BobBass

Isaiah, I am in precisely the same boat. My salesperson has no info on the '08's, yet. My hopes are that next year's 400h will pick up the subtle changes/upgrades of the '08 RX350. Most importantly, since it is the last year for this generation, Lexus will have exterminated all the "bugs."

Tom, Thanks for replying in the affirmative. I was beginning to think this was olde news or not as impressive as I found it to be. It almost qualifies for a "more than you wanted to know" award, unless you're OBSESSED with researching the 400h like I am.

neelratna, I know I botched this thread, but the link you gave is for the '06 model. When you go thru the NADAGUIDES menus, it takes you to the updated review for 2007. BTW, how do you delete an entire reply you made? I'd like to at least delete the second reDUMBdant reply I inadvertently posted.

I am really BOMBING OUT! Apparently you can't just link directly to the RX review. Go to the NADA Guides site and enter 1) "Lexus," 2) "View Reviews & Ratings," and 3) "2007 RX." Hopefully you can get to it from there. SORRY! http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=...;p=5&f=5025

I just stumbled across this four-page, very extensive review of the '07 RX350 and 400h. This is probably the best one I've seen to date. It's almost TOO long - I found myself skimming thru to find points that interest me. Check it out: NADA Guides '07 RX350/400h Review (I hope this isn't "olde news" - if so, please accept my apology)

Do you have any details on changes for the '08 400h? I'm kinda in the same boat as you - waiting to get an '08 but WOULD want the NAV (not rear DVD entertainment.) PS From your name, I have to assume you are either an Allman Bros. or Steve Martin fan. Which is it?

Anybody know if this lack of a shroud or protection for the condensor has been corrected in the 2007 model?

Geez...how widespread is this "lurching" problem? I'm about to give up on Toyota altogether. They can't seem to make a drivetrain/transmission that doesn't have some sort of "driveability" problem at the very least. The new ES/Camry has enough instances of the "shifting flare" that it's effectively off my list. The 330 5-speed in the Avalon/Sienna/Highlander/RX has plenty of owner complaints. It's amazing to me that the RX is extolled for its ride quality in virtually every magazine review even though it has a relatively short wheelbase. But, combine that with a "lurching" transmission and ride goes out the window. You'd think the CVT would smooth out the power input to the drive wheels. I test drove an RX400h on back roads and didn't particularly notice anything, but it's probably the kind of thing that drives you NUTS on a highway. My wife gets carsick very easily if the circumstances are "right." This sounds like something I shouldn't take a chance on. Need some more opinions.

(I started a thread like this on another board which ended up morphing into a "Consumer Reports" BASHING discussion. Howze about if we leave that SIDE issue alone here? Let's declare it a DEAD HORSE.) In a comparo of "Luxury Suvs," the RX350 comes out ahead of the MDX, SRX, X5 and MKX. The only vehicles rated higher are the 400h and Highlander Hybrid. HIGHS: Ride, quietness, acceleration, access, fuel economy, fit and finish, reliability. LOWS: Lacks agility. Notable (to me) highlights on the Performance/Specs/Safety page are the best gas mileage (19 overall) AND acceleration (0-60 = 7.3 secs.: gotta luv that new 3.5 V6), braking, and curb weight. However, they ALWAYS hammer the low beam headlights; "Low-beam HID headlights did not reach very far; but high beams were very good, with excellent intensity." Are they really that bad? As a potential buyer, this is an issue for me with my 58 year-old eyes, one of which has a cataract.

This is a ridiculous question at this time of the year, but... I am considering the 400h - probably wait for the '08 in hopes that the very last year of this generation will be tweaked to 'perfection' - but am concerned about what I read about its performance in snow. Although I hail from SE PA which isn't exactly in the snow belt, I live on a hill with an inclined driveway. Over the years, this has caused occasional problems with RWD and even FWD vehicles during significant snowfalls. It just seems that an "AWD" vehicle with decent M&S tires should be able to handle "normal" snowfall conditions. Having to deal with a set of winter wheels/tires should NOT be necessary. From what I've gleaned, the problem seems to lie in the overeager traction control system. There is a way to turn it off by pulling a fuse or something, but I wonder if the other "less invasive" way works on a 400h. Most Toyotas can be put forced into "service mode" which will turn off TC and VSC. I asked the local Lexus dealer and they told me you couldn't do it with the 400h. Would anybody out there be kind enough to try this and see if works on the 400h? It's one of these deals that once it's in "service mode" and TC/VSC is off, to take out of "service mode" it's a simple matter of turning the engine off. Next time you fire it up, it defaults to TC/VSC on. Here is the procedure that was published in a major car enthusiast magazine: 1) Check that the Ignition is off and the shift lever position is at P. 2) Start the engine after turning the Ignition to the ON position. 3) Perform the following steps 4 to 8 within 30 seconds after engine start: 4) Turn the parking brake switch on. 5) Depress and release the brake pedal twice. 6) Turn the parking brake switch on and off twice while depressing the brake pedal. 7) Depress and release the brake pedal twice while the parking brake switch is on. Notice: Steps 6 and 7 should be performed within 15 seconds each. 8) Check that the VSC warning light and slip indicator are turned on. If they are not turned on, start over from step 1. 9) The brake control system will return to the normal mode by turning the Ignition to the ON position from off Here's another wording from another source: 1. Make sure the car is in Park and the parking brake is disengaged before you start the car. 2. Start the engine. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release. 5. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release. 6. Disengage the parking brake. 7. Fully depress and hold down the brake pedal. 8. Engage the parking brake, then disengage it (while holding down the brake pedal). 9. Engage the parking brake, then disengage it (while holding down the brake pedal). 10. Release the brake pedal. 11. Engage the parking brake. 12. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release. 13. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release. For me, this would be a "last resort" if I were to get stuck halfway up my hill or driveway. I would never do this on a whim and deliberately go out in a major snowfall just to test the limits of the 400h. Thanks to anyone who wants to give this a shot. Bob