(2006) Lexus RX400h: Long term reliability of hybrid system?

[g3org3y]

I have an opportunity to buy one of these cheap from a colleague for my wife.

'06 plate, admittedly 160k miles but very good condition. Essentially bought from new and full by the book Lexus main dealer SH. Good spec, leather, heated seats, climate, cruise etc.

I've done some research into the RX model and it seems very decent and well engineered. I do not have any experience of the hybrid system. Is this the same as that fitted to the Prius of that era? My understanding is that these have defied the naysayers and lasted extremely well.

Are there any things in particular to look out for with the hybrid system and this RX400h more generally? I understand that there are two electric motors, front and rear, the rear working intermittently depending on load/traction etc.

Seems a lot of car for around £3k. What do you guys reckon? Chuck a set of winters or all seasons on it and seems a nicer prospect than a ropey old X5 for example.

TIA

[bitchstewie]

g3org3y said:

Chuck a set of winters or all seasons on it and seems a nicer prospect than a ropey old X5 for example.

I'd ask on the UK Lexus owners club.

I'd have thought there's the potential for a ruinous bill if it does break, but hopefully much less chance than with something like an X5.

[cptsideways]

Its essentially a V6 Prius, they don't go wrong. The V6 lump is about as reliable as you will ever get.

For £40 odd quid you can whizz into any Toyota/Lexus dealer for a Hybrid health check which checks battery status & stuff.

It will have a CD stuck in the CD player though they all do it apparently

[AmitG]

The Toyota/Lexus hybrid systems are generally regarded as bulletproof. I'm not aware of any systematic problems.

In many ways they are actually simpler than a modern diesel. No turbo, no DPF, no DMF, no gearbox...and in the latest ones there are no belts either.

At this end of the market I would go for the Lexus no question. I wouldn't want to play roulette with an X5 out of warranty, unless I was very handy with the spanners (which I am not).

[kurt535]

New batteries main downside? other than that, mechanicals lovely.

[g3org3y]

Thanks for the replies chaps. It seems to fit with what I've read, the mechanicals are considered [cliché]bullet proof[/cliché].

My colleague has not had any notable issues with hers in all the time she has owned it, only routine servicing (which as mentioned in the OP, Lexus main dealer exclusively where they actually collect the car from her home/work and drop off when done). I think the only niggle has been with the sunroof.

Obviously as soon as I buy it, it'll have a catastrophic failure!

AmitG said:

At this end of the market I would go for the Lexus no question. I wouldn't want to play roulette with an X5 out of warranty, unless I was very handy with the spanners (which I am not).

I'm a BMW fanboi but I'm quite aware X5s at this price point will most likely be dogs (plus not the best image in the world, which the Lexus manages to avoid imo). It's for my wife, so reliability is a consideration.

[colin79666]

Nothing to worry about the hybrid system really, especially if it comes with a clean bill of health from a dealer (i.e. has had an official hybrid check).
I'd check carefully around the wheel arches and fuel filler pipe for signs of rust on these.