First Lexus, First Hybrid. (:
03-19-09, 06:38 AM
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First Lexus, First Hybrid. (:
Hey Everyone,
I'm new here! I have been in the market for the last 2 months, looking for a new car. Basically i didn't really have any specific criteria, and as such looked at a range of SUVs, and Luxury Sport Sedans.
Out of the many cars that i tested, there were only two that really caught my attention, and put the smile on my face. Yes, one of them was infact the Lexus GS450h.
To be honest, i was never a fan of Japanese cars. The simple reason is the way in which it drives. Most of them are FWD, and i find them rather disconnected. There are of course the exceptions of the Honda S2000, EVOs, WRXs, but these cars do not really project the image i'm looking for.
I'm a fan of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. And usually start my search for a new car within those three brands. However, a friend of mine whose just bought an Audi A6 3.0T Quattro got quite a shock, when what he presumed was a Lexus GS350(we do not have the GS460), kept up with him at the lights. After some poking around he found out that it was a GS450h.
Although the GS hybrid has been launched for quite some time, the car was only launched in my country during the third quarter of 2008. Although the GS hybrid has better fuel economy figures than compared to the GS350, most people still prefer the latter. The reason being: that hybrid cars are taxed according to their horsepower, and not engine capacity. Hence the Annual Road tax cost more, together with the higher purchase price. Not to mention a surprising greater depreciation when its time to sell the car.
Anyway, on the advice of my friend, i drove down to the Lexus showroom, to test the all new "GS450h". I guess the rest is unimportant, as the title shows the result of the test drive. The Lexus GS Hybrid can really be summed up in just three words: "refinement", "performance", and "luxury". So before long, i turned down the offers made by the other car dealers, some of which were offering me unbelievable deals. The dotted line was signed, and i will be taking delivery of my very first Lexus, let alone first Hybrid, this Saturday. After which, i will be immediately remove the Dunlop tires, and replace them with Michelin PS2s, together with 30% tints on the windows.
Went down to the showroom today, as my car had just arrived from the port. The car is fully spec, with every available option: moonroof, mark levinson.. etc. Heres a picture of my car before its prepped for delivery! Let me know what you guys thinks! Also, thumbs up for this extremely insightful forum!
I'm new here! I have been in the market for the last 2 months, looking for a new car. Basically i didn't really have any specific criteria, and as such looked at a range of SUVs, and Luxury Sport Sedans.
Out of the many cars that i tested, there were only two that really caught my attention, and put the smile on my face. Yes, one of them was infact the Lexus GS450h.
To be honest, i was never a fan of Japanese cars. The simple reason is the way in which it drives. Most of them are FWD, and i find them rather disconnected. There are of course the exceptions of the Honda S2000, EVOs, WRXs, but these cars do not really project the image i'm looking for.
I'm a fan of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. And usually start my search for a new car within those three brands. However, a friend of mine whose just bought an Audi A6 3.0T Quattro got quite a shock, when what he presumed was a Lexus GS350(we do not have the GS460), kept up with him at the lights. After some poking around he found out that it was a GS450h.
Although the GS hybrid has been launched for quite some time, the car was only launched in my country during the third quarter of 2008. Although the GS hybrid has better fuel economy figures than compared to the GS350, most people still prefer the latter. The reason being: that hybrid cars are taxed according to their horsepower, and not engine capacity. Hence the Annual Road tax cost more, together with the higher purchase price. Not to mention a surprising greater depreciation when its time to sell the car.
Anyway, on the advice of my friend, i drove down to the Lexus showroom, to test the all new "GS450h". I guess the rest is unimportant, as the title shows the result of the test drive. The Lexus GS Hybrid can really be summed up in just three words: "refinement", "performance", and "luxury". So before long, i turned down the offers made by the other car dealers, some of which were offering me unbelievable deals. The dotted line was signed, and i will be taking delivery of my very first Lexus, let alone first Hybrid, this Saturday. After which, i will be immediately remove the Dunlop tires, and replace them with Michelin PS2s, together with 30% tints on the windows.
Went down to the showroom today, as my car had just arrived from the port. The car is fully spec, with every available option: moonroof, mark levinson.. etc. Heres a picture of my car before its prepped for delivery! Let me know what you guys thinks! Also, thumbs up for this extremely insightful forum!
).
03-19-09, 05:22 PM
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03-19-09, 05:35 PM
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Thats great to see another 450h owner! We need to spread the word about what really is an amazing car.
I too plan to replace the tires with PS2s but I'm going to wait till these crappy RFTs have a little less tread.
Have fun with her!!
I too plan to replace the tires with PS2s but I'm going to wait till these crappy RFTs have a little less tread.
Have fun with her!!
03-20-09, 06:14 AM
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Many Thanks everyone!
Will be collecting her soon! Really excited!
For those of you who asked, im located in Singapore.
May i ask:
Is there a run-in period for the car? When i asked the dealer about this, they said its not necessary, as the engine was run-in before delivery? Didnt make sense, as the mileage is really low.
any precautions or important things to take note of during delivery?
Cheers!
Will be collecting her soon! Really excited!
For those of you who asked, im located in Singapore.
May i ask:
Is there a run-in period for the car? When i asked the dealer about this, they said its not necessary, as the engine was run-in before delivery? Didnt make sense, as the mileage is really low.
any precautions or important things to take note of during delivery?
Cheers!
03-20-09, 06:30 AM
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Hahah! i can see why though! Is that her in your avatar? Beautiful car you got there?
03-20-09, 06:58 AM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
The New A6 3.0T 0-60 is about 6 sec. , same as the 0-60 as the GS350 and the A6 V8.
My sister lives in Singapore, she tells me cars are insanely expensive there due to the local taxes. How much did your GS450h cost in US money, about $100,000????
My sister lives in Singapore, she tells me cars are insanely expensive there due to the local taxes. How much did your GS450h cost in US money, about $100,000????
