RX400h

If you peruse the CU annual buyers guide or annual auto issue, you will notice that Mercedes and some Audis, BMWs, and Volkswagens have horrible reliability ratings. So yes, it may very well be a good idea to buy extended warranties for some models of these vehicles. However, take a look at the reliability ratings of the RX 330, 350, and 400h. You'll note that they have had excellent ratings. Thus, buying an extended warranty for any of these vehicles is most likely not a "good" bet. If it makes you feel better and you don't mind spending the >$1000 cost, well, that's your perogative. To me, odds are that I will not save money in the long run by purchasing the extended warranty.

You might want to read this before you buy an extended warranty: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/extended-warranties-4-08/overview/extended-warranties-ov.htm and http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/extended-warranties-4-08/how-they-work/extended-warranties-how-they-work.htm and http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/extended-warranties-4-08/how-they-work/how-they-work-continued/extended-warranties-how-they-work-terms-and-coverage.htm#4 in summation: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/extended-warranties-4-08/highlights/extended-warranties-highlights.htm

I believe that not all battery "tenders" are also chargers. One of the most popular charger/tenders is the Deltran Battery Tender Plus. It will charge a weak battery until fully charged and then just "tend" by keeping the battery at that charge level. However, some AGM batteries, if depleted to a certain level, require more than the 1.25-2 amps that tender/chargers can supply. 8-10 amps is recommended for some of those types of batteries.

It is definitely not a California term - must be something he picked up in Montana!

"depends" ?? Aren't those adult diapers that I hope I never need? :P But no ... the verb turn(s) has an alternate meaning of "change(s) or as you say, "depends" ... and it's been that way for many, many decades that I know. See the example below, in the 5th paragraph - 3rd word of paragraph 5: http://ftp.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F2/347/347.F2d.471.18800.html Now my spelling is OFTEN hideous so if you want to rip me a new one over that ... it's well deserved. Little PDA keys and not wearing reading glasses ... bad combo. Ah, I understand; you are living in the 60s! I have to admit that I don't recall ever hearing anyone use "turns" instead of "depends". (And I'm no spring chicken!)

Snow driving turns a lot on the drier. Snow driving turns a lot on the depth & temps & condition of the snow. Snow driving turns a lot on the tires. Is this some new form of English? Do you really mean to say, "depends" and not "turns"????

I believe that statement sums up the answer quite nicely.

Seeing that he has a new Alfa Romeo, I don't think he lives in the US. Other countries' laws may differ.

Well, you can go to Joe's garage and pay $100 less than you would at the Toyota dealership! Hey, this is what the average millionaire would do. It's all about saving your money so that you can retire at age 55.

Would Toyota loan you a car to use all day? I think not.

I believe the manual recommends a brake fluid change at about 30,000 miles. That's when I had ours changed. That's good to know about the pump - thanks!

You're welcome, Rey! I really enjoy talking to those guys and gals at Tirerack - no slackers work at that place; they seem to be all very knowledgeable. Dave

It normally makes sense if the pump has to be removed. However, in some of the newer vehicles, this is not necessary. If you ask the service advisor how often he sees failed water pumps being replaced and he tells you "never", you have your answer as to whether you should have yours changed. Since the RX330 has the same engine and considering that RX has been around longer than the RX400h, Lexus service advisors should know whether the pumps can last much longer than 90,000 miles. My son's Honda Civic has over 130,000 miles and is still on the original water pump.

My question for you is: Have you experienced numerous issues with your vehicles - issues that are harbingers of trouble to come? I believe Consumer Reports advises against extended warrantees unless the above is true. Our RX400h has been more than stellar; it's been perfect. I couldn't imagine getting my money's worth out of an extended warranty for THIS vehicle. ....the Corvette? Absolutely!

I just had a fairly lengthy talk with Larry at the Tirerack. He explained that if you don't rotate your tires by 5000 miles, the wear pattern could be really tough to overcome. This may be the cause of our noisy Alenzas. Anyway, I asked him which tires he would recommend for the RX400h and after reviewing a slew of data, he selected the Yokohama Prada Spec-X. It should be a higher-performance tire than the Michelin Lattitude and Bridgestone Alenza, but should also be very quiet and provide a comfortable ride at the same time. We will see when I pick some up within the next 6 months or so. Dave

As Skyfish mentioned, whatever you plug into the outlet cannot draw any more than 1 amp. Most vacuum cleaners draw more than that. Even a hair dryer at 1000 watts will draw 9 amps of current - way too much for this system.

The reason why I change my own oil is that by the time I drive to the auto repair shop or dealership, wait a couple of hours for them to do the work and then drive home, I would've been able to change the oil/filter with 2 hours to spare. I pick up the oil while I'm at Walmart for other purchases, so it's not like I spend more time just to buy the oil. The same holds true for the filter; I pick up a few K&N oil filters when I'm at O-Reiley's. Granted, if the work required is more complicated or the correct tools would be expensive for something that is rarely needed, then I generally let the pros do it.

You have a Harley and don't do your own work? What is this world coming to???? :D

I don't recall seeing this requirement (at 60K miles) in my owner's manual but will check, this weekend.

While driving slowly on battery power only, I hear what sounds like an out-of-roundness that also bothers me. Within the year, I'll be researching tires again, that's for certain. The Alenzas were quiet for approx. 25,000 miles but became increasingly noisy after that.

The good news is that flats are far less common than they used to be, back in the days of bias-ply tires. And even if you do get a puncture in a tire, as long as it's not in the sidewall, the tire can be patched. I can't wait to get rid of these Alenzas; they are getting annoyingly loud but still have plenty of tread.

Hey, that's what happens when you order wheels from Somalia.......