Buying Used 2013 GS300H

[Kith13]

Im looking at a used 2013 GS300H with 180,000kms on the clock. How reliable is this model compared to the GS250? any advice before buying one? this is the first time im having a hybrid so im fairly new to the topic. Any guidance is greatly appriciated!

[johnatg]

I've had mine for nearly 5 years now and have had no issues, but I'm only on 60K miles.

The one you're looking at is twice that mileage - you mention 180K kms - is it an import? or are you not actually in UK?

Check the brakes - that the rears aren't seized (make sure they are not very hot after a short drive)

Be aware that some trim levels (F-Sport and Premier in UK) have the bigger front brake discs and they are expensive (£400+) - I don't think there are aftermarket parts available. Other trims have the smaller discs and there's plenty of choice. My front brake pads lasted to about 55K miles - your car may be in need of an expensive front brake job after potentially two pad sets or it may have been done - check.

If the 12v Battery is a Panasonic it will be original and possibly on its last legs or it may have been replaced. The only batteries which are actually correct are expensive - ~£300 but compromises are possible so you could get down to ~£80-£100. Plenty of discussion on here about batteries.

The car is too old for Lexus warranties but it would be a good idea to get a hybrid health check. A pass would indicate that the hybrid system is reasonably OK and give a traction Battery warranty for a year/10K miles - not sure if that would apply if it's an import.

There was a recall last year re the Fuel Vent assembly - check that it has been done.

Do the usual checks - eg for clean oil and coolant - the coolant (engine and hybrid system) should have been changed last year - has it been done?

Can't compare with a GS250 but I had an IS250 for 7 years. The GS300h has a much simpler engine - the plugs are easily accessible but the oil filter is a bit less so.

[Chris111]

I agree with everything @johnatg except it is only the 450h F-Sport and Premier models that have bigger brake discs. GS 300h and GS 450h Luxury front discs size is 334mm x 30mm and GS 450h F-Sport and Premier are 356mm x 30mm.

https://media.lexus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/1517227373180125MGSTechnicalSpecifications.pdf

[johnatg]

Ah - just been out and measured mine. Christopher is correct - 334mm discs on my GS300h Premier. Still a potentially expensive brake job sometime after 100K miles though!

[Chris111]

9 hours ago, johnatg said:

Still a potentially expensive brake job sometime after 100K miles though!

True but cheaper non OEM's are available for the smaller size but not the larger ones, although if there are I cannot find them anywhere!

[In_a_state]

You can get Textar (OE brand in this case) for a good price. 

Or order OEM, I made my first order from megazip (not rotors or pads but caliper brackets and some bushings) and they appear OEM, price was quite good. 

[Initial P]

F Sport tyres even on 250 are expensive trust me 😉