I have a Lexus RX330 with 197000km (~123000 miles) on the clock and I am thinking that the car has to go, as bills will only get higher from here.

I have found a 2008 Lexus RX400h for $24K that has travelled 129000km (80000 miles) on the clock and it's in good condition. I also found a 2006 Lexus RX330 with 109000km (67000) for the same price.

As I have never owned a Hybrid before, I guess it's a fear of the unknown (like any car), and what the battery is like. The main thing that concerns me if the inverter stuffed up, that's going to be a big bill to pay (and also breaking down in the middle of somewhere). In seeing that I can always get a petrol only car that if something blew up there, would cost me the same amount of money.

Is it worth buying the RX400h even though it's got 20000km more than the RX? The H is a newer car and fuel economy wise (given some of the stop/start traffic I drive) would come in handy. The H also looks better than any RX externally (haven't seen the 06 330 yet so can't compare interior).

What are peoples thoughts on this? From a features point of view they are the same. Is it worth the extra 20000 km's?

Am I stressing too much about the battery and longevity? I know that in either car the timing belt / water pump will need to be done.

 

I bought my RX400h at 87k miles...Have never looked back. It is so much nicer than my old RX300. I changed timing belt and waterpump as well as idlers at 99k....I changed the CVT transmission fluid, on both drives axles, (simple drain and fill) and now have 139k miles. Love the car, the mileage has been a plus. (30%better than the old RX). Still need to do spark plugs, but o well, so far fine. As for the hybrid battery I am going on the reliability of the Prius. There are recalls on the Hybrid inverter IPM board. I have lost a coolant pump for the hybrid system, but other than that a great vehicle. The Power is incredible. Feels like a V8 in this vehicle. Smooth, silent and stealthy....

 

hi Thomas & All,
i was in same situation before was looking for the Rx400, but due to the budget allowance got the rx330 instead. it' at 120000km, it' consume about 13.6 -14.5L/100 combine, i haven't done any service yet, just got about two weeks ago. just wondering about the H, as it mention about 8.1L/100km, did any one get around as it claimed or better?

 

Well i found from Lexus that the battery only (given that the rest of the car is not anymore) will be covered for another 2 years basically (November 2016), so that gives me a little piece of mind for the next couple of years. I should know whether or not I will have a hybrid RX by tomorrow evening, given everything goes well with the inspection.

 

The hybrid system warranty covers more than just the hybrid battery. The hybrid warranty is 96 month/100,000 miles from date of first purchase.