We got a product brochure for 2008 rx's. It included color sheets for both 400h and rx350. I assume this is 2008, and the colors stayed the same (unless Neptune Blue is a new addition...). We saw the Brandywine in the 2008 rx, and agree with dndell's perception, so we opted for an 07 Flint Mica, since it was available, and we prefer the painted door handles to the incoming silver handles. If the brandywine color had been similar to Acura's black cherry pearl, I would have waited....Good luck with your decisions!
WWest, My highlander hybrid is now consistently getting 27-30 MPG per tank, 95% highway driving.
I don't know if any regular V6 AWD highlander can beat that (highway or city).
For the same driving route, my non-turbo outback gives slightly less at 25-29 MPG.
The outback is a 4 cylinder, lighter, and more aerodynamic.
The highlander is quicker (V8-like midrange response), bulkier, heavier, less aerodynamic, and more luxurious.
Despite the above difference, the Highlander Hybrid still beats the outback in highway mileage, much more so in the city.
Originally, I thought the outback has excellent mileage since it macthed the mileage of my previous car which was a Hyundai elantra despite the fact that it is heavier and has AWD.
Now I see the real world fuel economy advantage of Toyota's Synergy drive (no theoritical babbles here)
I noticed lately that I don't even have to be vigilant into observing strict driving techniques. All I did is resist the urge to pass other cars since this thing can really fly.
I even had incidence where a BMW X5 tried to pass without success and I did not notice that my speed was above a 100 MPH. And that was going uphill.
Hi, Assuming I can find a low-mileage (@20k or so) 400h in a color my wife likes, I'm strongly considering going that route versus buying one new. I'm wondering if anyone in this forum has any thoughts as to why that might not be a good idea. I realize the warranty might be shorter (I'd consider buying an extended warranty if need be), but am concerned about the hybrid system over the long-run.
Why is the 2008 400H scheduled to arrive in the showrooms in November when Lexus is planning to introduce a new generation 2009 in the Spring according to Edmunds. I was going to purchase the 08, but it seems I will be getting the short end of the stick if the 09s indeed are out April or May.
Perhaps there are not many complaints on the NTHSA site as people don't know how to do it. I was not aware of this until reading your post. Can you provide a URL?
My tires have been rotated but since the rotation is only front to rear it does not have any affect on the problem. My dealer says my alignment is within specs and the problem is that the Goodyear tires don't wear very well. Sounds like nonsense to me since the wear is only abnormal on the inside edge.
On my airplane, which has a significant camber to the main wheels, when the outside of the tire shows significant wear I reverse the tire on the wheel. This makes for more even wear and the tires last much longer. But I don't know if that is a good idea or even possible on the car tires.
Any other ideas on what those of us with this problem can do, since we are getting blown off by the Lexus dealers?
I take it back about the Brandywine Mica red. There's 2 large pics on clublexus and I think it's quite cool. Maybe not my fave of all, but far superior to the Matador Red, IMHO. The bad news is that, again, Lexus is shortchanging the hybrid owners - not offered for the hybrid. My dealer is saying I can special order it, though, so I'm gonna try. Not sure I believe him, but I'll give it a shot. To see it, here's the link: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214897&page=9
I highly reccomend seeing the Brandywine mica in person. It looked much redder with less burgundy tones in the showroom light; not what we wanted. They are coming in with the 08 shipments, so should be available to see very soon. Good luck finding your color preference....
is that true that the RX with navigation does not have "distance to empty" or "cruising range" display?? the dealer told me that that feature is not available for the RX with Navigation
I've seen the brandywine mica on the RX350 and it doesn't look like the red colors of either the IS or the GS, although I think those colors look good also.
The regular gasoline version RX's have had issues with the Goodyear tires also, mainly that they wear out between 20k and 25k. Now, a friend that I work with has a 2005 RX330 and she got almost 40k out of her Goodyears!
I finally saw the Brandywine in person, too. I agree it doesn't look much like that pic - at least in sunlight. In sun it looks much more Brandy than Wine. More of a rust color actually. Not bad - different and kind of cool, but more orange than red. My guess is that in shade it looks redder. I'd give my eye teeth to be able to order one of these in the Nobel Spinel Mica of the LS. If you've never seen that one in person, it's really fit for royalty. 'Course, I could always buy an LS...
The price is probably WAY TOO much. See this link where folks are buying them new for $45k loaded. Why buy used unless you save at least $5k under new invoice.
Does anyone know if the 2007 RX400h qualifies for the Clean Fuel License Tags in Virginia? The DMV sites says that the 2006 model does, but it's not listed. Also, there is an expiration date of June 30, 2008 for the HOV lanes. Does, that mean no hybrid can use the HOV lanes if only one person is in the car, or does it mean, you have to buy a hybrid by June 30, 2008 to use the HOV lanes? I'm trying to decide whether to buy a RX400h or the 350 model - so any input on the HOV issue is great! Thanks!
It looks like they stopped issuing hybrid HOV permits 7/1/06. Unless they have changed the law again.
To take advantage of the HOV-use extension, you must purchase a hybrid and apply for a Clean Special Fuel license plate before July 1. These plates will cost the hybrid owner an extra $25.
Those purchasing a hybrid after the July 1 deadline would be issued a distinctively different Clean Special Fuel plate and would not be permitted to use the HOV lanes during restricted hours unless they have two or more passengers.
That is a big change, so make sure you pay attention to those dates if you were thinking about buying a hybrid.
Are you saying that you had to purchase a hybrid by July 1 of last year (2006) or this year in order to take advantage of the extension?
And, because July 1 has already passed (no matter which year), I guess it doesn't make any sense to get a hybrid if I was planning to take advantage of the HOV lanes. And, why go through all the bother to get the Clean Fuel plate if you have to have 2 people in the car - just like everyone else?
Anyway, I was confused in looking at the Virginia DMV site because they clearly list the 2006 RX400h, and also include other 2007 and now, 2008 models. So, I was wondering what happened to the 2007 RXH400h model?!!
Does anyone know what the color choices are for the 2008 model ? They're getting rid of the Neptune Blue, so I'm wondering what they're replacing it with and/or if any other colors are changing?
The battery indicator show only 6 bars out of the 8 total as being charged. No matter how long I drive, I cant get the last 2 bars to show charged. Anyone know why this is or has this problem? Should I take it back to the dealer? Thanks.
through a reputable local dealer. Normally, I don't buy used, but this car has less than 10k miles, and it is the color/interior I would want. It is AWD with NAV, but does not have wood package. Dealer is asking $42,900, but he has offered to me for $37,700. It is not certified, but certification would only add 10 months to the warranty (3 years from now since mileage will not come into play). They are offering me a decent trade on my vehicle which has high mileage and needs new tires. In this market, dealers are only coming off $3k on 2007 models, and hardly anything on 2008. It seems like a great deal at $37,700, but I would love to get some feedback.
hi, I think that's normal. There was a post a while back with the same issue, mine came up with 7 bars only when you going down a long hill (at least a couple of miles) and keep pressing the brake often for regenerate charging Overall I think 6/8 bar is the normal. I have not seen full 8/8 bar yet I guess I have to find a longer down hill road
If you are a long-term hybrid owner, our Senior Editor, John O'Dell, would love to hear from you! A short email with your maintenance experiences and concerns would be great. Please send to John at jodell@edmunds.com by close of business Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Be sure and include your Forums username.
I have a Treo 680 that communicates marginally well with my 2007 RX400h. I am considering getting software for the 680 called the Softick Audio Gateway that "upgrades" the Treo's Bluetooth capability by letting it transmit in stereo with stereo headsets and headphones using the A2DP BT profile.
My question is whether anyone has done this, and whether doing so will interfere with the BT communication between the Treo and the RX400h.
Does anyone know how to unlock the navigation/telephone so that it can be used while driving. It is silly that a passenger can't enter a destination or a telephone number for you. We have had nav systems on our BMW, Acura, Audi and Ford and none have this annoying problem. Someone at the dealer said I could do a search on the internet and find out how to unlock it. Haven't had much luck.
Hi- I'm also in the market for a used 400h. Did you buy one? If so can you share the following: Will you share the price, location and options. Are you happy with it? Thanks!
I'm in Louisiana. I didn't pull the trigger. I may wait on toyota HH, and then compare the 2. Used RX400h vs. new Highlander Hybrid. I'm not in a hurry.
A freelancer aims to talk with owners of the following hybrid models: Accord, Altima, Camry, all Lexus hybrids and all pick-up truck hybrids.
Please respond to Chintan Talati at ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 12, 2007 with your daytime contact information and the hybrid model you own.
I can confirm that iPhone Bluetooth works as well as did my Blackberry. I haven't tried to upload addresses - since I'm fairly sure we can still only do that one at a time..but the phone features work fine. In FACT, when I get a call,the iPhone display gave me the option of answering 1) with the hands-free device (car), 2) with the iPhone, or 2) using the iPhone speaker.
>>>I know all about physics, but if the new generation battery will get 125 mpg on a Prius, why would it be stupid to think that it cannot get 35mpg on the next generation RX? >>>
I keep seeing this comment or similar and what is NOT being taken into consideration is the "next generation" prius would only get the greatly improved mileage if it is a plug-in Hybrid. Meaning they will use smaller, lighter battery packs to allow much more storage capacity. They will be charged from a wall outlet and your first so many miles (60miles? 100 miles?) will run off of battery alone. The engine would only kick on once the battery power ran low. This is how you would get an overall average of 100+mpg. People are already doing this conversion on Prius with the current battery technology, but it adds substantial weight and takes up a lot of room. The next generation of battery technology is mainly to allow for more batteries with the net effect of higher speeds and longer ranges from battery-only. The much talked about 100+mpg numbers are not from standard non-plug-in hybrids.
To me, and many others, this is the ultimate solution and I see no reason it couldn't be applied to larger vehicles like the RX. Most days, you'll never run the engine. But it's nice to know you are not bound by a limited range of 100 miles or so. If you go on a long trip or just forget to plug in one night, you aren't stuck looking for an outlet. You just put in a dab of gasoline and keep on truckin'.
"To me, and many others, this is the ultimate solution and I see no reason it couldn't be applied to larger vehicles like the RX. Most days, you'll never run the engine."
Of course you can apply technology to different vehicle sizes, but as the vehicle gets heavier, the engine size increases, and the cross-section increases (all three of which affect the RX), the efficiency of the technology goes down. In other words, adding plug in to an RX400 would not provide nearly the improvement (as a percentage) as it would to a small custom built hybrid like the Prius.
There is already a small hybrid SUV that can get 35 MPG - the Ford Escape. If Lexus wanted to improve the MPG on the RX, they could do so by moving to a smaller engine. Toyota has chosen to stay with the V6 for all their SUV applications...
"Toyota has chosen to stay with the V6 for all of their SUV applications..."
Yes, and by doing so they are showing their ULTIMATE STUPIDITY.
The I4 has now even been dropped from the HEAVIER HL line.
The Atkinson cycle cannot be used with a V6 because of the "out of sync" intake and compression cycles. Mazda overcame that problem by using an SC.
IMMHO Toyota should wise up and go to a smallish Miller Cyle I4 with an e-CVT concept engine driven variable speed positive displacement SuperCharger..no intake "throttle".
"Yes, and by doing so they are showing their ULTIMATE STUPIDITY.
The I4 has now even been dropped from the HEAVIER HL line. "
Toyota is catering to the customer desires (or their perception of customer desires). The view is that an SUV driver wants good power and acceleration. To get that in an SUV that weighs over 4500 lbs, one needs either an enhanced I4 (SC or Turbo) or a V6. It would be expensive to develop an I4 just for the hybrid SUV application. They would rather bask in the glow of having SUV hybrids without having said vehicles get really good MPG (for an SUV).
The Ford website does not list the weight of the Escape (hybrid or ICE). I think it weighs around 4000 lbs in hybrid form, which is considerably less than the HH or RX. And in any case the FEH has "adequate",not stellar, acceleration.
Another issue is the towing, which really requires a V6. I would not tow ANYTHING with an FEH.
Of course, many people would say that a hybrid SUV is kind of pointless anyway (due to the higher weight and cross-section of the SUV).
The current system provides a modest increase in MPG over the ICE only model; an I4 could double that increase.
Be sure to check out Senior Editor John O'Dell's newest addition to our lineup, the Green Car Advisor for news and commentary on environmental automotive trends and technologies.
This whole towing issue concerning the RX or the RXh is a puzzle to me. I cannot imagine that the market demographics for these vehicles indicate enough of a need, or even a desire, for towing capability at a level that justifies the factory investment for development of that capability.
For quite a few years now I have suspected that the towing package for these vehicles was developed for other reasons, yet another SECRET "protect the drive train effort" at the customer's expense.
When I bought my '01 AWD RX300 I was told that the only way I could get one without the tow package was with a special order.
Say WHAT...??!!
So I now suspect, strongly so, that the use of the Camry transaxle in the RX300 required a few design measures to help extend the transaxle life. Obviously a failed effort for the '99 RX series.
While a tow package could possibly have some very small beneficial impact on drivetrain life, the more likely reason all your dealers vehicles have it is more obvious...they make money on it. Just like all the other options that people may not want or need. It's hard to find a RX with no options. Dealers know, as with many non-hybrid vehicles, that what is on the lot is what sells.
People drive a vehicle, play around with some creature comfort they didn't know they wanted, but go for it because it is 'neat' and/or "it only adds $9/month to my payment". In the case of a tow package, probably only $1/mnth.
Yep. I think it probably has more to do with dealer profits than reliability. Why would a dealer care about a possible super slim improvement in reliability between a tow package vs. a non-tow package vehicle? After all, if it breaks or wears out, you pay them to fix it or you buy another vehicle!
Dealers tend to "pile on" lots, tons, of needless, USELESS options, 3M treatment, paint preservation, rear bumper protectors, etc, etc, etc.
Plus I have no doubt that dealer added features/options have very HIGH profit margins due to the dealers being "CHEAP" in their selection.
Insofar as I know none of the towing packages are a dealer option.
An additional point....
How many customers are like myself in that we refuse, absolutely refuse to pay for these dealer options that they "throw-in" automatically at the "port".
I don't buy many new cars, and even fewer under custom order, but again and again I have had dealers try to BILK me for these "standard" options. I do not pay.
The last special order I did was a '99 Chrysler T&C and after it arrived the dealer piled on almost $1500 worth of these options and he got to EAT every one. I was buying it for my daughter and I suspect the dealer thought that under those circumstances I wouldn't be likely to walk away from the deal..
"Why would a dealer care about a possible super slim improvement in reliability between a tow package vs a non-tow package vehicle?"
Bottom line....
The "dealer" doesn't care, literally doesn't give a DAMN..!
It's the factory that would be paying for warranty repairs and suffering the adverse PR.
"super slim improvement.."???
That's a line I would expect to see put forth by someone "shilling" for Lexus.
Not even changing the scheduled ATF drain/refill period from infinity to every 15,000 miles could be referred to as a "super slim improvement" issue, let along the potential for total transaxle failure in as little as 70-80,000 miles.
Just got my new 2008 RX400h vehicle the other day in Matador Red and it's great! The color is exactly what I was looking and it drives like a dream! There aren't many new RX400h cars out there right now, so I guess I was very lucky!
Enjoy it. I'm jealous. I got a 2007 RX400h 6 months ago and I really wanted it in red, but it wasn't available then. I don't think I can persuade my wife to trade it in just for that.
I recently replace my original tires at 26K miles due to inside edge excessive wear. The Lexus dealer insists the alignment was within specification. After putting on new Michelins I took it to a specialty alignment shop. They reported the camber was OK but toe-in on both front and rear needed a 1/8 in adjustment. Also recommended tire rotation with crossover of front to rear and bring rear directly to front.
Today at the Taste of Lexus event, the Michelin rep asked me about uneven tire wear. He had heard quite a bit about it and Michelin is very concerned because they do not want their tires to be blamed for something that is a flaw in the alignment coming out of the factory.
So if your RX has excessive tire wear on the inside edge, take it to an alignment shop.
erc66 - is the interior color ivory? We wanted black but are being told that matador red is produced 100% with ivory so if you want black, it has to be special ordered (4-6 moth wait). can you share what you paid assuming you bought it and not leased it.
Yes, the interior color is Ivory. Initially, I was also thinking about getting the black because I like the look and it stays cleaner longer. But, it also tends to get hotter in the summer. So, I went with the Ivory and I'm glad I did because it's a nice contrast to the outside color. I did get a couple of thousand off from the MSRF - not as great of a deal as I would have with the 2007 model during their August sale, but, I also now have a 2008 model in a color I love.
I'm considering the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. However, i'm concerned about any health risks to my dog. Since my dog will be riding in the rear cargo area where the hybrid batteries are located, are there any potential harmful effects? I go on a lot of road trips and my dog would spend a lot of time laying on top of the batteries.
"Since my dog will be riding in the rear cargo area where the hybrid batteries are located, are there any potential harmful effects? I go on a lot of road trips and my dog would spend a lot of time laying on top of the batteries."
The batteries are sealed and vented to the outside of the vehicle. I have not heard of any issues with this.
If it can affect your canine in the cargo area, it can affect the other passengers as well.
My 2006 bought in "05 shortly after they came out got only 15,000 miles on them. The dealer paid for two new tires but I had to buy four. I now have 50,000 miles so the 2nd set has lasted 35,000 miles without he alignemnt wear. yes. This is a alignment problem. Chaeck your tires carefully. :sick:
Comments
I don't know if any regular V6 AWD highlander can beat that (highway or city).
For the same driving route, my non-turbo outback gives slightly less at 25-29 MPG.
The outback is a 4 cylinder, lighter, and more aerodynamic.
The highlander is quicker (V8-like midrange response), bulkier, heavier, less aerodynamic, and more luxurious.
Despite the above difference, the Highlander Hybrid still beats the outback in highway mileage, much more so in the city.
Originally, I thought the outback has excellent mileage since it macthed the mileage of my previous car which was a Hyundai elantra despite the fact that it is heavier and has AWD.
Now I see the real world fuel economy advantage of Toyota's Synergy drive (no theoritical babbles here)
I noticed lately that I don't even have to be vigilant into observing strict driving techniques. All I did is resist the urge to pass other cars since this thing can really fly.
I even had incidence where a BMW X5 tried to pass without success and I did not notice that my speed was above a 100 MPH. And that was going uphill.
Thank you.
Assuming I can find a low-mileage (@20k or so) 400h in a color my wife likes, I'm strongly considering going that route versus buying one new. I'm wondering if anyone in this forum has any thoughts as to why that might not be a good idea. I realize the warranty might be shorter (I'd consider buying an extended warranty if need be), but am concerned about the hybrid system over the long-run.
Thank you for any thoughts or advice.
My tires have been rotated but since the rotation is only front to rear it does not have any affect on the problem. My dealer says my alignment is within specs and the problem is that the Goodyear tires don't wear very well. Sounds like nonsense to me since the wear is only abnormal on the inside edge.
On my airplane, which has a significant camber to the main wheels, when the outside of the tire shows significant wear I reverse the tire on the wheel. This makes for more even wear and the tires last much longer. But I don't know if that is a good idea or even possible on the car tires.
Any other ideas on what those of us with this problem can do, since we are getting blown off by the Lexus dealers?
To see it, here's the link: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214897&page=9
friend that I work with has a 2005 RX330 and she got almost 40k out of her Goodyears!
I think it is really the RX400H. My fatehr-in-law received a quote for a dealer demo, 5,000 miles, fully loaded RX hybrid for $53,186.
I have no idea if this is a good price, can anyone help?
I have no idea if this is a good price, can anyone help?"
No. They are selling new for around 48K, check out the RX400H forum prices.
annandaleva, "Lexus RX 400h: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" #345, 29 May 2007 7:22 pm
To take advantage of the HOV-use extension, you must purchase a hybrid and apply for a Clean Special Fuel license plate before July 1. These plates will cost the hybrid owner an extra $25.
Those purchasing a hybrid after the July 1 deadline would be issued a distinctively different Clean Special Fuel plate and would not be permitted to use the HOV lanes during restricted hours unless they have two or more passengers.
That is a big change, so make sure you pay attention to those dates if you were thinking about buying a hybrid.
And, because July 1 has already passed (no matter which year), I guess it doesn't make any sense to get a hybrid if I was planning to take advantage of the HOV lanes. And, why go through all the bother to get the Clean Fuel plate if you have to have 2 people in the car - just like everyone else?
Anyway, I was confused in looking at the Virginia DMV site because they clearly list the 2006 RX400h, and also include other 2007 and now, 2008 models. So, I was wondering what happened to the 2007 RXH400h model?!!
I think that's normal. There was a post a while back with the same issue, mine came up with 7 bars
Overall I think 6/8 bar is the normal. I have not seen full 8/8 bar yet
My question is whether anyone has done this, and whether doing so will interfere with the BT communication between the Treo and the RX400h.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Will you share the price, location and options.
Are you happy with it?
Thanks!
Please respond to Chintan Talati at ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 12, 2007 with your daytime contact information and the hybrid model you own.
I keep seeing this comment or similar and what is NOT being taken into consideration is the "next generation" prius would only get the greatly improved mileage if it is a plug-in Hybrid. Meaning they will use smaller, lighter battery packs to allow much more storage capacity. They will be charged from a wall outlet and your first so many miles (60miles? 100 miles?) will run off of battery alone. The engine would only kick on once the battery power ran low. This is how you would get an overall average of 100+mpg. People are already doing this conversion on Prius with the current battery technology, but it adds substantial weight and takes up a lot of room. The next generation of battery technology is mainly to allow for more batteries with the net effect of higher speeds and longer ranges from battery-only. The much talked about 100+mpg numbers are not from standard non-plug-in hybrids.
To me, and many others, this is the ultimate solution and I see no reason it couldn't be applied to larger vehicles like the RX. Most days, you'll never run the engine. But it's nice to know you are not bound by a limited range of 100 miles or so. If you go on a long trip or just forget to plug in one night, you aren't stuck looking for an outlet. You just put in a dab of gasoline and keep on truckin'.
Of course you can apply technology to different vehicle sizes, but as the vehicle gets heavier, the engine size increases, and the cross-section increases (all three of which affect the RX), the efficiency of the technology goes down. In other words, adding plug in to an RX400 would not provide nearly the improvement (as a percentage) as it would to a small custom built hybrid like the Prius.
There is already a small hybrid SUV that can get 35 MPG - the Ford Escape. If Lexus wanted to improve the MPG on the RX, they could do so by moving to a smaller engine. Toyota has chosen to stay with the V6 for all their SUV applications...
Yes, and by doing so they are showing their ULTIMATE STUPIDITY.
The I4 has now even been dropped from the HEAVIER HL line.
The Atkinson cycle cannot be used with a V6 because of the "out of sync" intake and compression cycles. Mazda overcame that problem by using an SC.
IMMHO Toyota should wise up and go to a smallish Miller Cyle I4 with an e-CVT concept engine driven variable speed positive displacement SuperCharger..no intake "throttle".
50MPG...???
The I4 has now even been dropped from the HEAVIER HL line. "
Toyota is catering to the customer desires (or their perception of customer desires). The view is that an SUV driver wants good power and acceleration. To get that in an SUV that weighs over 4500 lbs, one needs either an enhanced I4 (SC or Turbo) or a V6. It would be expensive to develop an I4 just for the hybrid SUV application. They would rather bask in the glow of having SUV hybrids without having said vehicles get really good MPG (for an SUV).
The Ford website does not list the weight of the Escape (hybrid or ICE). I think it weighs around 4000 lbs in hybrid form, which is considerably less than the HH or RX. And in any case the FEH has "adequate",not stellar, acceleration.
Another issue is the towing, which really requires a V6. I would not tow ANYTHING with an FEH.
Of course, many people would say that a hybrid SUV is kind of pointless anyway (due to the higher weight and cross-section of the SUV).
The current system provides a modest increase in MPG over the ICE only model; an I4 could double that increase.
Looking forward to all your comments!
For quite a few years now I have suspected that the towing package for these vehicles was developed for other reasons, yet another SECRET "protect the drive train effort" at the customer's expense.
When I bought my '01 AWD RX300 I was told that the only way I could get one without the tow package was with a special order.
Say WHAT...??!!
So I now suspect, strongly so, that the use of the Camry transaxle in the RX300 required a few design measures to help extend the transaxle life. Obviously a failed effort for the '99 RX series.
People drive a vehicle, play around with some creature comfort they didn't know they wanted, but go for it because it is 'neat' and/or "it only adds $9/month to my payment". In the case of a tow package, probably only $1/mnth.
Yep. I think it probably has more to do with dealer profits than reliability. Why would a dealer care about a possible super slim improvement in reliability between a tow package vs. a non-tow package vehicle? After all, if it breaks or wears out, you pay them to fix it or you buy another vehicle!
I'm not so sure.
Dealers tend to "pile on" lots, tons, of needless, USELESS options, 3M treatment, paint preservation, rear bumper protectors, etc, etc, etc.
Plus I have no doubt that dealer added features/options have very HIGH profit margins due to the dealers being "CHEAP" in their selection.
Insofar as I know none of the towing packages are a dealer option.
An additional point....
How many customers are like myself in that we refuse, absolutely refuse to pay for these dealer options that they "throw-in" automatically at the "port".
I don't buy many new cars, and even fewer under custom order, but again and again I have had dealers try to BILK me for these "standard" options. I do not pay.
The last special order I did was a '99 Chrysler T&C and after it arrived the dealer piled on almost $1500 worth of these options and he got to EAT every one. I was buying it for my daughter and I suspect the dealer thought that under those circumstances I wouldn't be likely to walk away from the deal..
WRONG...!
He blinked first.
Bottom line....
The "dealer" doesn't care, literally doesn't give a DAMN..!
It's the factory that would be paying for warranty repairs and suffering the adverse PR.
"super slim improvement.."???
That's a line I would expect to see put forth by someone "shilling" for Lexus.
Not even changing the scheduled ATF drain/refill period from infinity to every 15,000 miles could be referred to as a "super slim improvement" issue, let along the potential for total transaxle failure in as little as 70-80,000 miles.
After putting on new Michelins I took it to a specialty alignment shop. They reported the camber was OK but toe-in on both front and rear needed a 1/8 in adjustment. Also recommended tire rotation with crossover of front to rear and bring rear directly to front.
Today at the Taste of Lexus event, the Michelin rep asked me about uneven tire wear. He had heard quite a bit about it and Michelin is very concerned because they do not want their tires to be blamed for something that is a flaw in the alignment coming out of the factory.
So if your RX has excessive tire wear on the inside edge, take it to an alignment shop.
Jerry
Thanks
And cats and hamsters and iguanas but not pythons or alpacas.
The batteries are sealed and vented to the outside of the vehicle. I have not heard of any issues with this.
If it can affect your canine in the cargo area, it can affect the other passengers as well.