I'm buying a 2008 RX400h and anxious, as I'm unfamiliar with the hybrid technology. It's a one owner vehicle, serviced regularly at a Lexus dealership.169,00 miles, and my concern is the hybrid battery. When I did a test drive, the indicator said I was getting 20.8 mpg, which I thought might indicate that the battery life was low. On request, the dealer gave me a 1 year warranty on the battery. I imagine that sitting in the lot might have reduced the readings on the hybrid battery, but I don't know.

Any Info or input would be great!

 

Main thing being a hybrid is t he two fans & air cleaners for the vents under the rear seat. Other then that is the typical mz t/b, w/p. Check the records of when those were done last. As well as the normal items also.

 

and why would you assume that 20.8mpg is battery related?

 

Welcome to Club Lexus, I saw your post in the "Introduce" thread.

Our mileage really depends a lot on the driving environment.

For example, my RX330 only gets approx 14mpg in town when not running AC and 12 mpg when I do. lol
Sounds terrible, (and it is), but I also spend most of my time idling at lights and 45 mph in congested traffic.

On the highway I get 25-26 mpg, huge difference.

Your 20.8 mpg sounds ok, depending on the kind of driving but if that's highway driving, you have a big problem and should be much better.

 

I read that the expected mph is about 24-26 mph, and that a reduction from that might indicate the battery is reaching end of life.I appreciate the suggestion regarding the fans. How often should those be serviced?

 

BTW....what are "the typical mz t/b, w/p"?
Thanks,
Newbie

 

Don’t buy if nervous. No point of worrying about a car that you just brought!

 

I've stopped worrying about the battery issue; I just had some pre-purchase jitters. Once I learned to drive the hybrid for efficiency, using the various displays, I'm much more confident. I'm now getting an average of 25mpg and enjoying the vehicle immensely.