GS300 to RX450H or GS450H???

[GSLV6]

Understood, thanks Rayaan.  So if I pay £59 annually, that covers hybrid system and Battery. In that case, it's well worth the outlay and my apologies to lexus for the mix-up.  I have their 3 year service plan on my GS at the moment and would probably go down the same route if I change vehicles, as their service and customer care has been exemplary.  

[ColinBarber]

52 minutes ago, GSLV6 said:

Understood, thanks Rayaan.  So if I pay £59 annually, that covers hybrid system and battery. In that case, it's well worth the outlay and my apologies to lexus for the mix-up.  I have their 3 year service plan on my GS at the moment and would probably go down the same route if I change vehicles, as their service and customer care has been exemplary.  

No, it only covers the Battery, not the expensive hybrid components.

[Funkyboy]

I wouldn't bother with the service plan. You pay hundreds of pounds for a oil change and a load of visual checks. Find an independent and even if you buy genuine Lexus oil and filter you will be still be hundreds of pounds better off. Small service at Lexus is about £270 and is only a oil and filter change and visual checks. Second service is about £460 and is oil and filter and maybe break fluid change. Don't think any air or pollen filters actually get changed to year 4 when they will ask you for even more money.

if you ask what actually gets done at a service you may change your mind on what you think is an exemplary service. 

[GSLV6]

Ok, thanks for the confirmation Dennis.  I got a local specialist to quote for both services. It wasn't far off Lexus 3 year plan over the same period, hence going with Lexus, and they did a little more than an oil and filter change.  Mine wasn't new, it was already 8 years old when I took out the plan so the large service, including filters, was done last time round.  I paid extra only to have a leaking shock absorber changed, but yes, servicing prices can be found much cheaper if you shop around.  I used to do all mechanics and servicing myself for many years and still do for the bike (I don't trust a lot of the local bike dealers to do a good job) but life's too short and I'd rather pay for the car these days.  

[rayaans]

1 hour ago, GSLV6 said:

Ok, thanks for the confirmation Dennis.  I got a local specialist to quote for both services. It wasn't far off Lexus 3 year plan over the same period, hence going with Lexus, and they did a little more than an oil and filter change.  Mine wasn't new, it was already 8 years old when I took out the plan so the large service, including filters, was done last time round.  I paid extra only to have a leaking shock absorber changed, but yes, servicing prices can be found much cheaper if you shop around.  I used to do all mechanics and servicing myself for many years and still do for the bike (I don't trust a lot of the local bike dealers to do a good job) but life's too short and I'd rather pay for the car these days.  

Ive had a service plan with Lexus for 5 years now. Apart from a hiccup last year where they did the MOT but forgot the service, its all been smooth. But yes, I realised they hadnt done the service as there was no stamp in the book and they got me in a week later as it was convenient for me.

All depends on whether you think its worth it or not and for me, I think it is.

My service plan specifically states that all filters etc get changed

[ColinBarber]

One thing to remember is if you take out a Lexus extended warranty you also need to use Lexus dealers to service the vehicle.

Lexus servicing is expensive, with or without a service plan it makes no difference. You can easily get an independent to service it cheaper, however that could decrease the resale value slightly.

[ISJason]

The problem is finding a reliable independent who knows the cars.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[GSLV6]

That's the problem Jason.  For run of the mill servicing, my local garage is very good and has been entrusted with all of our previous cars. However, he was unable to resolve several problems with the Lexus requiring hardware (and software) available only to Lexus dealerships, including re-flashing the ECU, sorting the TPMS, sorting a boot closer which failed (software issue) plus he's just put his rates up to around £60/hr labour.  Lexus are more expensive but get to the nub of things quickly and I always leave Lexus with the car fully valeted too.  Yes, the service plan isn't cheap but I look on it as a way to maintain the highest residual value and always have confidence in their work. I'm an engineer myself, and having met and spoken with their head mechanic, he is a chap who's standards of work seem top drawer as is his knowledge.  That, and the customer care standards, are worth the additional outlay for me.

[Funkyboy]

If you've got something like software issues like the TPMS or something similar it would still be better having your regular serving done by an independent then if you had anything extra that couldn't be resolved that needed to be connected to their software system (though there are independent Lexus dealers that have this) then just use Lexus for that repair. 

Even if you had a service plan it wouldn't cover you for anything other than the service. You would have to pay extra for anything outside of this.

it is though a stipulation that if you have the extended warranty you have to have it serviced at main dealer so include this cost in your total.

if the warranty is £1000 plus the two services say a £260 and a £460 your talking £1720. 2 services at a independent using genuine oil and filter will be no more than £450 for both leaving you with over £1200 to use if you do need anything sorting.

a full dealer history adds very little value to a used car v an independent. Certainly no more than you would have saved by not having it serviced at dealer.

The hybrid Battery is non service item 

[Malc]

....what's all this about genuine lexus oil  ...........  they don't make oil !    .....  they will use standard Exxon / Shell/ BP or whatever  .........

I use an indy ............ and Wilko oil, it's fine

My " new "  Honda Legend with the Full Honda Service History shows an oil and oil filter change at @ £300 with the oil charged out at £12 a litre  ......  what a rip-off

Malc

[DanD]

15 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

One thing to remember is if you take out a Lexus extended warranty you also need to use Lexus dealers to service the vehicle.

Lexus servicing is expensive, with or without a service plan it makes no difference. You can easily get an independent to service it cheaper, however that could decrease the resale value slightly.

The service plan does make a difference in the sense that it is inflation proof and also secures a discount (I think it is 15% but not sure). In addition - yes I know, I have mentioned this before! - by becoming a "Member" of this forum you will get 15% / 20% discount at most Lexus dealerships.

 

[GSLV6]

1 hour ago, DanD said:

The service plan does make a difference in the sense that it is inflation proof and also secures a discount (I think it is 15% but not sure). In addition - yes I know, I have mentioned this before! - by becoming a "Member" of this forum you will get 15% / 20% discount at most Lexus dealerships.

 

I was unaware of that....I'll walk in and wave my membership details at them then

 

2 hours ago, Funkyboy said:

If you've got something like software issues like the TPMS or something similar it would still be better having your regular serving done by an independent then if you had anything extra that couldn't be resolved that needed to be connected to their software system (though there are independent Lexus dealers that have this) then just use Lexus for that repair. 

Even if you had a service plan it wouldn't cover you for anything other than the service. You would have to pay extra for anything outside of this.

it is though a stipulation that if you have the extended warranty you have to have it serviced at main dealer so include this cost in your total.

if the warranty is £1000 plus the two services say a £260 and a £460 your talking £1720. 2 services at a independent using genuine oil and filter will be no more than £450 for both leaving you with over £1200 to use if you do need anything sorting.

a full dealer history adds very little value to a used car v an independent. Certainly no more than you would have saved by not having it serviced at dealer.

The hybrid battery is non service item 

Yes, there's a lot of sense there but I don't have a warranty plan, just a service plan.  Looking at the warranty, we decided it wasn't worth it and it would have cost as much as the repairs did over the same time period.  The servicing is a little more costly but I'm happier that it delivers.  Our local garage would have charged us £900 for the same work as Lexus did for under £1100 (I asked).  I thought that for the sake of an extra £200 it was worth keeping an unbroken Lexus FSH..

What is possible in theory with an independent and what some actually can sort are often two separate things.  In my case, Lexus had the issues that the local couldn't resolve sorted in an afternoon, job done.  The car was in for a service anyway, so it was an added hour's labour all in or something similar.  For our intended newer Lexus, I may just use the local independent because the car will only be a year or two old and probably more than reliable enough not to fret about a warranty.  The Battery pack warranty may be worth considering a few years down the line, but according to Lexus "they don't go wrong sir", so on the one hand all these warranties are pushed quite hard, yet on the other hand claimed reliability is impeccable.  You pays your money and makes your choice.

[rayaans]

5 hours ago, Funkyboy said:

If you've got something like software issues like the TPMS or something similar it would still be better having your regular serving done by an independent then if you had anything extra that couldn't be resolved that needed to be connected to their software system (though there are independent Lexus dealers that have this) then just use Lexus for that repair. 

Even if you had a service plan it wouldn't cover you for anything other than the service. You would have to pay extra for anything outside of this.

it is though a stipulation that if you have the extended warranty you have to have it serviced at main dealer so include this cost in your total.

if the warranty is £1000 plus the two services say a £260 and a £460 your talking £1720. 2 services at a independent using genuine oil and filter will be no more than £450 for both leaving you with over £1200 to use if you do need anything sorting.

a full dealer history adds very little value to a used car v an independent. Certainly no more than you would have saved by not having it serviced at dealer.

The hybrid battery is non service item 

Not strictly true about indy service prices. £450 is ridiculously cheap for 2 services. Services on my son's VW Polo at an independent cost £150 for a minor and £250 for a major. Ive been quoted £200 for a minor and £350 for a major on the RX by my local indy dealers and therefore it doesn't make sense for me NOT to go with Lexus servicing.

Factor in the fact its inflation proof and monthly payment rather than upfront, I can use the ££££ for other things which give me double return so in effect, works out cheaper for me. 

Also, anything needs doing and service plan gets me 10% off parts and labour at Lexus anyway, a full valet each year (not just wash and hoover), a courtesy car meaning I dont have to spend 1-2 hours without a car (again, time is money here). I think there's also other things like free puncture repairs for the family (used it twice for wife's car) which is a bonus. I even got 4 tyres fitted for £50 (saved me over £100 in total as I bought the tyres myself) and no bloody scratches on the wheels unlike some of the indies! 

I cant stand independents leaving their mucky arses on my seats and carpets as well - really annoys me, surely it can't be that hard to cover everything like Lexus techs do before starting work?

Also out of experience, Ive found it difficult to sell cars without a full dealer service history unless they're under £10k in general. The full service history seems to be a big thing for buyers who don't know any better. PX is also a PITA. Full service history from Lexus and dealers will give you trade P/X price. If not, they'll give you under auction price as they can't sell it themselves.

[GSLV6]

Spot on Rayaans. I've been given a really very good P/X offer on the GS because it has a full dealer history, and on what they offered, it was worth at least £1000 to £1500 more than I would have got without it.

My independent wasn't much cheaper for the major service at all so I stuck with the Lexus service plan.  I was unaware of the puncture repair offer (could have used that!).  For us, it's worth the 35 minute drive each way.  I was also unaware that if you supply your own tyres, with a service plan, they'll fit them for £50 all round.  My local charges £25 per wheel including tyre disposal & vat.

I have no plans to alter our service regime with Lexus.  

[GSLV6]

I took a test drive today in a two year old F-Sport.  The route was about 10 miles, a mix of urban and rural roads, varying between 30/40/50mph limits taking in a fair few bends, bumps and town traffic as well as some restricted A-roads.  It was a bit of an eye opener for a few reasons, but not for the reasons you (or I) might have thought:

Ride:  I was expecting a much firmer ride with less roll than the Luxury model.  I tried the AFS settings set to both "On" and "Off" and quite honestly, couldn't tell any difference at all between them.  The ride wasn't at all harsh, if anything, it felt more compliant than the luxury model which thumped a little more over the bumpy surfaces and really could do with a little fine tuning.  Tick.  What surprised me was on the whole, it didn't feel much different at all in the handling stakes.  Perhaps a little more responsive, but the differences between the F-Sport and the Luxury set up do seem subtle rather than marked.  The cornering confidence wasn't a heck of a lot better....just subtly better.  That came as a bit of a surprise.  Overall, I preferred the ride and handling of the F-Sport, however closely run,  although when doing the wheel-wiggle test, it still pitched a bit and you knew that there was over 2 tonnes of vehicle there.

Handling: As mentioned, not bad, with a little more feel and a little more control than the standard model (note the word "little") but with slightly improved ride.  Worth having?  Possibly, yes, but not a deal breaker.  The vehicle still pitches if you change direction rapidly although it never gets dangerous, the initial motion is there before it all gets controlled again.  Not unexpected in a large SUV.  I probably notice it more than most RX owners would because it's a new driving experience to me having come from a car with more sure-footed road manners.

Braking:  For such a large vehicle, the brakes are good.  What was weird though was the electronic jiggery-pokery going on under the bonnet.  When slowing in traffic, the brake feel seemed to very between one manoeuvre to another, requiring more or less effort on the pedal, for pretty much the same scenario (slowing for the lights from 30 or 40mph).  It never felt that consistent.  The Luxury model felt the same in this respect.  It's as if the energy recovery system and computers don't always react in a very predictable way in terms of brake feel when intervening with the braking system.  Something that you have to get used to I suppose, but it wasn't that marked; I noticed it where perhaps others might not give it a second thought.

Comfort:  As with the Luxury model, excellent.  Cabin noise on this one was, if anything, a little less, and that was, I suspect,  down to tyres that were a lot newer.  Acceptable and not too intrusive but still not as whisper quiet as the GS and the few times I did floor the pedal, the engine and drive-train noise was very apparent.

Performance: This time, I made sure to switch it to sport mode and whilst better than the Lux in Eco mode (which we'd left it in) it still didn't feel quick...more "adequate".  There's a reasonable 40-70 acceleration but without the punch in the chest that the older GS gives you, which almost pins you to the back of the seat in kick-down mode.   It picked up well enough and the turn of speed was more deceptive than "sports-quick".

Economy:  The test vehicle had a mpg meter set after the last re-fill, and in similar test drive conditions had averaged about 28mpg, which is about 1 or 2mpg more than I would have managed in similar conditions from the GS300.  I get an urban average of 25 to 26mpg in mine, and a combined average closer to 29mpg with extra-urban of about 35mpg.  I don't really think that the RX will do much better...perhaps a few mpg more but I wouldn't expect any more than that.

On the whole, the older GS drives better, handles better, performs better but is a little more costly to run, but I do like the RX which ticks more boxes than not.  None of the models have the "wow" factor for us as a driving experience, either for the interiors, levels of kit or drive.  However, they are a very practical family proposition, very versatile, very comfortable and very well screwed together and those things alone would probably win us over, so we'll be changing the GS in due course.

We have shortlisted two models, the F-Sport or the (Luxury) Advance, and will be looking for one fitted with a few options such as the premium Mark Levinson system which we already have and rate as a worthwhile option.  Nice to haves will be LED lights and HUD (I know std on F-sport).  It would also be good to have the roof-bars and rear boot savers too, so we're going to hold out for a late low mileage example.  It's a huge investment for us and not an easy decision.  Our nine year old GS remains to us anyway, the better driving car and probably the more comfortable one of the two due to the levels of kit and ride quality. 

Thank you to all those who have contributed to this thread, especially to Rayaans for your helpful observations.

[Funkyboy]

6 hours ago, GSLV6 said:

I took a test drive today in a two year old F-Sport.  The route was about 10 miles, a mix of urban and rural roads, varying between 30/40/50mph limits taking in a fair few bends, bumps and town traffic as well as some restricted A-roads.  It was a bit of an eye opener for a few reasons, but not for the reasons you (or I) might have thought:

Ride:  I was expecting a much firmer ride with less roll than the Luxury model.  I tried the AFS settings set to both "On" and "Off" and quite honestly, couldn't tell any difference at all between them.  The ride wasn't at all harsh, if anything, it felt more compliant than the luxury model which thumped a little more over the bumpy surfaces and really could do with a little fine tuning.  Tick.  What surprised me was on the whole, it didn't feel much different at all in the handling stakes.  Perhaps a little more responsive, but the differences between the F-Sport and the Luxury set up do seem subtle rather than marked.  The cornering confidence wasn't a heck of a lot better....just subtly better.  That came as a bit of a surprise.  Overall, I preferred the ride and handling of the F-Sport, however closely run,  although when doing the wheel-wiggle test, it still pitched a bit and you knew that there was over 2 tonnes of vehicle there.

Handling: As mentioned, not bad, with a little more feel and a little more control than the standard model (note the word "little") but with slightly improved ride.  Worth having?  Possibly, yes, but not a deal breaker.  The vehicle still pitches if you change direction rapidly although it never gets dangerous, the initial motion is there before it all gets controlled again.  Not unexpected in a large SUV.  I probably notice it more than most RX owners would because it's a new driving experience to me having come from a car with more sure-footed road manners.

Braking:  For such a large vehicle, the brakes are good.  What was weird though was the electronic jiggery-pokery going on under the bonnet.  When slowing in traffic, the brake feel seemed to very between one manoeuvre to another, requiring more or less effort on the pedal, for pretty much the same scenario (slowing for the lights from 30 or 40mph).  It never felt that consistent.  The Luxury model felt the same in this respect.  It's as if the energy recovery system and computers don't always react in a very predictable way in terms of brake feel when intervening with the braking system.  Something that you have to get used to I suppose, but it wasn't that marked; I noticed it where perhaps others might not give it a second thought.

Comfort:  As with the Luxury model, excellent.  Cabin noise on this one was, if anything, a little less, and that was, I suspect,  down to tyres that were a lot newer.  Acceptable and not too intrusive but still not as whisper quiet as the GS and the few times I did floor the pedal, the engine and drive-train noise was very apparent.

Performance: This time, I made sure to switch it to sport mode and whilst better than the Lux in Eco mode (which we'd left it in) it still didn't feel quick...more "adequate".  There's a reasonable 40-70 acceleration but without the punch in the chest that the older GS gives you, which almost pins you to the back of the seat in kick-down mode.   It picked up well enough and the turn of speed was more deceptive than "sports-quick".

Economy:  The test vehicle had a mpg meter set after the last re-fill, and in similar test drive conditions had averaged about 28mpg, which is about 1 or 2mpg more than I would have managed in similar conditions from the GS300.  I get an urban average of 25 to 26mpg in mine, and a combined average closer to 29mpg with extra-urban of about 35mpg.  I don't really think that the RX will do much better...perhaps a few mpg more but I wouldn't expect any more than that.

On the whole, the older GS drives better, handles better, performs better but is a little more costly to run, but I do like the RX which ticks more boxes than not.  None of the models have the "wow" factor for us as a driving experience, either for the interiors, levels of kit or drive.  However, they are a very practical family proposition, very versatile, very comfortable and very well screwed together and those things alone would probably win us over, so we'll be changing the GS in due course.

We have shortlisted two models, the F-Sport or the (Luxury) Advance, and will be looking for one fitted with a few options such as the premium Mark Levinson system which we already have and rate as a worthwhile option.  Nice to haves will be LED lights and HUD (I know std on F-sport).  It would also be good to have the roof-bars and rear boot savers too, so we're going to hold out for a late low mileage example.  It's a huge investment for us and not an easy decision.  Our nine year old GS remains to us anyway, the better driving car and probably the more comfortable one of the two due to the levels of kit and ride quality. 

Thank you to all those who have contributed to this thread, especially to Rayaans for your helpful observations.

 

Why don't you keep your gs300? As you say to change is a substantial amount of money for technology that is getting a bit old now. You know your car and is probably worth keeping till it won't go anymore. As you say on the MPG front there's not much difference. 

[rayaans]

7 hours ago, GSLV6 said:

I took a test drive today in a two year old F-Sport.  The route was about 10 miles, a mix of urban and rural roads, varying between 30/40/50mph limits taking in a fair few bends, bumps and town traffic as well as some restricted A-roads.  It was a bit of an eye opener for a few reasons, but not for the reasons you (or I) might have thought:

Ride:  I was expecting a much firmer ride with less roll than the Luxury model.  I tried the AFS settings set to both "On" and "Off" and quite honestly, couldn't tell any difference at all between them.  The ride wasn't at all harsh, if anything, it felt more compliant than the luxury model which thumped a little more over the bumpy surfaces and really could do with a little fine tuning.  Tick.  What surprised me was on the whole, it didn't feel much different at all in the handling stakes.  Perhaps a little more responsive, but the differences between the F-Sport and the Luxury set up do seem subtle rather than marked.  The cornering confidence wasn't a heck of a lot better....just subtly better.  That came as a bit of a surprise.  Overall, I preferred the ride and handling of the F-Sport, however closely run,  although when doing the wheel-wiggle test, it still pitched a bit and you knew that there was over 2 tonnes of vehicle there.

Handling: As mentioned, not bad, with a little more feel and a little more control than the standard model (note the word "little") but with slightly improved ride.  Worth having?  Possibly, yes, but not a deal breaker.  The vehicle still pitches if you change direction rapidly although it never gets dangerous, the initial motion is there before it all gets controlled again.  Not unexpected in a large SUV.  I probably notice it more than most RX owners would because it's a new driving experience to me having come from a car with more sure-footed road manners.

Braking:  For such a large vehicle, the brakes are good.  What was weird though was the electronic jiggery-pokery going on under the bonnet.  When slowing in traffic, the brake feel seemed to very between one manoeuvre to another, requiring more or less effort on the pedal, for pretty much the same scenario (slowing for the lights from 30 or 40mph).  It never felt that consistent.  The Luxury model felt the same in this respect.  It's as if the energy recovery system and computers don't always react in a very predictable way in terms of brake feel when intervening with the braking system.  Something that you have to get used to I suppose, but it wasn't that marked; I noticed it where perhaps others might not give it a second thought.

Comfort:  As with the Luxury model, excellent.  Cabin noise on this one was, if anything, a little less, and that was, I suspect,  down to tyres that were a lot newer.  Acceptable and not too intrusive but still not as whisper quiet as the GS and the few times I did floor the pedal, the engine and drive-train noise was very apparent.

Performance: This time, I made sure to switch it to sport mode and whilst better than the Lux in Eco mode (which we'd left it in) it still didn't feel quick...more "adequate".  There's a reasonable 40-70 acceleration but without the punch in the chest that the older GS gives you, which almost pins you to the back of the seat in kick-down mode.   It picked up well enough and the turn of speed was more deceptive than "sports-quick".

Economy:  The test vehicle had a mpg meter set after the last re-fill, and in similar test drive conditions had averaged about 28mpg, which is about 1 or 2mpg more than I would have managed in similar conditions from the GS300.  I get an urban average of 25 to 26mpg in mine, and a combined average closer to 29mpg with extra-urban of about 35mpg.  I don't really think that the RX will do much better...perhaps a few mpg more but I wouldn't expect any more than that.

On the whole, the older GS drives better, handles better, performs better but is a little more costly to run, but I do like the RX which ticks more boxes than not.  None of the models have the "wow" factor for us as a driving experience, either for the interiors, levels of kit or drive.  However, they are a very practical family proposition, very versatile, very comfortable and very well screwed together and those things alone would probably win us over, so we'll be changing the GS in due course.

We have shortlisted two models, the F-Sport or the (Luxury) Advance, and will be looking for one fitted with a few options such as the premium Mark Levinson system which we already have and rate as a worthwhile option.  Nice to haves will be LED lights and HUD (I know std on F-sport).  It would also be good to have the roof-bars and rear boot savers too, so we're going to hold out for a late low mileage example.  It's a huge investment for us and not an easy decision.  Our nine year old GS remains to us anyway, the better driving car and probably the more comfortable one of the two due to the levels of kit and ride quality. 

Thank you to all those who have contributed to this thread, especially to Rayaans for your helpful observations.

When you say AFS, do you mean the swivelling lights? They're something that you'll find very useful on dark country roads tbh, you can't see them moving otherwise but very apparent on unlit roads.

The brakes have that kind of behaviour you mention because of the regeneration system. You do tend to get used to it the more you drive though. 

I think the MPG is always dependent on driving conditions. On a motorway run I can get about 35mpg but in town it'll drop to about 28mph as you mentioned. The hybrids do require a change of driving style. Ive found that keeping momentum helps alot. In other words, if you're going down a hill don't brake and just let the car go down itself (unless of course there's someone in front of you) and let it pull itself up. Means that you have to use less accelerator which sounds stupid but actually helps MPG alot

DW about the roof bars and the rear boot saver - if buying from a Lexus dealer they'll chuck it in if it means securing a deal

 

[Carl911]

I have a 2007 GS450h and 59plate rx450h.

i drive both regular to work.

its difficult to compare exactly as they are both very different beast.

the GS is overal the better drive, better handling, quieter and quicker acceleration and top speed. In many respects it's way more performance then can be sensibly used on the road, I had a supra twin turbo before and I think the GS performs almost as well. My point is I spend most my time in traffic so average speeds of 20-60 mph.  Even on the motorway you struggle to go much over 80mph unless you want to risk your licence and apart from that the pure volume of traffic these days pretty much negates any real need for high performance. 

Thst said I still love the power reserves available when one can use some of it.

i bought the rx450h a few months back as I wanted something more practical and given my fondness for the gs450h engine the rx450h was a no brainier for me.

at first I did find the Rx a bit willowy in comparison and quite bouncy over bumpy roads at lower speeds.

obviously this was directly comparing to my GS.  Also despite having the same engine it has been mildly de-tuned compared to the GS. 

It took me about a month to really appreciate the RX for its ride quality which now I appreciate is much softer and that added to the more padded seats really gives the feel of luxury.

its a slightly more relaxed ride when compared to the GS but this is a good thing. If it was as quick it would destroy the ride, I don't believe you buy an SUV to race people off the lights and up motorways. Don't get me wrong, the engine has more than enough power when the foot is floored, after all this 2 ton lump still gets to 60 quicker then some hot hatches and it does it in a civilised manner.

oddly enough the RX has a sportier note than the GS which my wife loves the sound of.

both cars cruise lovely on the motorway and get you to your destination relaxed.

the RX due to its slightly more reserved performance has better economy. In the reel world I get around 5mpg more driving the RX. 

Of course the RX is very practical and if like me you want to drop the rear seats to put your racing bike in without a the need to remove any bike wheels then this really does the job.

the more I drive the RX the more I enjoy it. It's a car that grows on you.

the problem with most Lexus is you grow fonder of them the more you drive them, a test drive, even for 24hours just doesn't cut it.

i have no regrets buying either of my two cars. Both have been extremely reliable , I have owned my GS for nearly two years.

ultimately, I think buying a car these days for performance alone rather pointless so buy the car that you actually need, if it's practicality then it's got to be the RX, if it's to have the best all rounder and you don't intend putting large objects in the boot then the GS.

Either way, both cars are terrific and both have strengths and weaknesses but I doubt either would dissapoint.

All that said if I had to get rid of a car and only keep one I'd keep the RX now and that's coming from someone that for many years modified cars and spent every penny to make them go faster.

For me the RX just ticks all the boxes.

carl

[ISJason]

A very full and fair review.

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[GSLV6]

Thanks guys to you all for your feedback and comments.  

Thanks especially to Carl for your very honest and helpful insights...much appreciated that you took the time and effort to provide that.

 

3 hours ago, rayaans said:

When you say AFS, do you mean the swivelling lights? They're something that you'll find very useful on dark country roads tbh, you can't see them moving otherwise but very apparent on unlit roads

The salesman told me it was a selection for turning on or off  the adaptive suspension?

4 hours ago, Funkyboy said:

 

Why don't you keep your gs300? As you say to change is a substantial amount of money for technology that is getting a bit old now. You know your car and is probably worth keeping till it won't go anymore. As you say on the MPG front there's not much difference. 

I would do but we could really do with an estate right now, and I don't want to go down the diesel route which most seem to be (otherwise the Mercedes E350 ticks a lot of boxes);  the rest of the petrols being these little flower pot 3 cylinder things or other tiny things revving their heads off...such little engines were described to me by one local mechanics "disposable" creations of the EU war on emissions but many have proved unreliable and not capable of long term durability nor have enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding.  We've ruled out larger petrol engines from other manufacturers and I just don't think anyone makes as good a lump in a largish petrol engine as Lexus anyway.  Had the GS been a hatch-back with more boot space, we'd have gone for one in a flash.  As it stands, it seems a rather pointless to change our GS which is more practical, for the newer one, for only marginal mpg gains at relatively huge expense.  That's why we're looking at the RX.

I'm more concerned with safe handling than sports car handling.  I have a modified vRS hot hatch for fun (and boy is it fun!); I also have  a KTM bike for fun.  The roads aren't what they were a few decades back so comfort, practicality and reliability matter far more now to me than say 10 or 20 years ago.  The RX will do everything we need and more.  It has more than ample load-space for my interests and activities as well as my business, so I can see it as being a very versatile motor.

The sticking point is cost and model generation.  The 2016 model I'm told by Lexus is completely new from the chassis up, larger, more practical, better equipped, although it uses the same (effectively) engine and is over £60K new meaning that a 3 to 4 year old really low miles example would  be beyond our means if we waited another 4 or 5 years for the price to come down by £20K to £25K.  That leave the Mk3 2012-2015 of which there are quite a few low miles examples for under £30K.  It's still a hell of a lot of money, but looking at the opposition, they're either more expensive (Jag F-pace and Porsche Cayenne for example), not as reliable (landy...anything), not as well specified or diesel only and we don't want a diesel or their PDF issues or their pollution contribution.

We've really done our homework and all that seems to be left is the Mitsubishi Outlander 4x4 PHEV or the Lexus RX.  The Mitsu' isn't as economical as claimed (are any of them?) and it's simply cheating to mingle the electric Battery charged from your home with outright petrol consumption (claims) as on a charge, it may do 60 odd miles, but you still pay for that energy!  Lexus has a true honesty in the hybrid technology, performs better, is better made and whilst more expensive, is also a proven and reliable design.

We're going down the RX route also because the 2016 car surveys list it as one of the very top SUVs to own for reliability and owner satisfaction.  I think it ranked well within the top ten cars outright, along with the IS and GS models.  That speaks volumes to me.

The RX it is.  We just have to be patient and wait for the right one to come available at the right price, so until then we'll not exactly be slumming it with our GS!

[royoftherovers]

A very warm welcome to the Lexus fraternity Paul.

THINK HARD, CHOOSE WELL AND ENJOY  MANY MILES OF (SMUG AND ) TROUBLE FREE MOTORING.

Remember that the minority are the best informed !!

Please do keep us all informed about your purchase when it has been made.

 

Regards

John

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, ISJason said:

 

A very full and fair review.

 

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I agree wholeheartedly.

One cannot compare chalk and cheese.

The RX is an outstanding machine in its class.

And the GS likewise, but it is entirely unsuitable for young Audi, BMW or Mercedes drivers, in my opinion.

It is a sublime driving experience which cannot possibly be appreciated by someone below a certain age !.

 

Regards

 

John

 

[GSLV6]

Thank you for the welcome John.

I'll be 50 next month, so guess that just qualifies me as old enough not to be in the Audi/BMW camp any longer  (I've never found the urge to own an Audi). I'm not a car snob though and have never owned anything newer than 5 years old.   The GS has been a real eye opener to Lexus cars for us.  I almost went for a V70 instead but had so many issues with previous Volvos, gave it a miss when I saw how well finished and refined the GS was in comparison.  I traded in our 9 year old C220 estate (great car but just started giving trouble at 120K miles such as PDF and EGR issues plus water leaking into rear storage wells where immobiliser circuitry lives!) for the GS.  Whilst it has not been overly reliable, with annoying but expensive issues needing to be sorted (I wont gloss over them for Lexus), I do recognise that it is generally well screwed together and a great engine and transmission.  I only wish that the RX shared the same gear train as, honestly, I do not like CVT gearboxes but they seem to be here to stay with Lexus.

The RX certainly makes a lot of sense to us.  We're just a little concerned at having to invest so much into a car, as being self employed and not on a particularly high wage, it's cash which has to come from savings.  It's a gamble.  If the car lasts 10 years and is trouble free in that time plus holds reasonable residual value, then the gamble will be worth it.  It would make more sense for us to run the GS for another 5 years but we will need something like an estate we can put bikes into the back of, carry stuff for my work etc) and that's not possible with the GS which limits us a bit.  I'd rather have an SUV than an estate so the ride comfort, height, visibility etc.  I have a badly injured back too (mountain biking took its toll!) so really firm rides are out.  The RX just ticks a lot of boxes at the minute.  Rather than buy a high miles example and have the hassles we've had with other high miles cars, we've decided to go with a one or two year old car this time round, so fingers crossed we're doing the right thing!

 

[ISJason]

Yes, I think you are doing the right thing.. I had my IS 200 for eight years and now my RX for four .. so far so good. No issues.

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[rayaans]

The 3rd Gen RX doesn't have AVS - its just standard suspension (or additional lateral dampers and stiffer suspension on the F=Sport)

Can't say Ive had any mechanical or electrical problems with Lexus in 12 years of owning them. Just wear and tear items and servicing, thats it.