For those who's fortunately enough to have a 2010 RX now, what mileage are you getting based on city driving?

 

Actually, the "free lunch" I was refering to was the AWD vs FWD on the RX450h. As to the difference between the 350 and 450h there will be a significant price premium ($3000-4000?) but that buys more than fuel mileage.
Steve

 

Am I missing something here? If you buy a hybrid and pay 3-4 thousand more for it, won't it be worth more when you sell it (thus negating the price premium you paid up front resulting in an overall savings from less fuel usuage). I compared a 2007 RX350 at Edmunds.com with a 2007 similarly equipped Hybrid and the resale private party value was 3500.00 more for the hybrid.

 

Not to mention that the extra miles per gallon generally requires about 10 to 15 years to break even on that deal. If you want to buy a hybrid because it's "green" (whatever that is), go ahead, but don't think that you will be saving money.

 

I will not get it to save money but to try to screw OPEC and big oil out of a few gallons and because it is fun to drive

 

so you want to bite the hand that feeds you?

 

I am good at organic chemistry so it is not the hand that feeds me oh bud

 

Currently current hybrid owners are taking a big hit at resale due to lower gas prices.

Anyone buy the RX450h will be dissapointed with the fuel savings. It is really about performance. The power of a V8 with V6 economy. FUN!

 

A recent review at "InsideLine" of the new 450h repeats the familiar calculations that show that the higher cost of the h is not paid back in fuel savings until well over 150,000 miles. For many, that would be more than 10 years of driving, at which point resale and fuel price estimates are not reliable anyway.

The full quote: "Consider that the price of the non-hybrid RX 350 starts at $37,625. When you do a simple payoff analysis based on the RX 450h's fuel savings, you will find the smart money frowns on springing for the hybrid unless you rack up enough miles to balance the equation. Our math suggests that breaking even will require you to drive the RX 450h something like 185,000 miles."

The full review is here:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..2.*

Thus, fuel savings are almost always not a valid reason for purchasing the h. There may be valid reasons for owning an h, but saving money (compared to the purchase of an RX350) is not one of them.

 

But if you keep the vehicle for about 3 years and the resale value is 3-4 thousand more than the rx350 and you paid 3-4 thousand more upfront then the extra cost of the hybrid is close to zero. And, if you factor in the fuel savings, you come out ahead owning a Hybrid.

 

I believe that for most customers of the RX 450h, the fuel/cost savings are a factor, but not the sole or primary factor, for purchasing.

 

You are correct. However, psychologically speaking, it will be very enjoyable averaging about 30 mpg or perhaps even higher.

 

Some people not only want to show others they are rich, but they want show others they are green too

 

I don't think that Lexus owners are necessarily interested in showing they are wealthy. However, it is likely a different story for MB owners.

 

Does anyone know what the life of the battery in a hybrid will be and replacement cost? These things will never get 30 mpg.