Question for Lexus hybrid owners/experts
Discussion
Neighbour cornered me earlier and asked me this and I didn't know so I'm asking the hive mind. Would be useful to hear from anyone who has experience of this as I can't get a sound answer from Googling.
She's after a big car for family wafting duties. No commuting but holidays/short breaks several times a year, and occasional weekend trips out of London. So her usage is mainly motorways and A-roads. She does about 7,000 miles a year.
What this means is her car will do 500 miles in a weekend, and then get left in the underground car park for two to three weeks at a time without being used at all.
She's considering a Lexus RX450h. She was circumspect about budget but it sounds like she's looking at one about eight or nine years old.
I know they're good but I wasn't sure whether leaving a hybrid car standing unused for long periods would have a detrimental effect on the battery(ies) or any other components. (My dad has one, but he drives it daily.) Given the mileage and sporadic use, would she be better off going for something with a traditional non-hybrid engine?
Thanks in advance.
She's after a big car for family wafting duties. No commuting but holidays/short breaks several times a year, and occasional weekend trips out of London. So her usage is mainly motorways and A-roads. She does about 7,000 miles a year.
What this means is her car will do 500 miles in a weekend, and then get left in the underground car park for two to three weeks at a time without being used at all.
She's considering a Lexus RX450h. She was circumspect about budget but it sounds like she's looking at one about eight or nine years old.
I know they're good but I wasn't sure whether leaving a hybrid car standing unused for long periods would have a detrimental effect on the battery(ies) or any other components. (My dad has one, but he drives it daily.) Given the mileage and sporadic use, would she be better off going for something with a traditional non-hybrid engine?
Thanks in advance.
The hybrid system is likely to be ok. The biggest problem is going to be the small 12v battery that operates the turning on procedure involving the computers etc. As you're probably aware, it doesn't operate a starter motor.
All sorts of electrical gremlins occur if that battery is weak.
Jump starting is not recommended.
Another point to consider is catalyst theft. A lot are being stolen at the moment, and being left for long periods is very risky.
I'd advise a more simple vehicle that can be jump started more easily.
All sorts of electrical gremlins occur if that battery is weak.
Jump starting is not recommended.
Another point to consider is catalyst theft. A lot are being stolen at the moment, and being left for long periods is very risky.
I'd advise a more simple vehicle that can be jump started more easily.
Useful, thanks Tabs. I wondered if there might be something like that. You're probably right, she'd be better off with a traditional petrol engine I reckon. Could probably spend less to get something a similar age, apart from anything else.
I'd heard about the catalyst thefts. In this instance it'd probably be OK as the car park is two floors underground, accessed only by key fobs and CCTV'd up the wazoo. Although I'm always surprised how enterprising thieves can be!
I'd heard about the catalyst thefts. In this instance it'd probably be OK as the car park is two floors underground, accessed only by key fobs and CCTV'd up the wazoo. Although I'm always surprised how enterprising thieves can be!
Edited by KomodoWagon on Wednesday 25th September 16:22
Thing is you can't beat an Rx for exactly what they wants it for.
I bought an 06 plate Rx400h a couple of months ago, absolutely love it, so does my wife and my kids which is a bonus, totally reliable so far but as you say they do suffer with the starter battery going flat if left for more than a couple of weeks.
And the Cats are very popular, mine was stolen on Saturday morning while parked up in a school car park. Thieving scumbags.
I bought an 06 plate Rx400h a couple of months ago, absolutely love it, so does my wife and my kids which is a bonus, totally reliable so far but as you say they do suffer with the starter battery going flat if left for more than a couple of weeks.
And the Cats are very popular, mine was stolen on Saturday morning while parked up in a school car park. Thieving scumbags.
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff