Got up at 5:30 AM to drive my RX400h over to Northside Houston service yesterday morning. That was about a 220 mile round trip with the A/C on and cruise control set at 70 mph. Glad to report my 87 octane consumption has improved now (700 miles on the odometer) to 25.3 mpg highway. It was in the high, humid 90s on the return trip. I'm hopeful that I'll see close to 27 mpg on the highway by the fall...
At the service dept, had my license plates installed and alignment and tires checked. The tow-in was adjusted "a hair," per my service advisor; but alignment was "dead-on within 400h specs." This really surprised me. The car pulls to the right every time I relax my grip on the steering wheel. Maybe it's extremely sensitive to road crown. Seems I'm just going to have to be vigilant with my steering. Any other ideas out there? Could this be some sort of Hybrid Synergy Torque-Steer Drive?
27 mpg might be a bit high to expect for 70 mph travel on the freeway. The EPA "highway" test actually has an average speed of 48 mph. Despite that, I am seeing about 27 mph on 65 mph freeway. I haven't had a chance to try I-5 at 70 mph yet. I expect the extra wind resistance pushing up the speed will drop the mileage a little.
Sorry to hear that the pull is persisting. Mine doesn't seem to have the problem. Maybe you could get a test drive in another one to see if it does the same thing. You might try a different dealer in case yours is doing something wrong in the set-up.
I expect the extra wind resistance pushing up the speed will drop the mileage a little.
I am sure wind resistance is a big factor. Driving my Passat diesel on level freeway at 65 MPH I get a steady 51 MPG indication. When I kick it up to 70 MPH it drops to about 43 MPG. This is on fairly level highway not much wind. Just the vehicles own drag coefficient. I would say that 70 MPH with an RX400h getting 25 MPG is good.
eman5...There are two things that I would prefer that a mechanic not do to my car. One of them is an alignment. They never seem to get it right . In your case, I would definitely take it to another Lexus dealer and have it checked. Based on what I have read here and on other forums, the vehicle should not pull to the right if properly aligned. Make them fix it!!
(After doing all the metric conversions) I drove my 400h 125 miles to the lake at 70 mph with a/c on (78 F) and got 26 mpg. The mileage was helped! by having to drive through a small city along the way through which the batteries did most of the work. I should also mention that I drove with my wife and with three kids in the back (who spent the trip quietly absorbed with a DVD :shades: ). I passed quite a few cars too with little more than a tap on the accelerator.
The highways were crowned for drainage and there were no "pulling" issues. Heck I even left it on cruise control, climbed into the back to get a soft drink, climbed back and it was still tracking straight as an arrow. Okay ... so that was a bit of an exaggeration but the point is a $$$$$ car should not be pulling except where something is wrong or there is a good cross-wind. I know this is in the "have you checked to see that it isn't out of gas" category, but have you checked the tire pressure?
Hey folks - we have opened a Lexus RX 400h Owners Club and there are various sub-discussions (problems & solutions, etc.) where much of your posts can go. It makes it easier for people to find things rather than wading through one big discussion.
I purchased my rx400h the beginning of May, and now have approx. 2400miles on my car. After driving the car for 2 days I brought it back to the dealer complaining that the car pulled to the right while coasting. And I had to work hard to hold it on the road. They checked the alignment and it still pulled. The dealer made a call to Lexus and found out that this problem was associated with the stablization unit in the car and had to be reset. They did that and it was unbelievably fixed. It rides great. (No problem.) I love the performance of my car.
As far as gas milage, it pretty well goes along with what everyone else is getting. It really matters how hot it is and how much the a/c is being used.
I purchased my rx400h in May and it astounds me that I have yet to see another one on the road. And even more, it puzzles me why I haven't seen any tv advertisements for the rx400h. I am starting to wonder is this a limited edition?
Over the July 4th holiday, I saw a 400h commercial several times on Food Network and ABC. Doesn't tell you much about the car. Just shows a picture of the vehicle and says "hybrid." Sort of a tease for the vehicle.
I know what you mean... I've had my 400h for three weeks and haven't seen another one on the road, and I've been looking. In fact, I actually started checking out all the RX models looking for a 400h since they were released... nada, zilch, zip. With the typical congestion on NJ roads, that surprises me. I'm greatful to this forum for letting me know there are other owners out there. I love my 400h!
FWIW: I haven't put wax on any of my cars for the last 20 years. I had a body shop guy tell me once that wax makes water bead up on the surface which can act like a magnifying glass when the sun hits it. Allegedly this can eventually burn "spots" in the paint. What he did tell me to do is to pour about a half cup of mineral spirits (paint thinner) in the bucket of wash water when I wash the car. This removes the road grime and dead paint you can't see. I have done this for 20 years and whenever I've sold or traded any of my cars, the buyer(s) has always remarked how great the paint looks. It also blows away the guys around here who want $60-$70 to wax your car!
Overall I am very happy with my vehicle however I would make a few comments for prospective buyers. (1) If you are in a sales job that requires you to spend all day running from one customer to the next in about 5 minute hops, you will not be all that happy with the mileage as it will probably hover around 21-23. (2) If you also live in a warm climate where the car bakes in the sun while you make your sales call, you'll need to run the A/C full blast to cool the cabin down which also decreases mileage. (3) if you like AM talk radio, you'll be dissapointed with the quality of the AM sound system. Even the FM is pedestrian unless you spend the extra bucks on the Mark Levinson system for which some folks have posted here that it isn't much better. (4). The cargo area is a little small for my needs. Another 4-5 square feet would have been better (5) I tried using regular gas and got OK mileage but improved when I went to mid grade. Since my last SUV really needed mid grade I was hoping to double up on the savings with a lest costly fuel grade. That didn't pan out. But, I still like the idea of being somewhat environmentally responsible which for me has offset some of the perceived deficiences. It's also a really "cushy" ride and yes, when you throw on the afterburners, it really flies! Hope this helps.
There may be tons 400hs in Texas and the south, but NJ seems to have had a shortage. I saw one before mine was delivered, but I haven't seen one in NJ (except at the dealership) since I bought mine. I didn't see one in Philadelphia when I was there for 3 days either. I did notice that the dealer has designated one for a loaner.
Thanks for the thoughts -- I did take the plunge and I have to say I'm thrilled with it! It's an easy ride but not quite as soft as some in the Lexus line, and the power is a nice treat. I've been getting a little over 26 mpg on my first tank with a mix of driving conditions and my usual driving style (semi aggressive, but alert to traffic flow so getting off the gas when I see things slowing down). For my purposes it's perfect -- I get the features of a luxury car (overall refinement, bluetooth, HID, Nav, Mark L stereo, power, reliability, safety, other niceties) while having more room and a better view than a car, ability to drive with reasonable confidence in snow, and great mileage for this much power which makes me feel I'm doing a small part to help reduce our oil problem. Sure I could get a Prius and do much more, but that requires more sacrifice in features/space/power than I'm willing to make. For me this is no tradeoffs just a little extra $ and it's worth it to me. Aah, the scent of a new car ... most expensive perfume in the world! I usually keep my cars 5 or 6 years and looking forward to many years of enjoyment. Only concern is reliability of the hybrid powertrain over time, but in Lexus I Trust.
I am not a technician, I'm only repeating what was said to me. To the best of my knowledge, part of the VDIM is a system for keeping your car stable under many conditions, such as turning or swaying,etc. It also affects braking and acceleration to each wheel. The definition, so to speak, of this VDIM is explained below. Good Luck, if you can understand it. At any rate, your dealer should.
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM): Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) [1] is a system which integrates braking, steering, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [2] and Traction Control (TRAC) systems to help minimize loss of traction in a turn.
Lower back pain? Sciatica? This is the answer. They work soooo good. They also heated the lumbar area... the only drawback is that it feels sooo good you might fall asleep!
My experience is just the opposite in my 1999 and 2003 RX300s. At freeway speeds the cars tended to wander. Taking my hands off the wheel would cause the cars to wander to the left or right depending on the slope of the road.
My RX400h steering feels much firmer at freeway speeds and tends to hold the road better. When I take my hands of the wheel, the car holds it's direction in the lane. It is similar to power assist steering in some cars many years ago.
I prefer the feel of the 400h, but my preference may not be to the liking of others.
I got my 400h at the beginning of May as well and it also pulled hard to the right. They replaced the "steering controller," but that did little to change anything. Eventually, the head mechanic added 0.5 degrees of left turn into the alignment, which is within the Lexus spec of 0.75 degrees either way. I wonder though, based on your story, if the steering controller is a different part than the stability controller, or are they the same thing?
It is refreshing to have bought a new car and not suddenly noticing them everywhere. Still, while I agree with the blending in approach that Lexus has taken with the RX400h, I'd like to be noticed more. It's lonely out there .
The Rx400h is called the "Harrier Hybrid" in Japan. I think the "branding" of the car would be improved in North America if they would have went with that name along with RX400h to distinguish it better from the RX330.
I gather from the posts that you have gotten the 400h....Are you putting your stamp of approval on what you got??? If so do you have any suggestions for we who may follow in your footsteps...If so please stat them and I will treat you to some ribs when you next go to Memphis Tony
I am in Memphis at this very moment....well actually Olive Branch MS, but close enough for horseshoes.
The only part of the RX400h I have bought at the moment is the owners manual, prepaid and hoping it comes in (Ridgeway??) before I leave early Thursday AM.
But no, I'm still vacilating between the 06 RX330 and an RX400h.
My wife and I have bad backs and have enjoyed heated seats for several years. I like the ability to vary the temperature, but wish the passenger side control was located on the right side for easier reach and would like to see the heat control shut off when the control button is pushed in. Minor complaints that are only suggestions.
Has anyone tried this new Verizon bluetooth phone??
Motorola E815
*The E815 supports Bluetooth Profiles for wireless headsets, hands-free accessories. Phonebook/datebook synchronization with optional Motorola Phone Tools or Verizon Wireless Mobile Office kit. It does not support all object exchange (OBEX) profiles. Accessories and Phone Book Tool/Mobile Office Kit sold separately. See Bluetooth for details.
The Audi S-4 provides about as much fun as you can have driving. However, mine has been in the shop getting its clutch replaced, then its transmission overhauled since September---that's right, nine months! We got on a waiting list for the 400h the same time my Audi went into the shop, and ironically took delivery of them both at the same time. The Audi was great until the warranty ended. Since then we've put maybe 16 to 17 grand into repairs. The Lexus feels so smooth and quiet in comparison. It can't compete with handling, but it doesn't disappoint there either with its glassy smooth variable transmission. The Audi's Bose (I call it Bogus) stereo won't hold a candle to the MarkLevinson stereo. How can anyone not appreciate that sound! The overall mileage on the Audi has been 22.8 MPG vs. 26 mpg in the Lexus for the first 500 miles. The question we are contemplating is should we wait for the Camry hybrid to come out and trade in the Audi, or sell it as soon as we can?
I can't believe how much money you put into that vehicle! That is insane!! This is the same reason I sold my Audi allroad after 10,000 miles. It already needed work (it was covered), but I saw the writing on the wall. I now have 31,000 trouble free Prius miles. Loving it...... Enjoy the Lexus!!
I forwarded your message to an Audi enthusiast who within the past few weeks took delivery on an A8 (short wheelbase). I quote: "Well, I'll second the comments you sent regarding the high maintenance cost of Audi's once the warranty has expired - that's essentially what drove me to get a new one as well.
On the other hand, I find it totally inappropriate to compare an S4 (which is a tuned up compact sports-sedan, thus actually more of a sports-car) with a 400h. By virture of its sports tuning and turbo-charged engine the S4 is a totally different beast than the smooth and comfy 400h SUV. And of course while you drive an S4 your driving style will be very different from cruising around like you'd most likely do in a 400h. So it is to be expected that the wear and tear on an S4 is a lot higher, e.g. even compared to an A4. Another thing one should keep in mind that when it comes to creature comforts, e.g. sound system, navigation etc. a lot of development and improvement has taken place over the years, so the proper comparison would be between two 2005 model cars and not between a 2000 model (which I assume for the S4, if the warranty has already expired and the car spent so many months in the shop) and a 2005/2006 model 400h."
I understand your point in comparing two cars with different purposes and uses. But it is appropriate because it is the experience I've had. I haven't owned a 2005 Audi Allroad, or a closer comparison. I'm not a reviewer, I'm a car owner. I love driving (for different reasons) both the 400h and the Audi S-4. But I've lost confidence in the Audi. The clutch, flywheel and the first two gears went out at 82K---when the car had already cost about $10K in repairs post warranty.
That experience prompted us to buy an extended warranty for the Lexus (6 years, 100K miles).
Does anybody know if Lexus plans to expand the colour choices of the RX400h? I had my heart set on a "breakwater blue" - but was suprised to find that it was not available.
Easy question. Rain is seeing what I'm seeing in Florida. Hot weather + short trips = 20-21 city mileage. I just live with that; however, even here when I take a city trip of 10 minutes or longer the consumption meter makes me a lot happier at 28-32 for the 3rd+ 5 minute stretches. Especially good in the evening when it cools down. So Lexus in their presale "blitz" told the truth about mileage, just not the whole truth! I also switched from regular 87 gas to midgrade 89. Improved by 1-2 mpg but maybe it's just because the car is broken in now.
Starting seeing ads last week (in Florida) during late primetime. I remember when I bought my Acura MDX in 2001 it was almost a year before Acura started advertsiing them. Wait at that time was 4-8 weeks. Price was sticker with some dealers even charging a premium over. Now we hear about discounting the 400h in some parts of the country and cars sitting on the lot unsold. :confuse:
I agree with rcf8000. Today, I talked to a dealer in Dallas, TX. He said they have 8 unsold 400h's on their lot. They are typically giving up to $1,000 off sticker on the vehicles. The salesman I talked to said he was given a 400h to drive. It replaced an RX330. He feels that in a few months, there will be deeper discounts on the vehicle and pre-owned vehicles as well. So, it all comes down to how bad do you want it??? :confuse: If you can wait a while, you'll probably save significant $$$$ and perhaps some of the "kinks" will be worked out as well.
I'm sêeing a gas mileage improvement somewhere betwêen the first 200-300miles.
Had the 400h for about 500miles now. Great car!
The first 200miles registered about 24mpg. At about 400miles, a 20mile intown trip (flat Florida, 93F, AC on at 81F, 3 people in car), I got 32mpg. My traded 2005 Rx330 got around 21mpg under the same condition.
So for me and my driving temperament, the 400h is worth 10mpg improvement over the 2005 330 in the city. At 25k miles in city a year (for my case), that is a savings of about 400 gals or about $900-$1000 a year.
But after 500+ miles, the real reason I bought it is... the performance: no xmission hesitation, on-demand (i.e. real time) power response when I hit the gas pedal !! It is so much fun passing people in seemingly split seconds. Normal combustion engines just can't match that spurt of power. It is not a fast vehicle, but it is a QUICK one, may the quickest SUV that I've seen, a Great intown vehicle.
And then the Bluetooth interface with my Nextel I605, it's been a good match. My only complaint about this is that I have not figured out how to use the Walkie-Talkie mode (Nextel) with the 400h's console, or how to answer a call while the vehicle in motion.
Just so that you know, the Toyota Hybrid system in the Prius was in production and sold to the Japanese market for TWO years before the Prius is sold in the US! So those of us who bought the first version of US Prius, we were buying a design that was in its third year of production.
Secondly, contrary to many statements in the press, Toyota was the first company to produce Hybrid passenger vehicles, not Honda. Honda was the first company to sell Hybrid to the US market beating out Toyota by months, but Toyota was selling Hybrids to Japan before that, for a couple of years.
That's why I am not concerned about 'kinks' when i bought the 400h; the Toyota hybrid system is about 6+ yrs old, not a virgin by any automotive standard.
Finally saw another 400h in my area a couple of days ago.
It seems as though the "gluts" are mostly down south. In the northeast and cali, it seems they are still waiting for them. If we hadn't tried several dealers in our area, we would still be waiting for our specific colors/features. It certainly seems as though distribution was botched, as well as many other things with the release. That being said, we really love the car so far. 1050 miles and going. - Don't mind being a beta tester for this one! Just hoping for a decent resale value someday since the technology will obviously improve.
I think the "gluts" is meant to occur all over BY DESIGN.
The 400h would have been introduced earlier if they were not concerned about unmet demands.
Nevertheless, you are thinking in the right direction about distribution. I would guess it is the inaccurate regional forecast demands and distribution, that lead to short supply in one area and abundance in another.
The 400h can be improved with a coolant thermos that the Prius has. This will improve gas mileage right away because warmer coolant can be pumped out of the thermos to warm up the engine when you start up, and hot coolant can be saved in the thermos when you shut it down. When you have this, you will see less steep of a stair-case mpg in the first 15min of drive.
I'm getting 28mpg in mix driving in this 90+F Florida weather with fairly flat terrain and AC set at 80F. I am sure it will be better comes Fall weather.
Coolant Thermos? Can you explain and can the lexus dealer install it, or is it something that my handy techno savey spouse can do? And if so, where does one purchase it? TIA.. Lydia
Lydia, It comes with the design of the car. We can't mess with it.
I posted about it a while back. Here's a quick recap: This is available on the Prius design. It is described in the Prius manual. You can actually hear it, after turning the engine off and getting out of the car. A "zzzzzzzzz" sound (15-30sec) of an electric motor pumping hot coolant into a thermos reservoir. When you get back in the car after the engine had cooled down somewhat, turn it on, and you'd here the "zzzzzzz" again, pumping the warmer coolant out to warming up the engine. So you'd get higher gas mileage right away, not having to burn gas to warm up the engine.
I am certain that the 400h '06 does not have this (no mention of it in the document and no "zzzzzzz" sound). May be a future redesign.
Just watching Regis with guest hostess Whoopi Goldberg. Said she walked into the Lexus dealer and asked to see a hybrid. Dealer had one and she bought it. Says she likes the city mileage she will get and the seat fit her better than the BMW across the street.
Comments
At the service dept, had my license plates installed and alignment and tires checked. The tow-in was adjusted "a hair," per my service advisor; but alignment was "dead-on within 400h specs." This really surprised me. The car pulls to the right every time I relax my grip on the steering wheel. Maybe it's extremely sensitive to road crown. Seems I'm just going to have to be vigilant with my steering. Any other ideas out there? Could this be some sort of Hybrid Synergy Torque-Steer Drive?
"highway" test actually has an average speed of 48 mph. Despite that, I am seeing about 27 mph on 65 mph freeway. I haven't had a chance to try I-5 at 70 mph yet. I expect the extra wind resistance pushing up the speed will drop the mileage a little.
Sorry to hear that the pull is persisting. Mine doesn't seem to have the problem. Maybe you could get a test drive in another one to see if it does the same thing. You might try a different dealer in case yours is doing something wrong in the set-up.
I am sure wind resistance is a big factor. Driving my Passat diesel on level freeway at 65 MPH I get a steady 51 MPG indication. When I kick it up to 70 MPH it drops to about 43 MPG. This is on fairly level highway not much wind. Just the vehicles own drag coefficient. I would say that 70 MPH with an RX400h getting 25 MPG is good.
The highways were crowned for drainage and there were no "pulling" issues. Heck I even left it on cruise control, climbed into the back to get a soft drink, climbed back and it was still tracking straight as an arrow. Okay ... so that was a bit of an exaggeration but the point is a $$$$$ car should not be pulling except where something is wrong or there is a good cross-wind. I know this is in the "have you checked to see that it isn't out of gas" category, but have you checked the tire pressure?
Thanks!
As far as gas milage, it pretty well goes along with what everyone else is getting. It really matters how hot it is and how much the a/c is being used.
(5) I tried using regular gas and got OK mileage but improved when I went to mid grade. Since my last SUV really needed mid grade I was hoping to double up on the savings with a lest costly fuel grade. That didn't pan out. But, I still like the idea of being somewhat environmentally responsible which for me has offset some of the perceived deficiences. It's also a really "cushy" ride and yes, when you throw on the afterburners, it really flies! Hope this helps.
I did notice that the dealer has designated one for a loaner.
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM):
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) [1] is a system which integrates braking, steering, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [2] and Traction Control (TRAC) systems to help minimize loss of traction in a turn.
Lower back pain? Sciatica? This is the answer. They work soooo good. They also
heated the lumbar area... the only drawback is that it feels sooo good you might
fall asleep!
My RX400h steering feels much firmer at freeway speeds and tends to hold the road better. When I take my hands of the wheel, the car holds it's direction in the lane. It is similar to power assist steering in some cars many years ago.
I prefer the feel of the 400h, but my preference may not be to the liking of others.
Slightly skewed in Arlington, VA
The Rx400h is called the "Harrier Hybrid" in Japan. I think the "branding" of the car would be improved in North America if they would have went with that name along with RX400h to distinguish it better from the RX330.
I like the idea of having a Harrier Hybrid.
I am in Memphis at this very moment....well actually Olive Branch MS, but close enough for horseshoes.
The only part of the RX400h I have bought at the moment is the owners manual, prepaid and hoping it comes in (Ridgeway??) before I leave early Thursday AM.
But no, I'm still vacilating between the 06 RX330 and an RX400h.
Motorola E815
*The E815 supports Bluetooth Profiles for wireless headsets, hands-free accessories. Phonebook/datebook synchronization with optional Motorola Phone Tools or Verizon Wireless Mobile Office kit. It does not support all object exchange (OBEX) profiles. Accessories and Phone Book Tool/Mobile Office Kit sold separately. See Bluetooth for details.
Thanks
Jon
"Well, I'll second the comments you sent regarding the high maintenance
cost of Audi's once the warranty has expired - that's essentially what
drove me to get a new one as well.
On the other hand, I find it totally inappropriate to compare an S4
(which is a tuned up compact sports-sedan, thus actually more of a
sports-car) with a 400h. By virture of its sports tuning and
turbo-charged engine the S4 is a totally different beast than the smooth
and comfy 400h SUV. And of course while you drive an S4 your driving
style will be very different from cruising around like you'd most likely
do in a 400h. So it is to be expected that the wear and tear on an S4 is
a lot higher, e.g. even compared to an A4.
Another thing one should keep in mind that when it comes to creature
comforts, e.g. sound system, navigation etc. a lot of development and
improvement has taken place over the years, so the proper comparison
would be between two 2005 model cars and not between a 2000 model (which
I assume for the S4, if the warranty has already expired and the car
spent so many months in the shop) and a 2005/2006 model 400h."
That experience prompted us to buy an extended warranty for the Lexus (6 years, 100K miles).
Lexus 400h Owners report Your Mileage
mirex, "Lexus RX 400h Owners: Report Your Mileage" #40, 15 Jul 2005 7:08 pm
Had the 400h for about 500miles now. Great car!
The first 200miles registered about 24mpg. At about 400miles, a 20mile intown trip (flat Florida, 93F, AC on at 81F, 3 people in car), I got 32mpg. My traded 2005 Rx330 got around 21mpg under the same condition.
So for me and my driving temperament, the 400h is worth 10mpg improvement over the 2005 330 in the city. At 25k miles in city a year (for my case), that is a savings of about 400 gals or about $900-$1000 a year.
But after 500+ miles, the real reason I bought it is... the performance: no xmission hesitation, on-demand (i.e. real time) power response when I hit the gas pedal !! It is so much fun passing people in seemingly split seconds. Normal combustion engines just can't match that spurt of power. It is not a fast vehicle, but it is a QUICK one, may the quickest SUV that I've seen, a Great intown vehicle.
And then the Bluetooth interface with my Nextel I605, it's been a good match. My only complaint about this is that I have not figured out how to use the Walkie-Talkie mode (Nextel) with the 400h's console, or how to answer a call while the vehicle in motion.
Just so that you know, the Toyota Hybrid system in the Prius was in production and sold to the Japanese market for TWO years before the Prius is sold in the US! So those of us who bought the first version of US Prius, we were buying a design that was in its third year of production.
Secondly, contrary to many statements in the press, Toyota was the first company to produce Hybrid passenger vehicles, not Honda. Honda was the first company to sell Hybrid to the US market beating out Toyota by months, but Toyota was selling Hybrids to Japan before that, for a couple of years.
That's why I am not concerned about 'kinks' when i bought the 400h; the Toyota hybrid system is about 6+ yrs old, not a virgin by any automotive standard.
It seems as though the "gluts" are mostly down south. In the northeast and cali, it seems they are still waiting for them. If we hadn't tried several dealers in our area, we would still be waiting for our specific colors/features.
It certainly seems as though distribution was botched, as well as many other things with the release. That being said, we really love the car so far. 1050 miles and going. - Don't mind being a beta tester for this one! Just hoping for a decent resale value someday since the technology will obviously improve.
The 400h would have been introduced earlier if they were not concerned about unmet demands.
Nevertheless, you are thinking in the right direction about distribution. I would guess it is the inaccurate regional forecast demands and distribution, that lead to short supply in one area and abundance in another.
The 400h can be improved with a coolant thermos that the Prius has. This will improve gas mileage right away because warmer coolant can be pumped out of the thermos to warm up the engine when you start up, and hot coolant can be saved in the thermos when you shut it down. When you have this, you will see less steep of a stair-case mpg in the first 15min of drive.
I'm getting 28mpg in mix driving in this 90+F Florida weather with fairly flat terrain and AC set at 80F. I am sure it will be better comes Fall weather.
TIA.. Lydia
It comes with the design of the car. We can't mess with it.
I posted about it a while back. Here's a quick recap: This is available on the Prius design. It is described in the Prius manual. You can actually hear it, after turning the engine off and getting out of the car. A "zzzzzzzzz" sound (15-30sec) of an electric motor pumping hot coolant into a thermos reservoir. When you get back in the car after the engine had cooled down somewhat, turn it on, and you'd here the "zzzzzzz" again, pumping the warmer coolant out to warming up the engine. So you'd get higher gas mileage right away, not having to burn gas to warm up the engine.
I am certain that the 400h '06 does not have this (no mention of it in the document and no "zzzzzzz" sound). May be a future redesign.