floatypig

Hi All,

I'm new here! I've been doing a lot of searching on ClubLexus and Googling but seem to be only finding results that are 5-10 years old.

First, a little background: My Dad and I are looking to purchase a new car for my step mom. She currently has a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with around 195k miles. The Jeep still runs great, but er daughter recently bought a 2010 RX350 and now my step mom has fallen in love with the Lexus. We can't afford a 3rd Gen RX, so are looking at the 2nd Gens. Under 90k miles, for around $12-13000.

My question is this: Which should we get? RX350 or RX400h. I see a lot of posts comparing the two cars equipment and performance statistics posted around 2008 (when the cars were still new), but how do the they hold up with time. We want to buy one with about 90k miles and be able to keep it up to at least 200k with minimal repairs, but how does the hybrid system hold up (400h), transmission (350 vs 400h CVT), differentials, etc...

Thanks for your help!!

daddiojigg

Rx350 Rx350

chalkboss

My gut instinct tells me 350, but having just bought one of these (350 2007) I don't know much about them except they are glorified Toyota so pretty easy to work on. I don't know why you would want a hybrid during the "development" or "early adopter" years. Seems like too much to take on when you can go with what most mechanics are familiar with. For sure I am displaying some ignorance on the 400H here but that's my impression of them.

Things have certainly changed and been improved upon in the last 10 years when it comes to hybrid power.

DennisMik

What could be considered a disadvantage of a hybrid is that the batteries have an approximate lifespan of 10 to 12 years. So a 2007 hybrid is becoming ripe for an expensive maintenance.

DaleHeller

I've had the 400h for since 2006 and frankly would not do it again. The amount of time the engine is not running has dropped considerably - likely due to the age of the batteries. In essence, the vehicle is now a stop-start and truly not a hybrid as it once was when new. Even when new, I found the hybrid feature to be of nominal value. We do get 24 mpg and really enjoy the vehicle as it hasn't been in the shop much at all. We would like to get a new one (non-hybrid) but frankly, we just can't get past that ugly grill that Lexus seems intent upon pushing on the marketplace. As the car is 11 years old, we will likely have to look elsewhere.

FloorJack

RX350.

Hybrid Battery replacement costs are not fun.

popeyerx

Welcome to the site ...

my vote is for the RX350, as mentioned above, at this time (2018), the 2nd gen hybrids are nearing the battery replacement time frame and that can get pretty expensive. I too, just like you went thru the same analysis stage a few months ago and settled in for a 2007 RX350. From my findings, from a reliability standpoint Lexus (+ Toyota) are the best that is around.

SkiMe

I did not have the 350 so can't comment too much about it. We had an 07' RX400h and put 170k on it before selling last year. My wife drove it a lot and was very reliable. Keep in mind that timing belts need to be changed around 100k, and spark plugs around 125k (which is difficult/expensive to reach the back 3 plugs). I also replaced the radiator around 130-140k along with some rear wheel bearings.

Other than that, basic oil changes and maintenance. And also pay attention to tires. We went through several different kinds....only got around 35k out of each set. Warranty pro-rated and then I get another set. I started focusing my tire purchases on the length of warranty vs. price.

When we originally drive the 350, my wife was not impressed. After driving the 400h, she fell in love. The 0-60 acceleration was a lot quicker that the standard 350. Felt more like a V8. That was the deciding factor. She drove it for many years. Loved it so much we got the newer 2013 RX450h now.

In either hybrid case, don't expect huge gas savings. It does help some, but nothing like a Prius. The Lexus was tailored towards 0-60 vs gas mileage.

ukrkoz

Question should be - is a hybrid proper choice for you? This is based on type of commute, terrain, weather. Driving style. Person switching from Jeep likely will not have good hypermiling technique established. As about the only real advantage to a hybrid is a much better mpg. That said, I owned two hybrids, 07 Camry and 12 Highlander. I averaged 30-31mpg in my Highlander and it was a great vehicle. Basically very similar power train to 400H. But, I sold her this mOnday and am not looking back.
Like I said, outside of POSSIBLE great mpg for the size, there is very little advantage and a lot of potential costly repairs. hybrids are said to be roughly 30% more costly in those.
I ahve a different problem now. I bought turboed NX200 and for the love of god can't stop driving it like a hybrid. It's so much embedded in me.
Wife has 11RX350. It's Ok car.

RxDogan

Ditto several posts:
400h negative: nearing time for battery update (the rest of the hybrid is pretty solid)
400h positive: much better instant acceleration due to the motor's instant torque - no time needed for a transmission to down shift to get the rpm up. This is THE BIG difference for my wife (her car) - Not Gas Mileage (she has no clue of that).

vesnyder

I went through a similar thought process. I concluded that I would buy the cleanest one I found and reading the posts above I am glad I got the RX350.

thomas1

I bought a 2008 RX400h in 2010 with 89k miles, now have 225k miles and knock on wood original battery. I love this car, so much better than the old RX300, but yes the battery is a unknown. There are many reputable battery aftermarket providers that give you a long 3 year warranty unlimited mileage for much cheaper than the stealership. The car is smooth, very fast, and a great ride. I too have replace a wheel bearing and radiator. would love to have another hybrid, but time will tell.