gryphix

I like to use all synthetic because of the 100+ degree summer temps here in Las Vegas. As far as I know, the synthetic oils maintain their integrity better in extreme heat. It's more expensive, but I change the oil less frequently. I've read that people go up to 10k miles between oil changes, but I set my interval at 6k because of the oil filter. With the hybrid, I'm not sure how many of those miles are actually under ICE power, but I'm guessing at least 4500. While the engine does seem to run smoother (which I'm sure is all in my mind), I'm not aware of any power gains or other benefits besides potentially less sludge and wear in the long run.

Nice. Do you control your iPod/iPhone with the touch screen or the LCD tuner below it? How much does it cost?

Yeah, the corvette HUD is really nice. I like that it's customizable. Is it difficult to see it during the day? I *really* like the idea of one in the RX. I usually can't see my speed between my steering wheel setting and the fact that I normally drive with my hands on the wheel at 12:00 & 5:00. :P

No, that transmitter won't work. The bluetooth connection is only setup for phone calls. Stay away from FM transmitters. The audio quality is really, really awful. These guys make an iPod input device that allows you to control your iPod from your touch screen. The SLi series for audio only is about $250. http://www.vaistech.com I haven't used it myself, but if sound quality is important to you I suspect this might be your best bet. You might find some reviews on these boards. I heard Lexus has a similar device for about $600. Personally, I went with this high-tech solution: The audio is a bit flat, but it gets the job done for about $7. I haven't owned a cassette tape since the mid 80's, but luckily my 2008 luxury automobile still has a deck. Maybe Lexus is waiting for a comeback?

Thanks for posting the picture for me - I appreciate it. I have an appointment tomorrow for an alignment. I'll have them take a closer look at my system to see if there might be a problem.

If you could post a pic that would be great. I have a friend with an LS600 that I'm going to visit this week. I'm going to compare our systems and see if they look the same. No need to apologize, Ray!! If my response had a grouchy tone to it, it was only because I was irritated with my experience with the dealer.

So I stopped by the dealership today. A "Product Specialist" came out to take a look at my system. After several attempts at sidetracking me, I finally got him to answer my question directly. He said that the company that developed the navigation system keeps the street names to a minimum in order to reduce clutter and save memory. He showed me how I could touch the street on the display and the name would pop up on the screen. I guess I'm going to stick with my external TomTom navi unit that I had in my previous vehicle. I love my Lexus, but what a serious disappointment. It didn't even occur to me when I posted this thread that the GPS system was unable to display street names. By the way, I don't live in the sticks. I live in Las Vegas. While there are new areas in development, the entire city is like this on my system. I also double checked the region and I'm in the correct one. Do the displays on your 7.1 systems look as minimal as mine? I'm going to take a trip to LA in a few weeks. I'm curious to see what that is going to look like.

I appreciate your looking into this. I'm also stumped. The black background is from a shot taken at night. My display changes from the standard white to the black background you see in the photo. This shot was taken in the middle of the Las Vegas valley. So far the street names are minimal no matter where I go. Maybe the streets of Vegas aren't mapped very well yet?? Does your GPS display all the street names in your area when you're driving around? I'm going to stop by the dealership this week and get their input. I'll post my results.

It's an 08 RX400h with version 7.1. I have route trace turned on so that's what the dotted lines are. I just can't get more than one or two major street names to show up on the map no matter what zoom level I'm at.

I'm very impressed with my local Lexus dealership. The waiting area is comfortable and always well stocked with snacks, coffee and even Lexus of Las Vegas brand water bottles. They also have free Wi-Fi internet access so I bring my laptop with me if I'm going to wait for my vehicle. Among other things, these features are important to me and are what I expect from a Lexus dealership. As far as the wow factor, however, I have to say that customer service is number one. All the little BS amenities mean nothing to me unless I'm being treated the way I expect to be treated when buying a vehicle of this caliber. I purchased a vehicle and an experience. You need to focus on customer service and pay attention to their needs. My sales person knows my name and says hello to me no matter how busy he is. His assistant also takes the time to ask if I'm having any problems or need any help with features. THAT is what wows me and will keep me coming back. One thing I'd like to see added would be an option to check out what goes on behind the curtain. I would love it if I were able to somehow watch the service guy working on my vehicle. Maybe a camera or a one way glass window in the bay area. I think it would be neat to see how the process works. I'd sit out there with them asking questions and helping out if it were allowed!

I give up - where is the setting that turns on all the street names? I almost always use my iPhone when I need directions because of google maps. I find it to be a much faster/easier alternative. I've tried using my GPS system to find specific streets when driving, but it always looks like the picture below. I'm usually pretty good with this kind of thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! B)

2008 RX400h AWD MPG 21.9 Location Las Vegas, NV Current temp: 102 85% city Average MPH - 55 Gas : 91 In the cooler months I got about 22.3. The absolute best I can do now that I'm frequently using the air conditioner is 21.9. How are you guys getting such great mileage out of this vehicle???

...Same story from my local dealership. The service rep I spoke with said that he would override the Nav lockout for older versions on an individual basis depending on who was asking. He has no idea how to unlock this latest version yet, but will keep me posted. I'm almost tempted to downgrade my software if possible. I think changes are pretty minimal, anyway. More points of interest and I think they added Hawaii to our selection of maps. The seatbelt override does not need to be done each time you start the vehicle. It will stay until you go through the sequence again to change your preference.

I have software version 7.1 in my 08 400h. I would love for my girlfriend to be able to enter new addresses while we're driving, but it seems that Lexus has changed/removed all the Nav overrides from this latest version. I did, however, find the correct sequence to disable the seatbelt chime if anyone is interested. It took me a few tries to get it right, but it eventually worked. Now, I always buckle up. Just sometimes not in the first minute of pulling out of my driveway while I get situated. This was originally posted as instructions for an IS350 so it may work with other models. Good luck. If anyone knows of any other system overrides (especially for 7.1) please post them. a. Buckle your seatbelt. 1. Turn the key to the ON position, foot off the brake 2. Press the trip reset button couple of times until the ODO is displayed (not trip A or B ). Even if the ODO is displayed, cycle through until it displays again 3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK (OFF) position 4. Unbuckle the driver's seatbelt if it was buckled. 5. Turn the key to the ON position again. when the dash lights comes on, press and hold the trip reset button and count a slow 12-20 seconds. 6. While still holding the trip reset button, buckle the driver's side seatbelt. 7. The odometer display should read "b ON" or "b OFF". toggle the beep OFF with the trip reset. 8. The process should be completed when you unbuckle or turn the key off.

Wow, premium makes that much of a difference?

So today was the first of many 100+ degree days here in Las Vegas. I was curious about how the hybrid would perform in the heat. My (non-highway) observations: With the AC going most of the day, the engine ran almost constantly. Just for fun I shut off the AC for as long as I could take it. the motor still never shut down to run on battery power. I also found it interesting that the monitor sometimes showed no ICE activity at a stop when the engine was running. The engine fan was going at full speed as well until I got moving a little. I took it easy today - felt like the heat was really taxing the whole system. I stopped for gas as well. After hitting the gas cover button I heard a hiss and had to wait about 30 seconds for it to open. I've heard of this happening before, no big deal. I'll know more by my next refill, but I have a feeling that I'm going to see a reduction in gas mileage this summer. B)

I just kept the factory setup. As far as I know they don't have to be reset or initialized. I have an appointment on Friday for my 5000 mile service and my speedometer recalibration. I'll ask about the TPMS.

Nice. The shop that told me that it couldn't happen also tried selling me a custom fabricated job for $900. I think I'll be taking my business elsewhere. Thanks for the link.

Thanks guys. The wheels are from Status wheels (statuswheels.com). Tinted tails would look great. I"m also thinking about some black-chrome emblems to match. The Eibach lowering kit I mentioned will not work with the RX so I'm back to square one with that. I could always just load up a bunch sandbags in the rear and in the engine compartment. That might bring it down a few inches!

...20" Status alloy wheels. I went with the Toyo Proxes S/T in a 255/45R20. Not much change in the ride. I can feel the road a little more but it's not bad. It handles a little better as well. I think the vehicle needs to be lowered a bit. I was told that Eibach offers an SUV kit that will give me 1.2" front and rear. Looking into prices for that right now. The calipers clear by about 1/4". I think the new setup is about 1/2" higher than the stock wheels and tires. I'm going to have my speedometer recalibrated to compensate for any changes. It may be minimal, but I still want accurate mileage readings.

Under speed, I don't notice it much at all. I feel it most when accelerating from a complete stop. What about yours? Do you experience a smooth transition when you take off from a light, or can you feel it kick in?

The noise and clunk I get during the transition from electric to gas seems to be getting worse. It's noticeable during both hard and light acceleration. I drove a friend's 600h recently and there was zero noise. It was silky smooth and the transition was hardly noticeable. Now, I realize that it's double the price, however, isn't it essentially the same system? Shouldn't my vehicle be as smooth and as quiet? I made an appointment with the dealer next week. My service advisor said that it seemed normal, but they would take a look at it, of course. I'd like to hear from other 400h owners about this since I have no basis for comparison. Is it normal? Am I being paranoid?

Looking for a new set of 20" wheels myself. I took these photos real quick while the guy was working with another customer.