RX400h

Ah, I see. Yes, here in San Diego, I believe dealerships tend to bargain less as fuel prices surge. The situation with Japan is not helping anything, either. In fact, fuel-efficient used car prices are often rediculous. People selling salvage vehicles are asking and getting much more than blue book values.

I fixed your title. Keep in mind that the fuel mileage of your ES350 is good to begin with. I think the RX450h should average about 3-4 more MPGs, primarily because it has to offset such a large weight difference. Plus, the ES350 engine is very efficient compared to the engines of most competitors.

Dave, I change my oil every 5000 miles or so and have only recently started using synthetic 5W-30. I check the level every so often and have never seen it as being "low". However, no engine "consumes" no oil at all. Sometimes people will think this after checking the dip stick but in reality, there is always some moisture/particulates/fuel that add volume to the oil. My Corvette has been babied since new and yet it uses a quart of synthetic every 3000 miles or so. Your Lexus is obviously doing much better so why worry? ....my 2 cents.

Because Tirerack is specifying these wheels for your RX400h, I'm sure they are more than adequate. Dave

I have found that dealerships in general will (at times) lower their prices. That being said, I must also mention that it really pays well to do your homework before taking your car in. For example, many dealerships will suggest services that are NOT specified in the owner's or maintenance manual for the current odometer reading. If you know what SHOULD be done, you can make sure that only those services are performed. As far as using local repair garages, whether I use them or not depends upon the difference in cost of service and the complexity of the task. I would certainly not want a local garage to do anything related to the hybrid system. I'm sure very few independent shops work on RX400hs or RX450hs on a regular basis. Tires, brakes, oil changes and related services are very simple, so if I can't do them, myself, I wouldn't mind taking the vehicle in to a local shop.

How about these from the Tire Rack? http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/results.jsp?filterSize=18&filterFinish=Chrome&filterBrand=All&filterWeight=All&autoMake=Lexus&autoModel=RX400h&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=&sort=Brand&filterNew=All&filterSpecial=false They are listed specifically for a 2008 RX400h, are chrome-plated and cost quite a bit less than the quotes you received. Although there are only three in stock, you can always ask when more are due to arrive.

....an RX350H? I didn't know that particular model existed! Are you referring to the RX400h?

The bottom line is that you did even better than I did. The Discount Tire in my area gave me an out-the-door price of about $830, so I saved more than a few bucks by going to the Tirerack. I guess it all depends upon the particular Discount tire you go to.

This is what I was told as well. Unfortunately, what they tell you and what they do is not always the same thing here in California. I have bought tires from them many times over the years but when a sales guy tells me he'll call be right back and doesn't do so for a day and a half, I tend to buy elsewhere. That was in addition to their renegging on the price match offer.

I used the one off of Scripps Poway Parkway and gave them a good review in the Tirerack website. Dave

Rey, down here in San Diego, the saying goes..... ......just kidding you, Rey! I have to be frugal with two kids in college.

California Car Cover has an excellent selection of covers: http://www.calcarcover.com/cover_find2.aspx Their website is very informative as well. I use a car cover on my Corvette when I take it to work but never when it is going to rain, so my choice of fabric may not be ideal for your climate.

Thanks for the update! Any difference in MPG? What tires did you have before? Also, what area or conditions are you mostly driving in? I live in San Diego so I'm looking for something like RXREY but probably won't go wider to the 255s like him now that gas is so much more. I too, live in San Diego and as you know, we've been getting our fair share of rain, lately. The Paradas have handled that with ease. I was running Bridgestone Alenzas, which were very good tires up to 30,000 miles when they started humming. Perhaps I waited a bit too long to rotate them (6000 miles or so) - don't know, but the noise was driving me crazy. I normally buy my tires at Discount Tires and initially, they said they would match the Tirerack's price. However, they later told me they could not but then told me they would check stock and get back to me. A day and a half later, (too late)they did. I ordered from Tirerack (direct ship to Big O tires) and paid the following: Tires: $640 Shipping: $60 Mount and balance: $58 Lifetime balance & rotation: $40 Total cost: $798 Dave

I just bought the Yokohama Parada-Xs about one month ago and have nothing but high-praise for them. They are very quiet and dispense with water like it wasn't there. handling is excellent - highly recommended!

Rey, I didn't realize that you were off-roading your RX! Seriously, you should never need those components at that mileage. I would have your dealership do a check at your next visit. By the way, I've been running the Prada Spec-X now for a couple of months and absolutely love them - great tires! Dave

I agree 100% and apparently, so does Consumer Reports: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/extended-warranties-4-08/overview/extended-warranties-ov.htm

I believe it's 100,000 miles outside of CA.

A body kit on an SUV? No it is not a Honda Civic! :chairshot:

When we bought our 06 RX400h, we signed up with a service that evaluates cell phones for compatibility with the RX's bluetooth functions and such. They provide a list of compatible phones if requested. It sounds like that type of service is not available to you but it does come in handy. I haven't used them for a while now since both my HTC HD7 (Windows Mobile 7) phone and my wife's Samsung Highlight work very well with the functions we require (basic stuff). Hopefully, you'll get the answers you are looking for. Does anything else work - calling, receiving calls, etc?

Please let us know how you like it after driving it for a while. From what I hear from those who have driven it, its handling is superior to that of the Prius and THAT'S what sets it apart. I favor handling and thus, am interested in this car.

I do know that it is almost impossible to clean up all the oil after an oil and filter change, so the oil you see could be left over from a recent O/F change. But congratulations on your purchase. Personally, and based upon my experience with our 2006 RX400h, I'd have to say that there really aren't any "bugs" that needed to be fixed in latter model years. Lexus did an excellent job with this vehicle from the very beginning. That's why I was willing to be ona waiting list for one year. With gas prices creeping towards $4.00/gallon, I'm glad I did NOT go with the RX330 or RX350.

# 8 listed here: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=58929

I bring up location because what people can afford to pay plays affects what the selling price is of the vehicle. You can find more bargains where the average income is lower. This applies to all types of merchandise and services, not just vehicles.

Does it keep vibrating or is it only momentary? If it is momentary, it is normal.

The average asking price by private seller in Lenore's neck of the woods is in the 30K range. Saying the asking price or her offer is way too high is like telling someone who lives in Beverly Hills that a 1600 sq ft house for $700,000 is way too much. It IS is you live in San Diego, but not Beverly Hills. This is why it is important to know the area and the "going" prices in that area.