motoman

Does anyone know when 2008's are coming out? I've had 3 different answers from Dec to Aug of this year. Seems like inventory of 2007's are getting low. I've been looking at 2007 now, list is at $49,866 have offered $46,500 to dealer with add-on wood trim kit. I'm about $800 off with dealer. Any thoughts on when new 400's will be out, and is $47,300 an ok price to pay for this vehicle? It has the premium plus package, awd, tow pkg, 18" wheels.,
Cars.com shows invoice at $44,500.

Rockville1

I paid $45,600 for the exact same model (same MSRP) back in January. I think the price will vary on how many other dealearships are in the area and how well inventory is moving.

I'm in the D.C. area and negotiated initially with 8 dealers at the same time, all by email, until I narrowed it down to 3 that were the most competive. Once I had the final price negotiated, the buying part was very straightforward and haggle free. It was the best car-buying experience I ever had.

I have no idea when the '08's are comming out.

motoman

Actually, your price is what I had in mind. This is the chicago market, about the same number of dealers. I've used the email to a certain degree. I have made contacts with a few dealers who seem to be willing to negotiate a little more than the current one I'm dealing with. Unfortunately, my wife wants black, which limits my options right now. How do you like your 400? Do you regret getting it over the 350?

Rockville1

I've put about 2,000 miles on it since mid-January and both my wife and I love the vehicle. I never considered the 350 because I wanted the hybrid for its clean and green emissions and for the improved fuel economy (although the 350 also gets very good mileage).

During January and February when it was very cold outside, we were averaging right at 24.2 MPG. Once temps got above 50, we started getting 28 MPG. I did notice that MPG will suffer if you use regular gas but I have found no difference between midgrade and premium, thus I always use midgrade.

BTW, I also test drove the Toyota Highlander hybrid and found that the interior appointments, cabin quitness and acceleration were are much better in the Lexus. Some will argue that the Lexus is not worth the premium price over the Highlander. I agree that for the money the Highlander is a better value, but its not a Lexus.

Also, HUGE difference in customer service between Lexus and Toyota. I absolutely hated my experience at Toyota and loved my experience with Lexus. They do it right.

Good luck with your purchase.

JZA80MHU38

When I got my 2006, I picked the 400h because of the significant power difference because the 350 is not out yet back then. I've driven a 350 as a loaner and it really impressed me. If I have to decide again I will actually pick the 350 over the hybrid. The 350 engine sounds way more refined during hard acceleration and the car's handling feels more "balanced".

Do I like my 400? Well, it's not even my 400. I just got it for my wife because she likes it. Rational side of my brain told me I should get a loaded Sienna instead as a family hauler, plus I get great service and experience from my Toyota dealer (yes, better than the Lexus experience). The not-so-rational side of my brain told me I should get the X5 but the luggage space is really a joke for the first gen and also there's no third row. My brain doesn't really matter because the car is for my wife anyway... So, nope, I don't really like the 400 but I don't hate it. Test both car thoroughly and pick the one you really like. That's my suggestion.

motoman

thanks for the info. I can relate to the wifey thing. I'm in contact with a dealer in Indianapolis, has what she wants, if price is right, I'm going to move on it. It's about 2 hour drive from nw In, but for a $1M, I'll do it. I'll let you know the outcome.

JZA80MHU38

Yup, your life will be as serene, quiet, and welcoming as the interior of the Lexus as long as you follow the "wifey" thing.

MadloR

Hmmm, my RX 400H that my wife drives is a mid year '06 production and I must say, am quiet disappointed with the noise and rattles. You would think after a year of production the little things would of been ironed at the Lexus plant. Even the Dealer was shocked to hear the front dash had a rattle that supposed to be phased in at the factory back in Oct 05, yet my May 06 had this flaw (no felt liner between the front dash air vent and the underside of the dash).

FWIW, my wife loves the style and comfort, as I try to work out the squeeks, rattles and little annoyances.

Cheers,

MadloR

motoman

Well,
I was able to finalize a deal today. Ended up with a local dealer at 45,200 after the 1100 tax credit and 500 in chicago auto show coupon. I'm a happy camper. Now I have to figure out my cell phone. Presently I have Cellular one, with a permanent mount in my jeep. That's so it is always on and charged and is wired into my speaker system. Has worked quite well over the past few years. The wifey has had a problem in charging the battery in the cell phone, and the pernanment mount solved that problem. But I have to upgrade to bluetooth techno, so are there any suggestions for a phone? We're not into text messaging or interested in the music aspect of the phone, I have an ipod for music, which by the way, I am totally disappointed that they do not even have an ipod connector other than the cassette. I do have a free upgrade coming from cell one. I would like to have the same program as far as a permanent mount, but the capability of having to take the phone with. Any thoughts or comments?

JZA80MHU38

I guess you can do some search on this or the other RX forums and check on what phones are compatable or not so with your new toy (congrats, btw). My experience is that I have a Nokia N73, which is not released in the US yet, but still works like a breeze with the car. I don't have to open the owners manuals (both my phone and the car) to set up the connection. I guess most Nokia or any phone with bluetooth capability should have no problem just handling the dialing out and incoming call functionality.

ler0y

Check out http://lexus.letstalk.com for compatible phones.

JessePS

I wonder if the 2008 RX h will be getting a slight power boost.

MadloR

2007 & 2008... the blue insetting for the 400H on the rear badge and a hybrid badge inlaid the passenger side moldings on both sides. Everything else seems to be the same. While servicing my 400h today I noticed the 2008 manual for the RX 350 / 400h and was checking out the specs.

Cheers,

MadloR