RX350 to RX450h?
09-29-17, 03:16 AM
#16
Pole Position
After reading some of these post, we must have strange hybrids because our transmission's could not shift any smoother.
09-29-17, 05:13 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
09-29-17, 03:27 PM
#18
I assume by now you CVT skeptics realize that the CVT in the 450h does NOT use a belt, so it's not physically a "CVT" in the traditional sense. Instead, it is nothing more than a planetary gearset with two inputs and one output. One input goes to the ICE, one goes to a powerful Motor/Generator, and the output goes to the tires. A smart computer controls everything. On acceleration the computer turns on the ICE and spins the MG appropriately to put the ICE at the proper rpm for the amount of power desired by the accelerator pedal. Hundreds of times a second the computer adjusts the MG spin, even shutting the ICE off if not needed. Brilliant. And no "belts" to wear out.
When I bought my 2010 RX450h a year ago I was curious but a bit hesitant about the CVT (actually called an eCVT due to its very different design). Now I think it's wonderful and regard a conventional shifting transmission as a flawed and dated design.
When I bought my 2010 RX450h a year ago I was curious but a bit hesitant about the CVT (actually called an eCVT due to its very different design). Now I think it's wonderful and regard a conventional shifting transmission as a flawed and dated design.
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ggebhardt (09-30-17)
09-29-17, 05:11 PM
#19
Recently purchased a 2017 RX350 with a build date of 8-17. The power train is very smooth without any of the hesitation or other issues reported by some here. Love the car so far. Although I understand the attraction of the RX450h (and considered purchasing one), it is specified for premium gas while the RX350 is specified for regular for which there is a $0.70/gal price spread in this area. With that difference in fuel costs one will never, ever pay for the extra expenditure for the hybrid. The fuel costs per year will be virtually identical. I my case I saw no need for the extra complexity and weight. In my view, both are great SUVs but I would suggest that one consider all of the factors before purchase.
Last edited by Koetsu; 09-29-17 at 08:38 PM.
09-30-17, 03:41 AM
#21
Pole Position
Recently purchased a 2017 RX350 with a build date of 8-17. The power train is very smooth without any of the hesitation or other issues reported by some here. Love the car so far. Although I understand the attraction of the RX450h (and considered purchasing one), it is specified for premium gas while the RX350 is specified for regular for which there is a $0.70/gal price spread in this area. With that difference in fuel costs one will never, ever pay for the extra expenditure for the hybrid. The fuel costs per year will be virtually identical. I my case I saw no need for the extra complexity and weight. In my view, both are great SUVs but I would suggest that one consider all of the factors before purchase.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/premi...egular-0#myth4
From the USA Today:
The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders. "You're driving along and just tramp the gas and the knock sensor cannot sense the knock fast enough in some cases," because the supercharger boosts pressure so fast, says Bob Furey, chemist and fuels specialist at General Motors.
Burning regular when the owner's manual specifies premium won't void the warranty, nor damage the engine, even the most finicky automakers say. "You're giving up perhaps just a little bit of performance that a customer wouldn't really even notice, it's so slight," says Furey.
09-30-17, 07:25 AM
#22
Lexus Test Driver
Recently purchased a 2017 RX350 with a build date of 8-17. The power train is very smooth without any of the hesitation or other issues reported by some here. Love the car so far. Although I understand the attraction of the RX450h (and considered purchasing one), it is specified for premium gas while the RX350 is specified for regular for which there is a $0.70/gal price spread in this area. With that difference in fuel costs one will never, ever pay for the extra expenditure for the hybrid. The fuel costs per year will be virtually identical. I my case I saw no need for the extra complexity and weight. In my view, both are great SUVs but I would suggest that one consider all of the factors before purchase.
09-30-17, 08:03 AM
#23
I have used regular 87 octane in our vehicles that have required premium for over one million miles. Have noticed no difference in gas mileage, performance and not had one problem. The difference in my area is also about $.070. Entertaining to read the difference of opinions about the gas grades. Others will insist on much better performance, gas mileage and one posted their transmission even shifted smoother with the higher octane gas. I always revert back to two MIT graduates that are car mechanics who had a syndicated radio show called Car Talk for 35 years.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/premi...egular-0#myth4
From the USA Today:
The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders. "You're driving along and just tramp the gas and the knock sensor cannot sense the knock fast enough in some cases," because the supercharger boosts pressure so fast, says Bob Furey, chemist and fuels specialist at General Motors.
Burning regular when the owner's manual specifies premium won't void the warranty, nor damage the engine, even the most finicky automakers say. "You're giving up perhaps just a little bit of performance that a customer wouldn't really even notice, it's so slight," says Furey.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/premi...egular-0#myth4
From the USA Today:
The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders. "You're driving along and just tramp the gas and the knock sensor cannot sense the knock fast enough in some cases," because the supercharger boosts pressure so fast, says Bob Furey, chemist and fuels specialist at General Motors.
Burning regular when the owner's manual specifies premium won't void the warranty, nor damage the engine, even the most finicky automakers say. "You're giving up perhaps just a little bit of performance that a customer wouldn't really even notice, it's so slight," says Furey.
While they specify 87 octane for many of their vehicles, Lexus has always specified 91 octane for the RX450h. I assume there is a valid reason for this. I'd like to know what it is. In the case of my 2011 RX350 (back when I owned it), it ran on 87 octane fuel fine, but a bump up to premium did make the car more lively.
Both the RX350 and F-Sport I test drove were smooth, quiet, and competent, as is the one I purchased. The mid-range kick of the RX450h is fun, but it is no faster from 0-60. I can see the mpg advantage for the hybrid if one faces a lot of stop and go traffic. However, in my circumstances this is not a significant issue. I have made two longer distance trips already and obtained over 28 mpg. Not bad. Aside from the bit better mileage and, possibly, a few more points at cocktail parties, I find it pretty hard to justify economically or technologically the choice of a RX450h over a RX350 in the States.
In either case, they are fine SUVs and should give their drivers many years of happy miles.
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ggebhardt (09-30-17)
09-30-17, 08:13 AM
#24
Pole Position
You are giving up maybe 2hp and saving 70 cents a gallon. I have used BP regular in both my 450h and my LX570 and they all run great!
09-30-17, 09:58 AM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Well, two things I guess ...
While they specify 87 octane for many of their vehicles, Lexus has always specified 91 octane for the RX450h. I assume there is a valid reason for this. I'd like to know what it is. In the case of my 2011 RX350 (back when I owned it), it ran on 87 octane fuel fine, but a bump up to premium did make the car more lively.
Both the RX350 and F-Sport I test drove were smooth, quiet, and competent, as is the one I purchased. The mid-range kick of the RX450h is fun, but it is no faster from 0-60. I can see the mpg advantage for the hybrid if one faces a lot of stop and go traffic. However, in my circumstances this is not a significant issue. I have made two longer distance trips already and obtained over 28 mpg. Not bad. Aside from the bit better mileage and, possibly, a few more points at cocktail parties, I find it pretty hard to justify economically or technologically the choice of a RX450h over a RX350 in the States.
In either case, they are fine SUVs and should give their drivers many years of happy miles.
While they specify 87 octane for many of their vehicles, Lexus has always specified 91 octane for the RX450h. I assume there is a valid reason for this. I'd like to know what it is. In the case of my 2011 RX350 (back when I owned it), it ran on 87 octane fuel fine, but a bump up to premium did make the car more lively.
Both the RX350 and F-Sport I test drove were smooth, quiet, and competent, as is the one I purchased. The mid-range kick of the RX450h is fun, but it is no faster from 0-60. I can see the mpg advantage for the hybrid if one faces a lot of stop and go traffic. However, in my circumstances this is not a significant issue. I have made two longer distance trips already and obtained over 28 mpg. Not bad. Aside from the bit better mileage and, possibly, a few more points at cocktail parties, I find it pretty hard to justify economically or technologically the choice of a RX450h over a RX350 in the States.
In either case, they are fine SUVs and should give their drivers many years of happy miles.
10-02-17, 04:38 AM
#26
depending on how you option a 350 vs 450, the price can be very close to each other, the 450 comes stock with many options for the 350.
still on the fence, between the 450, 350, or another make. there is only 1 dealer with 2 locations in my area, thats concerning for the service side of things,
the vibration in the 350 i felt, i would not purchase, it was 1 out of 3 gas ones that i felt it, was very noticeable to my wife and i, the 450 i drove was just to get a feel, didn't care about options, things like that. it was not the premium (?) nicer seats, things like that, and sounded noisier than, not sure if the glass is all the same, or seals, something was different. the 350 were all the top ones.
still on the fence, between the 450, 350, or another make. there is only 1 dealer with 2 locations in my area, thats concerning for the service side of things,
the vibration in the 350 i felt, i would not purchase, it was 1 out of 3 gas ones that i felt it, was very noticeable to my wife and i, the 450 i drove was just to get a feel, didn't care about options, things like that. it was not the premium (?) nicer seats, things like that, and sounded noisier than, not sure if the glass is all the same, or seals, something was different. the 350 were all the top ones.
10-03-17, 10:19 AM
#27
depending on how you option a 350 vs 450, the price can be very close to each other, the 450 comes stock with many options for the 350.
still on the fence, between the 450, 350, or another make. there is only 1 dealer with 2 locations in my area, thats concerning for the service side of things,
the vibration in the 350 i felt, i would not purchase, it was 1 out of 3 gas ones that i felt it, was very noticeable to my wife and i, the 450 i drove was just to get a feel, didn't care about options, things like that. it was not the premium (?) nicer seats, things like that, and sounded noisier than, not sure if the glass is all the same, or seals, something was different. the 350 were all the top ones.
still on the fence, between the 450, 350, or another make. there is only 1 dealer with 2 locations in my area, thats concerning for the service side of things,
the vibration in the 350 i felt, i would not purchase, it was 1 out of 3 gas ones that i felt it, was very noticeable to my wife and i, the 450 i drove was just to get a feel, didn't care about options, things like that. it was not the premium (?) nicer seats, things like that, and sounded noisier than, not sure if the glass is all the same, or seals, something was different. the 350 were all the top ones.
Happy motoring.
10-03-17, 10:49 AM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
To keep things as close to possible ... apples vs. apples ... with the equipment nearly identical it takes at this time at the end of the model year about $3000 - $3500 more to purchase the hybrid. Almost impossible to recuperate and about when one might, the batteries have to be replaced. I just went through this exercise in detail, so I feel that am on firm ground about this. As for the noise this and noise that, I have now driven enough 2017 RXs of various configurations to be pretty dubious. Sorry, guys. I have yet to come across anything whatsoever out of place with my sample of the RX350.
Happy motoring.
Happy motoring.
10-03-17, 11:42 AM
#29
To keep things as close to possible ... apples vs. apples ... with the equipment nearly identical it takes at this time at the end of the model year about $3000 - $3500 more to purchase the hybrid. Almost impossible to recuperate and about when one might, the batteries have to be replaced. I just went through this exercise in detail, so I feel that am on firm ground about this. As for the noise this and noise that, I have now driven enough 2017 RXs of various configurations to be pretty dubious. Sorry, guys. I have yet to come across anything whatsoever out of place with my sample of the RX350.
Happy motoring.
Happy motoring.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...rt-2-cost.html
The batteries will easily go over 10 years. Hybrid system is warrantied under 8 years.
Most people are not buying the hybrid for cost savings though:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-worth-it.html
10-03-17, 11:55 AM
#30
Lexus Test Driver
I disagree - after doing the detail calculations I switched from a 3RX 350 to 4RX 450h. The true MSRP cost difference for a loaded model is $2,670 and the hybrid breaks even at 92K miles even with a 41c/gal gas premium. Check out these two threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...rt-2-cost.html
The batteries will easily go over 10 years. Hybrid system is warrantied under 8 years.
Most people are not buying the hybrid for cost savings though:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-worth-it.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...rt-2-cost.html
The batteries will easily go over 10 years. Hybrid system is warrantied under 8 years.
Most people are not buying the hybrid for cost savings though:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-worth-it.html