Lexus RX 300/350/400h SE-L - around 5/6 years old - any comments ?

property.advert

Looking at a potential alternative to the Nissan Murano. Only required for a run to the station and back and some weekend driving so mpg not important.

I know the shape is long in the tooth but it feels the part and is cosseted luxury at a reasonable price.

No experience of this vehicle so asking for comments.

emmell

We are on our 2nd RX, both have been the Hybrid version though so probably wont qualify for 5/6 year old.

To be honest they are my hubbys company cars and he chose them because of the low tax implications. They are comfortable and they have all the extras built in but I don't particularly like them, they are very unstable at high speed, they feel very narrow and I used to liken the previous 07 model to driving a Silvercross coachbuilt pram with a motor on. To be fair the new model is greatly improved but even so I think they are ugly.

It's probably a good job you aren't worried about mpg because they are quite a thirsty beast, I'd rather be putting fuel in a Range Rover to be honest. Sorry I can't be specific about the model you require.
ML.

wallbash

I also have thought about a Lexus ( a 450) my concern is less about the fuel , it would not be used for any lengthy journeys or even any frequent ones. More about getting me , in comfort between home and golf course ( or Tesco 's if pushed)Worried more about the batteries, what would be the life span .......and replace cost?

property.advert

There is a report from an owner on Parkers or What Car owners reviews who had an electric converter (?) cost £8500 to fix. I guess that had something to do with the electric bit and as such, would tend to steer me away from the hybrid. He got his replaced free as just within warranty. But outside that ???

I love the cream leather option with air suspension but the stability did worry me a little, though it is not to be driven as a sports car.

Perhaps head back to the Murano !

emmell

I must admit our previous RX had no problems and did over 80,000 miles in 3 years. The current one (RX450) has already done about 35,000 and it's just one year old and no problems to date.
It's very difficult to drive it sedately, have you seen the acceleration figures? It goes like a train but unfortunately doesn't hold the tracks.
If you drive it steady it's probably perfectly serviceable but it still looks ugly, but to be honest that's my personal opinion. I also think the Murano is ugly too. Maybe it's a woman thing.
ML.

Kilty_2

:rotfl:

Far better cars out there to do a couple of miles a day in than any of this crap you're suggesting

bigjl

You are not wrong there Kilty.

In other news I did see my first new shape Picanto today, parked next to one in your shape, actually not that much difference in size, but the new one certainly looks more mature from the front.

property.advert, I haven't heard a good word about the Murano, but having never driven one or want one I can't say if this is deserved.

Though a family friend is on his 3rd X Trail, he has had no problems with any of them if that helps.

What about a used CRV? The latest shape is nice, much better looking than the boring but reliable older one.

gilbert_and_sullivan

I know people with RX300's who've had not a moments problem with them, Toyota's don't go wrong as a rule anyway.

HJ's review worth a read up, this for the 400h...you might as well take advantage of the reduced running costs and lower VED if you're changing cars anway..
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/lexus/rx400h-2005/

emmell

Kilty wrote: »

:rotfl:

Far better cars out there to do a couple of miles a day in than any of this crap you're suggesting

Like a white Kia Picanto, I suppose!:eek:

Now it might be a woman thing again but Picanto is pug ugly too.
ML.

property.advert

Kilty wrote: »

:rotfl:

Far better cars out there to do a couple of miles a day in than any of this crap you're suggesting

For me, this is not a race to the bottom. I have no desire to flog a manual tin can around trying to wring the best possible mpg from the underpowered engine.

I know the concept does not compute for you but I am looking for a probable 4 x 4 which does not hold its value very well and which has good reliability. Both the cars mentioned do that in spades.

property.advert

emmell wrote: »

Kilty wrote: »

:rotfl:

Far better cars out there to do a couple of miles a day in than any of this crap you're suggesting

Like a white Kia Picanto, I suppose!:eek:

Now it might be a woman thing again but Picanto is pug ugly too.
ML.

I seriously considered the warranty thing on a new Hyundai / Kia / Toyota and even the lifetime warranty on a new Vauxhall but the numbers just don't stack up until you get way past 5 years. Then you are faced with handing over far more money for something like a Sportage or running a poverty spec box which you hate from day one and know you must keep for years and years to justify the decision.

Hardly likely to put a smile on your face come the weekend now is it ?