RX400h

Actually, the days of running straight 30W are long gone, even for temperate climates. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic oil. A 5W-30 covers just about any climate swing here in the US. Synthetic Mobil 1 5W-30 is easily good for 12,000 miles or 1 year. I change my own oil and the RX400h is not an easy vehicle when it comes to doing this. This is why I can see Tim's point about extending the frequency of changes with synthetic oil. Even going to the dealership consumes quite a bit of time. Tim, That sounds like a plan; we're probably neighbors here in Sorrento Valley during the day! Dave

Hello, Neighbor Tim! I worked in Scripps Ranch for more than 16 years, but now work in Sorrento Valley. Even so, you may see our RX in Scripps Ranch, as my wife works in that area. We live in Penesquitos - not too far from you. Regarding oil, I can't figure out why Lexus is still using dino oil, either. I use it in my Mazda MX6 GT turbo as well. Dave Steve (SW), from what I understand about the oil change intervals, if 5 months rolls around and your Lexus has only (let's say) 3000 miles on it since the last change, the oil should be changed (according to Lexus) - correct? I don't think this is necessary, but a warranty is a warranty.......

I agree. I would not change the viscosity or interval until the warranty is up. Many of Toyota's sludge issues were due to customers' extending of their oil change intervals. I don't think that there is danger in using synthetic oil; it's just that if anything engine-related should happen, your telling the Lexus dealership that you changed the oil every year will probably not go over well when it comes to their deciding what they will pay for. I change the oil in my Corvette (Mobil 1 5W-30, but soon to be Royal Purple) once per year, but the Lexus gets anti-sludge Castrol 5W-30 every 5 months.

Sky, That last link doesn't work.

Regarding tire comparisons for the RX400h, see http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresult...;speed_rating=Y Not all of these tires are available in the stock RX400h size, but I thnink you'll agree that when it comes time to replace the quick-wearing OEM mMichelins or Goodyears, the Bridgestone Alenzas are right there on top. I have them and highly recommend them.

I hear you. I had a 68 convertible for almost 22 years. The only option it had was the 327-350 HP engine and removable hardtop. So in reverse of what you did, I went from nothing to everything when I bought my 01 coupe. However, when it was time to get my son a car, I bought a simple, 97 Civic CX with manual windows and steering. Its only option is AC. Maybe he'll appreciate luxuries when he buys his own car, some day!

The good news is that I don't have to worry about this potential irritation. I guess not having any other vehicle with keyless ignition means I don't miss it in the RX. However, I can make a large list of things I think the "perfect" vehicle should have, including Heads Up Display, which I have in my Corvette. Very few vehicles have this feature, yet I love it. In fact, every time I drive the RX, I keep looking for speed, oil level, etc displayed 20 feet above the road in front of me. So you see, we can all submit lists of things the RX doesn't have; hopefully, some of them will be included in future Lexus RXs. However, I for one, would still buy another RX without my beloved HUD. The other high-tech features more than make up for its absence, IMO.

I've tried many, many polishes, waxes, combos, etc. and I cannot say enough about ReJex. It was originally created for the military, but boy, am I glad it is sold to us common folks. The stuff I used before this was Zaino and here's how they compare: Life: About the same - both last more than two months. Ease of use: ReJex gets the nod here; With Zaino, a base "primer" is required the first time you use it. This is not required when using ReJex. Another advantage that Rejex has over Zaino is that you can see where you've applied ReJex, yet it won't leave yellow or white remnants in gaps. Zaino is invisible, making it likely that you either apply too much or not enough. Non-sticktoedness (yes, I just made that up): ReJex: ReJex's claim to fame is its uncanny ability to act like Teflon - NOTHING sticks. Often, I simply hose down my car and everything (bug splatters, bird droppings, etc) just glide off with the water - incredible. Here's something else that I find amazing: If my car is caught in a sudden downpour and then sits for a while with many large drops on it, all I need to do is drive on the highway - all the water flies off - no water marks - nothing. When I get home, the car looks like it had never seen rain. Smell: I have to give that to Zaino; it smells sweet. Of course, I still use and highly recommend Zaino leather-in-a-bottle. It smells exactly like leather and does a great job of preserving fine leather. Use it for wallets and purses as well! But for car protectant - ReJex is my hero! Link: http://www.x-autoproducts.com/pages/product_rejex.htm Dave

If you are like the majority of Mecedes SUV owners, you'd surely come to regret THAT decision. MB vehicles have some of worst reliability ratings of all the manufacturers. You couldn't pay me enough to own any one of their vehicles, based upon not only Consumer Reports' findings, but also upon many acquantences' personal experiences.

The good news is that we don't have smart keys for our 400hs!

That's good news - may come in handy one of these days. Thanks for the tip!

Congratulations and welcome to the club! Our commutes to work are so brief that satellite radio is not necessary at this time. Regarding your installation, I would bet that a factory service manual would come in handy for a job like that. Did you buy one or did you just figure everything out, yourself?

I used my father's Garmin NUVI 660, about a month ago and I prefer the Lexus Nav system, primarily because it provides more verbal info and thus, allows more time to change lanes, make corrections, etc. The Garmin has some good features as well, but as far as the info coming from the woman's voice guidance, the Lexus wins by a good margin, IMO.

Michelins are notoriously expensive and certainly not always best when it comes to handling. This is why I chose the Bridgestones - excellent handling, great wear characteristics at a great price. I really can't ask for anything more for my RX400h.

Howard Stern? :chairshot:

Yes, but for all we know, he could be an elderly person who doesn't know what "lol" means. We don't even know if he took it seriously, since he never repled. See, you scared the guy off! ....just kidding around, myself....

C'mon, RX - let's be nice. Not everyone whips up a press release the day they get their Road & Track magazine! Regarding the car: I think there will always be plenty of customers who must have the best Lexus, even if its cost is much higher than any other model. Dave

We have approx 3000 miles on our Alenzas and they are as quiet as ever. So far, I stand by my recommendation of these tires - highly recommended! Dave

you are one of many. A lot of people dont want to give Lexus 100+ dollars to do something so simple. I still go there cause i dont know how...lol...and dont care to learn any time soon. seems so icky. :P Good Year sends out coupons a few time a year for $12 oil changes. With a price like that ... hassle of dumping, etc ... you'd be nuts to do it your self. Let the dealer do it? Yea, that's nuts on TOP of nuts :P I once worked with a guy who was semi-retired and had always changed his own oil and filter. One day, he announced to me that he was tired of doing it himself and would start bringing it to the local tire/quicky lube place. The first time he did, he asked the service guy how long it would take. "...about a half hour", the guy replied. So, Gene took a stroll to pass the time. When he got back a half hour later, his car was still where he had parked it. 3 hours later, his car was finally done. The next day, he noticed some oil under his car - yep, a loose oil filter. He told me the next day that he would continue to change his own oil - "too many imcompetant techs out there", he commented. I tend to agree and would never take a $55,000 vehicle to a quicky-lube or local garage. Either I do it myself (which I do) or I have the dealership do it. Besides, not only do I like choosing the oil and filter, but I take the time to check other things while my oil is draining. Dave

Pic's please :) I am looking for one as well... Cheers, MadloR See http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Deluxe-4-Bike-...0305&sr=8-1 This rack is definitely well-worth the money!

I recently received my Allen bike rack (4-bike setup) and am very pleased to report that it is very well engineered and priced. I paid $100 for it via Amazon.com and even though I had to wait a month or so, this rack is well worth the wait. Some nice features: 1. Folds down for rear door access 2. Really nice individual straps that really secure each bike. 3. A "no-play" locking pin that secures the square tube that slides into the hitch 4. Fold down upper support for a shorter profile when bikes are removed. We loaded all four bikes for a ride at the lake, last weekend and my wife commented on how rattle-free the bikes and rack were. I highly recommend this rack. Dave

Actually, I'm amazed at just how far behind all the other manufacturers are. I believe MB and BMW will come out with diesels, but their stubborness regarding hybrids is really hurting them, especially with gas prices approaching $4.00 a gallon. I used to see quite a few new MB and BMW SUVs; now I see very few.

The wipers DO come on when it starts raining and will automatically adjust their speed, depending upon how hard it is raining. I like that feature!

By the way, Shepsan, what kind of fuel mileage are you getting with your M45? Thanks, Dave

The BMW X5 has had an "average" reliability rating throughout its lifespan. Its trouble areas have been power equipment, body hardware, electrical, and climate system. It runs on premium fuel only (I believe) and real-world averages approx 16 MPG (based upon comments from people I know who own them - mixture of city and highway. Although the RX400h doesn't handle quite as aggressively as the X5, the RX is faster and real-world averages 23-28 MPG in mixed driving. We actually go two weeks before needing to fuel, whereas our 152 HP, 6-cylinder Nissan Quest would require fuel every week, and lots of it! Our RX runs great on regular gas - THAT also makes a big difference in overall costs. We've had our RX400h for more than 2 years now and the only thing that the dealership had to do was tighten one of the wheel center caps. We have never had a more reliable vehicle and that includes a Honda Accord that we had previously. I have no doubt that if you are looking for a reliable vehicle that won't make you cringe every time you look at the fuel gauge, the RX400h is a perfect fit. Dave