bwhitaker

We are considering buying a certified LX470 but are concerned about the gas mileage. Anyone got any real information about the mileage? Is it really 13/17?

Nello3

I found the estimated city mileage to be high and the highway mileage somewhat low.

Here in traffic choked North Jersey, it was very common for me to see 8-10 MPG and 18-19 on the highway.

Jayson

bwhitaker, you have to remember this is one heavy SUV. Around town we get about 13.5mpg. On our annual road trip from Austin to San Diego, we average 16mpg. I've tried 87, 89, 91, and 93 octane fuels and can't tell a difference in performance or mileage, so we stick with 87. We have yet to hear knocking and our LX now has 122,000 miles on it.

Have you driven the LX? It's quality is unmatched and is built like a tank, just take a look at the underside of this beast if you don't believe me; it's over engineering at it's finest. This is my wife's daily driver and insofar as her safety, I would have her in nothing else.

Tevi

I disagree.I have a couple vehicles that are over 200k and 2 over 400k and I'm not that impressed with the LX.

LXurious

I agree with Nello3. In the city i average about 11mpg with my nav screen showing my mpg consumption (essentially being a gas ***** like some prius owners) to maximize mpg's. When i Dont i get about 10.5. Driving purely on the highway i get about 17-18 which isnt bad because the wind resistance against this tank is massive.

Jayson

Please elaborate on how you're not impressed.

For our particular LX situation, I cannot think of a finer SUV built in 2003 other than this Lexus. Of course everything I am writing is my own opinion and to each his/her own.

Tevi

My 1999 Ford F350 weighs 3k more cost $20k less and gets better mileage and has more amenities and with the exception of the tranny(towing more than 14k)has spent less time in the shop.The interior materials with exception of the leather are better in the Ford.Take an Audi allroad from the same year.It weighs 1k less and gets 50% more mileage.It trumps the interior and has things like dual zone climate control and heated seats front and rear.All for $30k less.With its adjustable suspension you 4 different settings 3 of which you can maintain over 18mph

lx470kid

Besides gas mileage, you cannot compare a Ford f150 or Audi allroad to a lexus lx470.

Tevi

I didn't it was a F350 and yes I can.Amenities and materials are comparable no matter what vehicle it is.

bwhitaker

I appreciate all the input. I know the LX470 is a beautiful tank that will not be great on gas, but it helps to know what you are getting into.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

You will get around 14 around town, thats what i have been getting in an 01 with only a 4 speed and a pretty heavy foot. Highway im getting 16-17. Its not great, but i love it. I have driven everything from mid 80's porsches to brand new mercedes e350's and the lx continues to be one of my favorites to drive.

Hoser

Really? I'm open minded and would love to see a Ford with a nicer interior but just haven't yet. The F350 interior picture looks like my friend's '03 Excursion which I have spent considerable time in. If the '99 F350 is similar then I would respectfully disagree with your statement.

lx470kid

Again you cant put NO Ford to any lexus anyday day any time PERIOD. We love our lexus regardless of gas mileage. We love the prestige.

Tevi

Well for one you are not picturing a 01 LX470.How many times have you taken apart a Lexus with over 400k and a F350 with over 400k.I have and when you do let me know.Also considering that a Lexus cost over $20k more you are not getting that much of a better vehicle.The fact that an Excursion diesel weighs almost 2k lbs more and can get almost double the mileage and cost $30k less.

Hoser

I simply selected '03 because it was the only year mentioned in this thread up till your post. But it is reasonable for me to compare and '03 Lexus to an '03 Excursion and I'm still wondering why you said the Ford has more amenities... maybe the adjustable brake pedal?

No, I have not taken apart an LX470 with over 400k miles. I do have a diesel Land Cruiser with over 200k miles and is still running fine. I have looked at my friends diesel Excursion with only 80k miles which he seems to have a long list of repairs every time he takes it in. I have noticed that it uses a C-channel frame which is cheaper to manufacture than a fully boxed frame. His non-greaseable driveshaft U-joint needed replacement at 75k miles. I don't see any non-greaseable u-joint going 400k miles.

I'm sure you know the LX470 is a 100 Series Land Cruiser. But you might not know the vast majority of these 100 series LC's were sold in the Middle East, Australia and Africa... where they really need to depend on their vehicles in often harsh environments.

If you want to talk fuel mileage then should probably compare diesel vs diesel. The Excursion does about 16-18 mpg and the Diesel Land Cruiser does 20-22 mpg. But I do not think these vehicles should be compared because they are not built for the same purpose. There is no Lexus/Toyota equivalent of the F-350 or Excursion.