Lexus RX450h

[Birdster]

Hi,

We’ve been feeling like a bit more comfort of late and the E39 is a lovely car but fancy something a little bigger and a bit higher and also something the dog can get in the back. Wasn’t too fussed about image and with a budget around 10K was looking at Kia Sportage type cars. I did look at Range Rovers, X5 etc but fancied moving away from BMW. Ranger Rover looks nice but don’t need to go off road.


Whilst looking on Autotrader I’ve seen the Lexus falls into budget around £10K-£11K. Not much more from a main dealer for peace of mind. I’m quite tempted. Need to drive one as never driven a CVT before. I know the rear seats slide forward, anyone had a dog in the back of their RX? The rear looks quite high from the photos so might be why something with a split tailgate is preferable.

Not looking for the last word in performance, just somewhere nice and comfortable. Really can’t decide.

Thanks in advance.

[sunnyb13]

Volvo xc60 in the runnings?

[ZX10R NIN]

If you were looking at the Sportage I'd say also have a look at the Ford Kuga:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301233...

2.0d Titanium X:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212272...

Infiniti EX 30d GT great spec

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212162...

QX70:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301063...

The RX450h is a good car the CVT isn't bad but you just need a slight change of driving style, for some it's a deal breaker but I'd test drive one to see if it suits you:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212122...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...

Grand Cherokee Overland:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301183...

[flatso]

The Infiniti EX is fairly firm and the rear passanger space is cramped, generally it is poorly packaged....pretty fun drive though, just not what I would call comfortable.

[Harveybw]

The rear is quite high in them but my dog was getting on a bit so I was pretty much lifting him in and out anyway. My old RR had a split tail gate, and even when he was sprightly and was jumping in, it could cause him to miss and just hang there from the lower tailgate, I've always found the single tailgate better for the dog because of that, but then, Jasper was never the sharpest dog! My RX450 has air suspension that you can lower from a button in the boot if needed also but I barely use that.

Once inside he was well happy. Loads of room even with the rear seats back and reclined. He was collie sized if that helps.

In terms of the CVT, it's a bit odd at first but you quickly get used to it, and it's very smooth, lends itself to being a lovely relaxed drive. Its not a great 4x4 though.

All versions seem to be loaded with kit and having a car that all you have to do is service it and pay for consumables is a nice change...it's not exciting motoring by any stretch, but I can't see myself going back to European stuff at the moment even though we no longer need the space for the dog anymore. I really recommend getting one.

[ARHarh]

Not much experience of the RX450h. but I am in my 7th years with my RX400h. it just over 150k miles and still drives lovely.

The boot is big enough for any dog but it is quite high as suggested. The gearbox really suits the car, and once you have covered a few miles you will like the smoothness. If you are one for racing of from the lights and chucking a car about you are not going to like it. If you want to waft from town to town you will probably find it hard to beat.

Mine is staying with us for a while yet as it has been so easy to live with over the last 65k miles. And the only thing i would replace it with is an RX450h so may as well stick with what I know.

[QJumper]

I've had an RX 450h for around 18 months now, and I think it's great. It's quiet, very comfortable, and handles long journeys with ease. For contrast my previous three cars were Jaguars.

In contrast to others I actually like the eCVT transmission. It does 0-60 in around 7 seconds, which is more than fast enough, and feels pretty responsive. You put your foot down and it goes, with none of the hesitation of gear changes, and is quick enough from the lights, or for accelerating to overtake, considering its size and weight. In mixed driving I get around 27-30 mpg, similar at 70mph, and around 40mpg cruising at 60-65mph.

Reliabiity is seemingly very good compared to competitors, with mostly basic servicing and consumables. Mine's a 2009 and, from looking at its service history, apart from brakes and tyres, the only thing replaced has been rear shock absorbers. There's also no timing belt, power steering pump/fluid, alternator or starter motor to worry about.

Not a common problem on the 450's, but check all carpets and boot spaces for any signs of water ingress, especially if it has a sunroof and/or roof bars. As with any car, check sills, wheels arches and underside for any signs of excessive corrosion.

Regarding the hybrid system, the battery is warrantied each year for another 12 months/10k miles up to 15 years, as long as it's been seviced by Lexus. Servicing is around £300 for intermediate and £500 ish for major, with a big service every 6yrs/60k at aound £700, as that includes spark plugs, so check that's been done.

The other thing worth mentioning, for additional peace of mind, is that Lexus offer an extended warranty up to 15 years/150k miles, which seems pretty comprehensive, covering everything bar consumables and the entertainment system. Cost for a 450h is around £550 a year, and includes UK and European AA cover.

Edited by QJumper on Wednesday 1st February 14:35