Argelius

I found a dealer with a "used" 2007 GS 450h (with Nav).

What sort of discount should I reasonably expect? The dealer was offering it for $3000 off list, which I'm not sure is that great of deal (although still probably a greater discount than I'd get buying a new one.

ipod integration kit - $400 . or use the cassette to integrate it for $30.

replacing cheap uninspired BMW dashboard - about 10x that

oh, dont get me wrong. I am not saying I prefer the BMW dash. My point is merely it makes no sense in 2007 for the world's most technologically advanced hybrid to have a cassette in lieu of mp3/ipod connectivity. I am on my way now to test drive the GS 450h.

A friend of mine just got a the new LS460 (what a car!). Amongst the many cool things he demonstrated was the ability to *listen* to DVD movies while the car is in motion (even though the screen goes blank).

Can anyone confirm this works with the '07 GS's?

I'm teetering on getting a GS450h and having the dealer install the vaitech (sp?) iPod kit. Would so love having the limitations of the "not while vehicle is in motion" "safety" feature. (Not really interested in watching movies, but would love to be able to use the Nav system while in motion).

I've perused through the 11+ pages of this post, but haven't been able to determine if the bypass will:

[1] Work in '07s and

[2] Will work with the iPod kit installed.

the GS has one of the more technology advanced dashes of all cars. Plus the info screen / or navigation option. Definitely blows away anything in a BMW

Yes, but at least BMW's have iPod integration...and no useless cassette...

Buy the car from the other dealer, then take it to Lexus of Orland and show it to the general manager and tell him your story. His reaction should be interesting.

Tom

Feeling particularly perturbed, I also sent Lexus an email indicating my experience there...

Going for a test drive this morning (elsewhere....)

I just spoke with a sales rep at Lexus of Orland (Illinois). I had inquired about wanting to arrange a test drive for a Lexus GS 450h. I was told it is "company policy" not to offer test drives on that particular car.

I'm thinking it's not my policy to buy a $60K+ car without test driving it first.

I'm guessing it was some BS story to filter-out the merely curious, as opposed to the serious buyer. Ah well, arranged for a test drive an another dealer.

Is there really a cassette deck in the GS ? That sucks

And an 8-Track Tape Player is an option...

Better for the environment maybe a "touchy feely" issue for you, but for some its a serious consideration. Personally, I consider it a moral issue. If I have to drive (and I do living in So Cal) then I want to be able at least say that for my tastes (performance, comfort and capacity) I have the least environment footprint posssible.

Oh, I didn't mean any disrespect for the environmental pluses of this hybrid by referring to it as "touchy-feely" (or I wouldn't have listed it as one of my "pluses"). I only used that term cuz I'm used to the backlash from most car "enthusiasts" about anyone who indicates there are other considerations than sheer horse power...)

I'm about 75% there with my decision to get a GSh. Just would like to hear from a few other owners...

Okay. Here's my story. I'm a major gadget and car nut and have been intrigued by the GS 450h for some time. After months of seeing the redesigned GS's on the road and liking what I saw, I finally decided to go for a test drive.

I drove both a 350awd and a 450h. Loved them both. In my very short drive, which was hampered by too much Chicago traffic, I didn't notice a huge difference between them (admittedly I didn't have the opportunity to max out the acceleration).

The hybrid version appeals to me for these reasons:

[1] Touchy feely, it's better for the environment

[2] I just happen to like the idea of driving reasonably fast, coasting to stoplights, and watching the hand-off between electric motors and the engine.

[3] Reliably getting more than 20 mpg just appeals to me (but I know full-well this car is no Prius)

My concerns at this point:

[1] Rear-wheel drive in Chicago. Have gotten used to having AWD and not having to worry about snow tires. (Obviously, this doesn't have anything to do with the hybrid, per se)

[2] Residual value (whether I lease or buy) -- this hybrid performance car seems like such a boutique idea, just wondering if anyone would really want a used one.

[3] Hardly any trunk. (Ultimately, not a big deal for me, but it is awfully small).

Putting aside $$ issues, I'm just wondering if the pluses will outweigh the minuses. Obviously, all of this is totally subjective, but I'd love to hear from current owners about how they feel about their GS hybrid. It's cool to be able to go from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, but in real life, how often do you actually get to do that...

Thanks. Hope someone is listening!

I fear I am losing my proverbial erection over this car. I went to the Chicago AutoShow yesterday and checked out the other Lexus sedans: the LS, IS , and ES all have an AUX input. I threw out my cassette tapes long ago, so that's sort of useless in the GS.

I'm guessing that the GS must be due for a dash overhaul. Maybe for '08? Anyone have any ideas about this?

I think the 07 has the updated Nav / Media system - hi res screen, play's MP3 CDs

So those are the only differences? I'm intrigued about the differences as well. Thinking of trading in my BMW for a Lexus...

Hey,

I'm very interested in the GSh (haven't made it to the dealer yet to see one in person). Can someone confirm that the GS (hybrid) does NOT have any AUX or iPod interface? (Didn't want to start a new thread for just this yes or no question). If it doesn't, seems pretty insane for a $60K car in 2007...

Thanks!

Apologies if this has been addressed elsewhere, but my searches didn't come up with much.

I am currently driving a 2006 BMW 330xi and am always in a state of fantasizing about my next car.

I am curious if/when Lexus is planning on releasing a hybrid version of its IS model. I love my BMW, but would really like having a car that get good gas milage (as much out of principle as economics).

Thus far Lexus' focus is power over economy with its line of hybrids. Hoping they'll make an IS version that has power and good milage...

Thanks for your thoughts!