Alright, we've talked my friend down off the RX400h ledge. He is now considering an Acura TL, Infiniti G35, or a Lexus IS350. I'm fine with any of those choices. I'd get the G35 with a manual and the sport package, but he only wants an automatic so fine.
He's thinking about picking up a $4,000ish used van/minivan to haul band gear on the weekends.
S.