Lexus RX 400H

[StageLeft]

PapaSkoorb is thinking of one of these. I told him I guessed its extra cost was enough that at current gas prices he'd not save anything (and probably pay, in fact), but he is thinking potential retail down the line would be higher for a hybrid. Does anybody know what the lifespan on one of these is for batteries and what the replacement costs are? I think replacement on a prius is fairly high but this must have not only more battery power but that dastardly lexus badge, so it probably costs about a millio bucks for new batteries!

 

[SearchMaster]

Car & Driver did a long term test of the 400h (click here).

They seemed to feel that the hybrid integration was lacking (surges, noticeable regen braking, etc.), especially for a vehicle of that price.

You should check the warranty on the batteries. As I recall, Toyota extended the warranty on the Prius because of consumer concerns about replacement, and last I heard (a year ago or so), it was said that no Prius' had required full battery replacements (a cell here or there, but again, covered by warranty).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
Car & Driver did a long term test of the 400h (click here).

They seemed to feel that the hybrid integration was lacking (surges, noticeable regen braking, etc.), especially for a vehicle of that price.

You should check the warranty on the batteries. As I recall, Toyota extended the warranty on the Prius because of consumer concerns about replacement, and last I heard (a year ago or so), it was said that no Prius' had required full battery replacements (a cell here or there, but again, covered by warranty).

Toyota has a 10 year warranty on the battery packs in the Prius. I'd imagine it's the same for the Lexus. If anything it's probably better for the Lexus as Lexus strives for total customer satisfaction. My wife's Lexus had a small tear in the driver's seat leather so they replaced the entire seat under warranty. They also give her a free loaner car anytime she drops the car off for service.

And yes, I don't think Toyota has reported replacing a single battery pack in a Prius yet.

 

[StageLeft]

Thanks. Here's another Q. Given the propensity of lithium and other batteries to do very badly in cold conditions, how much does the regen and electric motor benefits to the MPG decrease in cold weather?

 

[PowerEngineer]

The warranty on the battery in my Camry Hybrid is 100,000 miles.

Frankly, the Car & Driver comments about surging and brake feel have me puzzled. I've never noticed either in the Camry. The switch from regenerative to real braking is so smooth that I can't tell when it happens. Toyota hybrids are really quiet when on just electric. Noise level in the cabin doesn't change much, but you have to really watch out for people wandering around those parking lots because they just don't hear you coming up behind them.

I do agree that (even with the tax break), the fuel savings will not make up for the added upfront cost for many years. I also think that hybrid systems make less sense as the cars/SUV's get bigger.

Good luck!

 

[Eli]

Do they use lithium packs?

I thought they used NiMH. The Prius does.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Eli
Do they use lithium packs?

I thought they used NiMH. The Prius does.

Good point, I think they still do, but nimh is still affected by cold. Some of the newer hybrids are using lithium because the chemistry has been advanced and made safer now.

 

[desy]

They sell Prius in Alaska they do just fine.
The gasoline engine just runs a lot more

 

[sniperruff]

you can always flip the car if it's expensive

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
you can always flip the car if it's expensive

Yeah, I think iamwiz sold his for more than he paid a few months later.