ntl

I haven't tried a flat-out launch yet, but it's got plenty of power on the move. The RX350 just felt way more eager though - I guess the RWD bias + conventional drivetrain has something to do with that. The 350 reminded me of how older RWD cars with auto boxes felt - barely any latency between throttle mashing and sending the torque to the rear.

Yeah, it wasn't great weather. It was even worse on the way back today so I took it very steadily. I'm not used to tall vehicles!

Thanks all. I ended up buying it after speaking to a Lexus tech who explained most of what I'd experienced (and what some of you guys pointed out): Electric power steering vs hydraulic in the 350 & 300 FWD bias causing torque steer vs the RWD bias in the 350/300 - Colin, your description matches perfectly! Sensitivity to cheap / mismatched tyres (in terms of pressure, tread, or direction) FWD + electric + CVT vs the above for a different launch experience I pumped the tyres up to 2.2 bar all round and the drive was much better. I've also ordered a set of four CrossClimate SUVs to be fitted over the weekend along with an alignment to improve things further, and will look into calibrating the steering with software after that.

Thanks guys. In the past I've always had worn components replaced; do you think a vehicle with steering behaviour like this is not worth repairing? Or is it just that there are likely to be others out there in better shape? I could try negotiating the price with the steering in mind. Any comment on how the RX400h steering should feel compared to the petrol-only models? I know it can be difficult to put into words, but the 350 and 300s that I've driven were 'light and fluffy' without much road feel (not a problem for this type of vehicle, mind), and the 400h had more road feel but was also noticeably heavier. It kind of reminded me of my BMW in a way, but that is designed to have heavier steering.

That's disappointing. What sort of steering system does the XU30 RX400h use? Are we talking an expensive fix?

Hi! I'm looking to buy an RX of some sort. I drove an '06 RX400h today and found the following: The steering was quite heavy in comparison to an RX350 I've driven in the same generation, and the steering wheel seemed to tug left and right at higher speeds (and in fact drift left, although that could have been due to lower tyre pressure on that side). It was considerably heavier at lower speeds too. Not as nice and relaxing as the 350. I could imagine it becoming tiring. The throttle response didn't seem as sharp as the RX350's from a standstill, either. The 350 was eager to launch from the slightest tap of the throttle; the 400h didn't seem to have the same urgency, but did have more power on the move. Perhaps I expected too much of the electric motors? Maybe this is what CVTs are like? I noticed a very strong smell of eggs while testing the air conditioning which periodically fired the engine up - maybe the catalytic convertor? Is that a bad sign? Any thoughts on the above? Thanks!