LexRexBlue

I've complained about this since the first year. They do have that explanation but no solution. The worst is hitting a pothole at the bottom of a hill with a Stop Sign and you can't stop. However, dare I say you get used to it and brake in advance! The only scary time is during snow/sleet because then you have less control afterwards. I don't think we're second class citizens but they didn't make as many RX hybrids as Priuses. It's numbers and Toyota is generally under closer scrutiny. I'm going to wait and see what they come up with because if its what has been going on in the RX400h since 2005 think about how many cars it must affect.

The worst was potholes at the bottom of the hill with a STOP sign. Letting the car coast down the hill (straight) recharged the battery didn't use gas, etc. but the car wouldn't Stop because of the holes at the Stop sign. After much angst the township repaired the holes. I feel much safer now.

I feel your pain. NJ is just full of potholes in certain areas. After already replacing 2 tires with less than 5000 miles on the car I opted for the insurance which yes is expensive but covers for 5 years tires and wheels due to road hazards. Already replaced one more. I wish I had purchased it with the car but having had no experience with these low profile tires I didn't.

I have an old RX 300 and it does seem to handle better in the snow. However, tires do make a difference and when I had the Michelins on the dealer loaners they weren't great. I have the Alenzas and they work pretty well on the snow/rain etc. and you can use them all year long. They also corner very well. It is hilly where I live and snows, too, but not a New England environment. My only gripe with the 400h is that if it hits a bump it glides over it which you can't control.

After you drive the 400h for awhile you'll get used to some of its quirkiness and then be spoiled. When you go back to the old RX 300 you'll really appreciate it. Actually, you probably didn't keep your RX 300 like we did. You'll appreciate buying a whole lot less gas and great instant power.

I dropped one of mine putting the cover back. The Lexus dealer has tons and will give it to you free.

I can't believe we're debating the IS here. Go to one of the Lexus events and DRIVE all the models. You'd be surprised how well the IS handles. Yes, it's smaller but has some great features. I was all set to buy a GS until I drove the IS. Also, did you notice how well the IS retains its value??? A whole lot better than some other models. I own RXs, and a 2008 IS. The IS is a nice little car to drive. By the way, by the time you equip it it really comes out to $40,000.

I have the Bridgestone Alenzas. While they may not roll and give you the best mileage, when there is snow and heavy rain and flooding I prefer to be safe. They also enable the car to corner well. I don't love the OEM michelins and I have Michelins on my old RX. I did drive with the Goodyear Forteras on a Trailblazer (rental) but only in the summer. I haven't heard anything about those other 3 that were supposed to be the best.

Sorry to read your report. I had looked at the new RX 350 when it arrived at the dealer and the first thing I disliked was the set up of the console. I know you don't have this problem, but there is no place for a handbag! Then there's that crazy hole underneath. What was that designed for--garbage? Then who would empty it--the poor Lexus valet when the car is serviced? In my part of the US there are fewer and fewer uses for coins. EZPass takes care of tolls and most meters take credit cards. However, I do keep a prescription bottle filled with coins in my console. There wasn't a coinholder in the 2006 RX400h but they returned a coin holder in later models. In short, I haven't had the urge for a newer RX yet. However, I haven't driven one yet.

Weird. I've left mine for 10 days with no issues. When we were going away for 4 weeks we were advised to disconnect the battery. However, when we reconnected I had to have Lexus re-initialize the roof, windows, etc. It was no issue as they did it for free right away.

Ironically you can do it on an RX, even an original one, but alas, not the IS. I inquired about this at the dealer a year ago.

I usually just control it from my steering wheel. I'm sure you can control it from the radio buttons. I believe it was $349 including installation at the dealer. Sound quality is excellent by the way.

We keep tossing this gas question around. I have used regular for almost 4 years. Recently my mileage has been down despite ideal spring weather for mpg. It was suggested that maybe there were too many deposits and I should try 2 tanks of premium to see if it cleared up the problem. Well, my mileage was down. As the price differential is about 38cents a gallon the other day I filled it with regular. Surprise! My gas mileage went up! Now, is it because the "junk" was cleared out, does my car just love regular? Is it because Shell has added nitrogen??? Who knows. Time will tell.

Ironically I was one of the first aware of the recall and had it done right away (Jan.). I just received the notice to have it done from Lexus today. Go figure. I hope they're more prompt on critical matters.

I did purchase the windshield/ding protection for my IS. It was a great move as I've already had 4 or 5 dings repaired. However, they didn't have it when I purchased my 400h. The RX doesn't ding as easily but in 3.8 years, I've paid to have 2 dings fixed. One was huge, (in NYC someone tried to create a new lane and just hit my car!) I actually had brought it to a body shop and the cost was prohibitive so they suggested bringing it back to the ding man. If you purchased at the same dealership I did, the ding person is very capable!

Interesting. I never heard of refurbished rims! What year is your IS? Do we all have to worry about faulty rims?

Ever since I bought my 400h I've longed for an iPod adaptor that works clearly and effortlessly. Not being one to work on the car myself I had the Lexus one installed. It works great! I'm assuming you have an older model as the newer ones come with a connection I believe.

Does anyone have experience with purchasing tires from Costco and then returning due to road hazard damage? Do they really honor it, and would they do it multiple times as it seems like the IS is subject to many damaged tires! I've needed 3 in less than a year. It's getting expensive.

Originally I waited 14 months for my 400h. I loved it. Some people have remarked that it is noisier than a conventional car, but today I drove a new 350 while mine was being serviced. I guess because my hybrid is broken in, it is actually quieter, you don't feel the car shifting gears and the acceleration was much quicker and smoother. The other thing I noticed today is that my car corners a whole lot better. I don't know if it's the weight or the tires, but I was glad to get my 2006 400h back.

It's one of those personal settings. There are many different ones. You might want to look and decide on all the ones you want and then ask the dealer. Even though it is used, most dealers want you for service so they should as a courtesy do it for you free. Mine is always happy to make changes.

If you have the VIN # the Lexus service has a record of all service and recall info that was done on the car. It'll give you an idea of how the car was cared for. The owner also had the option of entering service done independently, too. I know some things were by area. Mine had the Data Dots installed along with sturdier brackets on the HID lights because they were being stolen in the East.

Generally mine work well. Lexus suggested that I turn them off when the weather is nice! I don't think you have Easy Pass, but if you put that near the sensor it throws the sensor off. I bought an IS without the rain sensing wipers thinking I didn't really need them. Well, that was a mistake, I had become so accustomed to the automatic wipers I forget to adjust them on the IS. You do get spoiled with all of the conveniences and then when you don't have them you realize how dependent you have become. Whenever I get a loaner without the backup camera I realize how much I use it. Good luck.

I'm going to add my feminine opinion to this. I love the new features with the navigation, lights, etc., but the doors seem huge. They go much lower and seem heavier, the back hatch opens more, but I would have trouble in my garage with it touching the top and then coming down. I think the configuration in front of the console (where there used to be a hole) with the hole underneath is inconvenient. You could put garbage there (and never clean it out except when you brought it to the dealer and they did it!) or a tissue box, but there is no place to put your handbag!!! If you've experienced the heated/cooled seats on another Lexus, they are great if you don't really want the seat to get hot. That's fine with me, but my sons miss the heat from the old RX and RX400h. The cooled part is terrific in the heat. Ironically, I looked at the car and was prepared to think about switching my current RX400h which I'm not in love with, and I left thinking I don't know if I really want this new RX. It almost looks (on the outside) too much like the Venza, the Mazda 9, and features of the Highlander. Hmm...

I had the recall fix done on mine. Some people said they noticed a difference. I actually don't. However, they have to disconnect the battery or something to do it and you lose your settings.

Beware of more damage than just mold! We had a leak from the sunroof. The water got under the carpet (not puddles) and affected the sound. You couldn't hear the radio, CD or tapes. After much drying (including by Lexus) and leaving it inside after the repair for drying it came back. No mold though.