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Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Article Comments - 2009 Lexus RX400h vs. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetech
48 messages, Last post on Jul 23, 2009 at 8:23 AM
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Diesel Vs. Hybrid: We Debate Two Technologies - For most of our test, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec led the Lexus in our comparison. (more)
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 28, 2008 8:33 pm) The vehicle maybe well engineered but the build quality is quite bad. I took too much for granted, and it is my fault. But I believe that absence of seatbelt sensors, open door sensors, open hatch sensors are essential safety issues I am not willing to compromise on. I bought it for my wife as she loved the styling. But two weeks of owner ship required new ball joints, new power steering fluid seal, rebalancing of tires (after being driven about 100 miles). The car got stuck in my driveway in about 3 inches of snow . The car feels very solid but its 4wd system and off road capabilities are subpar. I traded it in for an 06 RX 330 non certified from a non Lexus dealership. Lexus dealership is willing to offer a loaner for 30K service. The local MB dealer refused to provide loaner for the service that was covered under warranty and their shuttle driver had left, so we were left hanging 45 minutes from our home. Just my experiences, but I would rather lose the money than compromise on safety, bring the car in to be looked at once a week, take a cab back home and deal with the rudest people at the MB dealership. The 400h is a little noisy and its 4WD system is a little eclectic for my taste, but a 330 or 350 is a perfectly balanced car for my needs.
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Replying to: gyrusx (Jan 13, 2009 11:14 am) P.S. Getting stuck in 3 inches of snow takes a good effort, ain't it?  I used to have a pre-owned front-wheel drive Toyota Corolla with measly 14" wheels, and I sometimes had troubles getting up my icy hill (north-western NJ), but I don't ever recall getting stuck in three inches of snow... Maybe it is the driver, not the vehicle? |
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Replying to: cumminsdiesel (Jan 15, 2009 12:56 pm) I was a big fan of Japanese cars when I was younger but what someone wrote sooner about Toyota/Lexus denting easily is true. Did you ever notice almost every Camry on the road has a dented in corner on it's rear bumper? It becomes amusing once become aware of it. After BMW and LandRover I am a Benz loyalist for life. Enjoy it much more than any other car I've owned.
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Replying to: cumminsdiesel (Jan 15, 2009 12:56 pm)
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Replying to: asa2 (Jan 29, 2009 2:26 pm) ....TIN CAN.... Sorry, but IMMHO the exact opposite is true. Granted, the ML had a STELLAR R/AWD system in comparison to the RXes F/awd system, and most probably a fully functional climate control system, but by ALL other measures the RX series is OUTSTANDING in comparison.
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 30, 2009 9:10 am) |
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 30, 2009 9:16 am) The facts (i.e. lightweight construction, thinner sheetmetal and glass, cheezier plastics inside) all point to a lousier vehicle in the Asian camp, which is confirmed by its lower price (you know - you get what you pay for ) As a sidenote: my wife used to drive a Honda Civic. Three years into the ownership she had nearly half-a-dozen "stars" on the windshield, small dents all over, hairline scratches on the paint right under the doorhandles... In addition, she slid off the road once and scratched the paint on the right fender. Three days... Let me repeat this: Three days later there was rust on the damaged sheetmetal. Three days! Traded that piece of crap in a little over a year ago and got a Jeep Liberty instead. |
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 30, 2009 9:16 am) I will say that it's cheaper to own and Japanese do have something to be said for them as to maintenance factors, but other than that, it's pretty moot. A Benz is just about the most solid car out there IMHO. I mean come on, do you really think someone would choose an RX over an ML for any reason other than cost?
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Replying to: asa2 (Feb 01, 2009 4:08 pm) Well, yes, let's start with the absolute arrogance (unwarranted arrogance) of the salespersons and dealership management. "plastic looking interior" Yes, the wood grain (and virtially everything else) in the RX is so perfectly fitted/finished/polished it makes it look plasticky. A few "natural" flaws here and there in the wood would actually help. The addition of brushed aluminum panels in the later models didn't help. Even though the Benz has a much better "base" AWD system, R/awd(***) system, and a fully functional defrost/defog/demist system, I would probably still pay a preminum for the new 2010 RX350 or even the Acura RDX (SH-AWD) over the ML. *** R/awd not R/AWD since TC braking and engine dethrottling is used to enforce awd functionality, a poor second (third, fourth..??) design choice. Does the ML yet have the ability to turn off TC..??
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Replying to: wwest (Feb 02, 2009 10:44 am) I agree with asa2 on the Lexus dealers arrogance & ignorance. Another reason they are off my list. I did check out the LX470 when I bought the Sequoia. Not the brightest sales man I have come across. The LX we looked at was pearl white my favorite color. It had a blemish in the paint on the hood. The salesman said. Oh we can touch that up... We left on that note. |
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