Hi all,
I currently have a 2013 IS300H Premier - it's been a fantastic car and I can't believe that the finance is up next year, the time has flown by.
So I need to start considering whether I pay the settlement figure and keep it or go to another car. If I replace, I don't intend changing again for some years as I am building a business and don't particularly get much pleasure from driving anymore, even though I used to be a real petrolhead :-(. I want something that will see me out for at least 5 years.
There are only two genuine issues with the IS:
1.) While the driving position is excellent, cabin space is limited and as I'm 6ft 2 and also have a mild neurological issue similar to Parkinson's, getting in and out is sometimes strenuous and on long journeys, I tend to lack space to spread out a little, which leads to aches and pains and muscle twitches.
2.) The car is black and the paint is already road rashed to hell on the front at 55,000 miles, so if I keep it I will need to address this.
On a minor note, while the hybrid drivetrain is great, I'm not a huge fan of the 4 cylinder engine note when accelerating. My wife's RX450h is a lot smoother and sounds great in comparison with the V6.
So I naturally am looking to the 2012 onwards 4th generation GS as a step up and a potential keeper.
The questions I have are:
1.) How easy is the GS300H to live with and does the lack of power frustrate?
2.) Is the GS450H worth the extra running costs, given how overpowered it is for today's roads?
3.) How does quality and refinement compare with the IS?
4.) Is there significantly more space for the driver in the GS compared to the IS?
Any insights would be very much appreciated!