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Although I've read that Lexus has already made an online system available to those that have put down deposits, the latest news I've gotten from Lexus is that they are still not totally settled on final options and prices and won't make the ordering system available until these are final.
Although the people that have placed deposits will get first pick of the available vehicles, it seems like it might be a while before they actually have access to the vehicle they would have ordered if given the chance.
Regards
http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt/2006lexuskit/2006lex400h_s.p- df
There is hardly any additional options: three listed are an audio upgrade, a heated seat, a towing upgrade.
Not bad (or not good if you are looking for the lower base price).
Hong.
Does anyone have any experience with this feature of Lexus automobiles?
Customized Body Electronics System (C-BEST) allows certain electronic settings to be tailored to owner
preference (programmable by Lexus dealers).
What sort of things can be programmed? Top speed? Max torque to wheels under heavy demand? Hmm...
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5581162.html?tag=zdfd.newsfeed
I had heard that the air suspension offered much improved handling (less lean in corners). It would certainly have been nice to have an option that allowed some control of the cars handling (sigh).
Regards
sure and read the latest issue of Road and Track for a brief article on the 400h. Most disconcerting, for me at least, is that the writer says the vehicle cannot be used off-road, as apparently the rear electric motors can load-up and fail in distressed driving conditions. Not your usual AWD vehicle capabilities, right?
Here's the Road and Track reviewer:
"One thing you can't do is drive off-road, which will no doubt disappoint the tens of RX owners who routinely slog through the mud. The reason is that under load and without sufficient speed, the air-cooled rear motor could fry."
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=6&article_id=1- 869&page_number=1
I think the latest estimates say less than 5% of 4WD/AWD SUVs sold in the USA ever see anything offroad. I'm betting the RX400H will do fine in regular mud and snow, just nothing heavy and deep.
Might be real bad if they are trying to get up the beach ahead of the tide and get stuck in the sand. If you have a 4X4 you expect it to be able to function as a 4X4. You paid for it and it should be available if needed. I'll bet there are people in LA right now trying to get through mudslides in their SUVs that would not like to find out it only works on dry land or 3 inches of snow. Quit making excuses for poor engineering. Poster wwest months ago questioned this very thing and many posters gave him a bad time for even thinking that Toyota could screw up.
wwest, "Lexus RX 400h" #514, 29 Nov 2004 2:16 pm
I laughed at your writing.
"I'll bet there are people in LA right now trying to get through mudslides in their SUVs "
If you drive a Hummer up a hill, it will naturally cause mudslides, landslides, etc.
Is there any SUV that can help us escape from Avalance, Tsunami, etc, something like Hummer H0 which is taller, wider and longer than Hummer H1.
Expect SUV sales to slider in the face of rising gas prices.
It's not a 4x4, it has an AWD system, and you know the difference Gary.
If they wanted to make a 4x4 Off Road Hybrid and saw a market for it, they WOULD make one. This is not for that. It's a smallish, car-based, crossover SUV and is not made for offroading.
Lexus/Toyota is not trying to fool anyone (oH the ConSpirAcy !!! ))))):)
No going up to the cabin on the lake if the roads are muddy. No going out on the beach for fear the sand will be too dry. No taking it skiing as the roads may have too much snow. What a horrible indictment you put on this vehicle. What is it good for then? It sure doesn't look good. Unless you want a car that looks like a Faberge Egg. I wonder how many names get pulled off the wait list when they find out the truth about the RX400h.
Mark Levinson Audio System ($1,480)
DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,840)
Adjustable Front Seat Heaters ($540)
Based on the price for these options on the RX 330, I calculated the "best guess price" in parentheses above. This would give a grand total of $52,395, before taxes.
There doesn't appear to be any other new information in the Newsletter.
DrFill
This looks like about a 8K premium, so we ordered a Hemi Jeep GC Limited today with MDC on the engine. Loaded it was 36K after rebates, you can buy a lot of fuel for about 20K, even at $4 / gallon.
See Below:
Many of you have been with us from the beginning, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the world's first luxury hybrid. The good news is that the wait is almost over. And the very good news is that as a sign of our appreciation for your patience, you are among the first group of people to receive official information about the revolutionary Lexus RX 400h.
To begin, we thought we'd give you the two most highly anticipated numbers. Arriving in Lexus showrooms on April 15, 2005, the RX 400h will be priced at $48,535 MSRP [1].
Perhaps one of the most stunning attributes of the RX 400h is its impressive performance. Combining the power output from its electric drive motors and the 3.3-liter V6 engine, gives you brisk acceleration from 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds [2], outperforming many of its V8-equipped competitors.
Even with its enhanced performance, the RX 400h still gives you the optimal mileage and low emissions that you expect from a hybrid. The estimated combined fuel-economy rating of 28 mpg [3] equals the average for compact sedans. And its estimated EPA city fuel-economy rating is even better. At 30 mpg, the RX 400h's city mileage more than doubles those of many V8-equipped luxury SUVs.
The RX 400h features an AWD system that utilizes a separate electric drive motor at the rear. Not only does it provide extra torque on demand, the intelligent system actually helps to manage front and rear torque distribution according to traction conditions.
It's only fitting that the next generation of luxury SUVs would feature the all-new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) [4] system. Rather than reacting to vehicle wheel slippage, VDIM's advance sensors allow it to anticipate such conditions. As soon as any slippage or loss of traction is detected, it applies the Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system and controls the Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) to help maintain the correct course.
As you can see, with the innovative RX 400h we didn't just go out of our way to create the new benchmark of luxury SUVs. We also set out to make April 15, 2005, one of the most inspiring dates in hybrid vehicle history.
Comfort and Luxury
- Brushed-aluminum accents
- Voice-activated DVD navigation system [5]
- Automatic dual-zone climate control with smog-sensing air filtration
- 10-way adjustable driver's power seat with memory function
- Power rear door with remote keyless entry
- Available Mark Levinson [6] audio system with 11 speakers and in-dash,
six-disc CD auto-changer
- Available DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) with remote
control, wireless headphones and seven-inch LCD
- 38 cu ft [7] of rear cargo capacity; 84 cu ft [7] with rear seats
folded down
- Illuminated entry system
Safety
- Front dual-stage airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) [8],
driver's-knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain
airbags
- Welded-steel unibody frame, side-impact door beams and impact-
dissipating front and rear crumple zones
- Rollover sensor
- Backup camera [9]
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
Warranty
- 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with Roadside Assistance for
48 months/unlimited miles
- Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000
miles
- Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of
mileage
- The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control
module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for
96 months/100,000 miles
[1] 2006 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes delivery, processing and handling fee. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Actual dealer price may vary.
[2] These performance capacity figures are for comparison only, and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.
[3] EPA-estimated ratings: 28 city/30 highway mpg. Actual mileage may vary.
[4] Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.
[5] The Lexus DVD Navigation System is designed to assist in locating an address or point of interest. Discrepancies may be encountered between the system and your actual location. Changes in street names, road closures, traffic flow or other road system changes may affect the accuracy of the mapping software. Rely upon your common sense to decide whether or not to follow a specified route. Detailed coverage not available in every city. Optional periodic geographic updates available at an additional cost. See your Navigation System Owner's Manual and your Lexus dealer for further details.
[6] Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries.
[7] Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
[8] The Lexus driver's and front passenger's dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver's-knee airbag and side curtain airbags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). The driver's and front passenger's airbags and driver's-knee airbag are designed to deploy in severe (usually frontal) collisions where the magnitude and duration of the forward deceleration of the vehicle exceed the design threshold level. The side airbags and side curtain airbags are designed to deploy in certain types of severe side-impact collisions. The side curtain airbags are Roll-Sensing Curtain Airbags (RSCA) and are designed to deploy at a severe tilt degree, roll or lateral G-force. In all other accidents, the airbags will not deploy. To decrease the risk of injury from a deploying airbag, always wear your seatbelt, sit upright in the middle of the seat, and do not lean against the door. Do not put objects in front of an airbag or around the seatback. Do not use a rearward-facing child seat in any front passenger seat. The force of a deploying airbag SRS may cause serious injury or death. Please see your Owner's Manual for further instructions.
[9] The backup camera, available only with the navigation system, does not provide a comprehensive view of the entire rear area of the vehicle. You should also look around outsid
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What might you be basing your calculation on? I noted that #605 calculated that there was ~3500 premium over a comparably equipped RX330.
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These two vehicles are for totally different buyers!
One is efficient, stylish, roomier (than the JGC), and with impeccable quality, value, and luxury. It is not an off-roader, it is a Road Ruler!
The other is a Jeep.
And if you're paying $36k AFTER rebates, you are getting RIPPED! Hemi Scmemi! That thing is worth $25k next year. Maybe.
DrFill
That is a push for a wannabe SUV like the RX. Maybe the LX470, Escalade, Navigator or Hummer2. No one even takes a second glance at an RX330 nor will they of the RX400h. Asian midsize SUVs all look alike, Garish. It should not be considered an SUV according to the American Heritage dictionary.
sport-u·til·i·ty vehicle (spôrty-tl-t, sprt-)
n. Abbr. SUV
A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a roomy body, designed for off-road travel.
S.U.V. n : a high-performance four-wheel drive car built on a truck chassis
http://www.edmunds.com/new/market/crossover/all/
http://tinyurl.com/7yh9y
http://tinyurl.com/4zx49
One of your articles has misleading data. The Explorer is the only SUV mentioned in the article that lost ground last year. The 2nd highest selling SUV the Chevy Trailblazer increased their sales and gained on number One. The Dodge Durango and GMC Envoy both posted increased in sales over 2003. Sounds like Toyota paid Bankrate to mislead the public. Doesn't surprise me I am sure they have CR in their pocket also.
The success of Japanese crossovers has put American manufacturers in the position of having to play catch up. Merkle points to American-made truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Trailblazer as vehicles whose sales have been eaten away, partly due to the success of crossover vehicles.
Can you show me the link. If it has gained #1 position, GM will not reduce its MSRP.
The 4WD in SUV's & CUV's are useful when we drive in snow / mud. But the Truck chassis of SUV's are used only if we need to carry 2-3 tons of stuff which no one does. Hence SUV's are replaced by lighter CUV's.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2004 283,484 2003 261,334
Ford Explorer 2004 339,333 2003 373,118
But in Jan-2005, its not in the Top-Ten list according to USSalesSummary0501.xls in
http://wardsauto.com/reference_sample/index.htm
Hence reduction in MSRP.
BTW, Escape is coming closer to Explorer, if Cabbies switch over to Hybrid-Escape, bingo.
Probably RX400h can be used as Limousines.
It deserves that place.
Culliganman
RX as Road Ruler. As in how it tames the road, makes rough roads seem fairly easy. In how it imposes it's will on the road. How it rules a rough piece of road.
DrFill
Kind greetings from Luxembourg,
Birger
I'm sorry to have missed this article. While I understand the copyright infringement motive, it would really be nice to have a link to the publication concerned posted. Now everyone is held in suspense ;-)
Cheers from snowy Luxembourg,
Birger
1. Have you driven a 2005 Jeep, I have and can tell you it is vastly different than the 2001.
2. The RX 300 is very costly to maintain, the 5K service is $159 versus the Jeep at $40. 15K service was $420 versus $150 for the Jeep. The 30 K was the same for both, about $500.
3. The RX is now 2 and 1/2 years old and is now developing squeaks in the dash and a occasional squeling sound from the engine area. The dealer has no clue on the cause
4. Yes for sure the RX 330 / 400 is stylish but is it functional over the RX 300, drive the 330 and note the blind spot on the left and right rear windows, they are much smaller than the RX 300. The center seat area and center front console open space is less spacious due to the larger center console.
5. Yes the Jeep will drop faster in value but I've noticed that the RX 300 we have is also droping, pretty much all used cars are droping in price. This is the beauty of leasing if you plan to flip your ride every 2 years. Cars depreciate, all of them.
The extra 14 K deposited in our 401 K along with my employer match will more than make up for the drop in value on the Jeep. Couple this with the 8.25% sales tax on the additional $14K and the Jeep drop in value is really not a big deal.
Lastly we have a 2004 Mercedes C240 4-Matic and have had no problems after 26k miles of driving. Maintenace is simple and cost zero on the 2004. The dealer is excellent, even came to our house and picked up the car for its service. So overall in our case it is the top dog.
Just our thinking on the RX 400 versus Jeep Grand Cherokee.
You may have made a wise decision. If they don't get the problems with the RX330 resolved they may carry over to the RX400h. See links below on transmission, brakes and noise issues. If you think the routine maintenance was expensive. It is mild compared to the out of warranty repairs.
josh5, "Lexus RX 330: Problems & Solutions" #948, 23 Jan 2005 5:19 pm
dorothyk, "Lexus RX 330: Problems & Solutions" #998, 16 Feb 2005 12:56 am
spring, "Lexus RX 330: Problems & Solutions" #987, 4 Feb 2005 9:44 am
The item that bothers me most about the RX’s (hybrid’s or not) is its size For $33 - 50K, it seems tight to me.
Passenger Volume/Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)
06 Lexus RX400h: 102.5/38.3
05 Honda CR-V: 106.0/33.5
05 Acura MDX: 126.2/49.6 with the third row stowed for increased cargo capacity.
Good Luck
Wayne R. Gerdes
When my tax man came by with his new RX and took me for a ride that was my thought, very cramped feeling. Plus lots of blind spots. He loves it and is not a very big man so that is what counts.