I can afford either, but only if the 450h has more miles, is older, or costs about 4,000 more. Is the hybrid really worth it? Anyone go with that and regret it? Or get the 350 and then realize the 450h is better?

Either would have to have AWD and the mouse.

Looking to spend around $25-28k and buy used so 2010-2013 models most likely.

 

Hybrid has a more advanced and luxurious drivetrain. You get better performance and better mileage at the same time. That's a no-compromise win-win. No regrets getting the 450h. If it wasn't for the 450h availability, I would not have purchased an RX.
As far as AWD, both are a sub-par choice. Look elsewhere if this is your top priority (e.g. Subaru, Toyota 4Runner Limited, Audi). RX350 does not have a center differential, while RX450h is limited in the power it can provide to the rear wheels.

 

At 21 combined mpg for the RX350 vs 30 combined mpg for the 450h, assuming gas is $3 per gallon you would have to drive about 100,000 miles to make up that $4,000 difference in purchase price with gas savings. If gas stays cheaper, like it is right now, then the mileage needed to break even is higher. That is not even taking into account that for the 350 you can use regular gas but the 450 requires premium, or counting the opportunity cost of what you could have used that $4k for in the meantime, or what interest you pay on it.

Up to you to decide if you want a hybrid, but if you are doing it for gas cost savings it is not really worth it.

 

ok, then im confused as to what the transfer case is all about under there then?

 

It's an on and off coupling. Works like a clutch. That's why it has to disengage during turning and is not suitable for driving at speed.

 

No regrets on our 350. I've had the 450h as a loaner car a couple of times and each time I do, it seems to reconfirm that I prefer the 350 over the 450h. You should try both and then decide as they are both very good choices but have some very noticeable differences.

 

How do you like your "R"s? Most traditionalist auto journalists will always invariably mark down a negative on their hybrid reviews for it's "R" qualities, where do you stand?

350 accel from start: rrrrRRRR, rrrrRRRR, rrrrRRRR, rrrrRRRR, rrrrRRRRrrrr, rrrrrr,rrrr,rrrrr

450 accel from start: rrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

450 Start Potential Hesitation: ?rrRRRRRRRR

350 Downshift Potential Hesitation: rrrrrr?r?r, RRRRRR, rrrrrrrrrr

350 Stoplight: rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

450 Stoplight:

350 Engine Start: *#&%!rrrrrrrrrrr

450 Engine Start: ?rrrrrrrrrr

350 Purchase: rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

350 Gas Pump: RRRRRRRRRR

450 Purchase: RRRRRRRRRR

450 Gas Pump: r r r

 

LOL Andy!

No regrets whatsoever. I was all set to pick up the 350 when the 3RX came out. Test drove one with the sport package. Then I took the 450h out for kicks. That along with features not available on the 350 (VDIM, LED headlights) and more HP sealed the deal for me. There were other benefits I discovered later on like lower maintenance costs. I'm still on the original battery and brakes. Sure, the 450h has better mileage too but it was not the main reason I chose it over the 350. The best thing for you to do is take a few out for drive and see what appeals to you the most. They both have great things to offer. Good luck in your search.

 

I regret not getting the 450h. Wasting gas in stop and go traffic and seeing 16-17MPG numbers is painful even if the break-even for the hybrid is much later. I also feel a little guilty driving a heavy SUV as my daily commuter...hybrid would help with that.

I will probably be putting in a special order for the new 450h soon.

 

Andy, that is the most technical comparison of the two I have ever seen!

 

Andy, you are speaking our language, RRRRRRRRRRR

2015 RX450h

 

Have the second generation hybrid battery's been a problem as far as replacement goes? I remembered when hybrids first came out a lot of people said "Don't worry about replacement the cost of batteries is going to drop by the time they need replacement"

 

Anita above is referring to the 12V battery. Same cost as any other vehicle out there.

Toyota Hybrid batteries will last the lifetime of the vehicle. That's why they're not Li-Ion, but Ni-Mh chemistry, made to last through constant charging/discharging cycles. In fact, they have a very narrow charge range they're allowed to operate in. There is no full discharge or complete charge. But all of it is transparent to its owner.

 

Nobody buys a Lexus hybrid to actually save money on gas. We just liked the idea of saving gas while enjoying all the other benefits of owning a Lexus.

If we really cared about saving money on gas, we'd buy a Prius .

Do you go on a diet to lose weight, just so that you can save money on food?

 

No regrets buying a 450h over the 350. I love running on electric power at low speed. Sneaking up to people is fun

But in your case, I would have to really think about it. $4k is a lot of money, but I'm sure if you keep on looking you might find one not too far off from the 350's price. Definitely go with the 2013 model if you can. The refresh makes you feel less guilty about spending that kind of money on an 'old' car.