pdxamg

I've been a lifetime Saab owner but am ready to throw in the towel and make a switch. First, I'd like to start driving a hybrid and I like the idea of having more space for my family - so an SUV is appealing. Second, I'm tired of dealing with the local Saab mechanics. There is only one dealer left (we stopped using them a few years ago), and the shop we take our saab to now is not convenient, very professional, or affordable.

I have a couple of concerns about buying a Lexus -
(1) am I going to run in to similar mechanic / dealership issues?
(2) will it be more expensive to service than a saab?
(3) how regularly can I expect to be in the shop with a vehicle that has about 50,000 miles on it? am I just asking for trouble? does the hybrid technology make the car more expensive to service?

thanks in advance for any advice!

thomas1

1 dealerships are a hit and miss, you can use toyota as well as lexus dealerships.
2. Seems to me if you use toyota, it will probably be same as most autos, just stay with these forums to learn how to not be ripped off....Lots of good folks with clues to problems before you go in the stealerships...
3 The RX400h has a incredibably good track record...with 50k miles you still have 50k warranty on the hybrid systems...
I just got mine and love it. Lots of technology, fuel economy is better than my old RX300. Hopefully you would have a trouble free vehicle...look at maintenance schedule for the car you are going after. At 50k I would have the transmission fluid changed, it is real easy but requires Toyota Type WS. Also see if there is any record of the 12volt car battery having been changed.
other than that they seem like great vehicles...PS my RX300 had 188k miles when I sold it...

Do some bargaining...You should be able to get that vehicle for under $25k. I bought mine at CARMAX...after the Lexus Dealership would not be reasonable, saved $6k and got a 400h that was a year newer 2008 versus 2007

rcy

I love my RX400h, but will admit that I've had a few LARGE problems that would have been very expensive, were they not covered by the hybrid warrant, and more recently my ECP (Extended Care Plan) (which is an extended warranty bought with the vehicle).

Otherwise, the fuel economy is outstanding for a big 4400lb vehicle. (or is it 4200lbs..I forget), and the utility is great for me, especially with my son and I snowboarding in the winter, my daughter skiing, two chocolate labs, camping etc etc.

Kendig

Note there are a couple of differences between a 2006 and a 2007-8 that may (or may not) matter to you.

2007-8 have a true tire pressure sensor system, while 2006 relies on a computer calculating differences in tire rotation speeds.

2007-8 with nav have a gen5 system, generally regarded as having a better display than 2006's gen4. That's not necessarily an advantage as you can buy a far better TomTom with lifetime maps and traffic for less than one map update for an in-dash system.

rcy

There is no TPMS system at all on the 2006 RX400h. Also, there is not way to turn of the VDIM system (skid control, traction control) on the 2006. I 'think' later years had an off switch.

The GEN5 NAV system definitely looks better.

SLegacy99

Haven't had any problems with our 400h. However, at 80k miles routine maintenance is becoming more expensive...but I guess that is any car...especially a luxury car.

corradoMR2

RCY - I'm in the GTA and considering buying an 06-07 400h with ~110k km. What type of LARGE problems did you have?

rcy

New inverter at ~125000km (covered under 8 year, 160000km hybrid warranty) $7000 part plus labour. Was leaking coolant. While it's not an epidemic, I know of several inverter failures. Mine didn't fail, but probably would have as leaks tend to get worse, not better - liquid and 650volts

New transmission (or transaxle as Lexus calls it) at 155000km (covered under 6 year, 180000km Extra Care Protection (Lexus extended warranty). $4500 part plus labour. Was also leaking coolant (the coolant is used to cool the inverter and the electric motors in the transaxle).

Just search for my posts and see the fancy pictures and edge of your seat stories. Really, the pictures are nice.

corradoMR2

Thanks rcy. I'll catch up to your posts.

You say know of several inverter failures (including yours)? And your CVT tranny failed as well? Are these relatively common problems with the 400h? Are they more common to a certain climate (i.e. colder climates more prone?)

Finally, when is the timing belt/12V battery usually changed? Hmm, not getting the warm and fuzzy feeling I thought I had.

rcy

My inverter and my tranny never failed - they were just leaking coolant. Would they have failed eventually? Who knows...probably, as I don't know of many leaks that get better with time/mileage.

Don't lose that warm, fuzzy feeling - I still love my RX and the fuel economy is fantastic for a medium to large SUV. I'd buy a 3rd gen RX450h in a heartbeat if I had the cash.

As with most things in life, your experience may vary. There are many RX400h owner's here that have not had a single hiccup with their vehicles. Inverter failures are out there, but it's not an epidemic. The Lexus dealership I used told me they had never replaced the CVT in an RX400h before if that makes you feel better...lol. My vehicle is an early production model (May 2005 in service date - low VIN number) which may have something to do with it as well.

I would suggest, however, that you buy some sort of extended warranty and be sure it covers ALL components.

thomas1

timing belt is still due at 90k miles...I am planning to do mine and will show pictures....

LexFather

We are the 2nd owner of a 2006 CPO RX 400h and have no issues. Probably will take it in for the brake noise TSB but thats no biggie. Whats important is that its my wife's car, her first hybrid and her first Lexus and she absolutely loves her RXh.

We are averaging 26 MPG now which is the same as her previous Altima which had nowhere near the luxury or tech.

The hybrid tech needs no additional maintenance. You drive it like a normal car and it gets serviced like a normal car. The only thing I've read is maybe low coolant for the battery tech but that is also no biggie.

Sorry to hear about that members problems but it is the exception, not the norm.

We also have a GS 450h and it has no issues in regards to the hybrid tech. So far my mothers HS 250h has no issues to report either.

We also have a close family member and friend who bought a 400h b/c of our experience. They have no issues to report.

prowler97

Since it is a 2006 RX400h make sure you have the Idle Speed Control (ISC) reset. There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). If you do not have this done you will most likely have poor gas mileage.

corradoMR2

Thanks rcy, thomas1, 1sicklex, and prowler97, for the good feedback. Because of that, I'm back in the hunt for a 400h, especially after yet another jump at the pumps today (as prices are insane). Btw, it would be to trade an 09 Venza V6 which is a good vehicle and pretty decent on fuel for its size (about 21 MPG mixed), but miss the smoother quieter ride and better fit and finish of the RX (I had an '04 RX330 Sport Package with the adjustable air suspension which I regret having sold). Will keep you posted.

rcy

I like the Venza. How about a straight trade..lol. I have a new tranny and newish inverter....