RonnieF

I agree with the torgue steer on a 400h, frightenes the life out of you when you experience for the first time. Most owners are happy to keep light on the gas, but there may come a time when you need to accelarate to get out of trouble. Recommend all hybrid drivers take a little time on a clear road to max out the acceleration and get used to the sensation to prepare for such an eventuality.

Please see my reply to billygarret above "to make it clear" If also you are looking for additional improvements, a pair of running boards makes a real diference to the exterior look. Good luck RonnieF

Additionally, I should have said all the wood in the picture is from the kit including the vents and glove box. Regards Ron

Billy, To make it clear, I did not have the kit fitted by the dealership that was from a reply to my original post. My dealer too told me that it was not available as a retro-fit. I found a supplier in the US and provided them with details and photos so they could produce a right-hand drive version so they now have the template. There are numerous grains and colours available, mine is in dark burlwood which is similar to walnut. Whilst it is claimed to be "real wood" it is a very good lookalike, in fact I suspect all modern wood finishes are not hewn from solid natural timber. There are some 44 pieces in all which are self adhesive and very tacky so need accurate placement. I found it very easy to apply once I got to working with the pieces. My tip would be to start with small pieces first. When applied you use a heat gun or hairdryer to permantely fix. My major concerns were a)would it stick and b)when finished would it look like a pigs ear. I can safely report that my fears were unfounded. It looks great. The kit covers the dash, front storage compartments, door handle surrounds front and rear and surrounds for the electric window controls. The only drawback is the US spec vehicles do not have ashtrays in the rear door armrests so the two pieces provided will not fit. Small drawback for what is a great looking job. I paid $149 plus $50 p&p. Contact, sales@DashTrimKitStore.com Contact Leonid and quote my recent order. PO BOX 902 North Chelmsford, MA 01863 1-800-790-1383 dasktrimkitstore.com Best regards Ron Fenwick

If there is one thing that I disliked about my 400h it was the metallic 1970's centre dashboard and console. I have just fitted a wood dash kit and would like to share it with other members who may feel the same. A photo has been uploaded to members photos. Take a look, I feel it has added a finishing touch to the interior.

Do not buy this vehicle just for the mpg it is misleading to claim an average of 34mpg. Consumption of the RX400h depends not so much on how you drive but the nature of the journey. A conventional engine at constant speeed usually gives better consumption, particularly a diesel. The RX 400 will return a lower mpg on a high speed journey where the hybrid technology rarely comes into play. In a recent comparison test between a Mercedes ML 3.2l diesel and a RX 400h both driven at consistent high speed coast to coast in America, the Mercedes diesel gave considerably better fuel consumption than the Lexus. I use my RX 400h for frequent trips to the south of France a distance of 880 miles totally on autoroutes at a constant 80 mph. The consumption I achieve is 29 mpg. My previous BMW 3 litre petrol engine achieved 31mpg. In the UK on mixed runs over the same distance the Lexus gives 33mpg. It is possible to achieve greater than 35 mpg but not in any way which you could call average or enjoyable driving. I hope this helps.