Hybrid worth it? Part 2: Cost
05-29-21, 08:46 AM
#46
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Georgia
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RX350 vs RX450h Opinion Needed
At our local CostCo, 93 Octane is 30 cents per gallon more than 87 Octane.
For comparison purposes, my wife gets about 24 MPG overall with her 2020 RX 350; I get about 33 MPG overall with my 2021 RX 450h. Our mix of city and highway driving is about the same. It is city driving where the difference is most pronounced between the two. The 350 averages about 17-18 MPG in city driving; I get about 31 MPG in the 450h. But, even on the highway, the 450h gets better fuel economy - especially on long runs (75 miles or more). One reason is the placement of the hybrid battery itself - under the second row seats. That insures that the battery is operating at an optimal ambient temperature most of the time. Batteries underneath a car are much less likely to operate as efficiently in any climate with large temperature swings between the peak heat of summer and the deep cold of winter.
Until the number of available of electric charging stations approaches that of gasoline stations; until all-electric vehicles come down in price; and, until re-charging an electric car requires only a modest expenditure of down-time, I believe hybrid technology will prove to be a quite popular alternative.
For comparison purposes, my wife gets about 24 MPG overall with her 2020 RX 350; I get about 33 MPG overall with my 2021 RX 450h. Our mix of city and highway driving is about the same. It is city driving where the difference is most pronounced between the two. The 350 averages about 17-18 MPG in city driving; I get about 31 MPG in the 450h. But, even on the highway, the 450h gets better fuel economy - especially on long runs (75 miles or more). One reason is the placement of the hybrid battery itself - under the second row seats. That insures that the battery is operating at an optimal ambient temperature most of the time. Batteries underneath a car are much less likely to operate as efficiently in any climate with large temperature swings between the peak heat of summer and the deep cold of winter.
Until the number of available of electric charging stations approaches that of gasoline stations; until all-electric vehicles come down in price; and, until re-charging an electric car requires only a modest expenditure of down-time, I believe hybrid technology will prove to be a quite popular alternative.
I was told the maintenance on the 450h is less than the 350. Have you found this to be the case?
05-29-21, 09:09 AM
#47
Intermediate
I currently have a 2011 RX350 with 149,000 miles. She has been a great car, but I would like to have a car with better gas mileage and one that will be in demand when I sell down the road. Based on the post I have read it seems utilizing regular gas isn't an issue ( I have always used premium in my current car) which is great news for me I was told the maintenance on the 450h is less than the 350. Have you found this to be the case?
I was told the maintenance on the 450h is less than the 350. Have you found this to be the case?- Change the oil every 10K miles or 12 months ($10 oil filter, $30 0W-20 synthetic oil gallon + one quart). Very simple to change the oil by yourself if you have ramps and the socket for the oil filter)
- Fram XG9972 ($11) or TG9972 ($9)
- Change the air filter every 30k miles. Very simple to do.
- Fram CA12378 ($20)
- Change cabin filter every 10k miles. Very simple to do.
- Fram CF12157 ($29) or Fram CV12157
- Replace wiper blades every 24 months. I buy them online from a online Lexus part
- Bought a 5 year wheel alignment and rotation plan at NTB and rotate, balance, and align the tires every 6 months ($150)
- Flush and replace the brake fluid at 30K miles ($75)
- New Tires at 36k. This was the most expensive at close to $125 per tire with warranty rebate for premature tire wear.
- Miscellaneous dents and wheel repair covered by Lexus Dent and Wheel warranty
- Recalls covered by Lexus warranty:
- Flush and replace the brake fluid at 30K miles ($75)
- New Tires at 36k. This was the most expensive at close to $125 per tire with warranty rebate for premature tire wear.
- Miscellaneous dents and wheel repair covered by Lexus Dent and Wheel warranty
- Recalls covered by Lexus warranty:
Last edited by lexnewbi; 05-29-21 at 09:43 PM.
05-29-21, 01:09 PM
#48
I currently have a 2011 RX350 with 149,000 miles. She has been a great car, but I would like to have a car with better gas mileage and one that will be in demand when I sell down the road. Based on the post I have read it seems utilizing regular gas isn't an issue ( I have always used premium in my current car) which is great news for me I was told the maintenance on the 450h is less than the 350. Have you found this to be the case?
I was told the maintenance on the 450h is less than the 350. Have you found this to be the case?
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