much money to move from one GS model to another. All of the GS trim levels are good cars. You're not going to get your money's worth by moving from one trim model to another (GS-F may be an exception).

AJLex19

There isn't enough of a difference between a '14 and '15 in general. I think the main question for you will be if the cost is going to be worth it - you'll get better gas mileage for sure but a smaller trunk. The CVT will change the driving feel compared to your current transmission.

I personally wouldn't pay the premium in your case considering everything you mentioned (additional debt, no issues with current car, recent tune up, etc.). If you found a 2016+ GS450h F-Sport, that might be more of an interesting question...

baconRx

im in the no boat, unless its a 16 or 17 lux hybrid i wouldn't change

CottageChz

IMO all the GS trims/models are nice. So, not worth the cost in my book.

Now, if you were talking about moving to a 2016+ post-facelift model, maybe that’d be worth considering, assuming you like the new look. I’d want the safety suite for sure if I were going 2016+. You’d still be forking over a lot of cash for what is almost the same car.

My 2013 was totaled, but if it wasn’t, I was gonna drive it til the wheels fell off. I really like the 2016+ facelift, but if my 2013 was running well, not worth the cash outlay to me.

Just my 2c.

Knucklebus

Unless a Hybrid is really going to float your boat, moving one year for that kind of minor difference seems like a hard sell to my spouse, especially if it looks almost identical to the untrained eye.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Will this significantly enhance my life and driving enjoyment?
2. Will I save enough in fuel costs and maintenance over the next 3 years to offset the difference?
3. Does it have a feature/color/trim item that I have so wanted and missed out on in my car?
4. Will my additional debt not impact my life in any way?

If you answer "Yes/True" to only 1, I'd say definitely not. If you have 3 yeses, I'd guess you've got it figured out. If only 2 it would be coin-tossing time.

703

Just buy it. Life is short.

Hues10

I have the 2013 GS 450 for a year now. Fun car. I enjoy living in Florida sitting at stop lights with AC on and using no gas. Not that I really enjoy it, but that is what the hybrid will do for you. You have a car that works. Is basically the same thing. You are underwater in it as well. Don’t go further under water. Have to agree with Knucklebus. Remember, a car will not improve your life. It will not get you the chicks. It only gets you from here to there.

Cwang

Well I must disagree, those are the words of a man who drives a Toyota!

Do excuse my dazzling ignorance but what is the 'premium' package you mention your current car has?
A nice car by and standard but the 450H linked in your post doesn't seem like much of an upgrade from any GS, it has fairly unconfigurable basic seats and doesn't even have the radar cruise button on the steering wheel. The seats are a nice colour though. I haven't driven a Lexus CVT but the fuel efficiency would be a nice bonus!

If you don't need to purchase right now, perhaps wait for a better offer to come around, try to take advantage of an original owner that wasn't such a tightass when placing their order at the dealer

jonathancl

What if it's not, and I end up needing that money I could have invested later?

703

you shouldn’t be short on money if you’re in the market for a newish GS.

ix3ph09

Thank you all. After some consideration and reading all your input, I'll hold off for now. My goal is to pay off my car and hopefully not make monthly payments for a while. I would not have minded extending the payments by upgrading, but this car is not worth the upgrade. I'll consider this again in a few years.

Hues10

Yes. If only I can teach other people that a car is a depreciating asset. Flush the money down a toilet basically. It is a necessity in most places, but think of what you can do with no car payments for 10 years or so.