RX400h

Thanks for the report! I have not detected any smoke smell, but am ready to add some Zaino "Leather in a bottle" to the seats. I've already used Connoly conditioner but NOTHING beats Zaino's leather smell. BTW, we are getting the same mileage as you are and it includes my bowing by X5s on the weekends (can't help it). Luckily, the wife has a light foot during the week and we can go two weeks without needing to fill the tank.

You know what they say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." GM is certainly not the only manufacturer that does this. Historically, the Japanese have been known as the great imitators; they are now on the other end of the stick, so to speak. In the book "All Corvettes are red" there was mention of an tear-down room for competing sportscars. Based upon knowledge gained from the tear-down process, GM engineers were able to produce a sportscar that was unmatched at anywhere near its price. Today, the 06 Corvette Z06 outperforms sportscars costing $80,000 more. I say, if the result is a better vehicle for the masses, keep doing it, as long as patents aren't breeched.

The good news is that I've never heard of a Lexus "lemon"! I'm sure your RX will be just fine.

It sounds like this condition is a "first" for most, if not all of us RX400h owners; we'll be interested in finding out the cause of the problem.

I just rode in a coworkers minivan that had the DVD entertainment package, but no NAV. Why anyone would prefer the EP over NAV is beyond my comprehension! Every vehicle should come with NAV; it's great!

The Highlander hybrid is certainly a nice vehicle, but it is not in the same class (status-wise). Therefore, I say if you can comfortably afford another one, why not? I drive my Corvette at least three times per week and it was almost as expensive as the RX400h. Like you, I would never buy an SUV that gets 16 MPG. Check around about <MRP deals; I'll bet they're out there somewhere.

I receive the dealership reminder every 5 months, but because our RX isn't driven very far on a daily basis, it takes us at least 6 months to accumulate that many miles. The first service is free, but I may very well change my own oil when we hit 10,000 miles. I just have to see how much a rotation will cost.

....Very nice!

...great links - thanks! It looks like I get a $2200 federal tax credit.

I agree. Many people stretch themselves too thin, just to have the latest and greatest and believe me, the RX400h IS as good as it gets when it comes to power, luxury AND economy. You will NOT be disappointed.

2005 Porsche GT3: Type: Flat-6 Displacement: 3600 cc Horsepower: 380 bhp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 285 lb-ft @ --- rpm Redline: 8200 rpm Performance 0-60 mph: 4.3 sec Cost: $99,900 2006 Z06 Type: V8 Displacement: 7011 cc Horsepower: 505 (530 measured) Torque: 470 lbs-ft@4800rpm Redline: 7000 rpm Performance 0-60 mph: 3.7 sec 1/4-mile: 11.7 seconds Cost: $65,000 At only $42,000, the standard C6 Corvette outperforms the GT3, road and track, according to both Car & Driver and Road & Track magazines. The Z06 is on a much higher plane.

No, you must have the RX400h/Corvette combo! :chairshot: Seriously, the multicar discounts have saved me a bunch over the years.

I can't say I have much experience with mud and snow on the RX - it's been in the 70s here. BUT, I am happy to hear about the brakes, especially when we're talking about a 4600 lb vehicle. Regarding car washes: I NEVER let a machine clean any of my vehicles. I've seen too many scratches, either from the machines or the people who dry the vehicle afterward.

Hopefully, you won't ever meet up with an 06 Z06, either on your way to work or on the track. Now if anyone needs a babysitter for one of THOSE bad boys, I'm IN! :) lol, im surprised you got that username, rx400h. lol lucky :P I was one of the first "on the list" members, I guess! Already dusted one of those...I do have some mods though Ah, but the Z06 is $65,000 MSRP. I'll bet a simple supercharger installation would catapult it well beyond your much more expensive car's performance capabilities. Heck, the thing is cranking out 530 HP (derived from dynomometer testing) right from the factory! The supercharger would place its HP up at about 680 HP, all for $75,000. Now THAT's a deal that has no equal!

Hopefully, you won't ever meet up with an 06 Z06, either on your way to work or on the track. Now if anyone needs a babysitter for one of THOSE bad boys, I'm IN! :)

I wouldn't call your 01 an "early" 911, but a guy here at work has an 89 911 Turbo - it IS what I consider an early 911.

I'll bet our RX400h handles better than the early 911s after what I've seen at auto-crosses. The general consensus among the viewers of the event: If you like to do 180 spins, drive an early 911!

Now let's hope that others follow suit!

Only WWEST would come up with a conclusion like this!!!!!

Many RX400h owners have driven their vehicles on snow and every report I've read has included nothing but praise for the 400's excellent handling. Needless to say, the RX400h is superior to the BMW X3.

I agree. Our bumper was dented last Summer and indeed, the new bumper skin had to come from Japan (2 weeks). Take your RX400h to a Lexus-approved body shop and get an estimate. We took ours to a Toyota Body shop and although we had to wait quite a bit of time, the replacement skin was installed perfectly and with a lifetime guarantee.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=25293

While a former coworker was averaging 16 MPG in her RX330, we average 25 MPG in mixed driving. Still, even if gas mileage isn't an issue, the power, transmission, and silence when creeping along in a typical traffic jam more than makes up for the additional funds to purchase this vehicle. Some people actually think that the 330 and 400 are identical except for gas mileage. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Thanks; I am looking forward to including this deduction. Every little bit helps! :)

I think that valuable lesson was geared more toward drum brakes. Those suckers would flat not work if they were wet. Disc brakes work just fine when wet, so not to worry... besides, like you said, there ain't much you can do about it anyway.... I agree!