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uthorns1976

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Posts posted by uthorns1976

  1. The dealer installed the following parts on my RX400h  for my trailer hitch:

    PT228-48045    RX330 HITCH

    82670-48050    BLOCK ASSY , JUNCT

    There is the hitch and a standard 4 pin trailer wiring plug on a small bracket.

    Hope this helps.

    My brother wants to put a trailer hitch on his 400h.  So far, I have had no luck finding aftermarket hitch for the vehicle.  Anyone have any luck??

    I read a couple of other posts from 400h owners stating that they had a hitch installed by the dealer.  I would be interested in how much the dealer charged for hitch and installation.  When our vehicle was purchased, salesman quoted us $900 for Lexus hitch and said to look elsewhere.

    Thanks...

    I got the #3500 Lexus OEM hitch for $265+tax. It's sitting in my garage right now, haven't had time to install it. The OEM hitch in my opinion looks the nicest, some of the non-Lexus hitches have an ugly rectangular box/cage around the exhaust.

    speedy...Thanks for the info. I called the local Lexus dealer, parts dept. The guy I talked to said that the hitch for the 400h is the same as the one for the 330. The Lexus part number is PT22848045 and the cost is $332.72 plus tax. If you want the hitch installed, the total is $617.72 plus tax. If you got hitch PT22848045 for $265, you got a deal. Did you purchase yours at the dealer or online??

    bainse...I'll check out the drawtite hitch as well.

    I got my PT22848045 at a dealer. Different dealers have different prices, it definitely pays to shop around. I was told a bunch of different prices: $265, $295, $410, $440 for the part. Labor varied from $230-$300.

    I plan to keep my hitch off most of the time (for fuel economy) and put it on only when I take a trip with my bicycles.

    speedyq...My brother wants to get the Lexus hitch. He asked about a wiring harness. Did you have to purchase some type of wiring harness along with the hitch??? Is a separate wiring harness required to hook up trailer lights?? Thanks.

    Very helpful. Thank you. I'll look into this further.

  2. dcfish, I think those prove my point. I think the first one is Bamboo Pearl or the Savannah, but I can't decide which from the picture and it doesn't look much like the color in real life.

    Also, even with the best picture, I find that the color makes a different impression when you look at 5 inches of it on a picture or paint chip versus 8 feet of it on the side of a car.

    I forgot to mention in my post that the RX400H colors are a subset of the RX330 colors. The dark green color for instance isn't offered.

    Patt, you made some excellent points about the dash. Hadn't thought about the glare factor if the dash was light color.

    Regarding the interior colors, the ivory and silver are both very light colors. So, there's not a heck of a lot of difference. With a black exterior, I think either ivory or silver is fine. Of course, with other exterior colors, you wouldn't have a choice. For example, silver wouldn't go with Savannah, would it??? Nope. Also, black interior is limited as well. What exterior color did you choose??

    As I stated earlier, I think the Bamboo is a nice color. Personally, it was my second choice after black. It's different.

  3. I just spent two hours loading my phone list on to my new LS430 using Cingular/Razr V3.   The first hour's work was wasted, because no one told me to press OK after each entry.  So the numbers disappered after I turned the car off.

    Now, after the second try---remember, only one number at a time---It's up and running.  Speed dials are easy and the sound is great.

    One disappointment---the Razr/Cingular Bluetooth connection is very tenuous.  I have to reconnect often to keep the system up and running..

    But it does work.

    UPDATE:

    With all of my data up-loaded using my Cingular Razr V3, I now updated my Verizon service by adding a Motorola E815 Bluetooth phone.

    Here it is guys....Very easy to make the bluetooth connection--every time--with a couple of clicks. It has a good, strong signal, never drops a connection as works flawlessly.

    It is stupid that we have to work around Verizon to get our data loaded, but once in the Lexus system, that Verizon-based Moto E815 is absolutely the best!!!

    Did Verizon give you a deal on the E815?? My brother has Verizon and recently signed a new contract. He told me he called them about getting an E815 and was told that he'd have to pay full price for it...$350!!! To heck with that. Any suggestions?? ebay???

  4. Just ordered my RX400 yesterday.

    Only got to choose the color. But I can't seem to find any decent pictures of non-silver RX's.

    I'd like to compare a few real world pic's, not the one's from the colour chooser on the lexus homepage.

    Anyone there who can help me out?

    Thanks!

    Dan

    Dan...I can help you out somewhat since I have seen some of the colors in person. The black is as expected...black. That's what my brother bought. When my brother bought his black one, they had a bamboo one as well. It's a very pretty color but in certain lights, it has a slight green cast to it. That's why he passed on it. But, as I said, it is a very nice color. Personally, I don't care for the Savannah but that's just my opinion and no offense is meant. Hope this info. is helpful to you.

    Did you get to choose your interior color?? My brother's has the ivory interior. The dash is black and the carpet is a very light color that will show a lot of dirt. The silver interior is very light as well and the dash that comes with silver interior is also very dark. I almost wish that he would have gotten the black interior, which I have not seen, since I assume the black interior has black carpet, which would not show all the dirt and the interior would match the black dash. But, a black on black car in Texas, USA is too darn hot. Black exterior is bad enough.

  5. My brother wants to put a trailer hitch on his 400h.  So far, I have had no luck finding aftermarket hitch for the vehicle.  Anyone have any luck??

    I read a couple of other posts from 400h owners stating that they had a hitch installed by the dealer.  I would be interested in how much the dealer charged for hitch and installation.  When our vehicle was purchased, salesman quoted us $900 for Lexus hitch and said to look elsewhere.

    Thanks...

    I got the #3500 Lexus OEM hitch for $265+tax. It's sitting in my garage right now, haven't had time to install it. The OEM hitch in my opinion looks the nicest, some of the non-Lexus hitches have an ugly rectangular box/cage around the exhaust.

    speedy...Thanks for the info. I called the local Lexus dealer, parts dept. The guy I talked to said that the hitch for the 400h is the same as the one for the 330. The Lexus part number is PT22848045 and the cost is $332.72 plus tax. If you want the hitch installed, the total is $617.72 plus tax. If you got hitch PT22848045 for $265, you got a deal. Did you purchase yours at the dealer or online??

    bainse...I'll check out the drawtite hitch as well.

    I got my PT22848045 at a dealer. Different dealers have different prices, it definitely pays to shop around. I was told a bunch of different prices: $265, $295, $410, $440 for the part. Labor varied from $230-$300.

    I plan to keep my hitch off most of the time (for fuel economy) and put it on only when I take a trip with my bicycles.

    speedyq...My brother wants to get the Lexus hitch. He asked about a wiring harness. Did you have to purchase some type of wiring harness along with the hitch??? Is a separate wiring harness required to hook up trailer lights?? Thanks.

  6. Toyota Introducing Lexus Brand to Japan By YURI KAGEYAMA, AP Business Writer

    Tue Jul 26, 6:34 AM ET

    TOKYO - Bow-tied waiters held trays of mineral water and chic ambient music filled the air as Toyota unveiled the three models Tuesday that will mark the introduction of the Lexus luxury brand in Japan, 16 years after it was rolled out in the United States.

    For a combination of cultural and business reasons, Japan's No. 1 carmaker has until now avoided using the Lexus brand in its homeland, choosing instead to sell many of the same models under its trusted Toyota name.

    For years, conformist Japan has lived under the ideal that everyone is middle class, and most people tended to shun flashy or luxury cars that stand out.

    But Toyota officials say Japan is changing, and a growing upper class is willing to spend — though how the new brand will fare in this notoriously finicky consumer market is uncertain.

    Toyota Motor Corp. says it's trying to sell more than a car. It wants to give customers "an experience," and set up luxurious-looking dealerships, complete with leather furniture and hotel-quality service, especially for the Lexus. The showrooms open Aug. 30.

    "This is the realization of our dream to create a global luxury brand," Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe told reporters at a giant tent pitched in a Tokyo park, similar to tents for fashion shows and other gala events here. "This is something we have wanted for many years."

    The Lexus models sold in Japan, which were known here as the Toyota Aristo, Soarer and Altezza, are slightly different from — and cheaper than — the sedan models shown Tuesday, the GS430/GS350, SC430 and IS350/250, priced as much as $61,000.

    Toyota is counting on the success Lexus scored since its debut in 1989 in the United States, including excellent J.D. Power and Associates rankings, to woo rich Japanese, who now buy imports such as BMW and Mercedes Benz.

    Toyota, based in Toyota city, in central Japan, has set up a special training center to groom classy, courteous dealers to sell the Lexus brand in Japan. That's proved a challenge because Japanese dealers are already superior to what people are used to in the United States and other nations.

    Watanabe said Toyota is targeting 3,000 vehicles a month sales for the three models combined, and other Lexus models will start selling in coming years, including a hybrid GS next year. Toyota sold 7,900 of the planned Lexus three models combined last year in Japan as Toyotas.

    This year, Toyota expects to sell 84,000 vehicles of the three new Lexus models around the world, 20,000 of them in Japan, Watanabe said. Next year, that the company hopes that will climb to 500,000 worldwide for all Lexus models — 50,000 to 60,000 in Japan, he said.

    Toyota sold more than 358,000 Lexus vehicles around the world last year, about 80 percent of them in North America. Since 1989, Lexus global sales have totaled more than 2.7 million.

  7. Do as you wish.  But as I stated before, cars are NOT an investment  -  they are an expense.  Don't fool yourself into thinking that you're "investing" your money when you purchase vehicles.  You're spending, not investing. 

    I encourage you to look into some money management and financial planning courses.  You and your family should benefit handsomely in the long run.

    LOL yes, yes i do know that cars are a bad investment...The only reason why i buy all these cars is because i want them. If we didn't have the money then i wouldn't buy them, but fortunately we do have the money so i buy nice things for me and my family.

    It wasn't until after i started working for a few years (like 10) before i was able to buy nice cars etc. My wife and i have worked hard for our money, and we are very thankful for what we have today, including our family (that's what really matters to me). It wasn't until our youngest was born in 1990 when we were we able to afford the things we can today. My wife and i weren't exactly living richly when our first son was born when we were both in college, both still kids ourselves. It has taken us a long time to work our way up to where we are today, and we will spend our money as we see fit.

    LexKid630, I'm with you when it comes to buying the things that you want. It's your money to do what you want with. It really is no one elses business how you spend your money.:cheers: to as many cars as you see fit. B)

    You go LexKid!!!! You can't take it with you...nobody ever has. May as well spend it while you're here. Enjoy.

    Wonder if you can take the tax deduction for purchasing the hybrid?????

  8. My Lexus is 2 months old and when I open my door from the inside or the outside I have a "catch."  It does not open smoothly.  My doors used to open smoothly when I bought the car.  Has anyone else had this problem and had it fixed? Service dept. said no fix for it???

    "No fix for it." Needless to say, that's bogus. It worked fine when you bought the vehicle for $50,000, didn't it?? So, tell them to make it work like it did when it was new.

    I had a similar problem with a non-Lexus vehicle. The front passenger side door had sort of a "hitch" in it when opening the door. Took it to the dealer. They fooled with it and charged me. Wasn't fixed. One day, I was having the oil changed by a local independent mechanic. I asked him to look at the door. He looked at it and quickly discovered that a piece of trim molding had moved out of place. He tapped it back into place with a trim hammer. Problem solved in 1 minute...no charge. Perhaps your problem is something simple like my problem was. I hope this helps.

  9. Why are you getting rid of it? :blink:

    Toss it through a slalom for me, also see how much air you can get in it before it bottoms out. B)

    LOL I have to try that!!

    I'm getting rid of it because the only difference from it and the Rx330 is that the 400h doesn't have a wood steering wheel, the tan interior in the 400h has a black upper dash. ..bottom line; it's not worth the money at all!!! I don't feel luxurious in the 400h. I'd rather keep my 2004 rx330 with 52,000 miles.

    I waited over a year for THIS?? Jeez im trading it in tomorrow for a brand new 05 GS430.

    In my opinion, the rx400h is just a status symbol..like.."oh, oh i have a lexus hybrid!! I'm the future!!!!" If that's the future then i'm sorry.

    So what about the extra "power" that 400h gets over the 330. You can't "hear" the power, all you hear is an electric motor squeeling. It's not the kind of thing for me.

    LexKid...This is absolutely none of my business but is the dealer going to "give you your money back" for the 400h??? I'm sure they are not. I'm curious how bad they are going to "ding" you?? Feel free to say "nunya" if you are so inclined.

  10. I got it from "PP", flint mica / black, all options. Actually it arrives 7/29, but have already purchased it and have the VIN.

    Any reason why the 400h rims couldn't be chromed? There are several companies that do that, even on an exchange basis. Just have to be positive that the wheels are the exact 2006 factory wheels. I can't / don't understand why the dealers are saying no.

    Thx,

    Ray

    My dealer said not to get my factory wheels 'chromed". Has anybody done this? Is there a vendor that will do an exchange? I understand that the 330 wheels should not be used?

    Thanks for any advice.

    Ray

    I believe this has been discussed here previously.

    It is my understanding from my dealer that the 400h wheels are specific to the 400h and should not be changed. But, whether that's set in stone, I can't say for sure.

    By the way, did you buy your 400h from the "S" dealership or the "PP" dealership?? Just curious. Our 400h came from "S" dealership.

    Seems to me that having the factory wheels "chromed" might be okay but I'm no expert. Chroming probably would add weight to the wheels. That might be a problem. But, as I said, I'm no expert.

    I know this is off the subject but did "PP" discount the vehicle you are purchasing?? "S" gave us $1,000 off sticker and over value for trade-in. "S" had exact vehicle we were looking for on their lot. Black/Ivory, all options. Closed the deal in a total of 2 days. Nice ride. I think I inquired with "PP" but got no response.

  11. Get a bluettoth earpeice ,they are way bettter than an incar system.

    Concur. I use the Jabra earpiece. Takes apx 30 seconds to link with my cell phone (of course, must have a bluetooth cell.) Extremely lightweight and comfortable, AND I can use my voice dial features/auto-answer via set up on my phone. Apx $125 (but got mine for $30 as my hubby was an AT&T Dayton, NJ corp manager at the time of purchase.)

    This is interesting to me and I'll tell you why (and pardon my ignorance but I don't own a cell phone.) My brother recently purchased a 400h. It has the in-car system, yadda, yadda, yadda. His provider is Verizon and he signed a new contract recently. His cell phone is mortally wounded and he needs a new one. From what I have read in the Hybrid forum, the E815 is the way to go but Verizon disables some bluetooth functions (I think). So, you can't xfer your phonebook to the Lexus :angry: But, I saw a post that said the E815 works great with the Lexus in-car system (even though you can't xfer your phonebook from the E815 to the Lexus.) Irrespective of that, are you (two) saying that in your opinion the best setup is the E815 and a bluetooth headset and forget about using the Lexus system?? No chairshots, please. ;)

  12. My dealer said not to get my factory wheels 'chromed". Has anybody done this? Is there a vendor that will do an exchange? I understand that the 330 wheels should not be used?

    Thanks for any advice.

    Ray

    I believe this has been discussed here previously.

    It is my understanding from my dealer that the 400h wheels are specific to the 400h and should not be changed. But, whether that's set in stone, I can't say for sure.

    By the way, did you buy your 400h from the "S" dealership or the "PP" dealership?? Just curious. Our 400h came from "S" dealership.

  13. I just spent two hours loading my phone list on to my new LS430 using Cingular/Razr V3.   The first hour's work was wasted, because no one told me to press OK after each entry.  So the numbers disappered after I turned the car off.

    Now, after the second try---remember, only one number at a time---It's up and running.  Speed dials are easy and the sound is great.

    One disappointment---the Razr/Cingular Bluetooth connection is very tenuous.  I have to reconnect often to keep the system up and running..

    But it does work.

    UPDATE:

    With all of my data up-loaded using my Cingular Razr V3, I now updated my Verizon service by adding a Motorola E815 Bluetooth phone.

    Here it is guys....Very easy to make the bluetooth connection--every time--with a couple of clicks. It has a good, strong signal, never drops a connection as works flawlessly.

    It is stupid that we have to work around Verizon to get our data loaded, but once in the Lexus system, that Verizon-based Moto E815 is absolutely the best!!!

    jyinger...Were you able to transfer your phonebook entries from the Moto E815 to the Lexus or did you have to enter them manually???

    Pardon my ignorance but how can the Verizon-based Moto E815 make a bluetooth connection in the Lexus?? Doesn't Verizon in their infinite wisdom disable bluetooth in the E815?? :unsure: :unsure: :unsure:

  14. gtosadwwrbd.jpg

    GNX. No other name in automotive history says "80's Supercar" like those three letters. Now the legend is back.

    Buicks 2007 GNX is a modern-day incarnation of classic street performance. When you turn the key and hear the throaty dual exhausts announcing the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6, you'll know you have your hands full. Compared to its '80s namesake, the new GNX sports a suspension that is tighter, an engine that's more powerful and a manual transmission that now boasts two additional gears. The car will hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in about four-and-a-half seconds, and run the quarter mile in under 13 seconds. There's nothing like it in its class.

    Total performance

    The completely new GNX isn't just about horsepower, of course. Its unique personality includes impressive cornering abilities, a smooth ride and surprising comfort. But the heart of the GNX is indeed a truly awesome Twin Turbo and Intercooled 3.6l V-6 engine, also known as the base powerplant for the Buick Velite Concept. The GNX produces an estimated 450 horsepower and with 465 lb.-ft. of torque, it has no problem leaving a stop with purpose.

    Eighteen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires are matched to a fully independent, performance-tuned suspension featuring direct-acting stabilizing bars and power rack-and-pinion steering. Traction control and a limited slip differentials also come standard. And, today's GNX revs through six forward speeds with the close-ratio manual transmission, or you can choose a six-speed Hydra-Matic. Both come with a 3.46:1 final drive ratio.

    Performance-oriented interior

    The GNX is, first and foremost, a driver's car. Every detail, from the satin-finish steering wheel to the race-inspired metallic pedals, gives the driver a sense of performance from the moment the car is entered. The standard feature list starts off with leather 2+2 bucket seats, in black -color-coordinated with the vehicle's exterior color. The high-tech seats provide lateral support, wrapping around the driver and front passenger and complementing the great handling characteristics of the chassis. Also standard is a six-disc CD-changer with premium 10-speaker sound system, cruise control, a multi-function driver information center, keyless entry system and a host of other features to enhance the driving experience.

    Sensuous design

    Rather than create an imitation of the original legend, the 2007 GNX provides a contemporary interpretation of the classic buick sports coupe. The distinctive, tautly stretched exterior, aggressive lowered stance and sleek, simple form all help express the clean, athletic styling direction of Buick. Add this to the obvious performance of the vehicle and you have a rear-wheel-drive TT+I V-6-powered premium sports coupe wrapped in a seamless, modern design.

    Safety and quality

    Bringing the GNX to a safe stop is accomplished through standard four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear), part of a four-channel anti-lock braking system. Other standard safety features include dual front air bags, three-point safety belts for all occupants and an Emergency Mode that automatically shuts down the engine, turns off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors and turns on the dome light any time the air-bag system is deployed.

    Production of the 2007 Buick GNX will begin in September 2006 at Holden's award-winning Elizabeth plant in Australia using the latest techniques to ensure both measurable and "perceived" quality. Projected annual production will be 18,000 vehicles.

    General Information

    Price: $38,500

    Miles Per Gallon: 17/25 mpg

    Curb Weight: 3698 lbs

    Layout: Front-Engine/AWD

    Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

    Engine

    Type: DOHC V6

    Displacement: 3600 cc

    Horsepower: 450 bhp @ 5200 rpm

    Torque: 465 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

    Redline: 6500 rpm

    Performance

    0-60 mph: 4.2 sec

    0-100 mph: 10.2 sec

    Quarter Mile: 12.8 sec @ 112.5 mph

    Skidpad: .96g

    Top Speed: 179 mph

    Braking, 60-0 mph: 115 ft

    Slalom Speed: 66.4 mph

    I am thoroughly impressed. If this turns out to be real, there will definitely be one in my driveway.  Although, this just gives more proof that the Corvette is going to be pushed further into the 'Supercar' market very soon.  With the GTO, V-series, and GNX it would be absolutely pointless to keep the Corvette how it is now.  I'm sure it will be pushed very high in Horsepower, and the price tag will jump over the $100K mark.

    According to what I have read elsewhere, this is a concept car or some such thing and will not actually be produced. Too bad!!! :angry:

  15. Got $500 better deal, free pinstriping for PU this coming week (save dealership aug payment on loan) and they will remove mud guards and install on new car.
    Thanks for all the help guys.

    I have found the color combo I wanted not to far from me, and so have made a deal.

    I actually got a better deal too.

    My dealer wanted me to wait until Tuesday so he could keep looking for another car.

    The general manager said he would not blame me for purchasing the other car, so I can have this one this coming Friday.

    Really can't believe a company like Lexus has no confirmation information, other than wait 3 months and hope the order is correct.

    This is where they can learn from some of the car mfrs here in the USA, where you can track the progress of your car..

    jerryray...Way to go man!! You got what you wanted. Good for you.

    I'm curious, did they "discount" the new vehicle more than the other dealership or did you get a better trade-in, assuming you had a trade-in??

    Enjoy...

    Hey, $500 is $500!!! Enjoy your new ride. My brother really likes his, especially since his fuels costs are 1/2 what they were when he had his previous GM SUV.

    Does NY require a front license plate?? If so, you gonna' let them drill two holes in your front bumper cover to mount the bracket?? In TX, a front plate is required but the dealer didn't drill my brother's bumper and he's really happy about that. He wants to keep it pristine!!

  16. Thanks for all the help guys.

    I have found the color combo I wanted not to far from me, and so have made a deal.

    I actually got a better deal too.

    My dealer wanted me to wait until Tuesday so he could keep looking for another car.

    The general manager said he would not blame me for purchasing the other car, so I can have this one this coming Friday.

    Really can't believe a company like Lexus has no confirmation information, other than wait 3 months and hope the order is correct.

    This is where they can learn from some of the car mfrs here in the USA, where you can track the progress of your car..

    jerryray...Way to go man!! You got what you wanted. Good for you.

    I'm curious, did they "discount" the new vehicle more than the other dealership or did you get a better trade-in, assuming you had a trade-in??

    Enjoy...

  17. I just spent two hours loading my phone list on to my new LS430 using Cingular/Razr V3.   The first hour's work was wasted, because no one told me to press OK after each entry.  So the numbers disappered after I turned the car off.

    Now, after the second try---remember, only one number at a time---It's up and running.  Speed dials are easy and the sound is great.

    One disappointment---the Razr/Cingular Bluetooth connection is very tenuous.  I have to reconnect often to keep the system up and running..

    But it does work.

    UPDATE:

    With all of my data up-loaded using my Cingular Razr V3, I now updated my Verizon service by adding a Motorola E815 Bluetooth phone.

    Here it is guys....Very easy to make the bluetooth connection--every time--with a couple of clicks. It has a good, strong signal, never drops a connection as works flawlessly.

    It is stupid that we have to work around Verizon to get our data loaded, but once in the Lexus system, that Verizon-based Moto E815 is absolutely the best!!!

    jyinger...Were you able to transfer your phonebook entries from the Moto E815 to the Lexus or did you have to enter them manually???

  18. i agree the highlander is a good car...how bout a honda...not the element but cr-v and pilot rnt bad

    The Highlander is an interesting vehicle, especially with the hybrid system. However, from what I have seen, Toyota is dumping the old body style in favor of a new, sleek body style. I have seen pictures. It looks sort of like a Nissan Murano. Not sure when this new body style will debut.

    More than one person has mentioned the Honda Pilot. I checked it out. No side-curtain air bags, etc. In my opinion, side-curtain air bags are a must on any new vehicle.

    Thanks. All suggestions appreciated.

    At the risk of some chair shots, what about the Hummer H3??? I have seen the vehicle and it's pretty slick. I have not driven it. Of course, the 5-cylinder engine's gotta' be anemic but there will probably be aftermarket turbos or superchargers to remedy that situation. Not sure if GM would honor your warranty though. :unsure:

  19. i agree the highlander is a good car...how bout a honda...not the element but cr-v and pilot rnt bad

    The Highlander is an interesting vehicle, especially with the hybrid system. However, from what I have seen, Toyota is dumping the old body style in favor of a new, sleek body style. I have seen pictures. It looks sort of like a Nissan Murano. Not sure when this new body style will debut.

    More than one person has mentioned the Honda Pilot. I checked it out. No side-curtain air bags, etc. In my opinion, side-curtain air bags are a must on any new vehicle.

    Thanks. All suggestions appreciated.

  20. Yes, need the res for the college trips and need the front screen for me, helps pass the time when the wife shops....

    Dealer says I have to wait until December for a factory res..

    December...that stinks!! Perhaps another dealer in your area has a vehicle with RSES? Have you tried using edmunds.com or similar website to find a vehicle with RSES??

  21. Thanks for the input guys.

    Actually my dealer ordered my car without res by mistake.

    I really wanted the factory res with inverter.

    They are offering to install the aftermarket, but I am sure it will be

    the least expensive.

    maybe an omen not to take the car...

    If I were you, I wouldn't take the car. You want the RSES, you're paying $50+K for the vehicle, get what you want. Don't settle. If you settle, you'll have buyer's remorse. You don't want that.

    Is there a particular reason you want the RSES?? To keep kids entertained??

  22. Anyone confirm if ANY aftermarket DVD player type res systems will alllow video to be played through the front nav Screen like the factory unit will?

    Also would the quality of an add on be anywhere as good as the factory RES?

    Would the final cost be more for the add on or the factory?

    TIA

    My dealer offered me (still does) a dual screen system that mounts in the headrests. It can play two different DVDs at the same time. The agent who did my papers said that it would tie into the onboard systems, that it was not a stand-alone system (like you would get at CostCo or Best Buy). But I didn't press her on the details... and I don't think she would know anyway.

    The cost was $2500 as opposed to the $1800 markup on the factory unit (assuming you can find a 400h in your color with the RES installed)

    Another thing to consider is that the factory unit mounts in the way of the rearview mirror which reduces your visiblitiy out the back when the screen is down.

    If the dual screen can be integrated with the car the same way (or better) than the factory unit is, then I would opt for the better visiblity and individual DVD choices that the aftermark offers. Plus you don't have hinge your 400h purchase on the RES.

    I agree with skyfish. I would opt for the headrest system if it's integrated with the onboard systems and the price is right. Personally, I would not pay $2500 for it.

    No bashing intended but I think there's no way the Lexus RSES is worth $1,840. Like skyfish said, when the screen is down, it blocks your view to the rear. Also, the screen seems small to me. And it costs $1840!! The headrest montors don't block your view and the 2 rear seat passengers each have their own monitor. (If there's a third rear seat passenger, he or she would of course have to share.)

  23. My brother wants to put a trailer hitch on his 400h.  So far, I have had no luck finding aftermarket hitch for the vehicle.  Anyone have any luck??

    I read a couple of other posts from 400h owners stating that they had a hitch installed by the dealer.  I would be interested in how much the dealer charged for hitch and installation.  When our vehicle was purchased, salesman quoted us $900 for Lexus hitch and said to look elsewhere.

    Thanks...

    I got the #3500 Lexus OEM hitch for $265+tax. It's sitting in my garage right now, haven't had time to install it. The OEM hitch in my opinion looks the nicest, some of the non-Lexus hitches have an ugly rectangular box/cage around the exhaust.

    speedy...Thanks for the info. I called the local Lexus dealer, parts dept. The guy I talked to said that the hitch for the 400h is the same as the one for the 330. The Lexus part number is PT22848045 and the cost is $332.72 plus tax. If you want the hitch installed, the total is $617.72 plus tax. If you got hitch PT22848045 for $265, you got a deal. Did you purchase yours at the dealer or online??

    bainse...I'll check out the drawtite hitch as well.

    I got my PT22848045 at a dealer. Different dealers have different prices, it definitely pays to shop around. I was told a bunch of different prices: $265, $295, $410, $440 for the part. Labor varied from $230-$300.

    I plan to keep my hitch off most of the time (for fuel economy) and put it on only when I take a trip with my bicycles.

    I checked out lexus-parts.com, which is Sewell Lexus. Their price for PT228-48045 is $265 plus tax and shipping.

    According to what I saw online, the draw-tite part number is 75153. Prices vary...$131.40, $144.95, and $164.50.

    Is the Lexus OEM hitch merely a Draw-Tite hitch in disguise at an inflated price??

  24. My brother wants to put a trailer hitch on his 400h.  So far, I have had no luck finding aftermarket hitch for the vehicle.  Anyone have any luck??

    I read a couple of other posts from 400h owners stating that they had a hitch installed by the dealer.  I would be interested in how much the dealer charged for hitch and installation.  When our vehicle was purchased, salesman quoted us $900 for Lexus hitch and said to look elsewhere.

    Thanks...

    I got the #3500 Lexus OEM hitch for $265+tax. It's sitting in my garage right now, haven't had time to install it. The OEM hitch in my opinion looks the nicest, some of the non-Lexus hitches have an ugly rectangular box/cage around the exhaust.

    speedy...Thanks for the info. I called the local Lexus dealer, parts dept. The guy I talked to said that the hitch for the 400h is the same as the one for the 330. The Lexus part number is PT22848045 and the cost is $332.72 plus tax. If you want the hitch installed, the total is $617.72 plus tax. If you got hitch PT22848045 for $265, you got a deal. Did you purchase yours at the dealer or online??

    bainse...I'll check out the drawtite hitch as well.

  25. We've had three Grand Cherokees and found them to be bulletproof with proper routine maintenance performed on schedule.  With all the problems my wife has had with her 2000 RX300, I can't tell you how much she regrets catching "Lexus fever" a few years back.  She would dump the RX today if I could get her last Grand Cherokee back in the same condition we sold it in.  When we dump her RX in another year or two after I'm willing to accept the depreciation hit, she'll go running and screaming right back to a Grand Cherokee.

    You should also look at the Pacifica.  It is a great product that doesn't get enough credit for how well-designed and built it is for the money.

    Thanks for the suggestions.

    Based on J.D. Power rankings, I was under the impression that Jeep vehicles, e.g. Grand Cherokee, were unreliable. Obviously, that has not been your experience in the past.

    Funny you should mention the Pacifica. When my brother was in the market for a new vehicle, he said something about the Pacifica. I told him, "Dude, that's a freaking minivan." So, he lost interest in the vehicle. I haven't seen the inside of a Pacifica so I don't know what it's like.

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