ilovelexus2007

I have always tried to run on battery alone during my last one mile before getting home, unfortunately, I live near the main street and 2 miles away from the freeway, so could not take full advantage of it because some idiots will always tailgating me. You need to coast for about 5 minutes to have the battery down to 25%, so that's a long distance of local. How about this? If the weather is not too cold, just go right away after you start your car and don't let the engine running while idling.

Does the IRS still offer rebates toward hybrid car purchases? I recently bought a 2007 RX400h & the salesman suggested that I look into tax advantages of buying a hybrid.

Did you buy your RX400h from a Lexus dealership? If so, your salesman was either REALLY not informed, or he was a BIG LIAR for suggesting you to look into the tax credit for hybrids from the government. If not from a Lexus dealership, I may give your salesman the benefit of the doubt that he maybe misinformed because he sells all kind of used vehicles and may not trained to sell hybrids.

Here are something you should know:

1. ONLY new hybrid vehicles are available for government credit. (Since it's an 2007 model, I assumed it was a used one?)

2. The gov. only allowed the first 1 million hybrid vehicles sold from each car manufacture to get credit. Toyota/Lexus has long passed that threshold. I think the last time Toyota/Lexus was available for a credit on hybrids was Sept. 30, 2007. Honda is next in line to pass that 1 million mark. Ford and GM may still have a long way to go. Check it out.

Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

hello all, i'm new here and a proud owner of an rx400h. my question is for you owners. what type of mileage should i be getting with my rx? it seems that - under "real" driving condations - i can only (not that its bad!) average 22mpg. am i doing something wrong? should be driving in a differant gear (such as "B" which i still don't know what it does)? i'm a rookie, and didn't get a very good explination. i just knew i wanted a hybrid and i love how the rx's look. its an 06 with 33K on it.

thanks in advance!

I see that you're living in Iowa, the cold weather will kill your MPG no matter what you drive. I'm currently get around 21-23 MPG for my 08's RX400h in this FRIGID cold weather in MN too. The MPG will improved significantly when Spring and Summer comes. I usually get around 26.5 to 30MPG in the summer, average around 28MPG. Congrats on your new RXh. Mind of I ask you how much you getting that for? Was it CPO? Premium Pkg with NAV I suppose?

The day has finally come, I've been anticipating for today to come to see the premier of the all new dedicated hybrid model from Lexus, the 2010 HS250h. What do you guys think? Will this be Success or Failure? Too much like a Corolla and not enough distinction like a Prius? Too pricey? (If they going to price around $40,000 like some other sites have suggested). Judge for yourself.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/photos/lex..._2010#100173958

DaRacerz.

If you need another assurance about how fast the heater in the RX 400h works, you can take the words for the guy that lives in Minnesota :P Yesterday, we had freezing rain as I came out of the shopping mall, I forgot to bring the de-icer spray with me and it was pretty tough to clean off the windshield, I turned on the engine and had the heat blow at the windshield and windows, with in 2 minutes, I can use the wiper to wipe off my windshield because all the ice was melt into water. The car was also warm, I had to turn off and on the heat on my way home.

Here are a few things I've experienced of driving 400h in cold weather, just FYI:

The engine ALWAYS started in cold weather when you first turned it on, it usually turned off after a 3-5 minutes (1-2 mins in summer), the battery usually had enough power to generate the heat or AC without the engine turned on, but in cold weather like in MN, sometime the engine doesn't turned off unless you turn off the heat or at a complete stop (in the summer, low speed at 35 MPH or below will turn the engine off as well)

I got about 21-22 MPG now, down significantly from my high of 28-29 MPG in the summer. The average temp here in MN is 10F, ranging for low of -13F to high of 24F (I know :( )

I got the best MPG when the temp was around 60-75F. Warmer than that also kill my MPG, but not that much. Peak MPG was at 30, lowest is right now at 21.5

During my 35 miles commute to work before Christmas, where we had temp of -13F and the windchill of -32F, the engine was never turned off even at a complete stop AND the heat was down. That was the first time that I saw it behaves like that. I guess it was too cold that even when the engine was supposed to be warm, it still wasn't warm enough.

If you ever buying the 2010 RX Hybrid, share with us what you found.

Hello.

I'm thinking about buy a used LS600 and wanted to hear from current owners about the good, the bad and the ugly of this model.

Thanks,

Hank

Good luck on finding LS600hL owner on this board. They probably at a golf course somewhere trying to close a business deal :P Seriously, I'm interested in hearing what current LS600hL have to say about their vehicle too, but I think this is a very exclusive club. Btw, how much are you planning to spend on this used one? I saw a few 08 models near I live with about 12-20k miles on it for $80K to $85K. Still held up value pretty well!

As far as I know, third generation Prius (2010) still going to have Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, however, my guess would be that the new Prius will be more efficient than the current Prius due to a new feature called exhaust-heat recovery system developed by Toyota in which reduces engine warm-up time (we see this on the new Lexus 2010 RX450h which resulted in about 8% more efficient than the current RX400h). I think Toyota is currently working on Lithim-Ion battery and plug-in Prius. I think they have plug-in Prius already, but it was not mass produced yet. I think Toyota will be more pressure to come up with Lithium-Ion battery soon as we've seen today, Ford has unleashed the Fusion Hybrid which has about 8 MPG more than the Camry Hybrid in city driving.

Speaking of HS250h, just found this article from Insideline, here is a quote from it, it's almost laughable when I read it. "It is expected to be Lexus' most affordable hybrid model, priced below the GS 450h (MSRP $57,225), with more of an emphasis on fuel economy than performance." I mean it's either the writer Paul Lienert was not doing his homework, or Lexus is really out of touch. First. the GS450h is not even the most affordable hybrid models for Lexus, it's the RX400h, which is about 42K MSRP base. Second, if this vehicle emphasize on "fuel economy", shouldn't it be priced around the ES since it's going to be smaller and people buying this car to save gas, not horse power? Anyway, you can read the whole thing at http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=138546

It might even be smaller than the IS, I wonder what is the starting price this HS? If the IS uses the same flatform as the Corolla, the ES the same as the Camry, and the HS the same as the Prius, then I suppose the HS will priced between the IS and the ES? 32-33K ish? Will they stress the importance of fuel economy on this one, or more on performance like other Lexus hybrids? I'm excited to learn more about it, but I don't I think I will buy this one, I would buy a Prius if I want fuel economy, Lexus should be all about performance and acceptable MPG (like RX400h or GS450h).

One word: UGLY! :)

My sister-in-law's Camry Solara looks better than this with woodtrim and leather on it, it shows that some people would just buy this car so they can say that they own a Lexus. Unless Lexus build this vehicle to accomondate people that are allergic to leather (I don't know if it even existed), otherwise, why would do they build a vehicle such as this to lower their brand image?

I found a 07 fully loaded for 44k :D :D :P :P

I assume you're talking about a used car? how many miles on it?

I can only address your first question with my OWN point of view. I just hit 15K on my 08-460. The dealership charged me a bit over $400 to do all their check list items. I have the LEXUS credit card with many points so the actual out of pocket was almost $150. Regardless of my cost, I do not think twice about taking my car to the dealership for any scheduled maintenance. This is my 3rd LEXUS and I've never taken my cars anywhere else. It has established myself with long standing relationships with this dealership and I know everyone by sight and first name. It has also helped me with getting superior deals on all my cars at trade in time. I purchase these cars with the full knowledge that I will pay a higher charge for maintenance that I could get elsewhere but if it makes me sleep better knowing nobody other than a LEXUS certified tech has touched my car, then that's fine with me.

John

Good point about Lexus credit card. I didn't think of it before, but I just got approved for the Lexus VS Platium ( I want Signature though), so excited to use now, it can definitely pays itself for most of the oil change and even some major services at the Lexus dealer if you use around $2000 - $3000 a month. I don't think it's that bad, just pay your all your bills with the card and it will add up quick :P

Goldplater, you said you have had 2 Lexuses prior, at what point do you stop bringing them to a Lexus dealer? Or you still have services there regarless of your vehicle age? I'm planning to go elsewhere, like a Toyota dealer after my car hit 100K (still a long way as I only have 14K on it). I think at 100K, it maybe to costly to have it done at the Lexus dealer. Not worth it.

Here was your post from March 2008

"I just got my 2008 RX400h for $49,000, 2K off the MSRP of $51,205. "

Here is the best trade-in negotiation tip of all. Don't buy a new car and then trade it in 9 months later and expect not to take a serious beating. Amazing.

jrober,

Did you see anywhere on this post that I'm complaining about getting hit with a serious depreciation? I didn't think so! My post was intended to get as much advice as possible of how to get the most out of my trade-in, nothing more. If you can contribute, I appreciate it, but please don't come here to lecture with your negative attitude like that.

Now, if I bought this car "9 months ago" (correction: I got it for 14 months) and sell it today in one of the toughest seller's market because I couldn't afford the payment or don't want the car anymore, then I will take a big hit. But I am also buying a new car in this buyer's market, so I figure there will be a wash in term of the depreciation on my 400h because there are so many good deals right now...if not...outrageous deals on new models.

Thanks the others for your great advice!

Thanks everyone for the advices, I will bring my vehicle to the dealer for a more accurate estimate. What do you think it's an acceptable amount in comparing to the KBB's estimate, +- $2-3K?

I've heard of carmax, but never use them. The closest store from where I live is about 300 miles away, so I don't think I will use that.

As far as the LS460 way below KBB invoice, I was surprised that they would go that low too. But since it's a brand new car and it's from a Lexus dealer, I'm confident that it is not a salvage or flood damage vehicle. And yes, 2008 LS is a rear wheel, but I've seen many driven in the snow and ice in the past weeks, so I guess it's alright because of the new technology and better traction control on these newer luxury vehicles. My colleague driven a BMW 5-Series i, and he said it is not that bad. The traction was great. I've only seen Mustang and Eclipse spinning, but not yet BMW or Lexus rear drive, so I'm hopeful. :-)

What year is your RX? I've found that the best way to determine what your vehicle is worth is to take a look at what others are asking in the Autotrader (www.autotrader.com) in your area. Look at the condition and mileage of those listed. Almost always, dealerships will offer substantially less than the average of those you find listed. After all, the dealership has to make a profit after bringing the vehicle up to full-maintenence status and including a guarantee with it. Some states don't allow the dealership (and you) to get out of paying tax on the full amount of sale.

Correction: Their Black Book at the Lexus dealership gave me $33,000 - $37,000 estimate (I accidently mistype the value in got at KBB). It's a 2008 RX400h with 14,000 miles on it. I checked KBB and NADA and it sure valued a lot more, KBB trade-in value was $36,000, Private Party $38,000. I told the sales manager what I found on KBB and NADA and he asked me to come visit in person and get the real estimate. I don't want to come to a dealership yet and afraid that they would pressure me of selling my trade-in for a low price by presenting deals on the new vehicle (LS460). Do you think I should wait for a few more years when the LS460 comes out of the leases or depreciate more? BTW, I was offer an base 2008 LS460, MSRP $65,000 for $49,999 (no Nav package of course). But it was very tempting. I do like my hybrid a lot, the high SUV and 4-wheel drive (well almost all-wheel) really makes my life much better in the MN winter here. But I'm afraid if I don't sell my RX now, it will depreciate big time when the new redesigned 2010 RX comes out. I do believe the current LS will stay here for another 3-5 years.

Hey everyone,

I'm planning to trade-in my RX400h for the LS460, I did it through the Lexus website, and their estimate Black Book gave me approximately around $36,000 - $40,000. I believe I can sell it for a lot higher price on my own.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with negociating for trade-ins, I mean how much do you think I could negociate up to based on that estimate (amount and percentage?). I do see there is a benefit of not paying taxes with trade-in, does it worth it to sell on my own? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Here is the official photos for the 2010 RX450h and RX350, both interior and exterior.

http://www.motorauthority.com/gallery/2010...x-live-005.html

I think the current RX (400h with round fog lights) looks better than the new one, but the new one looks better than the current RX350.

My observations:

The new model looks too much like Mazda CX9 or a Suburu Tribeca. The backlights look too much like the Lexus ES330 (the football shape), and the interior nav system looks too much like it was from Acura MDX.

What do you guys think?

look at this! now we come closer New RX

The best pictures yet...thanks Williz. Although it reminds me of Mazda CR-9, what do you all think? What's the deal with the RX350 gets the round fog lights too? So now how can our 400h differentiate from this?

It suprises me that 350 didn't pump up to 370, but 400 to 450. So now it gets the same power as the GS450h?

Just came back from my dealer. My 2006 400h (about 21,800 miles) started flashing the "check VSC system/check hybrid system" on Monday. Noted that the engine didn't shut off as usual at a traffic stop and getting out of the intersection was sluggish and going uphill was a bear; the CVT kept shifting. The hybrid battery reading was down to the last bar (when usually it's at about 2/3). From the time late Monday until today when I got to the dealer the MPG tanked from 26 to 22. I suspect it was running on gas the entire time.

The dealer said the hybrid battery "failed" and I'm waiting for parts and getting it fixed, hopefully by Monday.

In the meantime, there weren't any Lexus loaners available so I'm tooling around town in a Chevy Cobalt with manual locks, windows, mirrors, etc. (careful not to lock myself out of the car!) <_<

Oh that sucks. Sorry to hear that. Look on the bright side, at least the battery not fail when you're at 100,001 miles :D :P . But wow, this is the first time I hear about this, hope it never happen to me.

Your dealer is so stingy. Is this in the city or suburban area? Last week I changed my oil for 45 mins, they gave me RX350 as a loaner (although I can tell they were not happy about it). Next time, request at least a Toyota or if it's Chevy, please Malibu or better.

I checked my dealership today, they said they would install the blue badge on the front grill for my '08 400h for $235.38 (part) and $75 for labor. Is that a good deal?

Do you think I can just buy the part and have it install elsewhere? Abra Auto Body quoted $30 for the labor, but are they good at it? Also, do you know where I can get the part for a cheaper price?

If any of you interested in the part # to purchase on your own, I can provide it to you. Lexus gave me the part # for the blue badge and the RX400h license frame for $40.

I've seen an RX400h today at the park, and the guy told me it was a 2008 model. However, I didnt see the blue badge anywhere. Is he lying or some early version of '08 400h don't have blue badge.

I think the poster was mistaken when they said they had a deal for 3k below invoice. The dealer would loose money on the car if they sold it for $3k under invoice.

I think it was a mistake too, but Mystic Gold got it for $800 under invoice and EsstooKayTD was 4K under...

3. RX400h is a CVT (continuous variable transmission). You will not feel the jerks when you accelerate from low speed to high speed as you seen in RX350.

Conversely the CVT causes a slightly annoying engine drone at some points in acceleration that isn't present on the RX350, as does my Prius. You should drive them both and see which setup you prefer. At times I like the CVT, at times I like the 5 speed auto.

4. RX400h is 300lbs heavier, therefore, it's a lot stable in high speed, and yes, you can feel it. Read CR report.

I don't buy this. In the grand scheme of a 4500lb vehicle, 300lbs is not much. Its like driving with a passenger. I doubt you would see a significant change in how the vehicle handles because of it.

5. Rx400h uses regenerate braking system, you will probably not going to need to replace the brake pad until it hits 200K.

Depends on how you drive. If you drive aggressively you will still go through brakes.

6. Of course, then there is a feeling that you own an exclusive vehicle, how many 400h do you see out on the roads? Not many. I can't count how many times I've seen RX350.

This I agree with, I would choose the RX400h over the RX350 for a lot of reasons.

SW03ES, at first I didn't believe CR's take on the 300lbs different, but I drove both and I did see the different. The thing is you have to own (not saying that you are not) 400h and driven it everyday to realize the different between it and 350. A quick test drive alone, no matter how great an observer you are, you will not see the different.

OR

400h is more stable than 350, but not because of the extra 300lbs, but something else. Someone please enlighten me on this.

By the way, just curious on what are your reasons of choosing 400h over 350?

I compared both before I purchased my RX350. I looked at the difference in price and compared that to the difference in gas milage. I bought a RX350. Other things you might want to consider is service maintenance.

Several things you need to be clear about RX350 and RX400h:

1. RX400h IS NOT solely for saving gas. Buy a Prius if you want to do so. You must have not done your research well enough to have that conclusion. RX400h was designed to increase your gas mileage while AS THE SAME TIME increasing power.

2. The 400 in 400h means 4.0 liter, that the equivalent to a V8 acceleration with an V6 engine and the gas mileage of a 4-cyclinder Camry.

3. RX400h is a CVT (continuous variable transmission). You will not feel the jerks when you accelerate from low speed to high speed as you seen in RX350.

4. RX400h is 300lbs heavier, therefore, it's a lot stable in high speed, and yes, you can feel it. Read CR report.

5. Rx400h uses regenerate braking system, you will probably not going to need to replace the brake pad until it hits 200K.

6. Of course, then there is a feeling that you own an exclusive vehicle, how many 400h do you see out on the roads? Not many. I can't count how many times I've seen RX350.

To answer your question, I think you SHOULD NOT trade your ES350 to RX350. I've driven them both and I thought ES350 was smoother, quieter, and was newer in technology while RX is still old. You probably should wait for the resigned 2010 RX, then you can trade in. Just a thought.

On 10/15/08, I purchased a new 2008 LS460 (SWB) w/ Comfort Package, Navigation, Mark Levinson, Advanced Parking Guidance System, Intuitive Parking Assist, Power Trunk Open-Close/Power Door Closer, Preferred Accessory Package, Lexus Link. MSRP = $73,335, Invoice = $63,202, Price Paid = $62,588 plus Tax. Received price quotes from three dealers and this was by far the best one. But I'm still wondering if I could have done better, considering it is this late in the model year and the '09s are on their way.

Do you mind telling us what location are you from and what dealer you did business with? 3K below invoice, that insane! My father in law thinking of buying a new LS460, but the brand new one is too expensive, so he thought of looking at used. The lowest price I have seen so far used was 2007 LS460 with the options you had amd 36,000 miles for $45,000. Bad deal?

I bought my 2006 "Princess" January 2006. I now have a little over 30,000miles and ZERO problems. The 30K service was $500, which was shocking. I get about 25.5 MPG on 91 octane and I do live in L.A., I mention this because it might make a difference since I live in an area where the weather is very mild year round and I do believe that the make up of gas is different here in CA...right? I had a many rattles that I have found and fixed and the car is silent now,rattle free:....the seat belt adjuster by my ear...I put spacers between the moving parts...the little movable, spring loaded tabs in the back hatch area that lock the privacy screen...they simply needed to be pushed in when the screen is off....the moon roof squeaked at the front contact point, Vaseline took care of that....Well, anyway, the car is amazing and I am planning on having it ten more years. The first year that I had it someone poured acid all over it...$7,000 worth of damage but of course that wasn't the car's fault and it got repainted and fixed 100% by an amazing body shop. I hated the Good Year tires but I have amazing 255/55/18" TOYO Proxes S/T s on the car and they are amazing tires. I've had them for 17,000miles. OK, that's my story. Great car. Rey , happy Lexus owner in L.A.

Geez, that was a long story RXREY :-), but thanks for sharing. I, myself will probably keep the car for another 10-12 years, so far I've loved every features on this car, except a push ignition button and keyless entry would be nice.

Anyways, a little off topic here, I visited my Lexus dealer yesterday, and guess what I saw, seas of brand new RX350 standing by waiting to find its owner, I guess the economy really hits everyone hard. Anyone seeing the same thing?

I counted, and it were 27 RX350s total, with only 2 RX400hs on the lot, somehow I got the feeling that 400h will be very a exclusive vehicle for many years to come...