How much to tax a Lexus GS 450h hybrid?
What is the annual road tax on the 2006 Lexus GS 450h? Is it based on CO2 or engine size? Do you get any benefit from the fact that it's hybrid?
William Grogan (Cork)Mar 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi William,
Unfortunately not - all cars registered before Jan 1st 2008 are on the old engine capacity system so with a 3.5-litre engine you'll have to pay €1,808 a year in motor tax.
My wife and I are in the market for a new car...
My wife and I are in our mid seventies and are in the market for a new car. We have been driving Saabs for 30 years and are now considering a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz, a Jaguar or a Lexus. I have been looking at 5 Series/E-Class category cars, mainly because I am for the first time in my life able to afford such a car. But I am totally confused by the jargon and the names the different manufacturers give to their options or packages. Please tell me what to buy. The most important feature for us is safety, including things that will stop us doing stupid things behind the wheel. Also good satnav and park assist/camera features.
And should I be looking at cheaper models? Do we really need E-Class or 3 Series to travel in comfort or should we drop down a category? Just tell me what to buy!
Thanks very much.
Peter, Dublin 6
Peter Kelly (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to.
I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.
Relevant reviews:
Lexus GS 450h: how reliable?
Lexus GS 450h: how reliable? How good are they really? I have a 2006 GS 450h and the hybrid batteries failed. I was told by a Lexus garage they cost €4,500 approx to replace. Nice car to look at and drive but when they fail you won't buy another one - that's if you can sell it. It has 143k miles on the clock only. All I can say is don't buy one with over 70k on the clock. Maybe you have better ideas on this?
Laurence O Halloran (Rathdrum Co Wicklow)May 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Laurence,
Well, to be honest, we don't often hear of any Lexus models suffering anything in the way of major component failure. Was there some major factor, such as physical damage to the batteries, or flooding or something like that? Batteries in hybrids and electric cars are always a concern when it comes to longevity, but Toyota has 15-year-old Prius still running around and their batteries are still working fine. Lexus claims that the batteries are designed to last the life of the car, so I'm suspecting that there's some other factor at play here.
What will I replace my Lexus GS with?
Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?
Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Cathal,
The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.
Do the batteries in the Lexus GS 450h need to be replaced?
Do the batteries in the Lexus GS 450h hybrid need replacing? Will there be a big expense in the near future?
Tony Higgins (Tralee)Apr 2013 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Lexus offers a five-year warranty on the battery, but a spokesperson confirmed to us that they expect the battery to last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Hope that reassures you
Will an airbag light mean failed NCT?
I have a Lexus GS 300 (95 reg) with an airbag light always on. Does this mean it well fail its next NCT test? Thanks
Adrian Scanlon (Tralee)Oct 2012 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Adrian,
I'm afraid so. Quoting from the NCT manual:
"Ensure the malfunction indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Braking System (EBS) / Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Parking Brake malfunction indicator are in working order."
"ITEM: Malfunction Indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS/Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Parking Brake."
"REASONS FOR FAILURE: Not working or indicates a defect in the relevant system."
You'll need to get that looked at I'm afraid.
What's wrong with the brakes on my Lexus?
I replaced the brake discs and pads of my 2001 Lexus GS 300 about 16 weeks ago. They were changed because the whole front end of the car vibrated violently while braking - including the steering wheel. After changing the discs and pads everything was ok, but now it's back the very same again please.
Help!
Vincent Markham (Ennis Co. Clare)Oct 2011 Filed under: brakes
Expert answer
Hi Vincent,
That really sounds like you were sold a set of discs that are not up to standard. Bring the car back to where you had the work done for them to look at it. It may be possible to skim them.
Hope that helps
I need a stylish, practical car for low mileage use.
Hi, I am looking for a reasonably stylish and fun-to-drive car that is practical enough to carry a couple of sets of golf clubs. I only drive about 3,000 miles a year as I live in city centre and walk most places. I therefore was thinking a petrol model would be a wiser choice than diesel.
I am less worried about upfront cost and more about cost of ownership such as depreciation, servicing, maintenance etc. I don't mind spending more for quality, but value and reliability are important. I am therefore thinking a couple years old maximum.
Cars I have considered are a 2008/9 Mazda6 Sport five-door with the 1.8-litre petrol engine (tough to find) and a 2009 Audi A5 with the 2.0 TFSI engine. This probably shows that I have a pretty broad range of things I would consider and I would be open to something completely different. What are your thoughts?
Apologies as I know its a fairly broad question but I figure you guys need a challenge every now and again.
Thanks for the great site, there really is no equal in Ireland.
Derek Popkes (Ennis Co. Clare)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Glad you like the site. Let's hope we can live up to your expectations! We got a little bit of extra information from you and you told us that you are trading in a 2000 Mazda 323 five-door and that your budget is around €30,000-€32,000, which is plenty to work with.
Given your criteria, and the fact that you mention the Audi A5, then I've had a look at some of those. You mention petrol models and with your low mileage then you could quite easily run a petrol car, but given the fact that you are concerned about residuals then the diesels in the A5 would make a better choice. There is a lovely 2.7-litre TDI A5 in the classifieds and this is under €30,000. It would be a smashing buy and the fact that it has quite high mileage doesn't really mattter in your case. The 2.7 TDI version would hold its value better than a 2.0T petrol.
At the other end of things you mention the Mazda6 - an odd contrast to the Audi but still a nice car nonetheless. You are unlikely to find a petrol-powered Mazda6 because Mazda really hasn't sold any in the last few years in Ireland. Plus, it wouldn't be a good use of money because it would be hard to sell on again a few years down the line. The diesel version is so much better anyway these days and you could have a demo 2011 model for well under €30,000. It is a nice car, but to be honest we can find you something a little more interesting.
How about a Jaguar XF 2.7 D Luxury? What a super car, for €33,000. This is a marvellous example and fully loaded with kit. Another outside bet would be a 2008 Lexus GS 450h. We found a low mileage one that would be great around town and it is super fast.
After all that, this is the car I think would suit you best. It is petrol, a 320i, but it is a hard-top convertible and it looks awesome. I don't know if you are a BMW fan but this could be a brilliant buy for you.
Come back to us if we've not hit the nail on the head.
What will I replace my 5 Series with?
Hi Complete Car,
I am upgrading my car. My budget is around the €25k mark. First off, I'm no expert, but I do know I'm not much into speed and performance; I'm more into comfort and style and I prefer European cars over Asian ones (Honda and Lexus being possible exceptions). I'm a big person myself, over six-foot three so leg- and head room are important.
For the last few years I have had a BMW 5 Series and have always liked BMW so I'm leaning that way. Currently thinking about a BMW 6 Series: there are some '05s floating around that fit the bill.
Question: is the 6 any good? Should I stick to the 5 Series (although I'm not a fan of the recent models in terms of looks)?
I'd be interested to know if you think there are other makes and models I should be looking at. I have tried a few Alfas - 159, Brera and GT - but they didn't grab me, were generally too small and always have that 'rep' associated with them (rightly or wrongly).
I'm not keen on hunting for cars in the UK (the hassle), but is that actually a no-brainer I'd be stupid to ignore?
Should I be looking at a brand new car?
Thanks for your time, and a great car website; the best in my opinion,
Stephen
Stephen Moriarty (Dublin)
Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
If you have owned a BMW 5 Series before then you might want a change. The 6 Series is a good car, but like anything else in BMW land when it gets a little older repairs can start to become expensive when things go wrong. I personally wouldn't go near one unless it had a full set of BMW service history stamps and unless I could budget another few thousand for things that might go wrong.
This one here is in a main BMW dealer so will have all the right history and paperwork and is pretty nicely equipped too. It is a little over budget, but I would be shocked if they weren't flexible on a 3.0-litre petrol car these days! The mileage on that example is also very low for the year. These cars have great handling and are usually generously equipped too. Remember though that it will cost quite a bit to run, both in terms of road tax and petrol costs.
Now, for alternatives. You did mention Lexus and the GS 450h hybrid is a wicked car. It is very, very fast, superbly equipped and comfortable. It will be ultra reliable too. You could have this one here, a 2007 model, for €25,950 and it would be a superb car to own. It actually does pretty decent fuel economy too. I'd prefer this to the 6 Series myself.
Or, you could enter Porsche ownership and have the brilliant Boxster S like this example in Galway that has the better engine and comes from a good home. Again, ignore the sticker price, as it is a buyers' market right now. I think you should own a silly car once, so unless you have cots and prams to carry about, I'd be tempted by the Boxster. It isn't going to annoy anyone any more than the 6 Series is.
The UK can be a minefield, but we wouldn't ever rule it out and I myself have bought cars there. What I would say is that the more research you do (and use history checks like motorcheck.ie) the easier it is.
As regards buying new, well you are likely to only afford something pretty dull and I think that you would not be too pleased coming out of a 5 Series. You seem to like interesting stuff.
If it was me, out of that lot I'd probably have the Boxster, but if I needed more practicality, the Lexus.
Hope, this helps. Feel free to come back for more odd suggestions.