Anyone still running a Lexus RX400H?

[SlowV6]

Hi All,

Appreciate that these are maybe not the most PH of cars and also they are getting on a bit now with the last of the line being 2009 models, but i was wondering if any current owners could post their ownership experiences. Reviews are generally positive but not much in the way of long term stuff as they age.

Thinking of replacing our e91 with one. Our recent planned test drive was aborted because the 2nd hand car dealer was so unlikeable we walked out of his garage! We did enjoy sitting in it until that point however :-)

Thanks

p.s. mods please could you correct the subject to be Lexus RX400H - thanks!

Edited by SlowV6 on Wednesday 3rd October 11:40

[MikeLowry]

My dad has been running one on an 06 plate for three years now, has actually proven to be very reliable, he bought it at 124k and it is now on 146k, hasn't required anything aside from regular servicing and consumables. So much so I'm seriously considering a GS or LS hybrid for my next car!

[gingerbeard]

Yep, I have an '07 on 109k. I don't hang around and am averaging 26.3MPG according to the trip computer, I have re-set it several times but it always comes back to this. Mostly commuting and no long runs on the motorway.

Mark Levinson stereo is very good IMO. Has only needed routine servicing and an exhaust repair due to rust.

I thought it was a bit of an old mans car when I got it but have kept it longer than I have ever kept a car as it is reliable and very quick when needed for overtaking or quiet and comfortable when you just want to cruise around.

[SlowV6]

Thanks Both - much appreciated.

I am so frustrated we didn't get to test drive the one the other week but the dealer was so offputting there was simply no way we were going to buy a car from him!! There are none locally any more.

What is the ride like? I appreciate it will be soft. I have recently been travelling in a bit in a friends full fat Range Rover (2011 supercharged model) and to be honest I find it makes me feel a bit giddy with the rolly polly nature. I am wondering if this due to sheer size, weight and air suspension and a 400H might be less cumbersome.

26mpg avg would be just fine given the limited mileage we do and I would be happy to get out of diesel.

Thanks again.

[Iamnotkloot]

I’m looking for one too.
I live up north and most of the good examples seem to be down south, for some reason. I’ve been looking for two weeks and haven’t found a decent one; the one I did look at didn’t have a complete service history which was a deal breaker for me (I’m not being precious, I mean no service history since 2014!).

[kurt535]

Have a look at Stellar Motor Company; they seem to get some really decent Lexus/ Toyotas in. NO I dont work for them either!

[recordman]

I had one for 3 years from 2006. The only problem I had was with the battery (not traction battery) discharging when left for more than about a week. Leaving the auto headlight switch in the on position seemed to cause this. When turned off the problem went away.

My only dislike with the car was the horrid CVT gearbox and also the torque steering. Lexus dealer standards were sublime.

[gingerbeard]

Ride is soft but I don't find it wallowy at all, can be thrown about a bit if you want to get a move on, TC is very good/safe, torque steer as mentioned is a bit irritating, I have found that getting the right tyres hugely affects this. I personally like the gearbox. they tend to pick up stonechips on the bonnet a lot and these rust well!

I'm thinking of selling mine and getting an i3 for the mileage I do but I just can't seem to get myself motivated to sell it as I like it so much, perhaps I'm getting old!

[J50N WA]

We've got 1 as our family car, had it 5 years now. Love it. Each winter I take it to the Alps for our annual ski trip and it covers the 1400 miles with ease and real comfort. My dads got a brand new CRV and I rate this 10yo car better.. Got more toys than most modern cars (auto dip mirrors for reverse, moving headlights when turning). Its not got air suspension tho'..

Summertime I get 34mpg on the commute round the M25, winter it drops to 30mpg. I don't go mad in it but it doesn't half shift if you want it to, I think the 0-60 is about 7 seconds....

Cambelt service was £350 at an indy at 100k miles.. Exhaust was repaired at Mr Exhaust as full OEM replacement parts are shocking expensive.. nothing has gone wrong in the 40k miles I've driven it. If this was written off in an accident, I would replace with another the same..

[ALawson]

J50N WA said:

We've got 1 as our family car, had it 5 years now. Love it. Each winter I take it to the Alps for our annual ski trip and it covers the 1400 miles with ease and real comfort. My dads got a brand new CRV and I rate this 10yo car better.. Got more toys than most modern cars (auto dip mirrors for reverse, moving headlights when turning). Its not got air suspension tho'..

Summertime I get 34mpg on the commute round the M25, winter it drops to 30mpg. I don't go mad in it but it doesn't half shift if you want it to, I think the 0-60 is about 7 seconds....

Cambelt service was £350 at an indy at 100k miles.. Exhaust was repaired at Mr Exhaust as full OEM replacement parts are shocking expensive.. nothing has gone wrong in the 40k miles I've driven it. If this was written off in an accident, I would replace with another the same..

I assume the economy to the Alps is the same as the M25 or is it a little better? Interesting you mention a CRV, how does the Lexus compare boot size wise?

[J50N WA]

MPG seems to be the same everywhere, town or M/W. If you push on to 75+ the MPG does drop tho.. To the Alps, as its cold and the car is completely full I get about 29-30 .. usually going 80+ to get the ground covered quickly.

Boot size seems similar if slightly smaller on the RX because the batteries are under the rear floor. Comfort levels are another level.. so is the quietness.

[FerdiZ28]

I am naked as I write.

Mate of mine has had a variant of these since about 1998 I think! Swears by them and he lives on a motorway.