katzjamr

premium, you get more power, the engine was built for it even though you can use regular, and i get better gas mileage with premium so the extra cost is a wash. some people like midgrade, and feel it gives the results of premium

nice work, how do you like the dulop tires

is it true that the 'lifetime' payment includes only your current system and cannot be transfered if you purchase another vehicle?

also my understanding is that on the 2006 400h, there are at least four antennas involved in the gps system used on our vehicle. not sure if that has changed on the newer models.

i have used both and prefer the power of premium, also in one of the hundreds of posts on this subject we had an engineer post here that our rx engine was designed for premium, he said it much better than i can paraphrase, will try to find the post. i know the engine can adjust to different octane ratings, the midgrade soulution sounds interesting.

on the 2010 450h i noticed lexus put some preset first second and third gear positions to 'simulate' the ability to shift the cvt, lol was that on the 08 also?

the 'magic' eraser is abrasive, my girlfriend who tried to remove a scuff without my help, has left an abrasive mark in its place, and the scuff did not totally go away, dont do it.

have you tried cleaning the scratched area with a NON ABRASIVE cleaner, i use my stoner brand (dont laugh) non ammonia window cleaner on the center stack parts, and it seems to help the scratches, frankly as i have posted before i think the interior of the rx is too easy to scratch and few cleaners remove many of the scuffs even on the vinyl parts below the door where your feet reside.

59K and mine is going strong, however i did buy the extended warranty. I do like that there is synthetic trans fluid in there, not crazy about no dipstick to check the fluid color, odor and quantity. i really do hope the tech who services my lexus really does poke his finger in the trans fluid reservoir every 30K as scheduled.

i think what happened is the car got at least 300 lbs heavier and this ate up the performance even tho i think they got a few more hp out of the engine and at least one more mpg on the epa rating, it seems like the electric motors give more assist on this model, might just be my impression, would have to drive it a little more to be sure.

drive them both, once you feel the power of the hybrid with its electric motors available to give instant power at any speed, coupled with the seamlessly smooth CVT transmission, and the better gas mileage and 30% fewer emmissions i think the 450h will speak for itself. the improvements for 2010 include better seats, wider track, more efficient engine with an even more smooth transition between engine start and stop while driving, no shock absorber towers protruding in the back cargo area, hidden rear wiper,improved suspension, and a vastly improved media interface with the GPS, where trips can even be emailed to your vehicle and entered into the system that way, and i think a heads up display where your gps is projected onto the windshield in front of you to name just some changes. i also believe the 2010 450h uses synthetic oil in the engine for longer mileage between changes, and better lubrication. as already mentioned our vehicles have been reliable and for my money toyota has the most experience with hybrids in the current market. the toyota issues with their other cars can only work in your favor regarding purchase price and 0% interest currently being offered.

i know its old school but you need to send a well crafted letter to the owner of the dealership and appeal to any sense of customer service, and pride in his dealership this person has left. its unlikely he will see you in person. as was mentioned earlier the letter is part of a paper trail, and you can include your pictures (before and after) and make your case. another reason to contact the owner is to point out that he still employs the idiot that ruined your vehicle and this person is going to do it again to another car, if he hasnt already, and is a liability to the dealership and the owner. remember i have a customer who has written different ceo's nine times with the same letter addressing problems with their products and she has had either full replacement, including labor provided by the ceo's or other satisfaction povided by just writing. the one case i personally was involved in she recieved $4,000 in new carpet and labor from the ceo of a major floorcovering manufacturer even after an inspector had reported that her problem was not covered under warranty.

please do pull the cabin air filter, i had a rat chew a considerable hole through mine in the 400h and enter by chewing another hole around the interior light for the glove box. when i changed the cabin filter that stopped the problem. before that my friend with a body shop bought me a rat trap that looks like a small rural mail box, it is open on one end runs on batteries and the mice enter and eat the food at the far end. by the time they get to the food they trigger a metal plate that electrocutes them, no poisen needed no mess u just empty out the dead mouse or rat. even has a light on top that blinks when it caught something. great for inside the car. rats and mice reproduce every month, you have to stay on top of this. they also have no bladder, so its not just the droppings but the fact that they are urinating everywhere they walk. if they chew a wire harness or other item tasty to them you are talking thousands in repair with no warranty.

i like the talk to the customers in the showroom idea at least until they stop ignoring you, however the consumer affairs dept of a tv station can be a big help also if they decide to take this on. no dealership wants this publicity, also with the runaround you are getting i would go straight to the dealer owner, i find myself getting upset with the lack of respect they have shown you and its time to find someone in that company who actually cares.

I'm afraid it's time for small claims court. It will be a good experience for you; just be sure to send the dealership a formal, certified request for restitution which includes a reasonable deadline for replying. Prepare your defense with plenty of pictures and paper trails.

Someone else here suggested the consumer advocate of a local news channel, i just feel that cduluk has been treated with such disrespect that the dealer deserves the bad publicity. the fact that it is a lexus dealer mistreating its customer so blatently should make for a decent news story, also he should write corporate if for no other reason than to get it on the record about this dealership.

Another thing, my friends have had very good luck going straight to the top with a well written letter and in your case pictures. I have one customer with almost a boilerplate letter that has worked with the last nine different issues, she even had all the carpet in her house replaced after it had faded prematurely and her first claim was denied at the local level. The key is to find someone in the organization that will own your issue. I agree on the small claims court as an avenue also, all of us feel your outrage for something you have taken such incredible care of to be hacked up by a dealer who doesnt care.

sure you could go back, they might even take better care of your vehicle this time. however this dealership doesnt seem to care, i also drive 45 minutes south of seattle to the dealership that sold me my car, they are smaller, more personable and do great work. In addition, i think only the dealership that sold you your car is obligated to give you a loaner, someone correct me if i am wrong so that might become an issue if time consuming work is needed. i get a loaner for the 30 and 60k work, you never know when that need might pop up.

welcome wwest, ive missed your input

i will attempt a start of an answer, yes i believe you can sync contacts via bluetooth to the lexus system, there are two trip odometers, use the little rectangular button to the left of the steeringwheel, not sure what you mean by a trip timer, there is no 'miles to empty' fuel display that alot of people miss from other cars, it doesnt bother me. yes to number four as far as i know, and regarding the fifth question loose sand and excessive wheel spinning opens the possibility of burning out the electric motors, i have taken mine on the beach in coastal oregon, but it really isnt a good idea for this vehicle. i will work on counting speakers or speak to my service manager. enjoy your 400h and welcome

also saw a new 450h with dunlop tires, at the dealer, cant remember the style

thank you, regarding brads comment i have had friends suggest the same thing and i do have a local mechanic that services all my out of warranty ford econolines who is very good, i was only considering the dealer because of the regenerative system on the brakes however it looks like that is a totally separate system they dont touch during brake work anyway.

have 3mm left on the front at 55K prob have them replaced at 60K service. should i use the dealer for $330 front only and they want $480 for the 60K service here in the pacific northwest. Did most of you have lexus do it, the toyota dealership? or your own mechanic.

the goodyear eagles that were oem on my 400h were like an open sore, the michelins i replaced them with are like a scab that grew over the sore, you want me to pick at the scab Tom? Just kidding, many of us are passionate about different tire solutions, i am happy with the michelins they are better in the snow than the goodyears (what isnt) and they have a more durable wear rating.

Little sand i agree with skyfish400h answer and only would like to add, as you may have noticed these vehicles coast really well, so there is no feeling of slowing like in a non hybrid car where coasting alone will slow the car without braking.

i agree on the no automated carwash, the water is recycled and contains sand. i use a hose connected to a warm water utility sink in the winter and for some reason not using cold water makes it totally doable. seattle is one of those 'progressive' cities that is considering banning outdoor hand washing as environmentally unsound, especially now that we have a former sierra club president for a mayor. when that day comes you will see me practising civil disobedience outside still washing my vehicle. i suppose one of those carwashes where you wash the car with a brush and spray it off, could work in a pinch, i would bring a pail with your own soap wash it by hand and then rinse it with thier system.