nyranger74

I am extremely disappointed with my experience with the 2010 RX450h. I am even more frustrated with my service center. They are total morons. They are telling me that it is normal to be averaging 20-22 mpg whereas everyone and their mothers are averaging upper 20s low 30s. Then, I wanted to update the firmware and get the 9.1 map update. I guess thats too much of a chore for them. The techinician is telling me they couldn't update the system with the 1394 and they need to call in someone "special" to do it and it would run in the hundreds of dollars. Hes also telling me the map update is the same as the firmware update which I know is two totally different things. I know overall the car is a very good one, but unfortunately I got a bad one. I even called Lexus and they could care less. I want to get rid of the car, but of course I would lose a lot of money on it. Anybody have any suggestions???

Hal56

on the mileage--we find my wife gets 25 mpg and I get 31-has to be driving style

on the update--get your salesperson to approve the update.

Cruiter

Hal is right, the most likely culprit re: bad mileage is driving style. But of course it's always possible there may be something in the car that isn't set correctly or is malfunctioning. But you have an excellent warranty behind you.

You have to understand tho that your story re: what you dealer has told you is so far from the norm both with the mileage being normal and upgrading to 9.1 that you should run not walk (well drive ) to another dealer with your story. Explain it calmly and rationally and just ask for help.

Even if you have to go out of your way, most dealers are very helpful even if you didn't buy from them. If you're in the NY/NJ area, contact Anita who post's frequently on this forum. I'm sure she can put you in touch with her dealer service rep even if it's just for a phone counsel to get started. And they can tell you who to talk with at Lexus Corp re: an incompetent dealer.

Don't get frustrated and give up the ship. There is always another way and/or an explanation. Good luck and keep us informed if you can.

kitlz

nyranger74, I am in the same boat averaging in the low to mid 20s in mostly city driving with stops/lights. I have to go up and down hills to work - no way around it. About a week ago I switched to eco mode and so far have seen a one to two mile increase. My driving style has not changed. I make sure I put in Shell and keep the tires properly inflated.

I'm not sure why the dealer is not updating the map for you. Honestly I can't see why anyone who has purchased/leased the 450h should pay for it since there was only a three month lapse between launch of both. I'd definitely give corporate a call again and reason with them. And please provide more details about the firmware update. I keep hearing about it but nobody here has done it as far as I can tell.

It might be time to find a different dealer like Jim said. PM me if you want the name of the service advisor I have dealt with since I bought my first RX in 1998. I know the service manager too. They are located in central NJ. It might be a little far for you but it's not exactly close to me either. The drive is worth it, they're that good.

Best of luck.

Cruiter

Anita, you probably have the updated firmware. Mine was an early build and I even still have the 'sunglass' holder . But the updated firmware was necessary for the map update.

wyau01

That's a reason why I didn't get my Lexus in NYC. I don't like them(all three dealers) at all. I got my car at the same dealership as Anita's, very nice people, it's only 50 miles away from NYC, but I'll go back for all my services.

sleepysurf

Just wondering, is "1394" the latest "firmware" release, and, if so, how do we find out what firmware we currently have, and how would we know there is an update available?

I would hopethat Lexus will routinelyupdate our cars to the latest firmware at no charge.

Cruiter

If your map Version is 9.1, you have the most current map and firmware. If not and you have an early build like mine than you need both. The firmware is necessary for the 9.1 ver of the map. As far as I know, Lexus Corp has granted the update to all that asked. I'm not sure what transpired w/NYRANGER when he called. That sounded strange.

sleepysurf

Oops! Guess this is all in reference to the NAV system firmware. I thought it might have been something Non-NAV related.

Lil4cyl

I think the technician was referring to "firewire" when he said 1394. I assume he was talking about not being able to upload the update through the firewire connection.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Isn't city driving where a hybrid shines over regular engine?

kitlz

Definitely compared to my '04. I averaged 13-14 MPG on the same drive in the 330

Warm weather only started so time will tell if it improves. I switched to eco mode and already see a difference. Now if I can get into the 30s

nyranger74

Yeah, 1394 is the firewire connection. Im in Long Island and service my car at Lexus of Massapequa. I know the Jersey dealers are so much better than the ones in Long Island. I also have an X5 and the dealer is very incompetent as well. As far as my driving style goes, I try to be as conservative as possible to achieve the optimum gas mileage. My wife also drives the car and she definitely drives conservative. I think I was just sold a lemon. I knew I shouldve custom ordered the car!!

ziggy1

Wow! You have the sunglass holder. I posted in another thread asking whether the loss of the holder and lighting of the home link buttons was a function of adding the SOS etc tehcnology and from the replies that didn't seem to be the case. What is your configuration? Do you have SOS et al or whatever

kitlz

Jim (Cruiter) got his 450h before Enform came out on August builds so he has a sunglass holder.