Sumtingwong

Hi. Yes it was mrcarmax. Had it installed during COVID so around 2-3 years ago. Personally have not had any issue with it. Some sound is noticeable from the cage movement when going over speed bumps but not from the physical welded and bolted steel plate. I'm going to go back now that I have recent bought an additional rx450h and have the same done. I would recommend a mechanic look over the exhaust before hand as any work required is going to be impossible after its installation unless removed completely. Actually I think it has protected the exhaust from many elements. I use the car regularly. Also just had the scorpion X immobilizer installed in the 450h. Very pleased with results. This was from a separate merchant, trackershop found via Google.

This does concern me, hence my installation of the scorpion can bus immobilizer which requires a unique key combination of 4-20 keys (up to the user) to start the car. Cost is £450

Also I had my Catalytic converter stolen from the 400h. After replacement I invested in a cage and plate, thieves returned twice to steal again at 2am-4am (myself and neighbours observed the CCTV and laughed) as they drove on. It cost £300 and the lads in harrow west London who installed it were very thorough.

I know an old post but wanted to add my 2cents to anyone comparing the two. Especially now due to increased popularity in London as we have the imminent ULEZ expansion. I own both RX400H (2005) 215k miles & RX450h (2011) 75k miles I prefer the boot space in the 400h. It has several extra compartments under the boot floor as the spare full sized wheel is under the car. The rx450h has none as there is a space saving wheel under the boot floor instead. I found the extra space in the RX400h compartments invaluable for all the loose items worth keeping permanently in the car, such as; spare jump start pack, first aid kit, wheel lock nuts, torch, cutlery/cups, kids play items, hats & gloves & scarfs, medicine, small sports items such as frisbee, pet items such as dog ball, dog lead etc.. This leaves the boot completely free for boxes to hold your regular shopping or other large items. It's just one of many reasons Im keeping the 400h as it's more practical for everyday use.

Can confirm, just tes drove a 450H 2012. Im 6'2". Less head room in the SE-L version. I have seat to highest setting as I like to see more of the road. Couldn't do it without bumping head so had to lower seat and less visibility. Looking at sunroof or solid options only now.

I'm about to sell mine as buying a 450h. Based in West London. Full disclosure, its currently with a hybrid specialist near Kingston as I had a lean bank error, he said it was the oxygen sensor and no other issues found, so expecting its return soon. He has also tested the hybrid battery and found all cells are working as should. 12v battery is also above 12.5V. I've had it for 5 years, Its silver, cream leather, 2005, 215,000 mile and I'll be listing it for around £2.5k. its in excellent condition for the age. The work done on it with lots of receipts ( I keep them all) is: both front suspensions replaced (within 6 months) Full service with spark plugs - a week ago Cambelt change at 170k miles 2 keys Catalytic converter has protection cage and protection metal plate Exhaust was repaired in 2018 Used as family car. ULEZ compliant, euro 4. Either way good luck on your hunt, best car I ever owned.

Thanks, I had to google it, I thought they were the same, now I have another thing to worry about! 😅 Still, it's better to know then to not.

Oh this is heart wrenching, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had just spoken to Lexus dealership about test driving one of their approved vehicles. Keyless car entry fills me with dread for this very reason. It seems 2015 and earlier models have catalytic converters nice and accessible for thieves or 2015 and later models have keyless fobs.

Hi, thanks for taking time to respond. That is a good idea and I will try it if it happens again. I tested the battery with a multimeter (first time I ever used one) and the results were 14v when in ready mode. When it failed to go in to ready mode it went as low as 12.4 and didn't go any lower. As it didn't go any lower I didn't suspect a parasitic power loss. Called several lexus specialists for advice all of them offering their condolences and diagnostics at £200 per hour. LOL then CRY. But one specialist did suggest the key at fault. I forgot I had a spare key, it's not an original. Tried that and it worked. To my surprise. So I have two keys: A - key provided with purchase of car B - key copied from key A using aftermarket tech (faulty) I proceeded to test: x30 ignition starts with key A, not one no ready light occurrence. Car always started. Success. x30 ignition starts with key B, about 30% no ready light occurrences. Suspect faulty. The clue lay in the flashing security light. Every time key B failed to start car. I noticed the light didn't stop flashing like it did with the working key. So I suspect a dodgy transponder in that key. Hope this helps someone if they have similar issue.

Hi my Lexus RX400H 2006 has same issue. Changed 12v battery for a new Bosch one. Worked better for a few weeks. Today it's come back again with the the dreaded error start when shifting to P. It's intermittent which is frustrating. Mechanic tested batter and said it's fine. I'm afraid to turn on any accessories like heating, dash cam radio etc. Changed battery in keyfob also. Is there a way to tell if power is draining somehow when just parked for a while on driveway? Thanks