Why I Love My Lexus LS600h And How Much It Cost Me So Far [TCO]

I love my 2008 Lexus LS 600h, but why?

In this video I list various reasons why I love my Lexus, the things I don't like so much and how much it cost me to own the car for 1.5 years. The cost of ownership part starts at 23:22.

While it might be true that a hybrid Lexus LS is more reliable than a comparable German sedan like a Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 or - dare I say it - a VW Phaeton, the car is not necessarily cheap to own.

It might sound strange, but the Lexus LS is genuinely exotic here in Switzerland. They are less common than many cars that are actually supposed to be exotic.

Also, this video took way longer to make than I originally intended. My slow descent into madness is painfully apparent in some parts of this video.

[ToyotaLife]

This car was a masterpiece and still is a incredible bargain today. You should never apologize for being a car enthusiast and loving this car this 600hl is one of the best production car

[ahmoshenry]

I own a 2010 LS 600h with 190, 000 KM and it is absolutely amazing with no maintenance issues to report just regular service. Superb quality and performance.

[ryannrjohnson]

That Mark Levinson system in my LS is one of the best systems I've ever heard in a vehicle. I hear more of the music in depth driving my Lexus than listening in a pair of high end headphones.

[mattg]

I own a 2012 LS460 RWD with 117, 000km and did the control arm and ball joints all for under $900 US (Did the job myself at a friends shop) and that has been my only repair. I did the job as preventive maintenance and expect to get many years of trouble free driving. I can honestly say I am happy that I chose the LS over an S class, 7 series or A8 and believe over its lifetime will be many thousands less to operate.

[ltwracing]

You DO NOT have to turn the headlights on manually. Leave them in the ON position & they will turn off automatically when you leave the car & lock it. They will turn on again when you start the vehicle. You can program the time that they stay on upon exiting in the vehicle settings menu. I have a 2007 IS350, 2010 GX460’ & a 2011 IS F. You can leave them on in all vehicles. They WILL shut off automatically. @swisscarguy

[azmanarshad]

Hi from Perth Australia. I have a 2008 LS600hL, owned since new, 220000km, absolutely reliable, and I’ve taken it all over Western Australia, South Australia & Victoria. Yes, I love this car, . Mario, you’re not the only idiot.

[ashishpatel]

It's probably cheaper to run than most of the German brands.

All air suspension fails. Doesn't matter the brand.

[CarPediaShow]

Leave the headlight position to on all the time. When you walk away and lock the doors press the lock button twice quickly. This feature has been on most toyotas since the 90s.

[petersmyth]

Fantastic car. I have a 2007 LS460 I have owned for 7 years. It has the same interior colour as your car. I purchased it with 100, 000km and it now has 370, 000km. Reliability is excellent - watch the radiator for top weeping and only replace with a Toyota Denso OEM when it goes. I have done the front end suspension rebuild twice and 2 x air suspension struts. Fuel consumption is 10.5L/100km which isn’t too bad. I love driving it. Enjoy your 600!

[rjohnsongolding]

Have had a 2018 Ls600h for 9 years, bought when it was three years old. The best of the best of 30 cars I have had: ultra comfortable, quiet, and impressive acceleration when needed. Absolutely reliable, minimum maintenance costs, good fuel economy if you want. Close to perfection, 12 years later everything works perfectly. No warning lights, no surprises! Who could ask for something so close to perfection, for so little money, as they do depreciate! Thanks for video report and review of this uniquely brilliant car.

[rexb]

I definitely love my ‘08 LS600hL irrationally. Had to get a new hybrid battery at time of purchase but this is the ultimate car. I watched your videos before buying and just want to say thank you for the honest review. The LS600 is the single best (material) improvement to my quality of life ever

[kystix]

Crazy the amount of detail they go into on inspections. Here in Florida I have friends who have illegally imported S15s with florida tags and titles and other friends that run straight pipes on every car they own. I dont think any car me or my parents own would pass Swiss inspection. Great video keep it up!

[thetomsteruk]

Just bought a 600hL with on the back of this excellent review. Gets delivered in 3 days time and I can't wait! Have also ordered the Grom Android unit at £529. Bit pricey, but just looks good.

New subscriber here now!

[alanroxby]

Hi I am a Total Lexus "nut case" having owned 6 Lexus cars, my latest being a GS450H.
Absolutly love the brand.Thanks for your video. A friend of mine calls my car the "Japanese Rolls Royce" with Sport mode.

[stillhaveit]

Love high level of detail, honesty (incl. cost list) and professionalism in your videos. Respect!

[YounesLayachi]

one of the fastest subscribes i've done, not even halfway through the video, i'm sold :D
i really resonate with your passion and "i like the idea of driving a car that's as good as (the brand can make)"
and you mention having a Phateon W12 for the same reasons x)
also the feeling of driving something very very rare around you.
and you defend older cars because newer ones aren't always automatically better in every way, that shows you know what makes a great car.
then you show how you got a custom android on your 2008 LS, it's been one of my biggest turn offs in recent years to see so much locked-down technology in new cars.
but amazingly you managed to get an old car with a big touchscreen and connect that to your own operating system ! this is as good as it gets :D
even nicer than just adding another screen on top

[peterobertson]

I bought a 2010 LS460 just last week. In New Zealand, only 46500km, 1 owner, who has turned 83 and given up driving. Has drop down dvd in rear, and vibrating rear seats. Cost me 26k nz ie about 13k uk pounds, i am very happy with it. Hope you put up a new video soon.

[alexh]

Pleasant surprise seeing someone do an actual cost calculation. It feels like most people cant stomach thinking about resale value in cost of ownership. Thank you

[InternetDude]

I bought a 2018 LS500 two months ago, so far I really like it. Rumor has it that Lexus might bring back a V8 hybrid LS, I may be interested as your car is too old for me personally but all LSs are awesome.

[kunaalsoni]

Love your channel - I'm a British car enthusiast who moved to Switzerland a few years ago so you're material is my sweet spot! And yes I share LS fetish, never owned one but would love to get an original and unaltered LS400 one day