2008 400H - how long to keep?

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Dec 10, 2014 | 10:39 AM

deftones

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From: TX

2008 400H - how long to keep?

Hi all, I'm new to posting, but I've reading various threads over the years.

We bought our first Lexus in 2012, a CPO 2008 RX 400H, and we love everything about it. Unfortunately, the extended warranty is expiring at the end of August, and it has me wondering, how long does it make sense to keep a hybrid? We financed over 5 years so we'll still owe $10k or so on it by the time the warranty expires.

My parents philosophy was always to keep a car until 3-4 years after it was paid off; however, they typically bought Chevys and Fords wich would have mechanical issues long before I suspect a Lexus will. However, the hybrid technology plays an interest part, so I'm curious as to anyone's perspective on how long to keep the vehicle before potentially trading in for something newer.

I browsed a few Kelly Blue Book values, and it doesn't appear the car will significantly depreciate in the next few years. We have 80k miles right now, and I suspect we will have 110k when the car is paid off.

Dec 10, 2014 | 09:15 PM

maseace

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From: WA

Keep it as long as possible - it's a great vehicle and will last a long time. The longer you keep it, the more money you will save over buying a new car, especially if you maintain it yourself. Personally I think warranties are overrated (especially extended warranties), and I don't understand why so many people trade in a car just because the warranty expired when it's still working perfectly. I use that to my advantage to get good deals on used cars, and sell my cars privately to get the best price.

Dec 10, 2014 | 11:39 PM

jakenbake

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From: Arizona

If you want to save money then follow my dad's philosophy...Keep the car until the repair costs more than the car is worth. But with this car, it will be quite a while.

Dec 11, 2014 | 06:31 AM

alex1372

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From: IL

I have 2008 Rx400h that I bought in Feb. of 2012. It had 58K miles on it and just recently it rolled over 100K. Even though my extended warranty already expired i plan to keep it for at least couple of more years - it's paid off so every month i save up money on potential repairs but to date i did not have any issues and i hope to keep it this way

I am absolutely in love with my Lexi - there is no other luxury SUV that gets such a great mileage at this price range

Dec 11, 2014 | 06:55 AM

thomas1

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From: Sacramento, California

I too bought a 2008 with 87k miles. I now have 153k miles..Still owe on it but am planning to drive to 250k miles.Time will tell. It needs rear shocks, and possible front control arms, but other than that it is good to go. I had to replace the radiator this fall, (cracked in plastic tank). Wheel bearings also can be issues at this mileage. Love the car though, so much better except for leather seats than my Old RX300.

Dec 11, 2014 | 08:30 AM

takeshi74

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftones

However, the hybrid technology plays an interest part, so I'm curious as to anyone's perspective on how long to keep the vehicle before potentially trading in for something newer.

I don't see any difference whether it's hybrid or not. We keep vehicles until it's no longer financially feasible to repair/maintain or a newer vehicle is desired and financially feasible. We generally don't consider the warranty as a deciding factor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftones

However, the hybrid technology plays an interest part.

IIRC the hybrid component warranty is 10 years/100K.

Last edited by takeshi74; Dec 11, 2014 at 08:36 AM.

Dec 11, 2014 | 09:40 AM

maximizese

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: ca

I bought my wife's 07 Rx400h with 80K miles in January 2012. At 115K miles, we had the timing belt, tensioners, radiator, water pump, and CVT fluid changed at my indy for $700. I completely forgot to ask to change the spark plugs (never had to think about spark plugs when own a turbodiesel), but I'll keep rolling and swap them at 200K, if it throws a code, or if performance declines. Other than all the maintenance work that was done, the only I suspect I'll be replacing suspension bushings during the next 100K miles. It's a Toyota and is generally easy and inexpensive to maintain. Unless the next gen RX hybrid is a huge improvement, we will keep our 07 until it no longer runs. We paid 60% less than original MSRP and we're fine driving this car into the ground.