Please Help Me Decide Between 2008 Rx 400H And 2010 Rx 350

Jonnymm · November 16, 2011

Hi

I have to decide between two cars

2008 RX 400h Hybrid with 15,000 miles for $31,500

or

2010 RX 350 Non-hybrid with 35,00 miles for $34,000

both cars are black/black with NAV and basically fully loaded

will the hybrid really give me that much better gas mileage?

is the new body style better?

i need help have to pick up car this week

Thanks

Jonathan

nypga@aol.com

please help me

cduluk · November 16, 2011

In my own opinion, the 2010+ Rx350 is "nothing special". Besides a few technology items (different nav interface, keyless start) the 2010 isn't much better than the older models. It depends on whether or not you find it more attractive since you'll be the one driving it.

But there isn't a doubt in my mind that the 08 Rx400h is an outstanding vehicle, and i love mine. It's incredibly reliable and the performance is MUCH better than the 2010 Rx350. The Rx400h is faster too, even faster than the 2010+ Rx450h hybrid.

The gas mileage is "better" with the Rx400h, but not by much. I have a pretty heavy lead foot and i avg ~21MPG in the winter and ~24MPG in the summer. Most others with the Rx400h average a little bit higher- it all depends on how you drive.

Typically the increase in fuel mileage between the Rx400h and Rx350 isn't enough to outweigh the higher sticker price of the hybrid. However, since you're buying used, that doesn't really apply. So buying a used hybrid will save you a lot more money than if you were to buy a new one, since the difference in cost between hybrid/non hybrid decreases with age.

I say either choice will yield you the same reliability. Just go with the one that you can picture yourself driving for however long you plan to keep it. <_<