44 Votes

Look At Where The New Lexus HS250h Hybrid Is Showing Up. The Competition CAN'T Be Happy.

Agent001 submitted on 11/7/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:27:17 PM

66 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Link: 2010 Lexus HS250h

There has been a lot of debate on AutoSpies.

com on whether the new Lexus HS250h would succeed or fail.

Comments like- "It looks like a re-badged Corolla" or "Who wants it? The mileage isn't great" or "A Diesel is a way better solution".

Well, based on my informal research in some of the most affluent neighborhoods on earth, you ALL would be wrong.

They are starting to multiply in the areas of influence.

Take a look at the photos I shot of it yesterday and see the owners house.

These are people who can afford ANYTHING, yet they are voting with their wallets in favor of this car.

Dealers tell us they are selling briskly and when the competition sees what is being traded in for them and WHO is buying them, well, they just can't be taking the news easily.

On paper this car doesn't beat the band.

I've driven it and although it drives nicely, there is little about it to lust over.

So why is it selling so well and WHY are people dumping E-Classes and the like to step up to the counter and buy one?

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Look At Where The New Lexus HS250h Hybrid Is Showing Up. The Competition CAN'T Be Happy.

About the Author

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— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

Maybe because they're wealthy but dumb. Most of them probably couldn't do even high-school level algebra to save their lives.
— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 12:00:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

http://www.air.org/news/documents/Release200601pew.htm
— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 12:01:25 AM | | Votes: -3

It's the maid's car.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:28:02 AM | | Votes: 1

It's not surprising to see the HS250h in those blocks. You know why? Celebrities drive Prius's and that's a Toyota badge car. Whether or not it's a rebadged Corolla that's not the argument right now. It's like Cameron Diaz owning this HS rather than the Prius. It's the same difference. They obviously have Mercedes, Bentley's, Ferrari's up in those garages that's a given.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 6:53:46 AM | | Votes: 3

— TurboSpyder:

> Maybe because they're wealthy but dumb. Most of them
> probably couldn't do even high-school level algebra to save
> their lives.

I like it when poor people call the rich ones "dumb". It's just such a perfect example of helpless, infinite frustration.

BTW, it has been known for a long time, that:

"Those who purchase hybrid vehicles tend to have much higher levels of education and report much higher household income; they are also about four years older than the average new vehicle buyer (54 vs. 50), the study found, reports MarketingCharts

Separately, a psychographic profile of hybrid-car owners, developed by Mindset Media, found that people who drive hybrid cars are 78 percent more likely than the general population to be highly creative.

That is, they are inventive and imaginative and also tend to be emotionally sensitive and intellectually curious."

http://www.marketingvox.com/hybrid-car-owners-educated-wealthier-older-more-creative-less-dogmatic-037285/

Everything matches perfectly. The smart, creative, educated, intelligent people who actually turned their virtues into profit, purchase hybrids.

The frustrated haters fart.
— downtoearth (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 8:40:41 AM | | Votes: 4

"I like it when poor people call the rich ones "dumb". It's just such a perfect example of helpless, infinite frustration."

My reasoning goes like this:

1) Reasonable assumption that the people most likely to become wealthy are graduates from selective colleges.

2) "The National Survey of America’s College Students (NSACS) surveyed the English-language abilities of 1,827 students in their final year at 80 randomly selected 2-year and 4-year public and private colleges and universities across the United States."

http://www.air.org/news/documents/collegeliteracyfactsheet.htm

3) Definition of quantitative literacy as given on page 4 of the NSACS final report:

"Quantitative Literacy: The knowledge and skills required to
perform quantitative literacy tasks, that is, to identify and
perform computations, either alone or sequentially, using
numbers embedded in printed materials. Quantitative
examples include balancing a checkbook, figuring out a
tip, completing an order form, or determining the amount
of interest on a loan from an advertisement."

http://www.air.org/news/documents/The%20Literacy%20of%20Americas%20College%20Students_final%20report.pdf

4) This note from page 5 of the final report:

"...differences between *selective*
and nonselective 4-year colleges for document and
quantitative literacy could not be detected."

5) The results from Figure 2.2 on page 19 that show that only 34% of people about to graduate from a U.S. 4-year institution could demonstrate quantitative literacy proficiency (have a look again at the definition in point 3 above to see how basic the requirements are).

See also:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9707/newjobsfortommorrow.jpg
— TurboSpyder (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 2:52:06 PM | | Votes: -7

more like wealthy and smart. and with enough self esteem not to need a $200k penis enlarger.
— DinamoR (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:14:22 PM | | Votes: -1

Idiotic thread.
A discussion about a car no one here knows who owns, where the owner of the car lives, what the owner of the car does, and you people are analysis this person based on a random photo!

STUPID!
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 9:05:20 AM | | Votes: 4

Well the maid HAS to park SOMEWHERE!
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 9:16:40 AM | | Votes: -5

Wealthy but dumb? Yeah right. They must be doing something right to live in nice mansion like that or buy whatever they want.

But most rich people had no taste for good looking car. This Lexus is ugly compare to the current IS, GS, and LS.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 12:09:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"...mansion???" Looks like a condo to me. Or some hotel in Orange County (CA).
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:28:48 AM | | Votes: 1

It's a house in Hollywood

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:33:53 AM | | Votes: 7

"Wealthy but dumb? Yeah right."

Paris Hilton
Britney Spears
Linsay lohan
Nicole Richie
all are filthy rich yet pretty dumb.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 3:08:53 AM | | Votes: 13

They're smarter than us! ;)

You don't get that kind of money for nothing.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 3:11:03 AM | | Votes: -5

Speak for yourself 009!

As en ex-salesman my dealings with wealthy people for the most part left me baffeld as to how they got thier money in the first place. If you like a lot of people think money is equel to ones IQ level or smart descions than let me remind of of the "Gold" Escalade article that was posted a few weeks ago.

http://www.autospies.com/tag/gold-escalade/
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:55:20 AM | | Votes: 4

sorry 009 ment to say agent 001!
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:45:58 PM | | Votes: 1

the car is a great idea, and honestly, its not a HIDEOUS car, its just not particularly sleek and coupe like. However, if toyota has learned anything from the Prius, its that looks dont necessarily matter with hybrids.

The other part is that rich people who do not want to be seen in a toyota will find the HS just right
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:21:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Just because they "can afford anything" doesn't mean they have the first whit of taste. And this house, as it's being called, should give you a good clue.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:30:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

LOL nice
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:32:37 AM | | Votes: 3

"Oh look, dear, Ned and Kitty bought a new corolla. My, my....times are rougher than we thought."
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:34:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

LOL...Classic!
— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:42:53 AM | | Votes: -1

that image is from somewhere in the LA area. Sorry but I went to USC, and Los Angeles and California in general are not good barometers for much of anything. Yes, there are ridiculously wealthy people there. But the problem is they're TOO rich. You're talking about the world capital of "group think". It's all about fads and image there, they'll basically buy anything that makes them "look cool", even if it's only for a few minutes. Those are the same people that for a year made the LS600h popular, a car that every review ridiculed for being a failure at what it was supposed to be, and a car no one buys now that the cool, "green" newness has worn off. The HS is the same thing. It'll be the "hey, look, I'm green and cool" car for a very brief period. Then those same people will lose interest and move onto the next image thing, whatever it is. And it has nothing to do whatsoever with whether the car (or whatever the flavor of the next 15 minutes) is worthy of the attention, it's just about getting noticed. So 15 minutes from now when there's some other cool "look at me" thing that makes them "cool", those same ridiculously wealthy people will spend their money on whatever that is.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:39:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

you could say exactly the same thing applies to ANY car the 'sporty or nothing' fanbois on this site drool over.

the difference is, once the novelty of having the most powerful engine wears off, you are STILL STUCK with big gas, insurance, and maintenance bills.

once the novelty of having a hybrid wears off, you STILL SAVE money on gas, insurance, etc. PLUS, it made a smaller dent in your checkbook to begin with.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 2:27:04 AM | | Votes: 3

the rich do not get rich by being dumb and throwing their money around just to indulge themselves. a lot of rich people are actually quite smart (unless they just inherited the loot; but even then they are better educated than most).

a lot of rich people are FRUGAL as well as smart.

sociologists have found that the most popular 'car' among american millionaires, is the workhorse ford f-150.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 2:33:54 AM | | Votes: 6

— JRobUSC:

> Those are the same people that for a year made
> the LS600h popular, a car that every review ridiculed
> for being a failure at what it was supposed to be

Indeed. Being quieter than Rolls Royce Phantom while using half the fuel, providing similar comfort and performance is a failure. Sadly, BMW can't even afford such "failures", which makes their markeging guys extremely frustrated.

> It'll be the "hey, look, I'm green and cool" car
> for a very brief period.

Studies show (see above) that hybrids buyers are smarter, better educated, richer, more creative and open than buyers of ordinary cars. I know it makes dumber people hate them but why not limiting oneself to hating, rather than spreading false information?

It really sucks to have lower IQ and have to live the entire life in frustration because someone is more effective and simply superior in almost anything.
— downtoearth (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 9:46:05 AM | | Votes: 3

More comfortable than a Rolls Royce? Seriously? Share that stuff your smoking!
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:01:16 AM | | Votes: 3

Remember, you can never be "too rich."
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:28:15 AM | | Votes: 2

Studies show (see above) that hybrids buyers are smarter, better educated, richer, more creative and open than buyers of ordinary cars.

They also tend to be smugger and less informed in where the materials that made thier car came from hypbrids are rapeing the planet behind the closed doors of manufacturing.
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 9:22:44 AM | | Votes: 1

rigid, apparently you're DUMB ENUFF to have bought the disinformation from a SCHOOL PAPER article written by a student journo full of anti-prius propaganda.

amazed at the traction his amateur effort got and instructed to do better research, he later retracted his statements.

apparently, the idiots who like to believe a HUMMER could be more green than a prius never updated their info.

just like so many others MIRED in the past and who can see no good in hybrids. retards.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 3:44:12 AM | | Votes: 2

CNW Marketing Research firm should have permanent bad press for that idiotic survey they did. Really, one of the big glaring errors in their assumption was that a Prius become a scrapped vehicle at 100,000 miles, but a Hummer has an average life of 300,000 miles.

Clearly shows they on purpose skewed the results to obtain the outcome they were PAID to conclude.

BAD BAD CNW Marketing Research. Where are they now????
— Enforcement (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 8:15:27 AM | | Votes: 2

If bill gates drives a ford does that mean ford is the ultimate in luxury/technology? lol there are lots of rich people in this world and most of them aren't into cars.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 2:17:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

a lot of what's not "seen" goes into making a car purchase. i think lexus owners care slightly less for having the most optimal fuel, performance, style, or what-have-you, in favor of the ownership experience/service that lexus is known for. just my 2 cents.
— ajax (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 3:02:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

good point
— NItePhire (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 12:51:47 PM | | Votes: 5

considering that lexus buyers have a CHOICE (among the many models) of getting optimum economy, AND performance (IS250/350 and soon LF-A), AND style (nearly all models); with emphasis where they prefer OR a mix they find suitable in many models, YOUR STATEMENT MAKES NO SENSE.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 3:49:53 AM | | Votes: 0

Maybe it was abandoned
— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 3:25:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I don't think the car looks ugly. It looks OK. To me it looks like Lexus IS which is made more spacious and slightly tallish shape is because of aerodynamic reasons. Or you can say baby ES.
If you want good fuel economy and sportiness and RWD get the Lexus IS250.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 6:52:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

"If you want good fuel economy and sportiness and RWD get the Lexus IS250."

Sorry to burst your bubble but the IS250 is neither sporty nor fuel efficient.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 9:00:35 AM | | Votes: -5

"...the IS250 is neither sporty nor fuel efficient."

wrong.

the IS250 actually corners and brakes better than the IS350, due to less weight, and good balance. it also gets one of the HIGHEST mpg figures for a luxury car.

some people seem able to simply IGNORE reality and just pull statements out of their ass to diss cars they don't like or might even be JEALOUS OF.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 3:55:47 AM | | Votes: 4

So you see a certain car parked curbside in front of a mansion and you assume it belongs to the property owners? Wouldn't you think that a property like this would have a garage or at least a driveway?
— JustaCar (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 7:17:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

— JustaCar:

> Wouldn't you think that a property like this would
> have a garage or at least a driveway?

Wouldn't you think that if you drop into your house for some ten or twenty minutes, you don't pack your car into the garage?
— downtoearth (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 9:47:42 AM | | Votes: -1

A house like this must have a more accessible entrance for dropping in quickly instead of parking on the street and climbing all those stairs. What about the car parked just ahead of the Lexus in the picture (loosk like a 1980's Chevy Impala). Did they also park on the street because they were dropping in their mansion for a few minutes?

I am not going to debate whether wealthy people would buy the HS250. What I am saying is that this article is just a way to start another pointless discussion.
— JustaCar (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 11:50:14 AM | | Votes: 4

what a dumb comment.

even if the owner is just a friend or visitor, he or she is likely of a similar economic status. it shows that SMART RICH PEOPLE generally appreciate a car like this, as well as all other Lexus models.

why do you think Lexus is the #1 luxury brand in NA?
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 4:10:31 AM | | Votes: 2

even without getting to specific home owners/car owners, you can make some judgements about the intelligence of those frequenting different sections of a city.

it is a matter of course to see a higher concentration of Prii and imports generally around my local university. conversely, there is a relative dearth of those, and a higher proportion of domestics near the army base. AND the poorer section of town. as well as a bedroom community known for CONSERVATIVE and or religious voters.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2009 4:19:55 AM | | Votes: -1

Well all know whats "in" these days.. Looking green. But seriously if you had that much money, would you buy an HS just for the green image? I certainly wouldn't.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:02:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Well WE* all know..
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:03:54 AM | | Votes: 2

in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th photo, there appears to be a house perched on a ledge at the top of the hill. the hill appears to be dirt, not granite. whoever took the picture of the prius should have a camera fixed on the suicidal mansion, as its surely about to jump. we could have an instant youtube classic.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 11:01:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Willis

I said,
-If you want good fuel economy and sportiness and RWD get the Lexus IS250.
-If you want good fuel economy and comfort and FWD get the Lexus HS250.

If u want even more sportiness get the IS350, even more ISF, even more LFA, even more get Bugatti veyron, even more.... Got it.
Maybe IS250 is not sporty enough for you, but surely it is to someone who is shopping for HS250 and a good alternative.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 11:22:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

This Lexus is a well built car just like all Lexus'.

The car is not very fast and if you are over 6 foot tall you're not going to like the driving position because the center console extends into your right knee.

There's no trunk space because it's a hybrid.

If you're 5 foot 5 and are determined to save the planet it's the car for you.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 1:25:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I agree with your points but if I were running Lexus, I would have made the FIRST hybrid a better looking, more luxurious, more tech-laden Prius.

THEN, I would have branched out with other form factors.

They have so much brand equity built, they should have used it.

I believe if they built that first, they would sell 10 to 1 over the 250hs.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 4:29:23 PM | | Votes: 0

I wish Lexus would have made the LX hybrid only, and have it not lose any offroad prowess in the process.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 5:25:17 PM | | Votes: 0

It's all for status, like the RX hybrid too, this way when they drive the Land Rover the other days they don't feel bad, I see it here in CT all the time! It makes them feel less guilty for all the other things they do wrong. They are doing their part to save the planet.
— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 5:12:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I was poopooed with the following comment back in January when the HS first appeared...

"I think Lexi has done it again. Not that anything is particularly noteworthy about this HS. But guess what it has going for it??... Hybrid? Nahh...fuel efficient? No biggy...Looks? Nope...Is it cool? Not really...Come on...its so obvious...Thats it, most of you car smarties guessed correctly!...The answer is...ITS A LEXUS!! Lets face it, in these times who would you trust more than any manufacturer to build and stand behind their quality products?? The HS will be a winner.

Posted on 1/11/2009 3:28:05 PM"

...Believe me now??
— Ricks2Dogs (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 5:23:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

If you want to Drive a Hybrid, but you must have a Lexus, this is the way to go. If not consider a Diesel Jetta, a Premium Trim Elantra, etc....

The fuel Economy + Power + interior + options= ~$36,000.

~ = not.

Lexus 250h Fuel Economy+ Power+ Interior + Options= $25,000.

Therefore the extra $10,000=$5000 for the hybrid system + $5000 extra for the lexus Badging.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 5:53:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

in addition, heck, the A4 and A3 are/will be available in tdi forms for the richies
— commander104 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 12:42:52 PM | | Votes: -1

What news is there here? A new Lexus model, despite all the expected criticism (now lame excuses about "dumb rich people" etc.) from the posers on this one automotive website, sells and sells well to many different types of customers. In other news, the sky is blue.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 8:19:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

LOL I'll second that. Lexus has done nothing but put out a hit after a hit for 20 years. "dumb rich people" LOL I love all the excuses.

pretty obvious that the posters on autospies do not represent the general public. they assume they do, but that is where they make their mistake.
— DinamoR (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 10:24:03 PM | | Votes: 4

maybe it's the maid's car ;).
— dwatson (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 8:39:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

the owners of that house can 'afford' everything BUT good taste. money can't buy that.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2009 9:42:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

If they are so smart and rich why dont they have a driveway.
— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 2:58:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I don't think Leno or Letterman would ever buy this car.

V-10 NSX
— jsell (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 10:22:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Saw one on the highway yesterday, definitely not a fan. The clear taillights don't fit the tail end and the bumper skirting looks very similar to that on the current Corolla.

Sorry Lexus, not a fan of this one. Although I guess they are hitting the appeal of people who want a small hybrid but don't want some crazy wedge shaped Prius and would rather have a more traditional looking car. And that would leave the Honda Civic Hybrid as an option but not luxurious enough.

Maybe if Acura brought the CSX from Canada and offered a Hybrid trim they could compete.
— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 10:58:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

It's ugly, based on a corolla with an independent rear suspension, a lexus interior, good gadgets, a camry drivetrain and it as a whole is weird goofy and does not get better gas millage then an Audi A3 TDI...I don't get it!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 11:21:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Or stated another way.
The compact Audi A3 is based on a VW Golf, with a Jetta drivetrain, and doesn't get better mileage than the midsize Lexus in the city.
— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 12:25:02 PM | | Votes: 3

A few observations;

The car is not in a garage
The car is not plated
There is no "happy tag" (permit)

Could the local dealer parked it there to take pictures?
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 4:34:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

spot on!

Also, on one of the picture you clearly see that the car parked ahead of the HS is an "high end"... 20 y/o Chevrolet Celebrity.(must be in eurosport trim to be parked there)
— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2009 9:15:03 PM | | Votes: 0

dumb comment.

if that were so, there are MANY even better venues.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 11/12/2009 4:04:48 AM | | Votes: 2

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Look At Where The New Lexus HS250h Hybrid Is Showing Up. The Competition CAN'T Be Happy.

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