Hi all,

I recently sold my 3rd generation IS350 F-Sport. I am looking for a family oriented SUV. I am looking for year between 2012 to 2014 RX450H. Does anyone have any advice on what I should look for when buying a RX450H in these year range? I have been told that the hybrid traction battery have a life span of 10 to 15 years and up to 150k miles. Is that true? If i buy into 2014 model, i may expect to replace the hybrid battery within the next 3 to 5 years of ownership? Replacement of the battery is very costly? Will i be better off to buy 4th generation RX450H with higher km? Any other thing i should look for? Is Dr Prius app accurate to determine traction battery life?

Your advice is much appreciated

 

There was a mid-gen refresh between 2012 and 2013 model years, so the 2013 and 2014 models will have an updated infotainment and potentially some newer features depending on trim. The hybrid battery is a "life of the vehicle" type component, just like the engine and transmission. Will it actually last the life of the vehicle, sometimes yes, but sometimes no. Can you get 15 to 20 yrs and 300,000miles out of it, yes. Could it potentially fail at 10 yrs and 100,000 miles. Yes. I'm at 13.5yrs and 170,000 miles, so far so good, others have even more with no problems, and yes, a handful have had to change the battery (I think just from anecdotal evidence the percent of those replacing hybrid batteries in 3rd gen RXh is still pretty low).

It really all comes down to how well the vehicle is cared for and the tendency for vehicles to rust in your particular area. A high mileage 4th gen if well cared for can certainly be a better option that a low mileage 3rd gen that is rusting and not very well cared for.

 

The Hybrid battery is the least of your concerns, this is true with any Toy/Lexus hybrid.

 

There are differences which you test out.

Everything equal, the Hybrid shines in city stop and go traffic. If your use is at highway speeds, the hybrid does not bring any advantage.

Technologically, I love the transmission on hybrid.

Salim

 

How do i look after hybrid traction battery to ensure it longevity? I heard people said it's best to buy high mileage RX45/H as it has been constantly charging/ discharging which helps to maintain the life of the battery rather buying a low mileage RX450H. Is this true?

 

Has anyone use Dr Prius App? Is it accurate to determine the life of the traction battery?

 

It’s interesting to see the battery specs, really cool when driving , as you can see real time discharge and charging rates and voltage diff, which seems to be the true value of battery health overall.

 

Which Bluetooth OBD Scan Tool are you using with your Dr Prius App ?

 

I am using Viecar obd2 Bluetooth reader. Will it be any good for Dr Prius?

 

Carista Bluetooth.

 

According to the Prius App website link below, the Viecar (used to be Carista), is an acceptable Bluetooth Scan Tool.
I also now see that Roscol is using the Carista scan tool, as shown in the top right corner of the picture he posted.

https://priusapp.com/obd.html

I have just ordered a Bluetooth Scan Tool from Amazon and am eager to try out the Prius App on my 2014 RX450H.

 

I think the question gamma posted is not being addressed.

Let me make an attempt:

With test equipment you will be able to make a determination of relative health at the time of test but you will not be able tp predict what happens in 6 months. To make an educated prediction you will need to see a historic trend and assume the use is and will be the same in future.

my 2c for buying: First determine if the hybrid is the right vehicle for you [features/use/price ... my order]. If the vehicle is healthy purchase it.

Salim