I'm considering getting my wife an RX maybe next year. I like the idea of better gas mileage, but it's not so extreme where I can see it making up the $4k-$5k difference over the RX350.

So when it's all said and done, long-term...is the 400h worth the price difference over the 350?

 

Not if you have to ask. I did not purchase my RX 400h for the fuel economy benefit.

 

If you are using that analogy, then Do Not Purchase the 400h. Based on that, and that alone, fuel economy savings to offset the cost of the technology then you are not a prime candidate for this type of vehicle. You would have to appreciate all the other "priceless" benefits to more than justify the small cost premium.

Good Luck & Cheers,

MadloR

 

You shouldn't buy any hybrid car, except maybe the Toyota Prius, if your major objective is saving money on gas.

There are many other reasons to buy a hybrid, and almost no one buys a 400h to save money on gas. The 400h is optimized for improved performance not for improved economy (although you do get better mpg over the non-hybrid).

That said, note that there are other ways that hybrids equal out in terms of overall long-term costs other than gas, e.g., don't have to replace the brakes as often, fewer mechanical parts (e.g., no starter). Here's an article that covers some of the costs associated with hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles:

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/hybrid...8/article.html

 

Ahhh, so you got it for the tax advantages! Great idea.

 

No not that either. No tax savings for the 400h now. That expired last year. Love the vehicle.

 

You can still get state/local savings in many areas.

 

As others have expressed, tax breaks and gas mileage are not why we purchased the hybrid version of the RX. If you want to find out for yourself, simply test drive both versions. There's absolutely no comparison. The extra $5,000 cost is well worth it.