draco

How do they compare? I currently have a AWD RX330 that I enjoy and is a great car. I am looking down the track and will be looking to upgrading to either a 350 or a 400h. First however I would like to ask your experiences with the 400h vs the RX330 / 350.

Servicing

What is the price differences between servicing of the non-hybrid models compared to the Hybrid model? What is the expected longevity of the electric motors and the potential replacement costs if they ever break?

Running Costs

Is it really that good with petrol around the CBD (which is primarily where I drive my car); I have read 8/9L per 100km? Is it heavy when going country and driving at an almost constant 100/110km/h? The fuel tank is smaller, does it compare with the larger tanks in the non-hybrid models?

General Things

Noise cabin, how much quieter is it than the non-hybrids? What is the feel of the 2WD with electrics than a constant AWD like the non-hybrids, also in the wet? etc.

Just trying to get a feel of the differences between the hybrid and non-hybrid models from people that have driven and owned them that upgraded from the non-hybrids; rather than from a reviewer that hasn't really owned and driven the car for lengthy periods of time as their car.

Thanks for any information.

Jeff92se

Probably be best to drive one

ColdLexus

Hey Draco,
Our family drive a 400h, my sister in law's family have a 350.
We both live in the same area and recently drove a 2,500 km trip, each in our own RX's.
The batteries in the hybrid seem to make it feel more "hunkered down".
Both our RX's are AWD.
Other than the heavier hybrid, you likely wouldn't be able to tell the difference when you are riding or driving each one.

draco

ColdLexus thanks for that. How was the fuel economy between the 2? If a comparison was done?

prowler97

The 400h suspension is tuned a little firmer than the 330-350's. Most likely to handle the extra weight of the batteries. I find the 400h handles a little better when I drove the 400h and 350 back to back.

A few things to think about:

1. If you drive mostly on the highway, there is no point in buying a 400h. You only really save if you are doing at least 40% city driving.

2. All the 400h's are made in Japan, where as the 330's and 350's are made in Canada.

3. Here is the USA, the price on a used 400h is $1000-2000 more than a full loaded 350. Keep in mind; If fuel price go up again, the premium for hybrids will increase again. For my wife who drives 15,000 miles a year, she will save ~ $800 fuel a year. I figure it will take her two years to re-coupe the premium cost of a 400h over a 350. She is currently getting 27 mpg (8.7 L per 100k

ColdLexus

>Draco - the 400h did marginally better on the highway, but kicked butt when we were in the cities.

>Prowler - right on about the highway vs city - the 400h does most of the city driving, the highway cruising 7 series does the long distance stuff. We see about 20k a year on each car, so the savings on the Lexus will pay for the premium fairly soon.

draco

Thanks for the info. That is really useful. Driving is primarily metro-based and the majority of the time I would only be doing around 60-70km/h. Every so often obviously using the freeway to get around where the max speed is 100km/h (most times only one there for 20 minutes or so) occassionally maybe 40-45 minutes, but definately not country driving. That is limited to a few times a year. Sounds like the "h" might suit my purposes as required. I have read that the hybrid on long country drives is almost like using the petrol engine all the time, but with the city driving I do, the hybrid sounds like it will work wonders.

Regarding servicing, what is the difference compared with a 350. The 350 from my understanding would be about the same as the 330, but doesn't require servicing as often as the 330 (what I was told by the Lexus dealer). Also the electric motors, how much is it going to hurt the hip pocket if something goes wrong with them? Are the servicing costs significantly higher because of the electric motors?

prowler97

draco,

Sounds like the 400h will be a good fit for you. Plus in Europe you will save even more money because your petro is so expensive.

Not sure how it is in Europe, but here in the USA most states allow for a special registration for Hybrids which allow you to drive in the HOV lane as a single driver. This helps my wife out when she commutes into the city.

As for service the 400h requires an oil change every 5,000 miles, which I believe is the same as the 330. The only extra maintenance that needs to be performed on 400h vs the 350 is flushing the coolant from the inverter. I believe that is every 30,000 miles, but I could be wrong.

As for the hybrid system...no worries it is warranted for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. Some states and countries it is 10 years / 100,000 miles.

FYI: One thing to think about is the enjoyment I get from driving the hybrid. It's a game every time I drive to see how I can improve my fuel efficiency. I also try to see how far I can drive on the electric motor (stealth mode).

draco

Thanks for the info there Prowler97. Slight correction though, I am in Australia so not in Europe

m3nv

I had an 06 330 and now a 07 400h. I feel like the 400h drivers ligher and feels more powerful than the 330. Its also a lot quieter from inside the cabin. As for running cost, i find its pretty much the same. The only things I ever spend money on is oil changes (which cost the same) as well as brakes (which cost the same too).

m3nv

Also I do a lot of highway driving and with the 330 I probably avg about 26 mpg, with the 400h I only avg 27.9. Its a minimal difference but the only reason I upgraded to the 400h was b/c the warranty on my 330 ran out. Looking back on it now, it probably wasnt worth it, lol.