Keep '08 RX400h or Upgrade?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: TX
Keep '08 RX400h or Upgrade?
Background: 2008 RX400h with 69k miles recent services include: 60k service, oil change and inverter recall.
Two nights ago while driving on the highway, the "Check VSC System" message came on with others lights like "Brake" and "!" but no Check Engine. I took it to Sewell Lexus in Dallas the next morning and dropped it off. They did diagnostics and called me that evening saying the car is leaking and the part needed is the $2500 ABS Actuator (not including labor). He said it could cost more if they "take apart the car" but for now they just reset, drove the car for 10 miles and so far appears "fine".
I googled and found that some have had similar (and worse) issues. Maybe I got scared by the internet but I'm feeling I should upgrade instead of keep the RX.
What are your thoughts?
Two nights ago while driving on the highway, the "Check VSC System" message came on with others lights like "Brake" and "!" but no Check Engine. I took it to Sewell Lexus in Dallas the next morning and dropped it off. They did diagnostics and called me that evening saying the car is leaking and the part needed is the $2500 ABS Actuator (not including labor). He said it could cost more if they "take apart the car" but for now they just reset, drove the car for 10 miles and so far appears "fine".
I googled and found that some have had similar (and worse) issues. Maybe I got scared by the internet but I'm feeling I should upgrade instead of keep the RX.
What are your thoughts?
Driver
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 10
From: Prescott,Arizona
We have the same car and same mileage, I'm about to run out of the warranty in March, so I think I will be switching out the car. Really like it but no way interested in some of the costs i see for fixing these repairs when they pop up. I will buy another certified used and run it till that warranty is expired.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Driver
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 10
From: Prescott,Arizona
Well it is kind of nice that I'm able to spend my money like I want. I may keep this one as a second car, but the next one again will be a certified used with a warranty. I'm too old to play mechanic and and with the way these cars are built I'd have no idea how to even fix them.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: TX
Thanks for the input everyone.
Good point. If I were to buy, I wouldn't mind certified used.
Well it is kind of nice that I'm able to spend my money like I want. I may keep this one as a second car, but the next one again will be a certified used with a warranty. I'm too old to play mechanic and and with the way these cars are built I'd have no idea how to even fix them.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: ca
Obviously not true in all cases. My brother bought a certified used BMW X3 with 60K miles on that came with an extended warranty to 100K miles. After 3 years of owning it, he's had the replaced:
battery ($450)
alternator ($800)
AC compressor ($1,800)
axle ($1,200)
All of which was replaced under the warranty. However, I wouldn't be so concerned with buying a certified or extended warranty for a Toyota/Lexus. The designs are extremely reliable and the parts aren't nearly as expensive. I feel so strongly about this that I bought a 4 year old Rx400h with 85K miles on it. Granted I paid just under half of the original MSRP, I feel like I got a great deal. I've owned it for 3 years/20K miles and all I've changed are the tires, the oil, and a few filters, though I'm due to have the timing belt replaced.
battery ($450)
alternator ($800)
AC compressor ($1,800)
axle ($1,200)
All of which was replaced under the warranty. However, I wouldn't be so concerned with buying a certified or extended warranty for a Toyota/Lexus. The designs are extremely reliable and the parts aren't nearly as expensive. I feel so strongly about this that I bought a 4 year old Rx400h with 85K miles on it. Granted I paid just under half of the original MSRP, I feel like I got a great deal. I've owned it for 3 years/20K miles and all I've changed are the tires, the oil, and a few filters, though I'm due to have the timing belt replaced.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: CA
The brake actuator issue seems to be a common problem with the rx400h. That seems to be common along with condensation in the headlights and leaking radiators. Other than those issues the rx400h appears to be a reliable vehicle in my opinion. I'm still trying to figure out just how common the brake actuator problem really is. Is the problem related to lack of frequency in changing the brake fluid? Is it random? I'm not sure myself.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 22
From: ca
The brake actuator issue seems to be a common problem with the rx400h. That seems to be common along with condensation in the headlights and leaking radiators. Other than those issues the rx400h appears to be a reliable vehicle in my opinion. I'm still trying to figure out just how common the brake actuator problem really is. Is the problem related to lack of frequency in changing the brake fluid? Is it random? I'm not sure myself.
I just saw this in another thread and the costs the dealer wants to fix, totally made me not want to buy a used rx400...I'd like to know more about this problem
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 219
Likes: 7
From: WA
ANY new or used car could have unforeseen problems down the road. The RX400h is generally a reliable vehicle. If a problem is common enough, there will typically be a recall (safety issues) or a warranty extension, such as the headlight condensation issue some owners have had. Other minor problems get Tech Service Bulletins (TSB) which apply within warranty. The hybrid system warranty is 96 months/100,000 miles which is quite good.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: IT