So it's come to this - behold the first-ever hybrid shed
Tony MiddlehurstWith a hum and a whirr the 21st century finally arrives in SOTW Land as its first-ever hybrid hoves hushingly into view. The Lexus GS450h was the world’s first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid and it received a surprisingly warm welcome from the muttering rotters. Surprising because from a dynamic perspective, everybody knew that any Lexus with a GS badge on it was going to be more of a bar room lounger than a nightclub brawler.
The 450h went well too, the smooth 292hp 3.5 litre V6 and 197hp electric motor giving it a combined maximum output of 341hp, a 0-62 time of 5.9 seconds and a 155mph top whack. As a bonus, there was an official average fuel consumption figure of 35.8mpg. The cabin was suitably leathery. Not in an especially warm way, but again there were many compensations. The ad doesn’t tell us what model this is but Shed says that the small boot spoiler makes it an SE at least.
Looking back through the test history we can see that the only fails have been for low-tread tyres, a deteriorated numberplate and a not-quite-right headlamp aim. It was given new front brake discs after the 2019 test and new rear discs after the 2021 one, along with new rear tyres. It might be difficult getting it through the next MOT if the only advisory on the last test in November can’t be sorted, but Shed is fairly confident that new wiper blades are still available for this model.
Otherwise, the worst problems you’re likely to have with a Lexus like this will be in the suspension department. Replacing not so much bushes but leaky dampers can be expensive if you go down the OE route but there are much cheaper aftermarket options. Rusty exhausts likewise will be dear to fix if you ask the dealer as they’ll want to flog you the full system with cats included for over £2,000, but stainless steel aftermarket pipes can be had for nearer to £600.
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