rsutoratos

I was in the same situation 5 yrs ago, 450h has that third electric motor and new inverter that makes it better than the 400. I would try to get a newer 450h, has more warranty left & if you buy the cpo warranty it has longer coverage.

SkiMe

Is there a site where I can get the specs/options for a specific 450 if I have the VIN #?

We found another one in TX but don't know all the options on it yet. No ML radio though (which looks to be harder to find).
JTJBC1BA5D2053764

F250

Below are a few sites I've used. Some provide more details than others, but non of the VIN sites will tell you the "build" of your particular vehicle. However, there is a Lexus telephone number you can call to find out the Factory and Port installed equipment packages (800-255-3987). You can also join & register (free) at http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/history to doiscover the complete dealer history for any Lexus VIN you are considering. Obviously, if you're workign with a Lexus dealership, they can also run the entire history for you as well.

Several VIN decoder sites...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/vindecoder.php

http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Lexus

http://en.vindecoder.pl/JTJBC11A202418624

SkiMe

Awesome, thanks F250!

I called Lexus and they were very helpful! Gave me a run down on the whole car in question and also answered all of my questions. Super nice.

Car in review:
Heads up display
Towing prep package
Comfort package
Premium package
no heated steering
no Levingson
Heated Seats
Park assist
Roof rails
19" wheels

$27k with 52k miles

kitlz

SkiMe, it does have some very good options. HUD is nice, heated seats, absolutely. Comfort package means HID headlights and rain sensing wipers. ML was typically combined with the luxury package. So that's a good tip off. And Lexus didn't offer heated steering wheel until 2016. VIN shows it was built in Japan. What year is this one?

SkiMe

2013 is the year, so updated grill and NAV/Radio system (I believe).

Built in Japan. Are they built else ware too, and if so any difference?

kitlz

IIRC, the screen is a bit different on 2013 with some apps too. Lexus started building the RX in Canada back in 2003 around the same time the 2nd gen came out. They kept hybrid production in Japan until a few years ago. My current 450h is from Canada. It's the first non-Japanese RX for me. I don't think it's any different. I believe we have a thread or two around here discussing whether there is or not.

SkiMe

Well, we signed the papers and my wife will fly in tomorrow and drive it back Thursday! I think we got a decent deal given the year and mileage....checked out great!

2013 RX 450h, AWD
Black with tan interior

Thanks for all the help!

F250

Congratulations!! 3 years newer than mine, 20K fewer miles, and only $4K more in cost. I think that's a fair deal!! At that cost point, though, I assume that it did not come with CPO?

SkiMe

Yea, correct. Because it's a Lexus, and based off of my "repairs" for my old 400h....I couldn't justify. Most of the money we put into the 400h was maintenance items so didn't really fall under any CPO warranty anyways.

Dealer had aftermarket warranty $2700 for 50k....just not worth it to me. The dealer does offer a 90 warranty, so there is a little there to get us going.

I could not find any CPO vehicles that fit what we after. Anything close had a premium of $4k or so.

If this was a Porsche.....I'd be all over some type of warranty and maintenance plan! But it's a Lexus.

F250

I understand and agree completely. While I'm still able, I'm not paying anyone anything to do something I can do myself, and my goal is to always get a vehicle that simply does not typically need perpetual parts failure repairs.

I did purchase an after market extended warranty on the '96 Suburban when we were in Texas, and I made money on that deal, but it is purely sad and disappointing to go through that kind of money saving effort. I would rather spend the after market warranty expense up front on a more reliable vehicle which doesn't need it.

SkiMe

Yep, I'm with you. 89' K5 and 04' Yukon XL 2500.....keeps me busy on the GM vehicles but they are very well taken care of. The 07' Lexus was very reliable and I changed a lot of things myself (not that hard really). Brakes, discs, wheel bearings, control arms, spark plugs, radiator, etc. Just takes some time. I'm expecting similar type of things on this 13' but don't plan on that starting to happen until around 100k or so. We'll see.

I will NOT do timing belt though. That's for the experts! Fortunately, the new 450h has a timing chain!

F250

I had always felt that way about timing belts as well, but have now replaced the timing belts on two Toyota V6's, a Volvo I5, and 4-cyl Subaru, and am no longer "afeared of that thar' territory". I also consider myself excessively fortunate to NEVER have to worry about either a belt OR chain on my 7.3L Ford diesel as the cams are directly gear driven off the main crank.

SkiMe

Well, she picked it up last night and called me. Said she LOVES it and it's so nice! Whew!

You just never know until you see it in person. Should be home later tonight!