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Lexus RX 400h

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#14 of 2334 Detroit like the big profit margins on the big vehicles by wco81 Feb 01, 2004 (10:43 pm)
That is why they resisted CAFE, because they want to be able to keep producing bigger and bigger SUVs, which are their cash cows. Some say if it were not for SUVs, Detroit may not have made money in the last decade.   So of course they can deal with the margins on bigger cars by putting hybrid systems on an already expensive vehicle, slipping in that extra high price option. And if big truck buyers resist paying extra for a hybrid truck, they can say, "See, people don't want to pay extra."   It's easy to be harsh on Detroit, given what happened in the '70s and '80s. But with booming SUV and truck/van sales, these Detroit executives think car buyers are telling them that fuel economy and emissions is secondary to comfort and feelings of safety in a big car. Plus, most of the auto executives at the American car companies weren't around probably in the '70s and '90s when Detroit was caught surprised by American's desire for more fuel-efficient and reliable cars offered by Japanese imports.
#15 of 2334 RX400h by lok888 Feb 02, 2004 (8:39 am)
thebest2003 - Your sales rep probably want to buy the RX330 right now and tell you it will take forever to the RX400h. Of course, many try to avoid first year model. I agree with the cost of $4000 to $5000 more than the RX330. It is like price different between the Prius and Corolla or many compact sedans. But I still want to see even better gas mileage on RX400h.
#16 of 2334 Bay Area Dealer by norcal3 Feb 02, 2004 (11:53 am)
I drove a 330 yest--asked the dealer about the 400h. He said it will come out by Oct at the latest and be $3000 more than the current 330. Options, etc essentially the same. Said there are 10 deposits at his dealership for them so far. I certianly got no pressure to buy a 330 now, or to wait or whatnot.
#17 of 2334 Are people that ignorant? by mfullmer Feb 04, 2004 (10:08 am)
You have to love the lack of logic (not to mention short sightedness) of these conspiracy theories. Are people that ignorant that they'll say anything to make them feel worse about America? The auto manufacturers - Foreign & Domestic - are in business for one reason, to sell cars at the highest profit.   I think it interesting that no one blamed the European market of being "Paid off" by the oil companies. Where are their hybrid cars, hmmm?   The simple fact is people that look at large, American SUVs are not all that concerned with fuel economy/emmissions. I know I wouldn't trade in my 5.3L gasoline Tahoe for a hybrid.
#18 of 2334 Reply to the dumb post above by motownusa Feb 07, 2004 (6:41 pm)
"The simple fact is people that look at large, American SUVs are not all that concerned with fuel economy/emmissions. I know I wouldn't trade in my 5.3L gasoline Tahoe for a hybrid".   Who's asking you to anyway? But there are plenty of people who are willing to pay 45 grand for a mid size SUV that generates 270 Hp, gets 30+ mpg and at the same time do something good for the planet. If you like inhaling sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide that is up to you, but I sure wouldn't mind driving a cleaner burning car that is also powerful at the same time.
#19 of 2334 by nickg5 Feb 10, 2004 (3:50 pm)
well $45-47k is pricey but then again one pays for the Lexus reliability and marque. If one(includign myself to a certain extend) has concern about the electric motor getting a beating lease the vehicle for 3 years and turn it over. Lexus has superb cust service/customer satisfaction.   Cheers   Nick
#20 of 2334 mytythor by mytythor Feb 10, 2004 (8:53 pm)
I own a 2001 RX with Nav and love it. We also have a 2001 GS 300 with nav/levinson system and love that one too!! We had 2 ES 300s and will continue with Lexus for the service is incredible. My wife wants a 400h and I'll seriously consider it if the mileage and price are worth it. If the premium is too high and the mileage not a great improvement, then I may get a 330. A $4K premium buys a lot of fuel. Anyone care to comment? Replies to this message: sdctcher (Feb 09, 2005 7:48 pm) robertsmx (Feb 10, 2005 9:09 am)
#21 of 2334 $4k premium by usbseawolf2000 Feb 11, 2004 (5:41 am)
mytythor,   I would like to know how you got the 4k number. Anyhow, fuel economy isn't the only benefit of HSD. You will also get an ECVT transmission which has virtually infinite amount of gears. You will always be in top gear without any up or down shift lag. You will also get dead silence quietness at the stop lights.   Push start button and Smart Entry will be extra convenient features. The heater will deliver heat faster from a cold start. You will also get a touch screen control for climate control.   There will also be more space in the front; more leg room due to compact hybrid packaging and removal of the gear box. You will not fall asleep during traffic congestion also.   I assumed all those Prius features will make it to 400h. Most of them are benefits by HSD design.
#22 of 2334 True cost to own by lok888 Feb 11, 2004 (8:58 am)
I like the idea of hybrid cars with better clean air. And I also want to know how much you get for $4K premium. I looked at the '04 Honda Civic as an example. The price different is about $4K+ between the Hybrid and non-Hybrid. The Hybrid gets 10 more mpg in both city and highway. The non-hybrid spends $200+ on gas per year than the hybrid. In fact, the Edmunds showed the Civic Hybrid costs more to own like $28K over the 5 years period and the non-Hybrid is $25K. I like the idea of the V8 engine, 270 hp, better gas mileage and clear air. But the gas mileage must be better the 30+ mpg. What do you guys think? Just interesting to see which one will you pick. Is it the RX400h with more horsepower or the RX330 for $4000 less.
#23 of 2334 is it really a 4k premium if you get a 1.5k tax benefit? by dmkampman Feb 11, 2004 (10:17 am)
The federal government provides a tax credit for qualifying electric vehicles (electric only with four or more wheels) of 10 percent of the cost of a qualifying electric vehicle. Hybrid vehicles do not qualify for the qualified electric vehicle tax credit. The tax credit for qualifying electric vehicles is a dollar-for-dollar credit against federal taxes owed.   "Clean-Fuel Vehicle"(HYBRID) Adjustment to Gross Income If you purchase a hybrid electric vehicle (gasoline-electricity) or another qualifying alternative fuel, you likely qualify for a "clean-fuel vehicle" adjustment to gross income. Qualifying alternative fuel vehicles use biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, liquified natural gas (LNG), methanol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane), dedicated (100 percent) electric, hythane or hydrogen.   Internal Revenue Service (IRS) instructions show that electric hybrids (Toyota Prius™, Honda Insight™ or Honda Civic™ Hybrid) qualify as "clean-fuel vehicles." Vehicles bought in 2001, 2002, or 2003 are eligible for an adjustment to gross income of $2,000. The deduction amount decreases by $500 each year following until it is phased out. IRS publication 535, "Business Expenses," (page 48-50) details this deduction. Chapter 12 states that you may claim this "clean-fuel vehicle" income adjustment even if it is not used in a trade or business.   As an individual, you claim this deduction by placing $2,000 (or appropriate deduction amount) on line 34 of your federal 1040 tax filing form. To qualify, you must indicate "clean-fuel" on the dotted line to the left of any deduction cost entry you place on line 34 of the 1040 form. Keep in mind that line 34 is the sum of adjustments to the Adjusted Gross Income line so you must add the "clean-fuel vehicle" amount to any other adjustments to gross income you have for the sum amount to be correct. This adjustment may be claimed on your tax filing for the year in which you purchase the vehicle. You may have to amend back taxes to claim this adjustment. Consult your accountant / tax preparer.

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