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Finding a good used car nowadays can be tough, especially if you’re trying to find one below $10,000. What’s even tougher is finding a comfortable SUV that’s fuel-efficient and reliable for under $10,000. However, if you were to turn your attention to a 2008 Lexus RX 400h, then you might just find yourself a good bargain.

The Lexus RX 400h boasts capability and fuel efficiency

2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus
2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus

The Lexus RX originally made its debut in 1999 with the RX 300, which was powered by a V6 engine. A few years later, for the 2006 model year, Lexus debuted a more fuel-efficient version for the RX’s second generation, named the RX 400h.

According to Automobile, this fuel-sipping version of the RX utilized the same 3.3-liter V6 as its RX 300 stablemate but added a mild hybrid system in the mix, which drove the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive version was released as well, which incorporated a second electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Together, the hybrid powertrain put out 268 hp and was able to achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway in all-wheel-drive form. Front-drive models benefitted from one extra horsepower in both conditions.

The Lexus RX 400h comes with all of the amenities you need

2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus
2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus

Power and fuel efficiency aside, the real reason that anyone would buy a Lexus is for comfort. Fortunately, the 2008 RX 400h is not lacking in that department, despite its age. Some of the notable standard features include 17-inch wheels, a power rear liftgate, 10-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and cloth seats.

Some RX 400h models are outfitted with a Premium package that includes amenities like leather seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping wheel, and a moonroof. There is also a Premium Plus package that adds adaptive xenon headlights and other options included 18-inch wheels, a premium Mark Levinson sound system, and a navigation system. If you’re really lucky, then you might find one outfitted with a rear-seat entertainment system.

However, you could just keep your passengers entertained with tablets and phones, like most drivers do these days.

The RX 400h is capable as well

2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus
2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus

In addition to the luxurious space and features, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h was about as capable as most other SUV rivals at the time. According to Lexus, the front-drive RX 400h was able to get from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive models were able to cover the same distance in 7.3 seconds. Also, when the RX 400h is properly equipped for towing, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is the same rating as its RX 350 counterpart, according to Edmunds.

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a bargain

2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus
2008 Lexus RX 400h | Lexus

A nationwide search on Car Gurus reveals that many 2008 Lexus RX 400h models are selling for around $9,000. Of course, it depends on the car’s mileage, location, and condition, as we did find some RX 400h models priced over $10,000.

Repair Pal also rates the RX 400h a four out of five stars when it comes to reliability and estimates an average annual repair cost of $398. That said, considering the amount of luxury, reliability, and capability that you get with the Lexus RX 400h, the extra money that you might spend for a lower-mileage example could be well worth it.

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