mrc88dal

I still use 5.1 because the later updates didn't significantly update road changes in my geographical area(New England). You might want to check with the dealer and see if the DFW area(or wherever you drive) was significantly improved in the later versions before incurring the expense of a new DVD.

"The Boss" has always wanted a blue car so she chose Neptune Blue. It's an extremely dark metallic blue that looks blue on sunny days and black on grey days. It's a great color when it's clean, but it's hard to keep it that way during the winter with road salt etc. We love the color, but are frequent visitors to the local carwash!!

I run four Blizzak DM-Z3's on a separate set of alloys. Mark

Can't you just use an adapter plug to change the existing connection to 7pin? I use one on my trailer(4-pin)-to-Tundra(7-pin receiver) connection but my trailer doesn't have independent brakes so perhaps that wouldn't work. If it will work, you can find them at auto parts stores etc.

I take my cars to the dealership. With my last Toyota(Sequoia), the manifold needed to be replaced and Toyota agreed to pay for the replacement, "out of warranty", because the dealers record showed that I had completed all the required service by Toyota mechanics. The cost of this repair was +$1200.00 so I'm glad I used the dealership, even at perhaps a premium price.

I've had a similar problem on my 400h intermittently. It's the rear passenger window, driver side. In one case, my son couldn't raise it with his switch but I could raise it from the driver's switch. In another case, I couldn't raise it with the driver's switch at first but eventually it came up using that switch. I'll be interested to hear if it's a switch problem or wire connection problem to the window motor. Because the problem is sporadic, I haven't been able to take it to the dealer so they can see the problem.

Someone suggested "MYBRID" when we purchased our 400h. My wife decided to go with a standard plate but I did think it was rather clever. Good Luck!

I just got back from a 3000mi roadtrip and had similar results. 26.7 mpg, premium gas, tire pressure set at Lexus spec., primarily highway. I concur with C. Springs great observation about mountain performance. No annoying downshifts, just smooth power. Yet another thing I love about the 400h.

On my car, the system automatically picks up the call and broadcasts it over the speakers regardless of how you answer it. The only way I've found to do it is to de-link the bluetooth phone.

My mileage drops from 27mpg to 23mpg during the winter months here in NH. That's largely due to snow tires and much colder temps.

I'll bet your home is represented on the nav screen by a nav icon with sound. Most of the icon's don't have an associated sound but some do. Here's how to check. Select Menu on the large buttons below the nav screen. On the nav screen, you should now see a "My Places" button-select it. Next select the Edit button to edit one of your "places". Select your "home" and a bunch of buttons/attributes will pop up including a button called Icon. Once you push the Icon button, you'll see three sets of selectable icons with the last set being icons with sound. Simply select an icon without sound to represent your home. I did this from memory so a step may be out of sequence but once you get to "My Places" you should be able to find your way from there. Good Luck!

Thanks Guys! I think I'll try both and see which one I like the best. There are plenty of cars here to wash an wax!!

Thanks for the link. I'll definitely give it a try. I have the Neptune Blue color which is beautiful but really demands to be kept clean and shined. Do you have any preferences for the leather and dash inside? Thanks!

Hi all, I usually get my cars detailed but decided I'd like to do the wash/wax myself for our new 400h. In the past I've used Mothers but realize there are probably some better products out there. Also, I've never used a buffing wheel. Should I do that on a relatively new(9/06) paint job or just hand wax/buff? Any advice would be appreciated. I just got my copy of Griots Gararge and the options are overwhelming. Thanks!

Don't worry, it's a government site. They have a great track record of guarding your personal information ;)

Done!

Yes, I'm aware of the telescope feature but that only addresses the sun from one angle. The car really needs a second visor!

Well that confirms my suspicion that it wasn't just my Lexus assembly guy who forgot to install the second visor but all of yours. It's hard to believe that my Tundra and Sequoia come with a second visor but not my Lexus. If anything, you'd think it would be the other way around. Pay less, get less. I guess I assumed every car would have one but we all know the definition of assume right?

Does anyone have a second sun visor on their RX? I find it hard to believe that Lexus didn't put one on the RX. Every other car I own has one. It's an awfully nice thing to have when the sun alternates(twisty road) from the side to the front of the car.

There's no disputing Michelin's quality and wear life. I have Michelin's on most of my vehicles until winter when I put on Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires. I'm glad that Michelins came on my RX-bullet dodged!!

No problem. I actually own the car and routinely drive in those conditions.

I have an RX400h AWD and live in snowy/mountainous NH so I have direct experience with the car in the type of conditions you're asking about. First of all, you must put snow tires on the vehicle! I use Bridgestone Blizzaks on dedicated rims (Tirerack) and love them. With snow tires on the 400, the car performs superbly. I've routinely plowed through drifts and standing snow of +12" and have had no problems. I've been up fairly steep grades and again no problems. The AWD RX operates predominately in FWD mode but the rear wheels kick in seamlessly when needed. As always, driver technique goes a long way in the snow regardless of the car's drive system. Having used the 400 routinely in the conditions you're asking about, I can find no reason not to recommend it. The "B" function will slow the car on grades but will not hold a set speed even on moderate grades. The car will gain speed on grades even in "B" mode so braking will be required. My previous car was a 4WD Toyota Sequoia which was a great snow performer so I was a bit apprehensive about switching to the RX AWD and scoured the boards like you're doing for real world experience. This winter alleviated my fears about the 400's snow performance. Unless you're going to be in extremely deep snow on unimproved roads, I think the 400 will be just fine. There's an expanded discussion on this topic, on this forum, titled "Rx400h - Awd (2007)"

Jim's right on target about the Blizzaks. They're awesome in the snow and I do have mine mounted on their own rims. You can tackle almost any snow condition with the 400 provided you have snow tires. As far as options go, I'd make sure you get the NAV, heated seats, Rain-sensing wipers, AFS headlights, and moonroof. The wood interior option is really up to you. Some folks want this(not originally available on the hybrid) and some don't so you really can't go wrong. I think XM radio is a plus and perhaps the Lexus hitch just in case you ever want to pull something. I can't speak to the ML sound system and therefore don't know if it's worth the premium. As I recall, there wern't alot of options on the 400, it come's fairly loaded. Happy Hunting!

If you can afford the $1500.00, I'd definitely purchase the AWD version. Although the the AWD 400h operates primarily in FWD, it's awfully nice to have the computer detect a slip and be able to utilize the rear wheels to provide additional traction. If you combine this capability with the VSC(Vehicle Stability Control) system you end up with a very safe vehicle. I'd look at AWD as primarily a safety device on the 400h. Although you live in AL, traction is still an issue(hydroplaning) on rain soaked roads. I've lived in AL and remember all to well driving in torrential downpours due to thunderstorm activity in the spring and summer. I'd want AWD for that reason alone. Good luck with your purchase decision. As I'm sure the others will attest, you'll love your new 400h!

No problems whatsoever. AM performs same as before installation. I do have the "XM" Vaistech interface(not the "iPod" interface), however, so perhaps the AM difficulties are associated with one unit and not the other.