Is it normal for RX350h 12V battery to drain from sitting?

[Artman62]

Hi,

My wife and I went this weekend to look at a 2023 RX 350h Premium plus AWD with 17000 miles at a Toyota dealer. 

We called the dealer and said we were on our way -  a 2 hour drive.  We get there, go out to the car - and they can't open the door - dead Battery.  Try charging it.  Nope.  Finally decided to change Battery.  They put in a Toyota Battery.  Takes 5 guys an hour to figure out how to get the hatch open from the inside.  Change Battery.  Car won't run. Finally decided it has to be programmed and that guy left for the day.

You'd think they would've had the car ready before we got there. 

Anyways, my wife asks why the Battery is dead.  The salesman says the car has been sitting for 3 weeks and hybrids have to started and run once a week or the Battery loses charge.  

So what if we go on vacation for longer than a week? We have to get someone to come by and start it?

My question is: Is this true? Does the car need to be started and run once a week? Or is it more likely there something wrong with this particular car?  The car only has 17000 miles so it hasn't been driven much.

Makes me wonder if it was traded in because it has an issue.  I did notice that old Battery was not a Lexus Battery.  In fact It has no label at all,just a number. 

[NemesisUK]

43 minutes ago, Artman62 said:

My question is: Is this true? Does the car need to be started and run once a week? Or is it more likely there something wrong with this particular car?  The car only has 17000 miles so it hasn't been driven much.

Yes, it's true, well nearly. The actual length of time before the Battery dies when left parked depends on the state of the 12v Battery to start with. I have left mine for nearly 3 weeks with no ill effect.

If one plans not to drive for extended periods then the best action would be to attach a maintenance charger to keep the 12v fully charged. The traction Battery will be fine for a very long time. If this is impractical then just putting the car in Ready mode once a week for approx 30-60 mins will recharge the 12v Battery. Turn off the lights/climate control and the radio to reduce the times the engine has to fire up.

Sitting in the car listening to the radio when in ACC mode will kill the 12v Battery very quickly. Always have the car in Ready mode and the transmission in Park.

[VFR]

1 hour ago, Artman62 said:

Hi,

My wife and I went this weekend to look at a 2023 RX 350h Premium plus AWD with 17000 miles at a Toyota dealer. 

We called the dealer and said we were on our way -  a 2 hour drive.  We get there, go out to the car - and they can't open the door - dead battery.  Try charging it.  Nope.  Finally decided to change battery.  They put in a Toyota battery.  Takes 5 guys an hour to figure out how to get the hatch open from the inside.  Change battery.  Car won't run. Finally decided it has to be programmed and that guy left for the day.

You'd think they would've had the car ready before we got there. 

Anyways, my wife asks why the battery is dead.  The salesman says the car has been sitting for 3 weeks and hybrids have to started and run once a week or the battery loses charge.  

So what if we go on vacation for longer than a week? We have to get someone to come by and start it?

My question is: Is this true? Does the car need to be started and run once a week? Or is it more likely there something wrong with this particular car?  The car only has 17000 miles so it hasn't been driven much.

Makes me wonder if it was traded in because it has an issue.  I did notice that old battery was not a Lexus battery.  In fact It has no label at all,just a number. 

IMO I would not buy a car from a place that is clearly run by a bunch of buffoons & would treat “anything” that they say / said as BS

Just my opinion mind.