ABC

Hi all,

I am looking to trade in my IS 250 for an 450h. Found a nice 2013 450h with ~20k on her within budget and no accidents. With only 20k, i wouldn't expect any major issues for a long time, but wanted to check to see if there are any specifics i should look at before signing.

Thanks!

NateJG

I've had mine for 30 months and 50K nearly trouble-free (12V batt changed under warranty) thoroughly enjoyed miles.

My only complaint is that the additional cost of the prescribed Premium fuel virtually negates the savings suggested by the increased MPG.

The performance and other benefits of the hybrid (stop and slow tie ups on the freeway INCREASING MPG, A/C electrically operated, stellar AWD snow traction, lively highway performance, and more) more than offset any negatives.

Do it!

11bravo

Nate, I really like the graph! I have contended for quite awhile, and the graph supports me, that premium generally costs between 6% and 8% more than regular. So, are you really saying that your 450H did not get even 7% better mileage than a 350???? A combined city/hwy mileage of 21 for the 350 would mean you would only have to get 22.5 combined (same driving characteristics) to break even.

Most people drive more city than highway, and the RX is going to get about 18 city, which means your 450H only has to get 19.2 in city to break even....you seriously didn't get that???

NateJG

I figure that the average 350 gets 21 MPG; and my 450 is at 27.2 MPG.

Gas around the Midwest (as of 5/30/16 per http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_dcus_r20_w.htm ) has Regular at $2.433/gal while Premium is $3.033.

Premium is, therefore 24.6% more costly than Regular.

My car, at 27.2 MPG, is 29.5% more MPG than the 21 MPG RX 350 (from what I'm gleaning from the MPG forum).

For me, with the $6,600 upcharge for the 450 (new), I'll break even (merely on MPG) at around 350,000 miles.

Conclusion: I spend 24.6% more for gasoline for 29.5% more mileage. Buying the hybrid was, therefore, an emotional - as opposed to logical - decision. All things considered, I'd do it again.

11bravo

Nate, if you don't mind, I would like to use the graph you posted to make a point. The numbers you have posted for your personal costs vary greatly from the official U.S. stats. I fully understand that the area you live in may be an anomaly to what happens throughout the rest of the U.S., but since we have forum members from all over, we should consider the U.S. numbers first.

It is easy to see that the greatest disparity in gas prices post-2004 occurred in very early 2014, and again in mid-2015. At both points, the graph shows a differential of about 8-10%. If that is the worst-case scenario in 12 years, a net increase in mileage of 29.5% would make a used 450H a very good investment. I stress "used", because the $6,000+ upcharge for that powerplant, when new, is barely $1,000 at current street value price comparisons.

My wife and I recently bought a very nice 2013 350RX. I must confess that I wish I had known the mileage difference was so dramatic...I would have worked harder to find an equally nice 450H.

lexusrus

We too have a 2013 RX450H, bought new back on 2013. Now has around 30k miles. It was a fully load RX450H with F Sport appearance package (more aggressive F Sport front bumper and larger premium F Sport rims, and etc.)

When we test drove the regular RX350, we found it to be too light feeling of its driving dynamics as we were more used to the MB setup. The RX450H feels heavier and more planted due to the battery packs and the the F Sports package. As matter of fact we had a loaner RX350 from a Lexus dealer where we had left our then new LX570 for initial prep as it was not ready for delivery yet. We drove the loaner RX350 to an MB dealer nearby and compared side by side with the MB SUVS, the GL and the GLK. I liked the way MB drove, but to me the electronics in MB was not as appealing as in the Lexus. The Lexus legendary reliability is indisputable. But my wife and I disliked how the RX350 drove. So we test drove the RX450H and we loved the entire package. I guess it was more emotional than any real logic. No regrets.

If you only look at the financial numbers in terms of recouping the price differentails with the RX450H, you will be disappointed because you will need to drive a lot, I mean a lot of miles to break even. We get around 26 to 27 mpg in mixed highway/city driving. In SoCal stop and go traffic, we get better mpg at around 31mpg.

CanadianRX

If you do any large amount of city driving you will really benefit from the hybrid. I have a lead foot, so I get 16mpg avg with my 350. I'm sure if I had the hybrid it would be closer to 25. Since I drive about 8k miles a year it wasnt a big issue but go for the hybrid if you like the feel of it. My wife and I enjoyed the familiarity of a regular engine.

Freds430

The debate about what octane to use will never be settled but my $.02. I have a 2015 RX450h and since owning it for one year I use the regular grade of 87 octane. Since owning, I have averaged 28 mpg. I have experimented with the other two grades and noticed no difference in performance nor mpg. Love it!!!

sunnyside

We both an early 2013 450H for my wife. It now has 63,000 miles on it and we still love ti. Mileage has not been as good as expected, average 28 around ATL. On flat roads in FL it has seen 33. The brakes have become a standing joke at the service dept. They never seem to wear. The pads are nearly new. Regenerative braking really saves them. No problems so far and we plan to keep it forever. I love the design so much that I just bought a CPO 2014 RX 350 with 8700 miles on it. If does feel lighter and in town mileage so far has been a shade under 21 on regular fuel. Love them both. Don't like the new 2016 at all. It grew bigger and is not as smooth in looks.

11bravo

sunny, it is interesting that the car grew so much in 2016. Added two inches to the wheelbase, and four inches overall length. Yet, the official weight is little different, some sites showing the 2013 as 80 pounds heavier.

Still, a truly world-class car in terms of appearance, comfort, and reliability.