vinovelo

Hi, I find little to nothing regarding maintainence for the CVT tranny on the rx400h. Nothing like fluid level checks like a normal automatic etc. Is this a completely sealed system? Thanks, /Steve

Damn, I wanted the Smoky Mica color! Non out here on the west coast a few months back. (was looking for a 400h AWD) Settled for Silver. But, after having it for a while I like it very much. Gotta admit the Mica is gorgeous. Enjoy the vehicle, it's a great toy! /Steve

Hi all, I will do my first oil change on the 400h in a short while. My question is: How to run the engine to check for oil leaks? My methodology for oil filter changes is to pull the injection fuse to spin the engine with new oil to get the pressure started (so as not to crank a dry engine if doing a cold drain) fill the filter, then run the engine and check for leaks before final top off of the oil level. The problem is that that the 400h has the tendency to just sit there with the engine off. Is there a jumper setting or something to force the gas engine on? /Steve

I purchased a 2008 RX400h in December 07 as well and am having the same issue. I downloaded a .pdf document from this site that included voice commands for the climate control system and cannot get any of them to work. I also notice that they are not displayed if I use the on screen help displayed when hitting the voice button on the steering wheel. I wonder why they would have removed this functionality? I have little problems with the navigation or audio commands, they work well. (wish I could skip over saying the state name though...) /Steve

so what was the price? and where? VA and MD lexus dealers will quote about 3-4k off sticker over email. It seems that nearly ALL the 400hs in NoVa sticker at right around 49.9k (with nav, leather, premium plus etc. -- no Mark Lev or laser cruise). Pohanka will do 3.5k off sticker; other Lexus dealers, especially the ones near baltimore (Len Stoler, Towson) will do a little (500-1.5k) lower. Keep in mind, even at some Lexus dealers, they are still a car dealer, and they still try to rip you off any way possible. Trust nothing they tell you orally and make them put in writing anything that is important to you. When you buy they ask you to sign 500 pieces of paper about a bunch of crap about refusing paint protection junk. don't sign any of it. Just sign the sale document, the registration application, the stuff you have to sign. IF they complain when you refuse just get up and walk. They don't need all the paperwork which is just to try to trick you into buying a bunch of crap or getting their financing. They will also pull your credit report without making it clear that that is what they are doing and try to get you their financing even when you tell them you are paying cash. Even at Lexus the car dealers still can't help themselves from being scummy. I had a much better experience when I bought my prius from Koons -- they knew I was no nonsense and didn't try to sell a bunch of crap and waste my time or theirs. Pohanka lexus could learn quite a bit from koons toyota about how to sell a car and how to respect their customers. Pohanka wasted my time to try to scam a few extra hundred and I ended up walking and they lost a sale. Len Stoler was a little cheaper and did a much better job not wasting my time with scams and more than made up for the time to drive out there. Yup! You got that right. I actually had a fairly positive buying experience up until the time it came to finish paperwork. I then got shuffled off to "Finance" to get the lecture about extended warranties paint protection ect. He tried all angles like telling me that the NAV system display alone costs $5k to replace, the costs of certain repairs, ect. Even after I told him I never buy the dealer added packs he continues with the paint sealant with which one never has to wax the car for the life of the vehicle (yeah, right...). You should have seen the look on his face when I said that I was starting to doubt the Lexus reliability if I needed all these packages and might reconsider the purchace. It's amazing how many do fall for that stuff. In this case if I bought it all I would have added nearly $10K to the price! The only one that caught my eye and I had to think about a bit was a package that was unique to this dealer for $1400 called Tires for Life. When the wear gets to 2/32 you get a new set of tires for the life of the vehicle. I decided to pass as I would be locked into tires of their choosing and sometimes like to replace tires before that level of wear for other reasons. /Steve

I'm wondering if I am missing a piece of equipment with my new RX400h. On the sticker I have what is called a "Preferred Accessory Package" that includes: - Cargo mat (got it) - Cargo net (got it) - Wheel locks (got it) - Cargo tray ( AIN'T got it !? ) I am assuming I should have received the rubber tray that I have seen in some RX's. When I mentioned getting one at the dealer (before noticing the accessory package) I asked about it and was told it was a $130 item. I do have a window shade cover for the cargo area. Are they calling that a cargo tray? Did anyone get the rubber cargo area cover as part of this package? Thanks, /Steve

4000 off sticker Very interesting. I got one w/~3100 off sticker in Mid December. S.F Bay Area. Used a combination of Costco discount, documentation, and some moderate negotiation.

Jrober: Yes it is a 2008 AWD. We were using a Costco buying program and hit it right at the year end push as well. $47k even (MSRP was $50086). The Hybrid ADW was not all that plentiful in this area so I was surprised to get such a good deal. End of the day, end of the year with a good match for what we were looking for helped for sure. I am sure I may not have got the rock bottom price but other dealers would not compete at that price point so I feel comfortable that we got a pretty good deal. /Steve

After trolling here for the past year or so and saving for the past three years (do not like debt...) I FINALLY took delivery of a new RX400h yesterday. This event happened in part because of savings / investments and in part from the great year end price I received. RX400h AWD NAV w/ Premium plus package HID adaptive lights Seat heaters Towing package Cargo cover / mat 18" alloy wheels Wood interior Silver w/grey leather seats and black wood trim. Much richer looking with the black wood in this color combination. Just drove it in night time for the first time last night. The adaptive lights were freaking me out! I have so much to learn about this vehicle now.... :) /Steve

I know where you're coming from- first 6 months I was so frustrated wit lack of it that almost wanted to return the car-of course RX400 is a great, smooth and enjoyable car- but it is such a shame that those simple things were not taken care of. After 2 years I still get frustrated when someone talks about it ;) Hmm... didn't know this. That IS a pain, especially considering the other complex display functions this vehicle has. One thing I do on my current vehicle is to reset the trip odometer as soon as I see the low fuel light go on. I then know I have a reliable 50 miles to go. It helps that there are dual trip meters for this. Hmm...someone tell me there are dual trip meters and a low fuel light on this thing...right? I'm about to buy one.... I better check :whistles:

im having the same problem, their email response sucks! i just called them and they claimed they would call me back, we'll see how long this takes. Never called me back. Not a good sign. No e-mail response either. I attended the San Fransisco auto show this w/e and was informed by a sales guy that the Nav unit does respond to commands by voice while in motion. I specifically asked if I could enter addresses verbally and was told yes. Anyone know it that is true? I am close to pulling the trigger on a purchase. /Steve

Anyone know if the Lockpick unit will work on the 08 RX 400h? http://coastaletech.com/lockpick3.htm The web site says 08 RX series but... (I emailed them,....no reply yet). Thanks, /Steve

I used my father's Garmin NUVI 660 NAV for quite a while and was very happy to get back to using the one in the RX - much better, IMO. And yes, gas prices are rising through the roof! Hmm.. Is that to say that the time to destination is not updated durring the trip based on your current location? My Acura NAVI system will update based on your current location such that the remainder of the trip is calculated based on speed limits of the roads. If I am stuck in traffic I can see the time estimate go up. If I am driving faster than the speed limit it goes down but only to the limit of the speed limits programmed in the database. I thought the RX's system was pretty much the same in that regard. As far as not being able to use the touch screen once in motion, I agree, that it total BS. My Acrua sedan has no such limitations. But, I was under the impression that the system could be changed with voice commands while in motion. Is this not the case? I am planning on purchasing an 08 RH400h in December. Location: San Jose /Steve

I re-iterate an earlier posted question: Will the Lockpick-3 work on the 2008 RX400h? (I see it advertised for the 08 RX350 but who knows that the 400 is diferent) /Steve

Hmm... can this be installed at the dealer? (or would that cost be prohibitive...). I can appreciate skyfish400h's comments above in particular with the RX since it is such a quiet vehicle. The quality might be very much noticed by someone finicky about sound. Are there other aftermarket systems that are equal or better than the ML system? Sometimes you can be surprised. I have a little fun car (Old Miata) in which I literally fried the radio (yes, with smoke and everything!). I replaced it with a mid-range Panasonic head unit and am amazed at how it sounds. Crisp, clear, and powerful (wether Jazz or Rock, etc) even with the top down at 70+MPH with the foot into the supercharger. (not with the factory speakers...) Also, I just looked at Edmands.com and saw the ML system at $980.00 /Steve

I agree completely with what you are saying. My point was that usually I have found that I was able to get pretty close to if not exceed the EPA highway ratings with both sedans (Toyota and Acura). What I would have expected is that the highway rating be pretty close to what they were before and the city ratings to take a big hit because of the nature of the electric drive and ICE in real world traffic. In the case of the Acura TL the old EPA ratings were 19/29 and new 17/27. I easily meet or beat the highway ratings of 29 even traveling in excess of 70-75 MPH. Perhaps the frontal area and CD of 0.35 and weight take more of a toll on the Rx in terms of real world driving (it's ability to meet EPA highway rating). That coupled with what the RX tranny is doing at highway speeds. The Acura TL is at a measily 2k RPM at 75 mph. I've no idea what the RX CVT is doing at highway speeds. Maybe it's geared more towards performance? Then there is the weight factor too (as you mention). That would impact results much more in hilly areas than flat highway speeds where CD is the biggest factor. I think mid 20's+ for city ratings is actually not bad at all for a vehicle like this. 24 highway is just...OK. Too bad I couldn't rent one of these things for a week or two and see what I get. I've set my minimum requirements for fuel at 25 MPG for any next vehicle and 30+ preferable. Looks like the RX just makes it. What intrigues me most about the RX is the whole package: Performance, CVT, and somewhat reasonable EPA figures combines with luxury and one of the best looking, classy body styles. It's actually THE only SUV styled vehicle I would consider. I don't like ANY other SUV out there. /Steve

(31/27 to 26/24) I'm surprised the highway number took such a hit. In both of my current vehicles I meet or exeed highway rating. A 1994 Camry XLE rated at 23 highway gets 24-25 on occasion (long highways trips, few mountain passes). An 01 Acuta TL rated at 28 on the highway gets 29-30 mpg! (the TL is amaxingly efficient at 70+ MPH!). That being saig I am considering the 400h not only for the 8 mph (which I believe is significant) additional MPG over the 350 but fot the CVT tranny and overall power. To me the CVT tranny elimination of shift points is very luxurious (based on a test drive). I am most curious to find out if there have been any fixes to the vehile for issues on the 06/07 models like the reported surging etc. Refinements in the trip computer (miles to empty) and so forth. /Steve

I know that is the conventional wisdom but years ago I ditched that method and drain it cold. It takes a bit longer to drain out but it is worth it. Plus, if you heat up the oil much of it is suspended in the engine for a while anyway. I also pull the EFI fuse and crank the engine to fill the new oil filter before restarting. I crank it till I see the oil light start to go out. That gets oil pressue up near instantly and reduces cold start wear with an empty filter. /Steve

Interesting and telling phrase: "I don,t care". Used in reference to a car's mileage, or the ever increasing cost of gas (inextricably related), it's meant to say something interesting. Many here in So. Cal. take their R.V.'s and boats and other toys down to the Colorado river. Gas goes up in price. $2 - $3 - $4 -. but, many folks still seem to say 'I don't care". Typically, after topping off the boat's tank(s) with a $100 bill, the owners will say the 3 words. So, hey, I'm having fun, and I got so much money that it doesn't matter - so "I don't care". Meanwhile, old man Waldon, the founder of Wallmart, and others who are VERY well to do, and others like him, that have his mind set, drive around in old beat up pick ups - or, like us in our family, we still clip coupons ... even though we certainly don't have to, and we have been blessed w/ hundreds of thousand in income per year. By "caring", we will have more to pass on to our kids, our charities, our family members in times of need, etc. It dawned on me one day, that when the likes of Mike Tyson, or some hoytie toytie football player, or an up and coming rap star spends money like it's going out of style, they're proud to be saying "I dont care" because it's a form of bragging ... because in essence, they dont have to concern their self with the trifles of keeping track of the coins. Suddenly, when these folks end up broke, they want to blame it on the manager, or someone else, rather than simple foolishness. We bought our 400h because it IS more economical than other pricy cars, and we DO care about mileage. We got rid of our Mercedes and our Range Rover because as consumer reports points out so well, the Lexus line makes the reliability of the Mercedes and the BMW and the Land Rover lines look like poo poo. Similarly, another article recently pointed out (Road & Track? . . . can't remember) that more folks with 6 figure incomes and above, are now buying Lexus, rather than BMW's for the simple fact of 'the bottom line' ... which means that many well off folks are NOT saying "I dont care". We DO have to schlep customers around in our lines businesses, so we need to have SOME kind of a nice car (no old beat up pick ups) that our customers would expect. But it's ok to factor other things into purchases of gas, or cars ... things like reliability, the value of a dollar, impact on the environment, funding al queda, and other intrinsic motives. Sure, fit and finish are greater on this car or that ... and a such and such type cars can really plow through cornering ... (heck, indy cars do that ... but when they hit oil or debris it's all over) ... and some Lexus' squeek ... botom line, it's still the best thing going right now, for what it is. Fantastic post! I like this one: "Even Millionares deserve the right to sleep under bridges". One thing that comes with age is the ability to see some of these people come full circle. I have seen more than a few people like you describe that over time have plowed through (carelessly) a ton of money only to end up near totally broke. /Steve

Doesn't matter . . . whether you drive 10, 20, or 50 miles prior to ICE fireing off. As soon as the vehicle hits appx 31mph, the electric motor 'spins-up' up the ICE, to a matching speed, so that when the ICE finally does fire off (which will always happen by 41mph on flat ground - no head wind) - the ICE, though not yet burning any gas, will be sufficiently lubricated. Gotta give those toyota engineers credit ... they thought of everything ;) OK, So, what I hear being said here is that because the motor is pre-spun before ignition that is is safely lubricated. But, that still does not make sense to me. Even spining it up has frictional wear with or without ignition. Things I am wondering that may have been done: - Auxillary (electric?) oil pump to maintain lubrication when the ICE is not in operation? - Opening valves while the ICE is spun up to avoid compression (to avoid load on the electric motor)? Clearly, Lexus (as well as the Toyota line) is not about to dammage their reputation for longevity and reliability with hybrids that do not perform as well as their prevous generation of vehicles. But, I am real curious to see how these problems were overcome. Also, they certianly are not infalible (Toyota/Lexus) and I want to know before I plop down my hard earned 50k on a vehicle that I plan to own for more than a decade. Case-in-point: I bought my previous vehicle from another ultra-reliable manufacturer: Acura. The result? The 2001 3.2 TL I bought had one of the most unreliable transmissions on the market. Almost certain to fail near 50K miles.....as mine did. Catastrophically. I will add that Acura treated the problem well with a replacement transmission but the basic enginerring flaw in the transmission remains. So, it may fail again. I absolutely love the car, but, do not trust it. Thanks, /Steve

Hi all, I am a prospecive buyer (waiting to see what the 08's bring) and am wondering about the 400's drivetrain longevity. (for all hybrids). Most engine wear occurs at a cold dry start. With the ICE starting and stopping I am wondering if there will be an increased wear factor with oil pressure constantly falling off when the ICE cuts out and then restarts. Is there anything about the ICE's lubrication system that is different to prevent this? Thanks, /Steve

What is is about the RX400h oil change that is difficult? (filter location? room to manuver?) Thanks, /Steve

All, Please post your fuel mileage at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList The number of posts for the RX400h is very low. Only a handful. This is a good place for gathering statistics. The figures gathered for one of my cars (Acura TL) are very accurate. We need more 400h stats. It's best to post real calculated miles (# miles / gal used) over several tanks. A single tank reading really skews the numbers. Thanks, /Steve

I have had a set of Toyo proxies on my Miata for a few years now. (this is a highly modified supercharged fun car) I love these tires. /Steve Those Toyo's look great. Makes the RX look like the performance machine that it is, rather than a luxury minivan. Is it just me or do the 18" wheels look like they should have always had 255/50 tires on them? When I look at the before and after pics it becomes clear that the sidewall on the OEM tires are going to get a lot of wear because when the car corners the tire will roll under the rim (which they kind of are already). With the 255/50's the sidewall is placed where is should be... between the rim and the road. Duh! Here is the tire calculator that I used to compare the OEM to the 255/50 http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos This compares better than the other +0 tire options that were discussed here before with only a slight change in the speedo reading. I guess we already have confirmation that the wider tread of the 255 doesn't rub even at the 55 profile size (larger dia). The only con I can see is potentially lower mpg due to more rolling resistance and more weight (adds 20 lbs to the car). Since these tires have max pressure of 50 (as opposed to 46 for the OEM) I would recommend adding a few pounds over where you would run the OEM tires. And since the OEM tire recommended pressure it too low already... I would try: (32 OEM + 5 OEM correction + 4 255/50 size) = 41 psi COLD for these TOYOs And then watch the wear for any sighs of over/under inflation. I am at 36lbs and will try 40 this weekend. They look and feel so much better than the 235's. I have seen no decreace in mpg. This is based on 1 tank of gas. I did do a 18 mile loop to see how efficient I could be with this car and I have been getting better each time (24.5, 27, 28, 31mpg) but the last one was the best with the new Toyo's. This could also be the car is training me and the engine is still braking in.

Depends. The 09 redesign looks like it will be a bigger vehicle. With a slant to more performance. I really like the current design but if waiting for the 08 could yield a few more improvements it's well worth waiting a little bit. The 09 won't be readily available for a few years. If the 08 had better batteries (NiMh) that would be a big reason to hold off. /Steve I beleive the '06 already has the NiHh batteries...they are the best. Sorry, meant Lithium Ion. Better. Faster charge and better discharge capacity. /Steve