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Lexus RX 400h

2334 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 400h Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid Cars


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#2294 of 2334
New blog, check it out by pf_flyer HOST
Sep 14, 2007 (1:06 pm)
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Be sure to check out Senior Editor John O'Dell's newest addition to our lineup, the Green Car Advisor for news and commentary on environmental automotive trends and technologies.
 
Looking forward to all your comments!
#2295 of 2334
Re: Question [stevedebi] by wwest
Sep 15, 2007 (8:31 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Sep 14, 2007 9:30 am)

This whole towing issue concerning the RX or the RXh is a puzzle to me. I cannot imagine that the market demographics for these vehicles indicate enough of a need, or even a desire, for towing capability at a level that justifies the factory investment for development of that capability.
 
For quite a few years now I have suspected that the towing package for these vehicles was developed for other reasons, yet another SECRET "protect the drive train effort" at the customer's expense.
 
When I bought my '01 AWD RX300 I was told that the only way I could get one without the tow package was with a special order.
 
Say WHAT...??!!
 
So I now suspect, strongly so, that the use of the Camry transaxle in the RX300 required a few design measures to help extend the transaxle life. Obviously a failed effort for the '99 RX series.
#2297 of 2334
Re: Question [wwest] by chadx
Sep 24, 2007 (12:42 pm)
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Replying to: wwest (Sep 15, 2007 8:31 am)

While a tow package could possibly have some very small beneficial impact on drivetrain life, the more likely reason all your dealers vehicles have it is more obvious...they make money on it. Just like all the other options that people may not want or need. It's hard to find a RX with no options. Dealers know, as with many non-hybrid vehicles, that what is on the lot is what sells.
 
People drive a vehicle, play around with some creature comfort they didn't know they wanted, but go for it because it is 'neat' and/or "it only adds $9/month to my payment". In the case of a tow package, probably only $1/mnth.
 
Yep. I think it probably has more to do with dealer profits than reliability. Why would a dealer care about a possible super slim improvement in reliability between a tow package vs. a non-tow package vehicle? After all, if it breaks or wears out, you pay them to fix it or you buy another vehicle!
#2298 of 2334
Re: Question [chadx] by wwest
Sep 25, 2007 (8:40 am)
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Replying to: chadx (Sep 24, 2007 12:42 pm)

"..they make money on it..."
 
I'm not so sure.
 
Dealers tend to "pile on" lots, tons, of needless, USELESS options, 3M treatment, paint preservation, rear bumper protectors, etc, etc, etc.
 
Plus I have no doubt that dealer added features/options have very HIGH profit margins due to the dealers being "CHEAP" in their selection.
 
Insofar as I know none of the towing packages are a dealer option.
 
An additional point....
 
How many customers are like myself in that we refuse, absolutely refuse to pay for these dealer options that they "throw-in" automatically at the "port".
 
I don't buy many new cars, and even fewer under custom order, but again and again I have had dealers try to BILK me for these "standard" options. I do not pay.
 
The last special order I did was a '99 Chrysler T&C and after it arrived the dealer piled on almost $1500 worth of these options and he got to EAT every one. I was buying it for my daughter and I suspect the dealer thought that under those circumstances I wouldn't be likely to walk away from the deal..
 
WRONG...!
 
He blinked first.
#2299 of 2334
Re: Question [chadx] by wwest
Sep 25, 2007 (8:50 am)
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Replying to: chadx (Sep 24, 2007 12:42 pm)

"Why would a dealer care about a possible super slim improvement in reliability between a tow package vs a non-tow package vehicle?"
 
Bottom line....
 
The "dealer" doesn't care, literally doesn't give a DAMN..!
 
It's the factory that would be paying for warranty repairs and suffering the adverse PR.
 
"super slim improvement.."???
 
That's a line I would expect to see put forth by someone "shilling" for Lexus.
 
Not even changing the scheduled ATF drain/refill period from infinity to every 15,000 miles could be referred to as a "super slim improvement" issue, let along the potential for total transaxle failure in as little as 70-80,000 miles.
#2300 of 2334
New 2008 RX400h by erc66
Oct 02, 2007 (3:26 pm)
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Just got my new 2008 RX400h vehicle the other day in Matador Red and it's great! The color is exactly what I was looking and it drives like a dream! There aren't many new RX400h cars out there right now, so I guess I was very lucky!
#2301 of 2334
Re: New 2008 RX400h [erc66] by lansdownemike
Oct 02, 2007 (6:38 pm)
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Replying to: erc66 (Oct 02, 2007 3:26 pm)

Enjoy it. I'm jealous. I got a 2007 RX400h 6 months ago and I really wanted it in red, but it wasn't available then. I don't think I can persuade my wife to trade it in just for that.
#2302 of 2334
Uneven tire wear by hilandr05
Oct 21, 2007 (4:20 pm)
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I recently replace my original tires at 26K miles due to inside edge excessive wear. The Lexus dealer insists the alignment was within specification.
After putting on new Michelins I took it to a specialty alignment shop. They reported the camber was OK but toe-in on both front and rear needed a 1/8 in adjustment. Also recommended tire rotation with crossover of front to rear and bring rear directly to front.
 
Today at the Taste of Lexus event, the Michelin rep asked me about uneven tire wear. He had heard quite a bit about it and Michelin is very concerned because they do not want their tires to be blamed for something that is a flaw in the alignment coming out of the factory.
 
So if your RX has excessive tire wear on the inside edge, take it to an alignment shop.
 
Jerry
#2303 of 2334
Re: New 2008 RX400h [erc66] by sgiurlando
Oct 25, 2007 (9:38 am)
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Replying to: erc66 (Oct 02, 2007 3:26 pm)

erc66 - is the interior color ivory? We wanted black but are being told that matador red is produced 100% with ivory so if you want black, it has to be special ordered (4-6 moth wait). can you share what you paid assuming you bought it and not leased it.
 
Thanks

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