Lexus3070

I am looking at buying a 2010 model with 140k miles.

What are common issues related to the hybrid system I should look for? Is it accurate to expect battery to last until 200k miles? Is it better to stay away from this old of a hybrid model?

thank you

salimshah

Kindly make the title more descriptive as that would help readers zero in to your post.

I love my 2011 450H but I would urge you to really understand what hybrid gives you that the 350 does not. You get lot more hardware but it only helps if you do city stop and go driving. If you intend to use the RX for highway driving, you are putting the hardware to waste as well as machinery (parts) that can wear out.

Salim

Lexus3070

Thanks Salim

I do mostly city driving so that aspect makes sense.

My concern is more of whether the hybrid system adds significantly more maintenance concerns, especially at this age and mileage. Are there any common issues you would suggest checking before buying?

ellocovg

iTrader: (1)

I’ve never owned a hybrid but the consensus is that batteries will last about 10 years and 100K miles. Toyota / Lexus batteries last allot longer than other brands but when 100K is the suspected life expectancy you’d be on borrowed time. There are independent non dealer shops that can repair the batteries much cheaper and can still make it a good deal but I’d do my research and find one first. Batteries and hybrid systems keep getting better year after year so just go in realizing that your buying a old hybrid so go in expecting having to spend a few thousand dollars even though you hopefully won’t need to.

jrfiero

Ellocovg, where do you find this “consensus?” I’ve been following this forum since I bought our 2013 and many people here have more than 100k with no battery issues, and very few have reported battery issues no matter what the mileage. There’s no evidence that a 140k RX450h is “on borrowed time.”

RadiantX45

I believe the answer to your question depends on personal opinion so I doubt you will find a concrete answer unfortunately.

Just remember, the RX350 is not immune to expensive repairs. It still has an engine (that is operational the entire time the vehicle is on), transmission, mechanical AWD, etc. These aren’t systems that will last forever. The RX450h doesn’t have a transmission, it doesn’t have mechanical AWD, and the combustion engine isn’t the only method used to propel the vehicle (**theoretically** extending its life). But it does have a battery, electric motors, a generator, etc.

The vehicles are engineered differently and have different drivetrains, it’s not fair to think one will have more issues than the other/ cost more to own than the other - they will have entirely different issues. In the end, both are still Lexus products and adhere to the Lexus/ Toyota philosophy of reliable transportation. So it really comes down to which set of issues do you prefer to deal with? and that really is a matter of personal preference in my opinion.

ukrkoz

1. do not expect great mpg doing mostly city driving
2, hybrid system requires zero maintenance in a sense, folks are used to it.
3. you'll likely need new 12V, if it was not already replaced.
Otherwise, scope hybrid battery for state of cells charge, or, as pundits will say, blocks.
That's about it. The rest is general mechanical check out. Noises, clunks, leans in turns, if all features work as they should.

salimshah

You really need to test drive the hybrid. The two [hybrid and non-hybrid] are not like twins. Some love the CVT and others hate it. So I would say get over that hump.

Being hybrid, there may be less wear on many items Starter, alternator, brakes etc.

And once you get into used vehicles, a lot depends upon the history with the previous owner(s).

Salim.

riredale

Some odd responses.

(1) The hybrid shines in city driving. Once the engine has warmed up, expect mileage in the high-20s versus the high-teens for an ICE car.

(2) The traction battery can easily go way over 100,000 miles before needing replacement. Cabbies driving the early Prius boasted of going over 200,000 miles on the original battery.

(3) For highway driving, the hybrid design can't help much, but even here the RX hybrid will beat the 350 because it uses an Atkinson engine, which is about 5% more efficient.

Great car. I have about 110,000 on mine.