ilovelexus2007

I know we had this topic before, but it was a long time ago. Just want to have an update on your 400h and how many miles it has. Please share if you have had problems after the manufacture's warranty expires or anything related to the battery.

Here is mine:

2008 400h

10,100 Miles on vehicle

MPG: 28.2

No problem so far. Just paid for my first oil change today along with rotation and brake inspection for $112. Can't believe it cost that much for a rotation & oil change. Can't wait until 15K maintanence :-)

Congrats on your new vehicle! You probably don't need the advise anymore on which one to choose, but I have had a chance to drive the RX350 again today as a loaner (I test drove them before I purchased my 400h, but at that time, I really had no knowledge about 400h, so it was hard to compare). Anyway, it was nowhere compared to my RX400h. The transmission was horrible when accelerate (I thought even ES350 was better), it definitely has less power, the noises were more pronounced at low speed, and most noticeably was the 300lbs difference between 350 and 400h, I can feel RX350 was a lot lighter and less stable in high speed.

I'm so glad I bought my 400h, I think it was a better choice than RX350 because even with the new redesigned RX350 coming out next year, I still think the hybrids would still hold its value well, stand out, and not becoming obselete like the current RX350 because there are only a handful of RX400h out there.

Wow, I've never heard of a dealer 'skipping' a year. So then, will they just keep making 2008's in the mean time? Until the early 2010's arrive? Or will the story heard by i.L.L.2007 pan out to be the real deal?

SOMEONE, it's not that uncommon to skip a model year. Before I bought my RX400h, I was looking at the 2007 Murano, they gave me $4,500 off MSRP for the 2007 models, and would not produce 2008 models. They instead just jumped to the 2009 redesigned Murano that we see today. I off course did not buy the Murano :-).

Speaking of redesigned RX, anyone see them yet? Are they similar to those spy pics we saw a few month ago.

http://jalopnik.com/tag/2010-lexus-rx350/

The caption says it RX350, but the fog lights are rounded, and it looks like the hybrid today.

I'm not wanting to have to talk to those crazy sales people. I know some of the 2009 Toyota hybrids have been delivered, but haven't yet seen / heard anything yet regarding the 400h. I'd really like to see what the dash looks like on the 2009, now that the SKS is finally integrated (supposedly) into it. Anybody?

Edit:

Wow, it's been 24 hours, & nothing ... where's all those folks that absolutely have to get the latest & greatest? :P

I talked to the Lexus Dealer in my area just a week ago and like the others posted, I was told there would be no 2009 RX 400h, and that there would be a 2010 version redesign released in the Fall of 2009 and/or with deliveries not untill the spring of 2010.

I heard a different story from the dealer. They said the redesigned 2010 RX 350 will be on sale on Feb/Mar 2009, and RX400h will be on May/June 2009. The new RX400h will increase 30 in horsepower, but more efficient than the current one (probably 1 or 2 MPG).

I own a 2008 LS 460 (not the L). Since it's mostly for my wife and I, we rarely have anyone in the back seat -- unless we allow one of our kids to drive while we sit in the back. During those times, there's plenty of room for my wife and me.

IMO, Mark Levenson Sound system is the only REQUIRED option for either car -- the rest is just profit for the dealer.

If you're going to take road trips often, I highly recommend the aftermarket Navigation Override from Prestigious Society. It enables you to use all the features of the DVD and NAV system while the car is in motion. You can email chung@prestigioussociety.com for details

I would wait for the 2009 -- It will come with All-Wheel-Drive. If you get a good deal, you could drive out the door on a 2009 LS 460 SWB (short wheel base) for under $68-69k incl. TT&L

Good Luck!

jlawr, does the 68-69K includes the Advanced Parking Guidance System Package? That seems to be the option that lack from other competitors at present (BMW, Mercedes, Audi). I understand Nav is standard for all LS? Which region did you purchase your LS? I live in MN, and we only have 2 Lexus dealers, I will probably shop out of state.

I've tried to calculate my MPG for both 91 and 87 octane, and found no differences. Any prove out there that premium gas gets better mileage? Please post.

Also, my manual said premium gas required, it didn't say anywhere about regular as an option. I've looked at it really careful. But I agree with some of you, saving $2-3 per fill is not much, but why throw away that money when I can I spend it where else, unless...of course...it proves to benefit me.

Anyways, anybody knows anything about Top Tier Gasoline? I have read a lot about it and it looks like they added extra detergine/addictive to the gasoline, maybe it's worth trying? Maybe that is more important in a gasoline than the grade of the gasoline?

Do most of you here own LS460 or LS460L? I currently owned an 2008 RX400h, my father-in-law is approaching retirement and wants to get an LS. I will have the honor to go shopping with him B) . Just want to know your take between the 460 or 460L. I understand the L is a bit longer and smoother ride? but does the extra 10K justifed? Also, would you recommend buying an 07 or 08 used one, or buy brand new 09? What options you must have on LS?

Thanks.

I know we've discussed about this topic before, but it keeps coming up from other users of whether we should put in premium gasoline (91, 93) or regular/regular plus (87, 89). I certainly don't want to save $.20 a gallon and taking chances of potential engine damage on my $50K hybrid, but then I don't want to throw my money away for no reason by buying premium gas when regular gas is just fine.

According to Comsumer Report: 2008 RX400h gasoline requirement: regular. RX350 gasoline requirement: regular or premium. Motor Trend however, said RX400h requires premium. What you do think? Does only the 2008 and beyond model of 400h can take regular, and all other RX400h models before 2008 have to take premium? What do you currently put in for your RX400h/350?

FYI: My manual said it requires premium, but the service manager at my Lexus dealer told me it can takes regular without any damage to the engine, just reduce in performance.

Is it just me seeing that the 400hs looks more sporty and rugged than the 350s. The other day when I parked my 400h side by side with a 350, I saw my 400h was a little bit bigger and has a sporty rugged look. My parents seemed to agree with me too, but they could be biased. What do you think?

Thanks for the link, this is by far the best spied RX pics I've seen. Was this RX400h or RX350? Notice the round fog lights, not the triangular ones found on the current RX350. I hope they won't change 350 into round fog lights because my 400h then would not be able to distinguished from the sea of 350s currently on the road.

Anyways, by looking at the pictures, looks like not much changes. Certainly not to the level of total make-over like the Acura's MDX 2 years ago, more like a minor Murano's make over last year.

my lexus dealer MSRP at $49,401.00

2009 lexus rx 350 AWD

matador red

dvd nav/ with Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System

Rear Seat Entertainment System

Premium Plus Package

back up cam

moon roof

leather

wants to sell it to me for $44,500.00

is this a good deal or do you think i can get more out of them?

i'm going to pay cash for the deal, they do not know that yet. does this help? :(

i want NO extended warranty or any other BS they try to sell

thanks for your input glenn (south fla)

How the heck it got up to $49,401 MSRP? At first I thought it was the RX400h, but then it's a RX350. I think it's kinda high. The discount from 49K to 44.5K is good, but I question the original MSRP, why so high?

I just checked my dealer for a quoto for my RX400h:

$370 JUST for the rear blue badge lexus logo (part & labor), so about $700+ if I want to have it done both on the front & rear. WHAT A RIP OFF!!! The Lexus service guy even said "I wasn't kidding" before giving me the quote, so he knows the price was ridiculous.

How about RX400h? How long does it takes to payback with this new gas prices?

Yahoo and Cars.com ranked the 400h at #5 for hybrid that worths your money (payback at 8-9 years at $3.00 a gallon). Obviously the excluded the benefit of CTV and V8 equivalent power on the 400h that the RX350 doesn't have.

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_cont...10-2008-hybrids

Btw, I look at a consumer report magazine yesterday, it said the 400h requires "regular" gasoline, and the RX350 can use either "Regular or Premium", the rest of the Lexus line-up requires "Premium". Is that true? If so, it is another good reason why 400h is justifiable.

I usually get around 28-29 MPG on average, sometimes it even hits 30+ MPG (AC off)..but only if i haven't touched the highway in a while..That gliding technique REALLY helps! Before learning that technique from one of the other forums, i used to get around 24-25 MPG on average...just amazing

Hoy, that was amazing that you got 28-29 MPG on average. Is that the computer MPG or your actual calculation? What was your MPH when you got 29 MPG? I use the gliding technique too, but I hate it when stupid drivers cut in front of me as if I don't know how to drive (just because I'm smart and driving slow to save gas rather than hitting the gas and brake continuously like those impatient people).

Just curious if you anyone has their 400h passes 100,000 miles, if so, was there any problems with the battery or powertrain or anything we should be concern with?

Please share:

Your RX400h Model Year:

Mileage:

Mileage you put on yearly:

Major/Minor problem with your RX?:

How long you plan to keep the vehicle:

This is Mine:

2008 RX400h AWD

Mileage: 5700

Mileage Yearly: Don't know yet, but planning to put on 15,000 on average

Major/Minor Problem: No Yet

How Long: Probably until it dies, but probably give/sell it to parents when it hits 100,000 miles.

I drive my rx400h trying to get the best mileage, looking at the info screen to see when i'm on electric, trying to keep it on electric etc. I get like 22-24 mpg when I drive it. It is the wifes car and when she drives it, she gets 28mpg. She doesn't look at crap, she just drives how she wants to drive. I can't figure it out. The AC is always on since we live in south florida. She drives about 18 miles on the highway and 6 miles off highway each way to work. So the car can get decent MPG, but apparently babying it is not the way to do it.

I drive 33 miles each way to way (25 hwy, 8 city), I get about 26.8 MPG on average, the most I had was 29MPG and got as low as 22MPG in winter. Obviously, longer commutes increase your MPG significantly than shorter trips, I found you get the best MPG when you drive 45-55MPH non stop (like most gasoline vehicles as well), otherwise when you drive 20-25MPH, the gas engine will use the least (this is when the hybrid has the advantage).

You're right, I have the 2008 model and it has the word "Hybrid" on both sides. I don't know if you can order and put it in your 2006 model, but I think the Lexus dealer might be able to help you with that. Btw, does anybody's 400h has the hybrid battery picture/symbol on their vehicle like the Camry, Prius or Highlander?

Got the new 09 RX 350 last night:)

'09 350FD

Nav

Premium Plus

18" 7 Spoke Wheels

Rear Seat Ent

Heated Seats w/RSW

MSRP $45886 + $1000 for the dealer installed RSES

Selling Price 38568

+ taking over 2 of my last payment for the current lease from Volvo $1120

Total selling price $39688 +TT

TOTAL Drive off $950

12K, 36 month lease @ $593 (including tax)

Residual was I believe at %53 or %56 (sorry can not remember) and money factor was 0.00190

Good luck and hope this serves as a guide for the new prespective buyers out there.

All of that options for just only 39K? That's an incredible deal you got there. How many Lexus dealers do you have around there? You people in Southern Calif tends to get the best deal always! Where I live (MN), only two dealers, and I think it's the same ownership. SAD

I own an RX400h and when you go to the screen that shows you how the movement of the car and when it charges. I have noticed that the battery is never fully charged. What can I do to try to get it almost fully charged? Is there a way when driving to charge it up almost all the way?

FYI: I posted another message identical to this.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=47076

I have to same problem too, my battery never full, only 3/4 full. The folks on the board said it's normal, so I guess we're fine :P

I too think Lexus will have the ES Hybrid coming out soon...since they have already done it with the Camry Hybrid. But I think the IS Hybrid is not a bad idea, probably better mileage than the ES since it's smaller...but again, the IS is a performance/sport sedan...so many would probably prefer performance over fuel economy.

I agree with someone's, the RX has been the top selling SUV for so long that Lexus didn't even bother to make any improvement (e.g. keyless entry, start push button etc..). As much as I'm impressed with my 400h hybrid system, I'm sure Lexus can do a lot better for the RX for its price (especially the RX350).

Btw, I will be testing a Prius this weekend...so excited. Prius' owners, anything I should look for or ask for?

I'm sure it won't be that powerful and comfort as my 400h, but the fuel economy really attracted me. My fiance and I may finally use the Prius to commute to work and enjoy the 400h on the weekend. (yes, I drop her off work half the way, and then drive another 20 miles to my work) (painful!)

We hesitated between the Prius & 400h too!

Thant' why we went ahead and just got both :P

...yeah, if everyone is having lots of green like you...then it would be an easy decision :)

anywho, how is the prius compare to the 400h? I commute 70 miles a day on my 400h and I started to feel it's such a waste to put that many mileage on a Lexus, I'm thinking of getting a cheaper and better fuel economy car just for work like a Prius (and still keeping the 400h for leisure), but that's gonna stack up more debt :(

I have a 2006 400H and decided to start running 89 octane gas because it was not that much more than 87 octane and thought it would improve my mileage. Well for some reason I am getting worse mileage , from 25mpg to 22mpg, I have ran about 10 tank fulls including 500 mile trips and town driving. Bought the car new and have 25,000 miles on it now.

J Wes, I don't think the different kind of gasoline grade effects the MPG, higher octane is only for better performance. You said you switched from 87 to 89 or 91/92 to 89? Where I live, 89 and 87 are the same price at some stations, so I get 89.

Also, anybody knows about Top Tier gasoline? I've just learned it recently and I thought it was good info to know, especially those who have luxury cars.

Just an update on MPG:

It's start to get warm here in MN (finally), the temp in last week was about 60-75F.

My new MPG went up to a new height (since I bought the RX400h in January 08).

MPG: 28.73

Gas: 89

City: 20%

Hwy: 80%

Average Speed: 60MPH

Obviously, I was very light on my foot and carefully monitor the odometer to adjust the best driving style, but still very impressive for an AWD SUV.

Hopefully, I will get higher MPG as the summer progresses.

Just curious, as a buyer, do we have more negociating power when we pay cash or take out a loan? I know finance mgr loves us to take out a loan, but what about sales manager?

Hi, my RX 350 has the dim lights on all the time, even if I turn off the lights. I'm pretty sure they are all like that, but is there anyway I can turn the lights off completely? Thanks alot.

I don't think you can, even when you put it on auto. There is not an "off" button. But what's wrong with having your headlights on in daylight?