wase4711

So, I am considering buying a 2008h model; 2009/2010 used models are impossible to find in chicago land, and not many 2011's either..

I am not a fan of buying cars with 25-35k miles, and both of the ones I am interested in are in that mileage range. I have owned several hybrids, and current own a 2010 h250

I would be coming from a Mazda cx9, that is a great car, but the 16mpg is killing me. Being a veteran "himiler", I assume getting 30mpg in the 400h shouldn't be a problem, especially if i pump up the tires a bit, and drive it "like a hybrid"

So, do I need to replace the 12v battery right away, since the vehicle will be 3 years old? Chicago winters aren't kind to weak batteries..

Anything else to look out for in the 2008 models, or, are they like any other Lexus, perfect, and wonderful to drive, as long as you take proper care of them..
The thought of getting ~30mpg in an SUV is so intriguing to me!

thanks for your input!

jtaylor3

I just bought a certified used 2008 RX400h with 41,000 miles. Since it was Lexus certified, I wasn't too worried about the mileage.

So far I'm liking it a lot. I'm only getting about 24 mpg in city driving, so 30 might be tough.

As far as I know, my car is on its original battery as the service records didn't indicate it had been replaced. I'll be curious as my previous experience is that batteries only last me about 3 years. I'm in St. Louis, so our winters aren't nearly severe as Chicago although I think my car came from the Chicago area originally.

Good luck with your decision.

Jeff

Weighit

I also got a 2008 400H certified used with about 40,000 on it when I bought it. I've never seen 30mpg readings, I average per tank about 24-25 city and highway. Love the vehicle and has the original 12 volt battery. I'm in Az and the 400H was originally from Colorado where it does get cold, so I will keep an eye on my battery and probably buy a replacement this winter, just in case...

wase4711

thanks guys; the one I am leaning towards is also certified, with 35k on it.
Its a california car, so, its free of the salt and cold that it will get here in Chicago land.

Do the 2008's you bought still feel "tight" like a newer car, or do they real loosen up and stuff after 40k miles?
I know they aren't "new" per se, but some cars, feel "worn out" after 3 years, and I don't think I want to spend 35k on a vehicle that feels like its been beat up..

Does anyone over inflate their tires to improve their mileage?
My h250 says 32 psi on the door, but the tires say 50psi max, do I keep 43 psi in them.
Doing that, the city mileage on that car went from 34mpg to 41 mpg; I am just wondering if the same thing holds true with the 400h...

thanks!

thomas1

I bought mine with 87k miles (2008) and it is tight as can be....yep 24 to 25 is what we average, but we dont drive easy....As for the battery go to Costco or Sams Club and invest inn one to eliminate that as a problem....We have our tires inflated to 36lbs and it still gets 24.....There are absolutely no sqeeks or rattles, shame your chicago winter is going to rust that california car......

jtaylor3

Mine seems pretty tight too. There are very few rattles or squeaks and most of them seem to come from the aftermarket rear DVD system that the original owner had installed.

I've only had the car for about 2-1/2 weeks now, so only time will tell for sure.

The only thing I'm not happy with is that the new Hankooks that the dealer put on seem to tramline pretty badly on the highway. I've got an appointment on Saturday to have it looked at.

Jeff

wase4711

is 36psi whats on the door jamb, or the tires, or what you found to be the "best"? Can you put 40lbs in the tires on this thing to improve mileage a bit? I know all tires/vehicles will respond differently, but, after owning 4 hybrids so far, tire pressure seems to make a pretty big difference..

Yeah, I would probably just replace the battery before winter; why even take a chance..I understand when the voltage drops, you need to reset the window switches/roof, etc; is is better to overpay for the battery and get it at the dealer, and let them deal with it,or, is it easy to reset those switches?
The car will live in the garage when its not being used, so hopefully, no rust for a few more years!

Its got that 3m tape on the hood/doors/bumper, so I don't know if that helps at all..

thomas1

You know I believe 36psi is on the door. As for the battery get aftermarket as the Lexus/toyota battery is a piece of junk....

wase4711

well, picked one up last night, and its really sweet!

BTW, drove home 30 miles from the dealer, highway and suburban driving, and got 30.9 mpg..not too shabby!

thanks for answering my questions, everybody!

jtaylor3

Congrats on your purchase! I hope you enjoy it.

Jeff
08 RX400h

wase4711

thanks guys!
BTW, I pumped the tires up to 45lbs, (tires say 50 max), and drove over 100 miles today, hwy/city combined, and got 29.6 mpg...
very impressive!

rx300mm

Congratulations, when you have time, pitures of your new RX would be nice to see.

wase4711

ok, here are some pix!
Haven't taken my own yet, but this is the vehicle..every option available, including mark levinson..very sweet car.

wase4711

quick question folks;

Owners manual says 91 octane; does anyone actually use 91 in this car?
On my wifes h250, we use 87 with no probe..

thanks!

ColdLexus

I would stick with 91 octane if I were you.
Despite the knock sensors and the ability of the computer to compensate for reduced octane, you run some risk of using the lower octane.
I don't think you mileage will improve by dropping octane either.