Deeran

I am shopping for a car around 10-20K budget and come across Lexus Rx 400h in a local dealer shop. I am having a decent job, but dont want to go for a new Luxury car as with my current situation it doesnt seem a wise decision.

2007 - Lexus 400H - 78000 miles - Certified by local dealer for 24mo/100K miles. The price quoted for it is $18500.

Other cars i have seen are pretty much this same price band but basic (2010,2011) Suv crossover with 40K miles on them and not fully loaded models.
- Rav4
- Nissan Rogue
- Honda CRV
- Forester

My friend was not happy about buying a 8 yrs old car for this price. To him, I should pick one of those basic crossover which will not give any major maintenance for next three years. Or put more money and get a recent car from Lexus which I cant afford right now. We both drive economy sedans and never owned luxury segment. I am reaching 30, planning to get married, so thinking long term to get a nicer vehicle.

I test drove it, from handling my honest opinion is, it is much more refined drive than any of the non-premium I listed above. But from styling perspective, its a tad old. Apart from that, in two year it will reach 100K.

I need some advise on Lexus vehicle before I make a decision. Below are my concerns.
1. I read online reviews. Seems 2006 Model has high rate of Battery failure and inverter issues which can cost 8k+ on repairs. Did Lexus really fix it in 2007 400H Model?
2. Seems there were three recalls on this model. Did anyone had issues on them before Lexus fixed them?
3. If you changed your battery, how long did it lost? At what mileage it did broke?
4. What is the expected maint cost for me at 100K maintenance service? (Previous two owners did a good job on changing oils)
5. The car has full of Tech. More features = more chances some thing can break. While its natural, but what is the most expected one to go out?
6. Is it comfortable for longer drives? One of the reviewer in a site said after 3 hrs of drive, the back started hurt and the leg support was little short. I am 5'9".

In my mind, if I have to get a SUV I want to get most comfortable and reliable one. I may get a prius if I need a sedan for economical city transportation.

I liked the Lexus feel, thats why need previous/current owner/experts advise before making a decision.

Thanks in advance

takeshi74

Comfort is a very subjective matter regardless of vehicle. I've done road trips of up to 500 miles/~8 hours in a day in our RX 400h and found it very comfortable. I've done much longer drives in a day in my Honda S2000 and a Nissan Rogue that I used to own and found both of them comfortable. YMMV.

Can't answer that for you as we're at 48K. If I was doing research I'd start with maintenance guide
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...nual-search.do
and call around for some numbers.

Note that the schedule indicates that the timing belt should be replaced at 90K.

sts109

I have a 2006 RX400H, with 150,000 kms on it. In terms of ride comfort, I frequently take it on an 6 hour run into northern Ontario, fully loaded (including roof box) with 4 people on board. it's a smooth ride. The kids really appreciate the rear entertainment system. The RXh started after spending the night in -35C temps on the first attempt.

The only battery I had to replace was the 12 V auxiliary battery, which I did myself, using the hot battery change" videos on YouTube. Approx $120. That was in 2010. The hybrid battery is good as new.

The recalls are for the IGBTS (high power transistors ) on the inverter. Took into Lexus dealership and they confirmed my unit not on recall, if it was, they would replace it.

I have a newer 2012 SUV, but prefer to drive my 2006 RXh, I bought it for a luxury car, now I have a family and it's an outstanding family car....turned out the best car I've owned.

STS 109

Deeran

Thanks for the replies and link, it is very useful.

I am right now having a Honda CRV-EX and Lexus as options. I am leaning towards Lexus.

I wish if anyone can clarify below questions,
1. Are hybrid covered for 8Yrs/100K warranty? I know, I can ask this question to dealer. But how do I know whether that vehicle is covered under CARB/Fed warrantly? Any information on any stickers?
Originally dealer sold this car in CT, first owner title issued as lease vechicle in GA, The second owner is Michigan title and currently title hands of in Mi dealer.

2. Is this model have timing belt or timing chain?

3. I saw phone option in navigation screen, I forgot to ask that to dealer whether Bluetooth is supported for music streaming. Can anyone confirm?
Still Cant believe it doesnt have Aux port.

4. Is it a good buy? (2007-80Kmiles for $18K).
Didnt see much listed in other dealers or craiglist. So couldnt compare the real time averages. Bookish KBB/Edmunds/Carfax seems to be in similar number.

smassey321

Since it is certified the entire powertrain is covered to 100k. Normally only the battery and inverter are covered under the hybrid warranty to 100k. It has a timing belt but it is huge and last a long time so wait until 120k to change it. It has BT but for phone only and it is awful by today's standards. People will have trouble hearing you. There is no BT for audio/aux in but you can add it with aftermarket easily. Not sure about the price. Is it AWD? Are the tires new? These do not sell fast to go in low on your fist offer. I would offer $15k

thomas1

I bought my 2008 with 88k miles. Yes as smassey321 said it has a timing belt. And I agree 120k would be fine. Plugs are due at 125k miles but they could even go longer. The failures on this car are the 12volt battery, but that is nothing more than a typical battery. I personally have lost a wheel bearing and an inverter cooling pump. There have been a few folks that have experienced inverter coolant leaks...This is not good. Have a mechanic check for this as it requires inverter replacement. As for ride I have driven 8 hours frequently and find the car very comfortable. (5foot 10inches) . One of the most powerful cars I have driven and extremely smooth. I love the car.

Hybrnatr

I bought a 06 400h with 72K miles and have enjoyed driving it every day. Smooth power, quiet interior. Paid $17k in 2013. Had new tires and 12v battery. Just added a hitch and looking forward to taking my sailboat to northern MI next summer. Take the plunge - it is a much nicer ride than hour alternatives. And Lexus/Toyota are among the highest reliability vehicles made. Ever notice how many taxis are now Toyota hybrids??

Vh_Supra26

iTrader: (1)

I would try and knock the price down a little more. I found a few with around 50k for $18,000.

chrispham

I just bought my 2007 AWD RX400h two weeks ago with 67,500 miles, fully loaded including Lexus hitch for $17,500 and that was a steal for the North East. I think it depends on where you live but I would also pay attention if the car is AWD or now.

Ripsnort

Just bought a 2007 RX 400h w/97,000 miles for $14K. It is in awesome shape and I love it. Had been searching on cars.com and craigslist for months. I found that on craigslist some folks list them as RX 400h and others put RX400h. On a whim, I entered RX 400 and found one I'd never seen before and that is the one I bought.