johnsrx300

I'd like to ask those who keep their cars for several years (8+), how is the battery on the RX hybrids after several years? What are replacement costs like? Has anyone owned an RX hybrid long-term and replaced the battery? What have your experiences been as your RX hybrid has aged?

We own a 2002 RX300 (which is still a great car after all this time) and are in the market for a new RX, and thinking about a hybrid.

Thanks everyone!

kitlz

Welcome to CL, johnsrx300. The 450h has been out since May 2009 so you might want to check the second gen RX hybrid forum for 8+ year results. Also I assume you're talking about the hybrid and not the 12V battery. I've had my RXh for 4+ years and there's been no problems with either one. Then again I only have 31k on the odometer.

I'd definitely recommend getting the 450h. Another member here (Cruiter) made the jump from an RX300 to the RX450h and couldn't be happier. FYI, the fourth gen RX will probably be out late next year for 2016 MY. So 2015 is going to be the last year of the current third gen RX. Plus the NX300h is coming out later this year. Here is more information on it.

markrivers

I have an RX 350, used to have a 2011 TOYOTA prius Four ( 122,000 miles) and my brother STILL owns a 2005 Toyota Prius.

Since we're talking about Toyota Hybrid System, which shares the same NiMH battery with an RX 450h. i think my experience CAN give you some ideas.

FIRST, It's quite RARE for a Prius to need battery replacement, unless you purposely deplete it to the ground. Recommendation is to keep the battery at least half charge ALWAYS. So nothing to worry there AND The battery's warranty is 100,000 miles/ 8 years.

So, my brother's 2005 Prius NIMH battery failed at 110,000 miles after more than 8 years of ownership. Symptoms were decrease in mpgs and inability to charge.
Toyota is asking $4000 to change the battery.
He decided to go after market and bought a reconditioned NiMH battery forv$1,500 installed.
And the car has been running fine since then.

Now, my 2011 Toyota Prius ( purchased in 2010) battery is as good as the first day we bought the car. I drive a lot more than my brother, hence the 122,000 miles in a a span of 3 1/2 years.
I have never encountered any problems with the hybrid system in my short time of ownership.

Hope this helps in your decision making.

PCW

I owned a 2006 Rx400h for 8 years prior to buying a new Rx450h and had zero battery problems.

litzdog911

Our 2006 RX400h just passed 130,000 miles on its original batteries. No issues. We're about to buy a new RX450h and pass the 2006 to our daughter.

Cruiter

Thanks for that info. Are you like most (h) drivers and still on your original front pads? I know most go well over 100k on them. Same on Prius.

litzdog911

Close. I had to replace front brake pads at 120,000 miles. Rear's are still original.