To move or not to move- from gas to Hybrid
05-03-11, 10:12 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
To move or not to move- from gas to Hybrid
I'm about ready to take the plunge, and would love some input from anyone who's made the move from a gas RX to a hybrid. Differences/pluses/minuses.
I'm sticking with the 2nd generation body style, looks better to me.
If anyone knows if the hybrids need the towing prep package to put a hitch on, I'd appreciate it.
One more thing, are the rain sensing wipers part of the car or are they part of a package, like on the gas versions?
1111art
I'm sticking with the 2nd generation body style, looks better to me.
If anyone knows if the hybrids need the towing prep package to put a hitch on, I'd appreciate it.
One more thing, are the rain sensing wipers part of the car or are they part of a package, like on the gas versions?
1111art
05-03-11, 10:37 AM
#2
Lexus Champion
On my window sticker rain sensing wipers were a 125 option. My 05 330 has the premium package but listed separately are the wipers, heavy duty rad, trans cooler and alternator, 160, 18" wheels, 215, 6cd changer, 500 and locking lugs.
So, at one point the wipers could be had as a separate option.
So, at one point the wipers could be had as a separate option.
05-03-11, 11:50 AM
#3
I'm about ready to take the plunge, and would love some input from anyone who's made the move from a gas RX to a hybrid. Differences/pluses/minuses.
I'm sticking with the 2nd generation body style, looks better to me.
If anyone knows if the hybrids need the towing prep package to put a hitch on, I'd appreciate it.
One more thing, are the rain sensing wipers part of the car or are they part of a package, like on the gas versions?
1111art
I'm sticking with the 2nd generation body style, looks better to me.
If anyone knows if the hybrids need the towing prep package to put a hitch on, I'd appreciate it.
One more thing, are the rain sensing wipers part of the car or are they part of a package, like on the gas versions?
1111art
I do dislike the electric steering. A little too sensitive for me. But overall, I do not regret my decision.
05-03-11, 09:05 PM
#5
Pole Position
I drove a 99 RX300 since November of 1998 to this year, and I will tell you the RX400h is nothing but neater...The rain sense wipers are part of a premium package. At least on the 2008. The steering is lighter, but I like it. The ride is extremely smooth and we have the 18 inch wheels...which are a option. I really cant find anything I dont like. The fuel economy goes up from 16 to 18 to 23.9 in the 400h...That is substantial. The 99RX only had a 17.5 gallon tank as this car does but the range greater because of the fuel economy. The Navigation is awlsome. The Mark Levinson Stereo is fantastic. I loved our old RX, but this one is light years better. hope it gives me 13 years of driving. Also buying used you dont have to break even, you just get a better price. We payed $24k for ours with 88kmiles, and yes I know the timing belt is due, but big deal..Can be done for $600 at Toyota and you are good to go for another 100k miles..Good luck
05-04-11, 06:40 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Western Australia (Australia)
Posts: 1,254
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Good luck on your decision, guess it really is going to come down to where your mileage is. If it's around the metro area and doing frequent stops and such, then yeah the hybrid would be better. If you're doing long country roads there's no real difference between the petrol and hybrid.
One thing I have noticed between Australia and US cars is the number of options you guys have to go through to get the stuff that we get in 1 of 2 "models". The options list here for the RX330's and 350's were very very minor.
One thing I have noticed between Australia and US cars is the number of options you guys have to go through to get the stuff that we get in 1 of 2 "models". The options list here for the RX330's and 350's were very very minor.
05-04-11, 06:57 AM
#7
Rookie
FWIW we just bought a 2009 350 and looked seriously at an H model, but couldn't justify the extra expense (and cost of replacing the batteries eventually if we kept it). Driving the 350 1000 miles back from FL, it was getting 25-26mpg. The H might be nice for some however, and especially well suited if you drive a lot of city miles.
The car we bought had 22K miles with Nav, rain wipers, heated sets, HID, 18" wheels, Bluetooth etc. - we paid $29k.
The car we bought had 22K miles with Nav, rain wipers, heated sets, HID, 18" wheels, Bluetooth etc. - we paid $29k.
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05-05-11, 11:25 AM
#8
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks for the comment/opinions. I still haven't driven one, I've read that CVT and jerky brakes take some getting used to.
Anybody know if the 'Tow Prep Package' comes on all models by 2008?
1111art
Anybody know if the 'Tow Prep Package' comes on all models by 2008?
1111art
05-05-11, 11:57 AM
#9
Pole Position
yOU CAN tell if it has tow prep by looking at front hood emblem. If it is open than it is supposedly got the package...apparently they were looking for maximum air flow...My 2008 has the tow prep as indicated by a open around the L in the lexus badge.
05-06-11, 05:38 AM
#10
Rookie
All I see is empty space around and through my L inside the oval - indicating I should have the tow prep package? I have to assume this is likely accurate based on your level of activity in the forum... :-)
Wish there were a way to get the full build sheet/options list (or invoice) by using the VIN or something.
05-06-11, 06:13 AM
#11
"Brake by wire" system? The first gen RXh doesn't have a brake booster as in a traditional vehicle, but the braking is still hydraulic. My guess is that the second generation is much the same, but maybe software improvements to do away with the grabby, jerky braking that is mentioned. On my 2006, by the way, I don't find the braking to be grabby or jerky at all.
For the tow package. Just have a look through the lower grill opening on the driver's side (the small rectangular opening directly in front of the wheel). If you see a small radiator in there it's the transmission cooler, and you have the tow package). IIRC, all the hybrids have the transmission cooler.
For the tow package. Just have a look through the lower grill opening on the driver's side (the small rectangular opening directly in front of the wheel). If you see a small radiator in there it's the transmission cooler, and you have the tow package). IIRC, all the hybrids have the transmission cooler.
05-07-11, 06:35 AM
#13
In the hybrid, when you step on the brake pedal, it's all electronic. There is a stroke sensor that senses the speed and amount of brake pedal depressed,and I'm sure there are other sensors involved as well. This information is used to activate the pumps that produce pressure in the system causing the calipers to squeeze the rotor. The brake pedal is not connected to a pushrod that is connected to the master cylinder. However, there is still a master cylinder and hydraulic lines to each caliper. The system still creates pressure in the hydraulic lines via the master cylinder - it just does so electronically rather than mechanically.
