Rep Power: 329

Okay so the RX-8 is great fun for weekends and work days alike, the S2k is not practical at all, but even more fun on weekends.

However, neither car is particularly effective in toting elderly folks around when I have older clients. In my line of work, it's become more apparent that I need something that is both practical, comfortable, and economical for hauling people around.

I recently looked at www.lexus.com and was looking at the new RX hybrid. I'm thinking about leasing one, and keeping my 8 for my personal use, and continuing to let the woman drive my honda, with me using it when I want to. Shoot she finally started working so I don't need to worry about the Honda payment anymore, so I might as well right?

Plus it's tax deductable.

What do you guys think of the RX hybrid? My friend at Toyota suggested the highlander hybrid, but I don't know if that's exactly my cup of tea. The lexus does look alot more impressive, and would impress and accomodate clients nicely I think. But then again I don't know...what do you guys suggest?

 
Rep Power: 319

hahaha.... never buy a house from someone that drive a fancy car. I would go with a Ford 500. lol Really though if they're elderly, they won't want to climb up, I would get something they don't have to climb in to, and at the same time don't have to pull them selves out of... just my .02

 
Rep Power: 329

Hmmm...maybe you're right...I was just thinking it might be a little more accomodating though...

I definitely need a hybrid for this car though. Gas prices here are over 3 dollars per gallon. Maybe the highlander then, to make it not so fancy? Geez I dunno...

I'm definitely not going to get no Prius or insight...don't think I'd like the Accord hybrid either. Haha doesn't leave me much choice...

I could just get the Lexus and if I have a high end client use the lexus, and if I have normal clients use the 8...I dunno...

 
Rep Power: 302

y not accord hybrid??...

 
Rep Power: 0

Isn't the Lexus hybrid more performane hybrid and less fuel-economy hybrid? ie: its one of those cars where the hybrid motor doesn't appreciably give better fuel economy.

You should give the Accord hybrid a swing, unless of course its the look you don't like, it actually has more pep than the only-gas Accord and gets better fuel economy (on top of the already-awesome fuel economy the gas Accord gets).

As far as the RX is concerned, some relations of mine picked up a brand new RX330 just this year, they could't complain, I rode in it and didn't think it was too bad, nice ride, fairly luxurious.

If you're just thinking of SUVs in general, give the MDX a try, we've had one for about 3 yrs. now or so, its gone 70,000km without a hitch to date, decent with fuel economy and has a nice ride, plus, compared to domestic SUVs Ive been in, it just seems better built, the interior seems to flow more nicely IMHO.

 
Rep Power: 331

they had a review of the rx400h in the newspaper today...doesnt look to bad. but the price.....starting at $48k, that's insane

 
Rep Power: 0

Linky: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/25/ma...ids.html?8hpib

On nytimes.com, memberships free.

 
Rep Power: 329

Thanks guys...I actually went down to the Lexus dealership today...put down a deposit. Spoke with my accountant and he's going to review my file and see just how much of the payment I can deduct...

The Lexus gets 27 city 31 highway. In the brochure it says that it has the performance of a V8...it's got 275 hp so I don't know about that...I put a deposit down...1000 and they have a white and a black coming in in about three weeks. Don't know if I'll get it just yet, but we'll see. But if I want one, I can get those colors, which is what I want.

The Accord I'm sorry is just blah. I need something with a little more "wow" to it for my "high end" clients...personally I'd like to just keep using the RX-8 but it only works well with certain clients...

But I was very impressed with the ride. Alot of power. Beautiful fit and finish inside and out, and gave me a little bit of a giddy feeling when I sat in it. So I think this is the one, but I'm still open to other options...

 
Rep Power: 310

i would suggest you look into an inexpensive but nice sedan.

 
Rep Power: 310

or the new mercedes m-class (redesigned)

 
Rep Power: 0

or the kia amanti, voted nicest premium sedan or whatever that crap was lol

 
Rep Power: 289

check out the 06 accord hybrid, the rear end looks nicer

 
Rep Power: 0

Toyota Volta??? by the way how many cars have you own before????

 
Rep Power: 329

Kia?? hahahaha okay next...

I've owned a total of 9 cars over the last 8 years...why?

 
Rep Power: 319

hahaha is that all.... I've owned 8 cars in the last 3 years


The guys at work make bets on what my next car will be lol

 
Rep Power: 378

The Accords look like crap...I'm gonna have to do some research on those Lexus Hybrids you speak of...

 
Rep Power: 0

My friend has an RX330 Non Hybrid he's looking into gettin the RX400H (that's what it's called here No idea why 400 is in the name?). The reliability on it has yet to fail and man does that truck go through ****. I find the sidestep isn't as big so it's not as hard to slide into the truck (selling point for my friends bigger/older dad). If price is somewhat no option I would say the RX hybrid is the most luxurious of your choices.

 
Rep Power: 0

I had an older Jeep Grand Cherokee that had alot of problems with it. From exaust issues to electrical issues. I've got a 2004 Grand Cherokee now and wouldn't buy any other SUV on the market. Great power, tows my jet skis without any problems and the quality is good. If you don't mind leaving the import SUV market, I would definetly check them out.

 
Rep Power: 435

who keeps moving this thread? it's like pong - back and forth between members rides talk and general automotive.

 
Rep Power: 319

I moved it to members rides talk because I was told that is where thread about people's personal cars went to, that included if they where asking for advise on what car to buy.

But I only moved once.

 
Rep Power: 378

I would leave it here...since it's not his car yet...it's just a car in general...

 
Rep Power: 291

yea i saw the TV ad for the new accord and the rear end looks like total ***. it makes me think of a Ford 500.

 
Rep Power: 0

When do you plan on getting it? If not anytime soon, the MDX is being redesigned for 07.

edit: oh wait nevermind, i read more..and you already put 1000 down on the Lexus..good choice ! Pimp ride..man you have an RX8 S2K, and now a Lexus SUV..damn.. ! good stuff !

 
Rep Power: 366

i like the new lexus hybrid suv... i think its kinda a no-regret vehicle. gas mileage luxury & comfort toyota reliability

 
Rep Power: 329

Yeah I put the deposit, that just guarantees me one, but I'm not obligated to get it, and the deposit is refundable. So...we'll just have to see...

 
Rep Power: 318

If you have elderly clients, definately think about a car, not an SUV. Although I like the RX from Lexus, that RX400h is quite pricey, considering that you can get a RX330 for $10k less, i don't see how the RX400h is going to help in gas ($10k will buy a lot of gas over the years). I am still not convinced that any Hybrid vehicle is worth the cost over its non-hybrid counterpart.
With that said, since you have already been to the Lexus dealer, maybe you should look into a GS300. Its an impressive car, and if you are ready to spend $48k or whatever on the RX440h, that GS300 is going to be the same or less depending on features.

 
Rep Power: 337

ok, i thought the RX was the luxury version of a highlander anyway? get the cheaper one and enjoy the deductible. you have to ask first about the tax thing. ask if they sold enough to get you that deduction, cause if they have sold enough in that dealership you don't get it. thats how it is in GA. don't know bout where you are.