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Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h
2334 messages, Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM
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is as much fun and spirited to drive as I would expect any SUV to be, no big deal when compared the Porsche 997 C4S. Obviously the RX330 will be even more spirited than my RX300 and the RX400h will be, is, even beyond that. Personally I would rather have a new RX330 with a decent AWD system (the BMW X3 comes immediately to mind.) than a more powerful, "spirited" RX400h with only a moderate (compared to what could have been) improvement in fuel economy.
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Replying to: wwest (Aug 13, 2005 10:41 am) Also, the fuel economy is significantly better despite what people have recently been saying. You have to remember that all of these reports of low mileage have been coming from people 1) driving in very hot weather, 2) people driving new cars & 3) people comparing actual 400h mileage to the EPA reports of other vehicles. The AC affects mileage, especially in the city, in a big way. I have noticed that with AC cranked down to 70-72, mileage drops to around 23-24. With no AC, mileage is much closer to the EPA reports in the 27+ range. I suspect mpg reports will start to change significantly this fall. Even now, people from the northwest are reporting excellent mileage. I did notice a general 1-2 mpg improvement over the first 1000 miles so it does semm like there is a little bit of a break in period. Finally, the less powerful 330 supposedly gets 18/24 mpg according to EPA, but in reality it's more like 16/21. Other SUVs in the class (eg BMW X5, Porche, Volvo, Acura MDX, etc.) get even lower mpg. The bottom line is that the 400h will save you somewhere around 2000-5000 gallons ($4000-$15,000) of gas in the life of the car as long as the engine is maintained. Does spending the extra $7-8,000 for a 400h make economic sense? Who knows. If oil stays $65+ per barrel, then probably so... but maybe not otherwise. The bottom line line is that it is a hybrid. If you don't understand the moral or symbolic reasons for driving a hybrid, then it is pointless to buy one in the first place.
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The actual city mpg for the more fuel efficient 6 cyl midsized SUV's is even worse than that mydquin-according to CR the RX330,High V-6 and Pilot get 12-13 in their fairly demanding city cycle.I can attest that the Pilot gets just that in New Orleans city driving.On the highway the story is different-an honest 22-23 at high speed-72-75 mph.Lesser midsized SUV's do even more poorly-Trailblazer,V-8 Explorer,Durango in any configuration, even the smallish midsized Korean SUV's are huge gas guzzlers.If someone choses a RX400 or HH over an Expedition or Suburban-Tahoe they will half their gasoline bill. The HH is on average at least 7 mpg(MIXED) than the average midsized V-6 SUV,and at least 4 mpg better than the best of them.Charlie
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The 400h is quick and responds with power when cruising, it has a reserve to give you punch at 40, 60 80 or even 100 mph. It is sprung tighter than the 330 giving it good handling for an suv, its not a sports car. Lexus seats are at the top of the most comfortable u will ever sit in. There is no shifting so the transmission will be the smoothest you will experience. There is some tradeoff as the engine revs more under harder acceleration, i find it to be a throaty sound that doesnt bother me. From Nav, to rain sensing wipers to a quality stereo it is very comfortable. HID's that lite up the nite turn with ur steering. It is among the safest suv's with the quantity of airbags, and vehicle dynamic control that helps prevent rollovers. Mine is very happy with regular fuel. I am more relaxed in the hybrid in traffic jams. I have one wish for a darker interior color that is not black, and its alot of money for a vehicle. As you surmise there is alot there besides fuel economy. Lexus did a great job.
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Replying to: katzjamr (Aug 14, 2005 12:30 pm) |
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Replying to: mydquin (Aug 13, 2005 4:42 pm) |
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Replying to: eman5 (Aug 12, 2005 7:21 am) You haven't tried going to another dealer with your pull problem? That could be a contributor to poor mileage. If you look at history here and on the problems board, there are people who have gotten the pull solved. For the low MPG issue, there is also TSIB EG010-05. which is a proceedure to reset the learning for the engine idle speed. It can correct poor fuel economy, engine running too often and excess noise at idle.
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Your question has been moved to the discussion Lexus RX 400h: Prices Paid & Buying Experience where pricing is being discussed. Thanks! |
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