Hi friends, I am new to forum (and to Lexus). I have test drove and evaluated some models of RX and totally in love with this brand.

Hence I am in the process of buying a mid-2006 400h, with over 80,000 miles. I need some suggestions/help/info from you Lexus owners and experts.

Manufacturer's Warranty on Battery is for 100K miles, so I still have 20K miles left. However the warranty on rest of the stuff is over.

1. Should I take extended warranty for another 36K miles by paying additional $3000. Is it really necessary or I am better off without it, considering the quality of Toyota and Lexus. The dealer told me that warranty on hybrid unit is exhausted so none of the intelligent systems etc are covered.
   
2. What are the common problems (if any) I can expect from a 3 year old Lexus RX 400h.
   
3. What is the regular maintenance cost on a hybrid car such as regular servicing (are there frequent spare part replacements needed) ?
   
4. Being in East coast, does the hybrid car gives trouble during winters (snow storms and all)
   
5. Lastly I am totally confused, should I go for a 2006 RX 330 or RX400h. Being my first venture into hybrid car, I am really apprehensive about the cost of maintenance, recurring expenditure.

KBB value of this car is put around $22K -$24K. This might sound lame, but I am also thinking is there any reason for such high depreciation of Lexus ?

 

with 80k miles, i wouldnt pay more than $22k. if the warranty doesnt cover the hybrid unit, then pass on it. and as for winters, my rx-h performed great in chicago's previous winter

 

FYI you can negotiate the extended warranty price down a grand.

 

As far as I understand it, the entire hybrid system, not just the battery is covered for 100000 miles (160000km in Canada) or 8 years. I know this because my inverter started leaking around 120 000 km or so and it was replaced under warranty, saving me $7000 plus labour. Unless the warranty is different in Canada.

 

You are correct.