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RX 400H vs RX 300

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Old 09-01-18, 09:00 AM
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knucklehed
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Question RX 400H vs RX 300

Hi looking for advice!

In general what do you guys think the better deal is. A little about me, I will be driving 40 mile highway for work 5 times a week. I need a reliable car for at least 2 years.
.
2006 RX 400H, 180,000 miles, AWD for 6800
vs
2003 Lexus RX 300, 106,000 miles, AWD for 4800

Assuming both cars are basically the same maintained (big if I know!) what do you guys think is the better deal. The gas mileage is really different 20 vs almost 30 on highway. I can only really afford to bring one to a mechanic to take a look at it. I am leaning toward the 400H.

What questions should I ask? What do you guys think is the best choice?

Thanks!
Old 09-01-18, 09:49 AM
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knucklehed
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Nevermind 400H on 4th owner who just bough it 3 months ago, LOL. Wonder why he is trying to sell it so quick.
Old 09-02-18, 06:38 AM
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thomas1
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I would not get the RX300, The RX400h is so much more refined. I have owned both, I had a 99 RX300 and now own the 2008 RX400h. Mileage on 300 is about 17-19 around town with best recorded mileage of 22 on freeway. The RX400h consistently gets 24.5 city and freeway. I have 230k miles on RX400h. If you are scared of hybrid look for a good RX330 and you should be fine. I would not get the 2004 model as that was the first year of product in the second generation of RX. I know it had some transmission issues. The RX400h is by far a superior vehicle, but you would have to deal with a 12 year old vehicle, but historically a very reliable one. Good luck
Old 09-02-18, 07:23 AM
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ukrkoz
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Don't buy that hybrid. It's problem. Changing hands too fast. Likely has hidden issue or is simply a rebuilt after hidden accident that travels through naive buyers.
DON"T BUY it. I spoke. You do as you wish.
Either way, $2000 premium plus 80 000 miles extra are another reason. You will NOT recover that in two years. Or even in 8. Takes ten years to compensate hybrid premium based om some mpg gain.
Yes, and I owned two hybrids and they are great cars.
Old 09-04-18, 08:12 AM
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danthedj
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Quite simply, neither. If you need a reliable car and have a budget of less than $7k you need to be looking for a low mileage Civic/Corolla/Camry/Accord.
Old 09-05-18, 05:17 AM
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knucklehed
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Yeah guys ended up getting a used Toyota Prius. Thanks for the replies. I will get winter tires, but worth it for the gas saving and reliability.

Old 09-06-18, 08:17 AM
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ukrkoz
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Now THAT is a WISE choice. Prii run forever. And V is actually quite a good size inside. I'd say, even more utilitarian than RX.
Congrats!
Old 09-06-18, 05:21 PM
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hcyap2005
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Originally Posted by knucklehed
Yeah guys ended up getting a used Toyota Prius. Thanks for the replies. I will get winter tires, but worth it for the gas saving and reliability.
RX400h is much better performance than Prius and of course more expensive. If someone encountered problem on RX400h and he/she cannot handle and resolve those problems, then he/she will give bad comments on RX400h. Quality and performance goes with price, and if you don't know how to maintain it, then you will said it is the worst decision to go with this price!!!

There is a story for decision making where understanding is very important. When you place a banana and gold in front of a monkey. What decision it will make?

Any how that is your choice, most important you are happy about it.
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