ihpj

For folks running these hybrids, a Lexus Waranty is essential IMHO.

and for any type of German car an extended warranty is essential

Well the point I was trying to make was that with other marques, like German as you suggest, they are still an internal combustion engine. You can find any number of specialists or mechanics to work on them and a manufacturers extended warranty isn't essential. However, with Lexus backing the relatively new and young technology of hybrid (with its complex internals and engineering) you don't have the luxury of finding any number of independent garages that specialise in fixing them if they (more aptly he hybrid part) go wrong. Hence leaving you to go back to a Lexus main dealer...and without the Lexus extended warranty, it's a wallet emptying experience.

So, I say again, those folks owning and running hybrids should give very careful consideration to insulating themselves from expensive repair bills. And the Lexus extended warranty becomes essential (IMHO).

It never hurts to ask Lexus for a contribution; but I don't hold out much hope for the OP because the manufacturers liability has to stop somewhere and all Customers are given the option of buying an extended Lexus Warranty to cover these eventualities.

For folks running these hybrids, a Lexus Waranty is essential IMHO.

Your RX hybrid isn't AWD it's FWD with rear driven wheels assisted by Battery 'when needed' - it is in essence a FWD only 2T car.

Given how the hybrid system interfaces with the normal drivetrain, I think you will have to get this sorted: either a temp. fix and get rid or bite the bullet and get a proper repair completed, but for the latter I think only Lexus will be your only option.

I was never convinced by the robustness of this hybrid drivetrain, they're failing all too predictably at 6/7YRS.

Doesn't the RX have a stainless steel exhaust system from factory? I'm sure my RX300 (MKII) had a SS exhaust from factory.

But I agree, if it's SS exhaust system then any failure should be deemed manufacturing related as it shouldn't fail.

However, read the T+Cs of your warranty, what does it say about exhaust and related systems?

Quite agree with the diagnosis Re: resistance. Cheap bulbs lack necessary resistance characteristics the vehicle relies on for checking bulb failure, this is very common in comparable VAG Group/BMW/Merc. etc. so would expect with 'proper' bulb replaced, this should sort itself out.

Although a remote possibility, do also check your balloons and suspension bushings - these can (and do wear) but aren't easily identified due to the wright of the vehicle. Try jacking up the front wheels and giving them a good push/pull test. Any play etc. will be evident.

So...on a petrol vehicle the glow plugs were replaced?

...and you wonder why this 'mechanic' cannot fix your vehicle?

My post amended as I was incorrectly under the impression 400h had air suspension - my apologies.

Asyou have 'brought' your Lexus recently, it should be covered under the Lexus 30 day 1K mile return promise. I would seriously consider exercising those rights (which are in addition to your statutory rights) - the original supplying Dealership will very quickly change their tune if your start to exercise your rights ;o)

My post amended as I was incorrectly under the impression 400h had air suspension - my apologies.

I've been following this saga with interest; glad the OP got it resolved without too much hacking and chopping. A reason why, when I own these cars, would never consider running them without a Lexus warranty. The sub-£1000 cost of a warranty suddenly becomes quite palatable when considering how the cost of these types of repairs can mount and blow out of proportion for what is in effect a minor issue.

And when people debate the cost of a Lexus warranty (or not) this type of eventuality should be a serious consideration.

I drove carefully (but not slowly) with aircon off (outside temperature was 11 deg C) and kept an eye on the meter to judge the point where electric power was contributing whenever possible.

And it's welcome to have that experience posted on the forum, some seriously impressive figures there; and my point earlier that it makes sense for some is supported by your exprience. I'm not sure I could drive without AC and have to watch a display that dictates my style of driving to ensure I can eek out the MPG I want.

It would be interesting to know what your real MPG figures are as opposed to the onboard computer reporting consumption as I know from experience that if I am rolling downhill and lift off, the car will tell me I am doing 99.9MPG which for a computer means that it can skewer the overall MPG result reported by the onboard computer.

Glad it works for you, sadly it didn't for me (returned a little around 22/5MPG) and I really wanted it to as I absolutely loved my MK2 RX300 and I am toying with the idea of a 350.

There is nothing special about the Lexus cargo net; just measure the dimensions and check eBay etc. for something generic that will do the same job and save you money.

...we leave all those concerns to those who don't actually own one...

Well since you brought it up, others have more sense and are not taken in by slick and glitzy marketing as many others - something about 'money' and 'easily parted' and 'fool' comes to my mind...

I'm sure it makes sense for some, and I gave my opinion after living with one over many weeks and putting it through its paces, and posting that experience in detail on this forum at the time.

Result for you!

I would have thought it was the caliper carrier myself - how do brake discs make a knocking noise when all they do is spin? But if it fixed your problem, awesome stuff man.

I have found the 400h to have more of a case for a company ca driver who wats an SUV that also cuts their tax bill; from that POV the car makes some sense. However from a private ownership exprience, the case is more muddled. For example, the weight of the hybrid system (including battery) means that you get only a couple of minutes on Battery life out of it, then it's just dead wieght that the 400h wants to charge. Does it really make sense to lug around a dead wieght in your car just so you can get 'a couple of minutes benefit' from it? Then you have the issue that the 400h is front wheel drive only and the torque steer is horrible; put it into a corner and you can feel the dead weight it carries and the rear wanting to kick out, as the electronic brains tries to prevent the back from fishtailing.

I like the MK2 RX300, absolutely love the 350, but the 400h just doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe if the batteries lasted longer and the petrol engine didn't cut in as early as it does then perhaps it would make more sense. I'd take a simpler conventional engine with proper full time AWD over the fancy electronics of the 400h anyday.

I think the Lexus product is very good, dealer service and support matches, but little things let the whole ownership experience down. Why do Lexus still fit tape decks to these luxury vehicles? What is up with the rebadged Toyota key? Why do I have to press a button to fold the mirrors in (why can't I have the option to do it on lock automatically)? The cars are too sterile to drive, soul less is the word I would use which is a shame and Lexus seem to have missed a trick here...

Didn't know Lexus offered 19" wheels for the RX as an official option?

Consensus appears to be that if you properly redo the alloys (using a company like Lepsons) then they are unlikely to corrode as easily as Lexus ones do. I'm sure you'll be very happy with the finished products.

Wicked Wheels etc. are only good for a retouch...

57 views and no responses?

To be fair Chum, this topic is done to death; just like tyres, servicing costs, warranty renewals etc. etc.

Have a root around the forum and I'm sure you'll dig something up!

Best advice for brakes is to go with known trusted names from reputable sources. You might want to DIY the brakes as (although not done them in a 400h myself) to do them on a 300/350 is very straight forward.

Just eliminate the obvious have you tried removing the transponder from the new case and holding it close to the key area while the new key is in the lock?

+1 - Good advice IMHO. Hopfully that might help...

Google BBA Remanufacturing - I think that might prove helpful...

Well (IMHO) the parking brake is for that: parking. If it isn't used, then come MOT time the car will fail [for handbrake use] and you will have to get it sorted. Use it when parking and now again to keep efficiency and you'll have no problem.

IIRC, MM refers to the Mark Levinson audio only. ICE refers to the read DVD screens and Navigator denotes the vehicle as having touch screen NAV.

Hope this helps :)

By getting them properly refurb'd will ensure they do not corrode - replacements from Lexus corrode regardless and it usually isn't an issue if your car is under Warranty with Lexus. But a car of that age, I'd just pay to get it done and know its sorted.

Please see my post in the other thread ;)