RXREY

Read the post on this same page "Battery Replacement Cost" or something like that.......at least it's on this page currently...I too had that concern but apparently, it's not going to be a problem for another 150K or many more miles....or ten to 15 years depending on how much you drive...but I will let others that know more than me respond...Rey in LA

That's so interesting, the few times that I have had the 350 as a loaner, I couldn't wait to get my 400h back! I do like the "pull-back into the seat" of the initial acceleration in the RX350 but after that, the 400h is so much faster and SMOOTHER at speed...like on the freeway..NO comparison, the 400h is a rocket compared to the now annoying shifting that I can't help but to feel.....as far the MPGs, many people that own a Lexus don't really care that much about the extra cost but I do like getting the extra 6 to 8 mpgs..it does make a difference to this little college professor...but as far as I am concerned, the 350 is fine, but the 400h is in a different class. By the way, I had to have a rental for 10 days and got a Ford Edge...man, was I glad to get my 400h back! The 350 is somewhere in between. But the 350 is a fine car...but it's no 400h!

Let me put it more clearly....I would never buy another Lexus/Toyota again! When I bought the RX400H I specifically asked whether it could tow an RV/trailer weighing less than 3500pounds. I was told by Lexus that it could (its also in their literature) and they installed a trailer hitch for me. When I tried to get a brake controller installed (as required by California law for all trailers over 1500 pounds( Lexus told me that it would void my warrantee! It seems that they would have to cut into the computer system wiring to install it. Thus, my $52,000 Lexus cannot tow! Lexus I had to cancel my order for my trailer. I would never buy another Lexus/Toyota again! Ken So get something else and stop whining already...if you can afford a Lexus, get something else and move on for Pete's sake. To make a blanket statement about the entire company seems a bit rash...but be happy and do what you say and get something else. Believe me, you will not have any problems selling your amazing car. Actually, I too have made blanket statements; I will not buy an American car...so I do understand...that's why I ONLY buy Toyota /Lexus cars.

I am still researching and still haven't found a better tire than the General Grabber HTS....too bad Tiretrack doesn't include it in their comparisons but all indications from people with these tires are that they are the best...I think that I still have a year to look...the Yokohamas sounded OK but not when I look at all of the reviews on line...so the Generals are still the top pick...I can't believe that I am saying this about General tires but I guess they shocked all the tire experts with this fabulous tire...one more year of reading until I get a set of something....but right now, The Generals are ahead by a mile. Rey in Los Angeles...a)Oh I don't know how they are in snow but I HAVE NEVER driven in snow and don't know if I ever will). Of course how tires perform in snow means a lot to many of you...so I am talking about tires for ME...here in L.A..

stopping distance on the General Grabbers is great.....So, my pick is on every count, the Generals...still haven't read about a better tire....

I remember asking that myself and even though I opted to not get seat covers, they were easy to find online. There were so many to choose from for our RX. Give it a shot...just Google them. Good luck and I am sure you'll find what you need. Rey in LA

Hmm, I guess it was something different.....interesting...I guess they won't say anything at the dealership unless we do? Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking about the recall issue a while back when the car came out...OK, I'll get on it.

They did the recall work the first year I bought it my rx400h...I bought it brand new in Jan 2006...so I don't know what this is....but it is ONLY in my garage and when I am turning tightly to leave the underground parking area.

I too have a 2006 RX400h Thanks for posting this...I thought it was just me and just thought it was my tires getting older. I didn't know how to describe it but you did a good job. I live in a condo and in the large parking garage with typical smooth,lacquered concrete floors, I feel it when I am turning tightly and slowly. The first time that I felt this I thought that I had a flat. Let me know what you find out. I didn't mention it the last time I took my car in but I will. But if you find something out beforehand, please post. Rey

I have all the respect for our members here, who regularly post. That said, I was told a few years ago that "over-inflating" tires from the paltry 30's WILL NOT ... repeat, NOT cause tires to wear in the center (much less, prematurely) - as we've all heard time & time again, over many decades. Our crummy/original GoodYears (BOTH on the Prius AND the 400h) wore out in LESS than 12,000 miles, though they were kept at the "recommended" pressure in the 30's. So I gave it a try. Long story short, we run 48 psi in the Prius. Our Prius's Michelin Hydroedge tires now have over EIGHTY THOUSAND miles on them, and they're just NOW starting to show a faint sign that they're starting to wear. And that's REGULAR wear ... not in the center. Similarly our 400h tires run higher pressures, at 44psi. They've lasted over 40,000 miles and show NO signs of center wear. The folks who turned me on to this explained that radials (unlike old fashion bias tires) simply don't turn into misshaped balloons. What can I say. You can read contradictory "center wear" storiess until you're blue in the face, but deliberately using higher psi's made a believer out of me. Additionally, you get better MPG's which most folks will concede ... as well as a harder ride. But for higher mpg's ? It's worth it to me ... and we got tires that actually have lasted MUCH longer - AND higher mpg's. Go figure! What do you think? We use 0W-20 synthetic, too ... even in summer. The lower friction helps mpg's. We installed the factory block heater, and if we're regularly driving the 400h - we turn it on about 2 hours before leaving in the morning ... summer & winter. That way the ICE is already warmed up. Oh ... and we block the grill, too, even partly in the summer, until the temps are over 80 degrees. But beyond all the little tricks, a LOT of it is anticipatory driving. If you drive like someone who get 24mpg then that's what you'll get. Drive like someone who gets 34mpg - and that's what you'll get. But here's ironic observation. I've read many Lexus post about mpg's and more often than not, you read, "I don't care what kind of mileage I get - because I can afford it". Yes, it seems many Lexus drives put ride / comfort / looks / power / handling etc FIRST, and mpg's a WAY distant last place. That's the way it is with my significant other ... she drives the 400h like someone who gets 26mpg - and so she does. Yep ... it's a teeny/lonely world for the few us Lexus hyper mile'ers. :) I have to agree, I like my Toyos at 38 and I have not seen any center wear. They have almost 35K on them, they still look GREAT. The original Good Years lasted a sad 11K...I couldn't believe it...anywho...35- 38psi is what I like and the ride is fine, the wear is even. But I am no expert on this...just my own observations. My next set of tires are going to be General Grabber HTS...I have a post on this. I still haven't found a better rated tire...and I'll put 35-38psi in them. The ride is so nice with this car.......OK, that's all that I wanted to add....

You have an amazing car that will last a long, long time and will feel new as well...I get about 24 and a half but I do better the times in the year that I drive farther, about 26. I hope that you will be happy with your purchase. When I got mine in January of 2006,first year for the 400h, the numbers were totally inflated to 31! I got used to the lie and I have been impressed by so much about this car. The mileage is OK but the transmission and everything else is amazing. I think that the transmission is something that I appreciate more now than when I first got this great car. Good luck and if anything maybe you can get something else. It shouldn't be too hard to sell your car and get what you paid for it. Rey in sunny LA

So, any update yet?

By the way, how is the car running after 90K? It's running like new. 28 to 31 mpg on non ethanol mid rage gas in the hot south. That's great to hear. My 2006 400h has 50K and it too feels like new and it's great to know that in four years when mine is at 90K it can still feel like it does now..amazing car!

By the way, how is the car running after 90K?

Strange - every Lexus hybrid tech I've spoken with says to replace the PCV at 60K ... which really just makes common sence. They're easy to DIY, and just a few bucks at the local autozone type place. But the PDF says only the following are necessary (all easy to do your self)at 60K: o Replace engine oil and oil filter; reset reminder light o Rotate tires o Visually inspect brake pads and rotors o Road-test vehicle Let us know what they do, and let us know what they charge, if you don't mind. The PCV valve is easier to replace on the 330. On the hybrid it's tucked in at the back of the engine. It's not super hard, but involved taking off a few parts, which is not required on the 330. I've a DIY posted somewhere on this site.. I'm not a do it "yourselfer" so I have no idea what any of you are talking about...thanks anyway...rey

So, after all of these weeks, no one can tell me what they paid....60k mile service...I just want to see what some of you had to pay....

That IS scary and I do hope that RX400h is right in saying that it is rare. My 06 400h has 49K and it has been flawless...it not only still looks new but runs like a brand new car. I have not had one mechanical issue at all....that's the first time ever for any car that I have had for over four years. It has been amazing. Please let us know what it turns out to be. Rey in LA

Wow, great.....thanks, Rey

Thanks, great advice. My service MGR has always been great. Thanks again "SE'sGMN", Rey

I don't do it myself ...not that kind of guy..plus isn't it more difficult to service a hybrid? I see that you have the gas only RX. Does anyone know what the 60K cost if I take it in at 60K miles?

If I do it myself, what does it entail?

I am at 48k miles on my 06 400h and even though I have over a year to go, I would like to know any of your thoughts on the 60K service on the 400h. My 30k service cost over $400 and I am wondering about the 60k. I have looked on this sight but haven't been able to find much...so, please don't tell me to look again...just let me know your opinion. Thanks, Rey in sunny SoCal.

I'll be needing new tires soon as well, so this is a worthwhile post to keep an eye on. Since I have dedicated winter tires/rims, I 'think' I can probably wait till next summer to replace the all season. However, by then, I'm sure there will be some 'new' tire that catches my eye..hahaha. It's like when you buy a new TV/computer/cell phone/ipod etc. and six months later, version 2, with bigger, better, cheaper and 3 dimensional comes out... Funny lemon, funny.......I finally got rid of my 30 year old Zenith! I am pretty patient and learned not to get too caught up in the "New"...it'll drive ya crazy! Especially since, as you implied, six months later there's always a "New and Improved" version of anything and everything. My 06 400h is a marvel of technology even at four years old. I am keeping it for at least another six years, if everything goes well...so I HAVE to not look at the greener grass next door! Thanks and lets keep posting. The beauty of this is the fact that we have time. Researching stuff is a hobby to me...like when I was gathering research before I bought my 400h in Jan 2006. Happy driving, Rey in sunny L.A..

Wow lemon, these Yokohamas seem great! I am definitely putting these on my very short list of tires to buy later this year or next. Thanks so much for this suggestion! Rey

My car came with the Good Year Eagle S/A...(?)...anyway, they were the worst tires that I have ever driven on. They lasted 11K miles and then I got my Toyos. I am looking forward to getting the General Grabbers HTS tires, it's looking more and more like the best one for me here in L.A.. But as I said, I have time to keep researching. Thanks a million, Rey