My 1999 RX 300 (165K) died yesterday of a broken tranny. I loved the car, but its time it went to car heaven.

There are two cars on a reputable local dealer's lot I am looking at. A 2006 RX 400H (90K) mile and a 2005 RX 330 (85K).

OK happy hybrid owners. Convince me to buy the RX 400H.

 

better mpg in city. Much better performance. Less complicated AWD. Doesn't fill the garage with fumes when pulling out/in.

 

How much better mpg?? What is the average price difference?? How is the 400 less complicated. I'm under the impression its not.

 

Read some of my latest posts. I don't have that many. I've posted a number of articles and my personal opinion on the matter in detail.

 

Personally, I don't care for the 3.3L. Not in the ES or RX 330. I tolerate it in the 400h because that is what was available at the time and coupled with front and rear electric motors and works quite well (would love to try the RX450h).

We transitioned from a '99 RX300 to an '07 400h and we have frequent discussions that the change was well worth it. The 300 was incredibly slow and we tow our boat and the occasional u-haul. The 400h does it like a champ, far better than the 300. It amazes me that you can have a 2500 lb. trailer behind you and still cruise on electric at low speeds.

Our highway mileage on the 300 was a solid 20 MPG, with 18 in the city. The 400h fluctuates, depending on A/C of course but also who drives. My mom will pull 28 MPG Hwy easily, my dad is more around 24, and my driving yields about 26. However, these numbers are based off of our frequent trips from PA to SC through the Appalachian mountain trails and with 3 adults, 2 large dogs, 2 cats, and cargo so take that for what it is worth. I've seen as high as 31 MPG Hwy.

City mileage varies. If it is cold out, a city trip for me is 26 MPG. But on a day where the temp is above 55 degrees 30 MPG is not uncommon and on truly urban trips I've average around 40 MPG many times. So yes, this car shines in the city, but highway driving can save you fuel and money too. Not to mention it is nice to run on all electric when you hit traffic. We bought this car when gas was $2.50 a gallon. When it hit $4.00 we really saved and I expect over $3.00 will soon be the norm.

We have required one repair. Our 12 Volt battery had a bad cell thus mileage suffered as the engine ran excessively in an attempt to charge it. The repair, a new 12 Volt battery, was covered by Lexus. Though even out of a warranty a 12 Volt battery will only cost you between $50 and $100. Our brakes should require replacing by now, but due to the regen. brakes, Lexus estimated that we could put another 60k miles at least on these pads.

My only true complaint about the 400h is the 3.3L engine. But in this car it gets the job done.

EPA est. fuel economy.

AWD RX 330: 16/22
AWD RX 400h: 26/24

 

RX400h is far superior! Handling is better, ride is better, acceleration is superior, and mpg is at least 1/3 better. The engine is quiet and it comes with items (especially the original ones were all equipped) that the 330 lacked. Warranty is also longer.

 

That's true, this is a very quiet vehicle.