Ah Ha. Gotta love marketing...sure lets build a very small mix of base models so we can have a lower visual price point, but never actually sell the base model.

For me, it would take 5+ years to make back the $3K premium at the mileage I drive, but I can see how it's an attractive proposition...at least if you're already considering a gas RX or other gas luxury mid-size SUV.

 

Before reading this thread, I was all over the RX350. As much as I wanted the RX400h for mileage, I just couldn't justify the price difference. Thanks to this thread I did a bit more in-depth research and discovered that, in addition to the $2,200 tax credit if purchased by 9/30, many of the options I was planning to purchase for the 350 are already standard on the 400h. The bottom line is that invoice on the 350 I want is $41,654 and invoice on a comparable 400h is $44,199, so if you factor in the tax credit it is essentially a wash. The only "issue" is that purchasing a 400h today will be a 2006 model while the 350s are 2007 models, but this is not a huge deal to me as I plan to keep the car for many years.

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like the 400h is the front-runner once again. On a side not, can anyone recommend a Lexus dealer in the Bay Area?

Jimbo

 

I am often asked how many hours a day does the RX400h have to be plugged in to be recharged?

 

Zero! That is the difference between an electric car and a hybrid. I have gotten the question a couple of times and being an engineer, I tried to explain the technology. When the the person asked the question rolled their eyes, I resorted to: "None - it recharges itself".
Steve

 

heh same here...when i first got my prius...lol

 

Great, welcome to Clublexus.

 

The title says it all. If you are buying a Lexus Hybrid, it's not for the fuel savings or the economy (at least it wasn't for me). I wanted the higher horsepower of the hybrid, I liked the idea of being a little eco friendly with my car (don't laugh), and I liked the idea of driving a vehicle with hybrid technology. It's the same with the fuel. I am not going to worry about 20 cents/gallon if I pay $50K for a car.

Remember how many people refer to the Lexus - LUV - Luxury Utility Vehicle.

 

Gee, I guess I can stop pluging my 400H in at night!!!!!

 

It's so funny how people squabble about a 3-5k premium between the 350 and 400h. This is a high end luxury car. You're already forking out consider $$$ to drive the vehicle - so honestly, why is 3-5k such a big deal?!

PS: I'm new to this thread and I've only owned my 400h for a day and a half so be nice!!

 

No way is the honeymoon over! I have had my RX400h for 2 weeks, I commute 110 miles a day from Central NJ to NYC. MPG has been steadily increasing and is now about 26MPG. Now considering this is a luxury SUV I got it for that reason, it is slightly "Greener" than a regular old $50k SUV but for me in NJ as a daily commuter up the turnpike, I get to use the HOV lane as a sigle occupant vehicle because I am in a hybrid. I paid a premium for what effectively amounts to a more environmentally friendly luxury SUV with better MPG than a comparable BMW, MB etc that gives me access to a private express lane during rush hour.

My one complaint is that the the radio is horrible . In a $50k Luxury vehicle there should never be a cassette deck and if there is you had also better be supporting WMA/MP3 and be satellite ready , the RX400h has neither.

 

Check the list for Hybrid cars allowed to use HOV, Don't think the RX400 is on the llist, here in NY I checked and the prius is, RX400 is not.


QUOTE=flounderxl]No way is the honeymoon over! I have had my RX400h for 2 weeks, I commute 110 miles a day from Central NJ to NYC. MPG has been steadily increasing and is now about 26MPG. Now considering this is a luxury SUV I got it for that reason, it is slightly "Greener" than a regular old $50k SUV but for me in NJ as a daily commuter up the turnpike, I get to use the HOV lane as a sigle occupant vehicle because I am in a hybrid. I paid a premium for what effectively amounts to a more environmentally friendly luxury SUV with better MPG than a comparable BMW, MB etc that gives me access to a private express lane during rush hour.

My one complaint is that the the radio is horrible . In a $50k Luxury vehicle there should never be a cassette deck and if there is you had also better be supporting WMA/MP3 and be satellite ready , the RX400h has neither.[/QUOTE]

 

I got mine at the Pleasanton Automall - they didn't try to screw me with a deposit or required "options" (useless fabric spray, etc.) so that's how I choose them.

 

That's what I like abouot Lexus dealers. I have never seen the "dealer required options" on any Lexus, and asking for a $1,000 depost on a $50,000 vehicle is not an unreasonable request.