Out with 2008 LS600hL, in with 2017 Genesis G90
03-28-18, 07:41 AM
#121
Racer
Most LS600hL models come equipped with virtually every option available on the LS460L (although not all will have the LKA and Driver Attention Monitor). Most seem to have the rear-seat entertainment package (DVD), reclining rear seats, stereo controls in the rear seat, etc.
Unique to the LS600hL is the 5.0L V8, which when combined with the hybrid motors, makes the car even more powerful and quite a bit quieter than the LS460L. The torque produced by the hybrid motors makes the car an absolute rocket from 45-85 mph (driving at 45 and flooring the car is an experience every car enthusiast should have at least once). I'm not a huge CVT fan for most cars, but the LS600hL gets away with it perfectly due to the engine configuration (huge torque), and the lack of perceptible gear shifts is a nice feature, in my book. Also unique to the LS600hL is the leather stitched dash. That, along with the leather-covered arm rests, means no fear of "melting" rubber arm rests or dashboards that is somewhat common in the early LS460s.
The price premium when new is insane - around $30k. But on the used market, a LS600hL is a much smaller price premium over a similar LS460L (maybe $5-10k). I think the LS600hL is a great value in the 2008-2012 model years right now, but like I said before, you should budget for unexpected expensive repairs (air shocks, hybrid batteries, control arms, etc.). Good luck!
Unique to the LS600hL is the 5.0L V8, which when combined with the hybrid motors, makes the car even more powerful and quite a bit quieter than the LS460L. The torque produced by the hybrid motors makes the car an absolute rocket from 45-85 mph (driving at 45 and flooring the car is an experience every car enthusiast should have at least once). I'm not a huge CVT fan for most cars, but the LS600hL gets away with it perfectly due to the engine configuration (huge torque), and the lack of perceptible gear shifts is a nice feature, in my book. Also unique to the LS600hL is the leather stitched dash. That, along with the leather-covered arm rests, means no fear of "melting" rubber arm rests or dashboards that is somewhat common in the early LS460s.
The price premium when new is insane - around $30k. But on the used market, a LS600hL is a much smaller price premium over a similar LS460L (maybe $5-10k). I think the LS600hL is a great value in the 2008-2012 model years right now, but like I said before, you should budget for unexpected expensive repairs (air shocks, hybrid batteries, control arms, etc.). Good luck!
The closest I've come to a 600 was a 2008 model at a Costco gas station and the owner was kind enough to show me the shoe box of a trunk. I know they repackaged things better starting in 2009 so the trunk should be roomier for all LS models after that MY. I reached put to a 600 seller a year ago when I looked for a 460 but the owner never responded. I really want to test drive a 600 but they'e so rare to find.
03-28-18, 12:07 PM
#123
Lexus Fanatic
IT's hard to say whether you are guilty of dumping the G90 for the LS460L; or, of giving up the LS600hL then settling for the LS460L. Nonetheless, true love prevails, so to speak.
My sincere question is I need some ownership advice on LS600hL as I am planning to go check out one 2010 LS600hL AWD fully loaded. Is this almost the top of the line Lexus?
I saw the CR reliability report. It seems to point specifically to the weak air suspension for 2010. Apparently, some owner complained it didn't last more than 70K mi, and it cost $6,000 to replace in 2016. What is your experience with your 2008 LS600hL in terms of maintenance cost?
My sincere question is I need some ownership advice on LS600hL as I am planning to go check out one 2010 LS600hL AWD fully loaded. Is this almost the top of the line Lexus?
I saw the CR reliability report. It seems to point specifically to the weak air suspension for 2010. Apparently, some owner complained it didn't last more than 70K mi, and it cost $6,000 to replace in 2016. What is your experience with your 2008 LS600hL in terms of maintenance cost?
Last edited by UDel; 03-29-18 at 09:29 AM.
03-28-18, 08:11 PM
#124
I am paranoid about luxury cars reliability and repair costs.
The Lexus line seems to have a rock solid run forever history.
My independent high line service place today mentioned that he had a correctly serviced LS with 500k miles on it.
We are keepers on cars with a original owner 1998 Accord still here. Will drive the wheels off of both our sc430 and this ls460.
Both nice drives.
The Lexus line seems to have a rock solid run forever history.
My independent high line service place today mentioned that he had a correctly serviced LS with 500k miles on it.
We are keepers on cars with a original owner 1998 Accord still here. Will drive the wheels off of both our sc430 and this ls460.
Both nice drives.
03-29-18, 07:31 PM
#125
Lexus Fanatic
Hey, Lexus is the mothership. You may visit other panets but you still come back to the mothership. lol
03-29-18, 08:26 PM
#127
03-30-18, 10:07 AM
#128
Lexus Fanatic
ou try stuffing your shorts with a billion D batteries and see how fast you move
with 3 D cells before going to the club one time.....ladies were ALL over me.....
05-16-18, 01:50 PM
#129
Instructor
Thread Starter
I know many of you on our forum have considered switching over to a Genesis G90, with the current Lexus trend towards polarizing styling and a more sporty ride. I made the switch myself last year, only to miss my LS terribly and return to the Lexus LS "fold" since then.
I do still keep an eye on the Genesis G90 forum, though, and thought this recent post was pretty interesting: https://genesisowners.com/genesis-fo...essions.22939/
It's from a new G90 owner who traded in a Mercedes S Class for the Genesis. It seems pretty well written, and offers a good comparison of the two cars. The new G90 owner is probably suffering a bit from "new car bias" that we all get when we buy a shiny new toy, but his details are pretty informative. Like I've said before, the G90 is a pretty legit Lexus LS competitor for those who prefer the "old Lexus" understated design and cushy ride. Enjoy!
I do still keep an eye on the Genesis G90 forum, though, and thought this recent post was pretty interesting: https://genesisowners.com/genesis-fo...essions.22939/
It's from a new G90 owner who traded in a Mercedes S Class for the Genesis. It seems pretty well written, and offers a good comparison of the two cars. The new G90 owner is probably suffering a bit from "new car bias" that we all get when we buy a shiny new toy, but his details are pretty informative. Like I've said before, the G90 is a pretty legit Lexus LS competitor for those who prefer the "old Lexus" understated design and cushy ride. Enjoy!
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