Kishanptl1

Hello, I own a current 2007 RX 350 with 175,000+ miles on it and I am in the market for another RX. Instead of going with the regular RX 350, I am considering the RX 450h just to try something new. I have found plenty of options in my area but I wanted to ask about the mileage and battery. The 2013 RX 450h that I am looking at has 100,000 miles but no report of a hybrid battery replacement. After doing some researching, it seems like a hit or miss when it comes to the time to replace the hybrid battery. Some people report with 200,000 miles no problem, and some say they have replacement it around 100,000 miles to 135,000 miles. It also seems as thought the time of the battery matters as well (makes sense). The test drive was good with no signs of problems. My question is should I be taking into consideration that at any point I will have to replace the hybrid battery? After some research, I have found prices ranging from $6,500 to $7,000. I do have a desire to try a hybrid car, I know if I move to the Toyota side it will be a little cheaper in the long run (labor wise not parts) but I am a Lexus fanboy! Thank you for anyone that replies, greatly appreciate it!

salimshah

Hybrid shines in stop and go city traffic. If you mostly drive on highways then there is no advantage. Engine & transmission are different. Weight and suspension feel are different. The hybrid is technically more complex and although both are reliable, you would be spending more on repairs [if needed] and some of the problems can only be handled by Lexus/Toyota.

Battery cells are available for individual replacement. [no need to replace the whole battery]. I have not come across any one needing the whole battery to be replaced [could be my limitation]

You can increase your odds of a better outcome, but getting the vehicle thoroughly tested [including the traction battery].

I love mine.

Salim

riredale

"Slightly" better highway mileage. Hybrid engine is an Atkinson, so a much higher expansion ratio and thus overall efficiency. I would guess 1-2 mpg improvement, though I have never given it much thought.

But the smoothness of a hybrid!. Nice. Happy with my 2010 RXh, which I've owned for three years.

Droid13

First question you should ask yourself first is, how long to I want to have this vehicle. Since you are looking to replace a vehicle that is 6 yrs older, does that mean you're happy to get 6 yrs out of the new one. If so, then I'd say expect not to need to replace the battery in that time. But if you plan to shoot for 15+ years, then 50/50 chance between 50 to 20 yrs as a guess.

Next question if its still nagging at you should be, if I do need a new battery at some point in the future, will I have access to another vehicle so I can take the time to find a good cost effective solution to repair vs the OMG I need my vehicle, take it to the Lexus dealer for a new battery, fast.

Like many things, the battery will suffer from too little use or too much, too hot or too cold. Spending summer in Phoenix AZ and winter in Winnipeg, MB probably will take some life out of the battery. Final question, how kind will you be to your battery?

My own strategy, just over 10 yrs old and 212,000km (132,000 miles) now, is stay the course and just see what happens. So far so good. If something serious goes wrong, I've got a backup Honda Civic I can use and I'll decide then what to do. Mine stays in the garage most nights so when its -30C at night in dead of winter, its only around 0C (32F) in the garage and it doesn't get much over 30C (85F) around here too often in summer either. I still have my original 12V from 2009 too! I was going to replace it but now I'm at the point where I want to see how long it will go. Kindness isn't everything, but its something.