Thinking about the 400h ...
 

Anyone with some advice?

I currently own a 2005 RX 330, so I kind of know what I'm getting into for the most part. I don't expect SUPERB fuel economy, but anticipate 26mpg combined driving. Is this fairly reasonable? I do know a lot of it has to do with how you drive. I took an extended test drive of a 2006 model and generally was around 27mpg wherever I went (according to the computer which is always higher than actual).

Has anyone else made the jump from a 330 to a 400h? My impressions were that it was quieter (the RX 350 is as well as far as sound insulation from what I've read), felt more solid (due to a slight weight increase), and smoother (CVT vs the shaky tranny on the 330). I loved the Navigation feature w/Bluetooth in the 2007 I was shown the other day (improved over the 2006 I test drove).

Anything else I should expect or be prepared for? Any observations?

Has anyone ordered one? I am going to have to order b/c I want the aluminum trim versus the wood trim, and almost all are sent out with wood trim for 2007. I will probably order it with the Levinson sound system ... any impressions? The stock stereo in my 2005 is adequate, but I've also heard the Levinson in the RX isn't THAT much of an improvement ... especially considering how much better the Levinson is in the other Lexus makes. I'm thinking Onyx Black w/Black interior and chroming the stock rims ... my 2005 RX 330 is Onyx Black w/Light Gray interior w/chrome stock rims.

Thanks to anyone with input!

Also wanted to note ... the MSRP price difference b/t the 400h and 350 I priced out (as similarly equipped as possible) was $3600 ... the 350 having wood trim and the 400h having aluminum trim being the basic difference.

Other Navigation System
 

What other systems do you consider to be superior to generation 5 Lexus. My experience indicates: not BMW, not Mercedes. Acura has just moved to a joystick on the MDX from a touchscreeen. Also, are you referencing Mark Levinson audio in your comments?

While you are inputing a destination into your nav system, you are not paying attention to driving. Studies show that using a cell phone while driving is about the same risk as driving drunk. Inputing a location on your nav while driving is much worse. The functionality rating is stupid.
Steve

Navigation System and Audio
 

Let us exchange information and perspectives, not barbs. Regarding navigation systems, the 07 MDX has eliminated the touch screen navigation interface in favor of the rotary knob with voice input as a backup. In my opinion, this is a lot harder to use, particularly if the vehicle is in motion. I think this change makes the Lexus touchscreen nav system preferable even with the annoyance of not being able to program while driving. Anyone think differently? With respect to audio, how do you all feel about the Mark Levinson system in the 400H? It is superb in the 450H.

Now my conundrum ... should I just give in and get the 2007 RX 400h with the wood trim rather than wait 3-4 months for one without? Sure would make life a lot easier, but I'd REALLY rather have the aluminum trim.

What do you guys think is a reasonable amount to ask off of MSRP for a return customer?

I owned a 2004 RX330 that I traded on the 2006 RX400h. I am not sorry, and am in fact delighted with the 400. The tranny is smoother, the car is quieter, and the acceleration is better. I am averaging about 26mpg, so I am not too disappointed.

You won't go wrong with the RX400h, but don't expect much of a discount. I bought from the same dealer that I bought the RX330 from and got $2,000 as a repeat customer.

Good luck.

as i posted in another thread, in socal, i was able to get the black on black 07 400h for $43,000 plus tax and licensing. the MSRP was $48,306. i got it from lexus of riverside, after getting quotes using edmunds.com and cars.com
oh, almost forgot, add to that the $750 off coupon for attending taste of lexus and it's quite a deal.

Are almost all of the RX 400hs out there FWD rather than AWD??? That's a great deal nonetheless.

Thanks!

Husker

found an AWD w/ black on black @ keyes, but most the other ones are FWD.

That is the one you bought? Black/Black? Does it have the light wood or the darker wood?

I didn't want the AWD, and so i found a black on black FWD.
it came w/ the lighter wood, which kind of bugged me, didn't look "natural" but i really didn't have much of a choice, they all came with wood.

I don't like the look of the lighter wood in the black either ... they are JUST NOW starting to send them out with the darker maple wood like before. My preference would be to not get wood at all, but not sure if I want to wait 3-4 months for a special order.