Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Lexus LS, 2007-2015

[mixmanmash]

Holy crap, I had no idea those things were a buck and a half new! 

My LS430 was over $100K new.   

Jaeger needs to jump on that LS600h!!

I agree.  That should be Jaeger's next car.  Forget the Genesis or Q50.

[rrocket]

Holy crap, I had no idea those things were a buck and a half new! 

My LS430 was over $100K new.   

Jaeger needs to jump on that LS600h!!

I agree.  That should be Jaeger's next car.  Forget the Genesis or Q50.

Almost worth buying just so you never need to do another e-test!!

And to sweeten the pot, Jaeger...it's a CPO car.  So extra warranty.

[mixmanmash]

Holy crap, I had no idea those things were a buck and a half new! 

My LS430 was over $100K new.   

Jaeger needs to jump on that LS600h!!

I agree.  That should be Jaeger's next car.  Forget the Genesis or Q50.

Almost worth buying just so you never need to do another e-test!!

And to sweeten the pot, Jaeger...it's a CPO car.  So extra warranty.

We don't have e-testing here.  Otherwise the coal rolling rig rockets would be minimized.

[Jaeger]

Might have to check that out.

[2JDM]

I saw a used 2010 LS600hL AWD in my area with a 100k kms for about $35k.  Thought it was a heck of a deal.

I occasionally see them in the high 20s.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/LS/Markham/Ontario/5_26792334_ON20071001105925155/?ursrc=hl&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_2

Wow. That is fantastic value...

[Jaeger]

Is that AWD or RWD? Is the 600 automatically the long wheelbase?

[mixmanmash]

Is that AWD or RWD? Is the 460 automatically the long wheelbase?

The one Rrocket posted is a LS600HL, so hybrid, AWD and the "L" makes it long wheel base.  IIRC, all the hybrids were/are long wheelbase and AWD.

The 460, if it has an "L" at the end is long wheel base.  Now I'm not too sure about past models but currently, all LS460s sold in Canada are AWD.

[rrocket]

Is that AWD or RWD? Is the 600 automatically the long wheelbase?

The LS600hl is the most desirable of all the LS model.  As said previously, it's hybrid, AWD and long wheelbase.  LS600HL only came AWD and long wheelbase.  The back reclining chairs are incredible!  And it's about 440HP too!!

I think you should jump on this!!!

[rrocket]

  Now I'm not too sure about past models but currently, all LS460s sold in Canada are AWD.

Previous LS460 were available with RWD in Canada.

[Solstice2006]

Is that AWD or RWD? Is the 600 automatically the long wheelbase?

The LS600hl is the most desirable of all the LS model.  As said previously, it's hybrid, AWD and long wheelbase.  LS600HL only came AWD and long wheelbase.  The back reclining chairs are incredible!  And it's about 440HP too!!

I think you should jump on this!!!

Hybrid and desirable!  ewww!!!

[sacrat]

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/LS/CALGARY/Alberta/19_9172135_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_8

No Nav but also no air suspension to worry about. Seems to be a well cared for car. This generation had a 5 spd auto until 2004 refresh, when it became a 6 spd. Dooo it 

The nav graphics were very poor till about 2007. I remember noticing that on a 06 RX330 I was looking at.

Interestingly that 02 LS430 is worth about the same as my 14 Sonata. But being 12 years older, the reliability should be better in....
THE LEXUS!!!

Many premium cars are up for sale relatively cheap in Calgary right now "because oil". This could be a great time to take advantage...

[rrocket]

Hybrid and desirable!  ewww!!!

If you've never driven one....you just won't get it.

[Solstice2006]

Hybrid and desirable!  ewww!!!

If you've never driven one....you just won't get it.

I get the LS.  Just can't see the appeal of getting the hybrid. 

[rrocket]

Hybrid and desirable!  ewww!!!

If you've never driven one....you just won't get it.

I get the LS.  Just can't see the appeal of getting the hybrid.

Again...if you've never driven one...you just won't understand.

[Solstice2006]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

[rrocket]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

Again...it's all in the drive. It is unlike any hybrid you've driven.  Or any I've driven for that matter.  Part of this goes to the V8.  Part of it is the CVT.  A CVT with a V8 makes lots of sense...since CVT can take advantage of the generous torque curve of a V8.  This isn't really a case in a 4 cylinder.  Now add in the additional 221 lb ft torque from the hybrid.  The torque is INSTANT.  Everywhere.  There is no downshift, no loading up...just INSTANT.  And not only that, because of the hybrid and CVT, it's essentially peak torque...everywhere in the RPM band....at any time.  I read an article that said it's akin to having ~600 TQ anywhere in the rev band. This hybrid behaves more like an EV than a hybrid with the way the torque is delivered.

You have to drive it to understand, really. 


Maybe Wing can describe it better than I can??

[Solstice2006]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

Again...it's all in the drive. It is unlike any hybrid you've driven.  Or any I've driven for that matter.  Part of this goes to the V8.  Part of it is the CVT.  A CVT with a V8 makes lots of sense...since CVT can take advantage of the generous torque curve of a V8.  This isn't really a case in a 4 cylinder.  Now add in the additional 221 lb ft torque from the hybrid.  The torque is INSTANT.  Everywhere.  There is no downshift, no loading up...just INSTANT.  And not only that, because of the hybrid and CVT, it's essentially peak torque...everywhere in the RPM band....at any time.  I read an article that said it's akin to having ~600 TQ anywhere in the rev band. This hybrid behaves more like an EV than a hybrid with the way the torque is delivered.

You have to drive it to understand, really. 


Maybe Wing can describe it better than I can??

I agree that a CVT works better in a larger engine (only a handful with v8s anyway).  But especially in V6 applications.  From other critics, especially Top Gear.  It's basically slower, not much fuel savings (but who cares), and hell of a lot more money for little benefit.  But you are right, I have not driven one, so my feedback is limited to what I read from others.  Seems to be more of a halo car than anything. 

[rrocket]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

Again...it's all in the drive. It is unlike any hybrid you've driven.  Or any I've driven for that matter.  Part of this goes to the V8.  Part of it is the CVT.  A CVT with a V8 makes lots of sense...since CVT can take advantage of the generous torque curve of a V8.  This isn't really a case in a 4 cylinder.  Now add in the additional 221 lb ft torque from the hybrid.  The torque is INSTANT.  Everywhere.  There is no downshift, no loading up...just INSTANT.  And not only that, because of the hybrid and CVT, it's essentially peak torque...everywhere in the RPM band....at any time.  I read an article that said it's akin to having ~600 TQ anywhere in the rev band. This hybrid behaves more like an EV than a hybrid with the way the torque is delivered.

You have to drive it to understand, really. 


Maybe Wing can describe it better than I can??

I agree that a CVT works better in a larger engine (only a handful with v8s anyway).  But especially in V6 applications.  From other critics, especially Top Gear.  It's basically slower, not much fuel savings (but who cares), and hell of a lot more money for little benefit.  But you are right, I have not driven one, so my feedback is limited to what I read from others.  Seems to be more of a halo car than anything.

I know the original LS600h was faster.  0-60 in 5.5 seconds.  Later version seem to be a touch slower.

And I agree with you.  I don't think I'd spend the extra cash on a new one..because as you point out:  lots of dough!!   

But on a used one that doesn't cost much more than a used LS460?  I'd opt for the LS600H.

[Solstice2006]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

Again...it's all in the drive. It is unlike any hybrid you've driven.  Or any I've driven for that matter.  Part of this goes to the V8.  Part of it is the CVT.  A CVT with a V8 makes lots of sense...since CVT can take advantage of the generous torque curve of a V8.  This isn't really a case in a 4 cylinder.  Now add in the additional 221 lb ft torque from the hybrid.  The torque is INSTANT.  Everywhere.  There is no downshift, no loading up...just INSTANT.  And not only that, because of the hybrid and CVT, it's essentially peak torque...everywhere in the RPM band....at any time.  I read an article that said it's akin to having ~600 TQ anywhere in the rev band. This hybrid behaves more like an EV than a hybrid with the way the torque is delivered.

You have to drive it to understand, really. 


Maybe Wing can describe it better than I can??

I agree that a CVT works better in a larger engine (only a handful with v8s anyway).  But especially in V6 applications.  From other critics, especially Top Gear.  It's basically slower, not much fuel savings (but who cares), and hell of a lot more money for little benefit.  But you are right, I have not driven one, so my feedback is limited to what I read from others.  Seems to be more of a halo car than anything.

I know the original LS600h was faster.  0-60 in 5.5 seconds.  Later version seem to be a touch slower.

And I agree with you.  I don't think I'd spend the extra cash on a new one..because as you point out:  lots of dough!!   

But on a used one that doesn't cost much more than a used LS460?  I'd opt for the LS600H.

I would worry the hybrid could have more gizmos that go wrong.  I know the warranty is good on the battery, but the CVT compared to the 8 speed auto?  And an extra electrical stuff,  sensors.  But sure I hear you.

[rrocket]

I have driven hybrids. Not an LS hybrid.  Sure it has 78hp more than a non hybrid, but it also weights 1000lbs more! Why do consider it more desirable?

Again...it's all in the drive. It is unlike any hybrid you've driven.  Or any I've driven for that matter.  Part of this goes to the V8.  Part of it is the CVT.  A CVT with a V8 makes lots of sense...since CVT can take advantage of the generous torque curve of a V8.  This isn't really a case in a 4 cylinder.  Now add in the additional 221 lb ft torque from the hybrid.  The torque is INSTANT.  Everywhere.  There is no downshift, no loading up...just INSTANT.  And not only that, because of the hybrid and CVT, it's essentially peak torque...everywhere in the RPM band....at any time.  I read an article that said it's akin to having ~600 TQ anywhere in the rev band. This hybrid behaves more like an EV than a hybrid with the way the torque is delivered.

You have to drive it to understand, really. 


Maybe Wing can describe it better than I can??

I agree that a CVT works better in a larger engine (only a handful with v8s anyway).  But especially in V6 applications.  From other critics, especially Top Gear.  It's basically slower, not much fuel savings (but who cares), and hell of a lot more money for little benefit.  But you are right, I have not driven one, so my feedback is limited to what I read from others.  Seems to be more of a halo car than anything.

I know the original LS600h was faster.  0-60 in 5.5 seconds.  Later version seem to be a touch slower.

And I agree with you.  I don't think I'd spend the extra cash on a new one..because as you point out:  lots of dough!!   

But on a used one that doesn't cost much more than a used LS460?  I'd opt for the LS600H.

I would worry the hybrid could have more gizmos that go wrong.  I know the warranty is good on the battery, but the CVT compared to the 8 speed auto?  And an extra electrical stuff,  sensors.  But sure I hear you.

Toyota's planetary CVT is bullet proof....mainly because of it's simplicity.  Think of a rear differential for simplicity.  I bet the 8 speed wears out before a CVT.

Now the other stuff you mention?  No idea.  Sensors fail and electrical stuff can fail.  But electrical gremlins aren't a hallmark of Toyota hybrids..or their cars in general. 

Though it certainly can happen.