RX400h

From what I've read thus far, SW03ES is correct in that most buyers of SUVs are more interested in power and features vs all-out economy. Getting hybrid SUVs into the mainstream is certainly more likely if a. You sacrifice nothing except a slightly higher cost b. You gain something that most Americans want - more power This is why the Highlander hybrid will equipped with only the 6-cylinder engine - more power AND significantly higher city milage when compared to even the 4-cylinder version.

I was wondering if anyone has compared te two vehicles directly. I know that the RXs have many more standard and available features, but what about ride, handling, and quietness? The Highlander Hybrid may be introduced before the RX400h and I test-drove a Highlander today - very smooth ride and extremely quiet with fairly quick-ratio steering. Unfortunately, I have not been able to drive an RX330 yet, hence, the aforementioned questions. Both hybrids will have the same engine and HP output. Thanks!

Pharmguy, Toyota already has a bunch of experience with hybrid technology, via the Prius so I'm not too worried about the first year for Lexus. I haven't heard of any problems with the Prius so far, so that's a good sign as well. I will certainly keep you posted when I test-drive one of the first 400s in January. By the way, this vehicle will be for my wife; I bought my toy a few years back - a 2001 Magnetic Red Corvette Coupe (love it!). Dave

Unfortunately, as with most new car introduction-pricing, there will be no dealing for a while. I will have to pay list price, but no added markup (as some dealerships like to tack on). I did have to leave a $1000 deposit that is fully refundable. I am hoping that a full brochure, listing all available features and options will be available this Fall. I haven't heard whether an adjustable suspension will be offered, but I will be tempted to select the GPS map and backup camera option. The salesperson told me that as soon as they receive their first RX400h in January, those on the list will be called to set up an appointment to test-drive it. I understand that the Toyota Highlander and then Sienna van will be next as hybrid variants. Toyota even has a hybrid sportscar on the drawing board that will pump out over 400 HP and get 38 MPG. With these gas prices (especially in California), they will not come a moment too soon!

I wouldn't worry too much at this time. Synthetic oil does flow better than petroleum-based oil, so you may want to switch back the next time you change oil, even if that's one year from now. (Most synthetic oils can go 12,000 miles or one year, whichever occurs first). I would definitely NOT use high-viscosity oil, such as 20W-50; it will only do more harm than good. Stick with the manufacturer's recommended viscosity and your engine will last a very long time. In the meantime, save your pennies because one of these days you will need to have the seal changed, even if that's a few years from now.

I would venture to say that if your mom is over 40, she will probably do just fine with regular fuel. My Mazda MX6 GT-Turbo's manual says the same thing; needless-to-say, I pump in super. However, if I were to sell my car to my mother, I'd tell her to use either regular or mid-grade.

Thanks, Harley. I almost thought that no one had anything to say about their RX! I just hope Lexus has any dash squeek issue resolved by the time the 400h rolls out. I will be taking a test drive in January (I hope) and will report my findings soon afterward. Best regards, Dave

Hi everyone. I am number 15 on a list (at a local dealership)of people waiting for the RX400h to be introduced next January, 2005. Has anyone else signed up? Motor Trend estimates the starting price to be approx. $37K. Has anyone heard differently? From what I know so far, the city milage should be about 35 MPG and the tranny will be continuously variable. HP is estimated to be 270. I'm also wondering if this vehicle will need to be smogged. I guess they can't perform the idle sniffer test? I'm certain that more info will be available as the introduction date approaches, but for now, besides my aforementioned questions, I'd like to ask if overall, everyone is happy with his or her RX330. Thanks! Dave