I am interested in buying a 2007 RX 400h (maybe a certified 2006) for my wife and I have a few questions before I start shopping:

1. Is the inverter covered under the same warranty as the battery (8yrs/100k) or under the standard bumper-bumper (5yrs/50k)?

2. Any specific issues I should look out for with the 2007 models?

3. Why does the RX 400h still have a cassette player in the dash?

4. Does the 400h require premium gas? if so...why? The Highlander Hybrid (same engine) and runs on 87 gas.

5. Do all 400h's have 2nd row airbags?


Thanks for any answers you can give.

Brian
Jupiter, FL
1997 Plymouth Prowler with matching trailer
2006 Mercedes Benz C230 with 6-spd manual

 

1. Inverter is part of the hybrid system, so it's covered by the hybid warranty.

2. Mine is a 2006, but I don't imagine the 2007 changed much (nicer NAV screen is nice), but I don't know of any major problems. There was an internal Lexus service campaign to replace the electric steering rack. My 2006 was included - don't know if the 2007 was.

3. Same as the answer to life, the universe and everything - 42
(in other words, if you're not a Douglas Adams fan, who knows?)

4. Recommended, not required

5. Don't know for sure, but I would think they all do (the 330 as well), but I've been wrong before.

 

Thanks for the response. I have 2 more questions:

6. What is the realistic gas milage I can expect from a 400h AWD? 28 city & 24 highway?

7. I noticed that some Lexus 400h owners get really poor fuel economy because the battery pack may not be full functioning or hybrid system not working properly or etc. How can I ensure that the hybrid system on the 400h I buy is working properly.

 

6. It will drop somewhat drastically if you live where it gets cold. In the summer I get around 8 litres/100km of mixed highway/city (but more highway than city). In the winter it went up to around 10 litres/100km.

7. Are you talking about the ISC reset? (Idle Speed Control). The TSB regarding that was for 2006 models. I'm not sure if it applied to later models. If the battery has been disconnected or run down below 7.2 volts, the ISC motor needs to be reset. The dealer can do it, or you can do it yourself. Check the other lexus forum (www.lexusownersclub.com) in the hybrid section for a list of TSBs and how to do the ISC reset on your own.

 

We just picked up an 06 400h and love it.

In reference to the cassette, no joke it is b/c Lexus demographics are "older" and Lexus continued building them to keep them happy as they still use it.

 

off-topic but are you going to make a post on the new RX400h you got?

 

Because Toyota is notoriously behind the curve on electronic "bells & whistles." They couldn't even design in a convenient location for the 12 volt/USB connection spot on the 2010 RX. And, most owners will tell you the NAV is one of the worst OEM systems out there.

However, they are admirably AHEAD of the curve on just about everything else. There's a legit reason they acquired the description "bulletproof," current troubles notwithstanding.

 

I guess Lexus had to keep the cassette deck until they added the USB port for the iPod users. Finally!! Mine came with an extension by the way. Apparently the same is available for the power adaptor.

I haven't had an issue with NAV on my RXs. I remember being in an MB coupe a few years back. Make a wrong turn and the biyatch would tell you to turn around, not reroute like Lexus does. Now that's annoying in a car that cost $125k.

Brian, I see tons of 400hs on the road. Obviously the popularity hasn't died down. Best of luck in your search.

 

planning to get a RX for my wife - mostly city driving

should I go for 400h or stick 350? any advice?

thanks!

 

My reasons for getting a 400 over the 350 were these.
-Looks better
We love the different bumper and graphite wheels
-Better MPG
We don't expect 30 MPG but what you get Highway on the 350 will be avg for the 400h
-Quieter
Silent at lights and during startup creates 50% reduction in NVH
-Rarer
Yes its still a RX but 400h's are much rarer
-Better potential resale
Not that we are looking to sell
-Aluminum trim
Personal preference
-Better emissions
Hey why not

 

[QUOTE=prowler97;5515963]Thanks for the response. I have 2 more questions:

6. What is the realistic gas milage I can expect from a 400h AWD? 28 city & 24 highway?

My driving is mostly highway and I have been getting 26 to 27 MPG..... I was getting 24 to 25 MPG I did a long distance trip with three people and luggage enough to dip the rear down slightly and was getting 28 doing 65 MPH all day long. Vehicle is a 2006 RX400h.

 

thanks for the advice.....we'll go shopping this weekend!

 

We just got a 2008 400h. I love the 08 blue hue tinting head/tail lights and the blue lighted lexus door sills.

My wife backs in the garage so running on electrics when pulling out/in is really great. No exhaust smell.

She also drives rush hour to work and all city to get home. so the city mileage is a real plus.

So far she has run about 100 mi on 1/4 tank. Of course the guage might not be linear but she filled up last thurs and is on about 1/2 tank today. She usually runs though a tank a week on her old RX300(about 17 dismal mpg she ave with her commute)

From my side other than the above, the hybrid has better performance than the NA version and supposively gets a stiffer suspension? But the CVT tranny (less maintanance), electric motor to get AWD vs an extra driveshaft, no starter, no alternator, ac runs on a battery vs motor when stopped all add up to us choosing a Hybrid vs the na version

I couldn't justify the price diff when new but on the used market careful shopping netted us one very near the price of the RX350 of the same year/mileage.

http://www.autobase.com/cgi/showphot...3ftopic=3029.0

 

It looks like new. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

We would be enjoying it alot more if that idiot dealer would ever send us the owner's manuals. Ugh.