S. Park Cows

I would like to know the opinion of anyone who has had more than one RX (RX300, RX330, or RX400h) and had the Mark Levinson sound system in one RX, but not in another RX. I am very curious to know if the Mark Levinson sound system provided a much better sound in the RX than without it. I have it in my ES300 and then test drove the RX400h without it, but that is a comparison between apples and oranges; the RX is much larger and has more open space, thus I would believe that the sound dynamics are much different between the RX and ES. I would like the opinion of someone who has really heard the diffence in the RX series and can compare the difference solely in an RX.

It is common knowledge that owners of the RX400h who take possession of the vehicle by 12/31/2005 are entitled to a $2,000 tax deduction on their 2005 federal tax return. (see http://www.fueleconomy.gov/!Removed!/tax_hybrid.shtml) There are a number of states offering incentives for hybrid vehicles, although some of those incentives are not tax-related. Those states offering incentives include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. (see http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/hybridstate.shtml) (see http://www.hybridcars.com/incentives.html) (see http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hev/hev_benefits.html) (see http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hev/hev_tax.html) (see http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/atv/incen_laws.html) In searching the internet, it seems New York offers purchasers of qualified HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles): 1. a tax credit of $2,000, and 2. a sales tax exemption of $3,000 (see above and http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/progs/sear...ate.cgi?afdc/NY) Based on the criteria set forth in the websites that I have seen, it looks like the RX400h meets the criteria of a qualified HEV. I have tried calling some New York State agencies over the last couple of days, but have not been able to talk with the people with the knowledge to confirm the benefits. Has anyone confirmed the New York State tax incentives for 2005 to which owners of specifically the RX400h are entitled? Do you actually need to purchase the vehicle in New York State in order to qualify for the New York State tax incentives? I was going to purchase the vehicle in Connecticut.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a purchase of the RX400h. Does anyone have any regrets or gripes that would cause them to reconsider the purchase if you were able to do it all over again? I know some of the issues that I have seen identified in this forum are: - Questionable gas mileage (not living up to expectations of some owners) - Un-intended highway acceleration - Less than quality or luxury materials in and around vehicle (e.g., plastic materials on door interior rather than leather) - Apparently no gauge reading of miles remaining until gas is empty - No tire pressure monitoring system (soon a federal government requirement) - Air conditioner blowing warm air - Air conditioner blowing cold air on the passenger side of the vehicle - No wood on steering wheel (considering the “wood upgrade” dealer option) - Trouble getting the vehicle with the Mark Levinson system (I am encountering this) I want better gas mileage than my ES300 provides (historically 22.4 mpg) and a safer feeling during winter driving (I do not drive fast in the snow, but I have slid off the road in the snow more than my share of times). My ES300 is rear-wheel drive, making winter driving treacherous.