BillT

Greetings, Since wear out of tires leads to replacement, I searched for what options exist. The revs per mile differ among the 4 and 5 star tires offerred at http://www.tirerack.com/ They range from 731 to 739 , about 1%. I assume I can ignore this as long as I get the tires in a matched set. Anyone disagree? The site has Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Blackwall as the best seller. If everyone does their research, then I can assume it rates better than the others. Does anyone have a better suggestion if I want a good traction tire for all seasons, i.e. rain in winter and 110F and dry in summer? Sincerely, Bill

We observed the possibility of the interferance when we first parked the 400h in the garage. A full size van, which the 400h replaced, had already made us aware of this possibility. We fixed the problem by cleaning the garage to remove some 4 feet of clutter in front of the 400H. Now we drive the 400h all the way to then end of the garage, which puts it beyond the reach of the door.

Greetings, I often get just above 27 mpg on round trips to work with mix driving conditions and air conditioning turned on. About 22, less than 15 minute trips in town during 100 to 110 F temparatures and air conditioning turned on. About 30.2, round trips to work with air conditioning turned OFF. Best mileage occurs after first 5 minutes and driving 35 to 60 mph. Sincerely, BillT

Greetings, What experimental results exist for different braking strategies? What strategies cause the best regeneration? What strategies cause the best mileage? What relevant literature exists? When I break moderately, the power meter dips part way into the blue. When I break hard, the power meter dips farther into the blue, but for a shorter time as the vehicle stops sooner. It seems reasonable to assume the batteries have a maximum charge rate, which means the regeneration has a maximum level. Past some point, braking harder will not capture more energy for charging the battery. I realize for some occasions you really do not have a choice about how hard to brake. However, for many occasions such as approaching a stop light or sign, you can start braking 500 feet down to 100 feet before you actually have to stop. For these situations I want to know what will give me the best overall mileage. Sincerely, BillT

How exactly did you remove the rails? I'm all thumbs, so I could probably do it in, say, a half hour or so :) I have no use for the roof rack and would eliminate it all together if it would help reduce the wind noise.. ← The crossbars are easy to remove and install. The rear endcaps of the the rails are plastic. They snap off by sliding rearward. There is a set screw that prevents the crossbars from sliding off of the rails. Unscrew the set screw on both sides and the crossbars slide off the end. Replace the set screws and snap on the endcaps by sliding forward and down. Removal and installation is fast and easy. The trick is knowing how the end cap is removed. ← It might remove, but how? They do not seem to move rearward on a 400H. How hard do you have to move them? Where should you grab hold? Move them straight back or left up the very ends a little bit or a lot or how much?

Can you change the paired phone while driving?

Our family usually has 2 cell phones in the car at a time and might switch to bluethooth phones for the 400H . Can you switch between the phone with the 400h in motions? Any problems with 2 phones in the car at one time?

03/05 on our 400H sold in Sacramento

Greetings, Just recieved the following email, which indicates the west coast has start recieving the demos. Sincerely, BillT HELLO, IT IS 12:30 MONDAY THE 18TH AND OUR FIRST HYBRID IS HERE. THE FIRST ONE WILL BE HELD FOR DEMOS ONLY. AT THREE TODAY WE CAN START DRIVING IT. ... Crown Lexus 1125 Kettering Drive Ontario, CA 91761 www.CrownLexus.com

Greetings, The 400h that you will get, has a different sound system than the RX330. It has about a dozen speakers. I suggest you listen to it and decide for yourself whether or not it pleases you. Sincerely, Bill Thomas

Arrived 6 April 2005 Not much new but something to read while waiting to actually get my 400H. Can the dealers limit themselves to MSRP+$650? Can a buyer say no to something like "Delux Body Prep $1200" ? Superior technology creates superior value. By now, you know that the Lexus RX 400h may be one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the market. Which is hardly surprising, given that the next-generation gas/electric hybrid system offers a combined output of 268 horsepower and an EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy rating of 29 mpg [1]. However, what might have escaped your attention is what a superb value the RX 400h represents. In addition to the landmark hybrid performance, the RX 400h also comes standard with all-wheel drive, our new generation of vehicle stability control system known as VDIM [2] and an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) that improves fuel economy and acceleration. The RX 400h includes a wide array of premium standard features, which are typically either offered as popular options or not available on the RX 330 and valued at more than $6,000. For example, every RX 400h comes standard with a navigation system with backup camera, six-disc CD changer and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). It also comes standard with our Premium Package, which consists of extensive leather trim, a power-tilt steering wheel with memory, roof rack with rails, illuminated entry system and one-touch open/close moonroof. Also unique to the 400h are the electrically powered climate control, electric power steering and Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) system. With most cars, the climate control and power steering are powered by the engine, reducing performance and fuel economy. The RX 400h comes with unique design touches like a new bumper with wide intake and round foglamps, a new grille, LED taillamps, new 18- inch wheels and aluminum interior trim. With so many innovative features, so much technological sophistication and such refined styling--you'd expect to pay more than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $48,535, plus delivery, processing and handling fees of $650. The Lexus RX 400h. While you may know a good value when you see one, there's nothing like the feeling you get when you actually drive one. (LEGAL) [1] EPA-estimated ratings: 29 combined/31city/27 highway mpg. Actual mileage may vary. [2] Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.

I agree with your position on the rear DVD player. My luck, the one out of eight that comes with it will be the only one with my favorite color choice! We'll see ... ← Greetings, Does the rear DVD sound go into the car's sound system? If yes and you want to listen to a movie or a an audio DVD, could you do as well with a non-Lexus DVD player system? Sincerely, Bill Thomas

A letter arrived from the Sacramento Lexus dealership dated 17 March 2005 saying, "MSRP WITHOUT read entertainment, $50700; WITH rear entertainment, $52540." This seems to confirm what gtfrench got from his dealership.

Not likely. The US has an allocation of about 20000 . The buyers' list has about 12000. This would suggest about 7 months. However, the buyers' list has people just interested but might not buy a US$ 50000 vehicle, and also the list has double entries because some people have their names at multiple dealers.

Greetings, I have included a press release. Items of interest: Confirmed MSRP $48535 includes RX330 options valued at $6000 MPG better than previous announcements. Highway 27, City 31, Combined 29 Sincerely, BillT :) Lexus Announces Pricing on the RX 400h Luxury Gas/Electric Hybrid SUV, As Well as Certified EPA-Estimated Mileage Figures Monday February 28, 11:00 am ET TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle goes on sale April 15, with a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $48,535. Beyond its advanced gas/electric hybrid powertrain and new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system, the base price includes a wide array of premium standard features, which are typically offered as popular options on the RX 330, valued at more than $6,000. ADVERTISEMENT "In the past, consumers may have wanted a vehicle that was kinder to our environment, but felt they had to make sacrifices in power, utility and amenities," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "There are no compromises here. The new RX 400h is what luxury buyers want -- the complete package." The RX 400h incorporates a new, advanced Lexus Hybrid System that combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the Lexus RX 330, with a high-torque electric-drive motor-generator, plus a rear electric-drive motor-generator to provide the security of all-wheel drive. With a combined system output of approximately 268 horsepower, the RX 400h delivers rapid acceleration with unexpected fuel efficiency. At 7.3 seconds, acceleration from zero to 60 mph is better than many V8-powered mid-size luxury SUV competitors. EPA certification of fuel economy ratings has now been confirmed. The RX 400h's EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg is better than the average for compact sedans and is an improvement over the previously reported number. Also better than earlier reports, highway fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg, an improvement of 67 percent over the RX 330 -- already one of the best in its class. Finally, at 31 mpg, the city rating for the 400h exceeds most V8-equipped luxury SUVs by more than 100 percent. With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new generation of vehicle stability control systems known as VDIM. This new system goes well beyond conventional traction and stability controls that simply react to challenging conditions. Instead, VDIM anticipates vehicle instability in virtually any direction and makes stabilizing corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability. In addition to the hybrid powertrain and VDIM, the base price includes: leather interior trim, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, roof rack with rails, illuminated entry system, a one-touch open/close moonroof, Lexus DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, six-disc CD changer, HID headlamps with the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), electrically-powered air conditioning, new 18-inch wheels and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty.