maxSteel

These days I think you could spend a lot anywhere you go. That's why newsgroups like this and having some skills and tools make such a difference. For example, a couple of years ago my mother-in-laws Toyota Highlander A/C wasn't working right and the repair quote was $1300 for a climate control unit replacement. Five minutes of web searching revealed that the problem is caused by broken wires behind one of the *****. It takes about an hour to remove the unit and soldier the wires, for a repair cost of nothing. I'm sure the dealership knows what's wrong but it is somewhat risky and unprofitable to repair rather than replace.

You are at the mercy when you don't have skills, tools, or useful son-in-laws.

matts6887

Um; like i already mentioned; I know someone that dropped 1000+ on repairs on their 2003 SL. So while yes Lexus prices for labor and parts can get up there; they cant top merc. I would know. Ive seen it time and time again so i beg to differ here.

VegasRX300

Sorry your disappointed in your RX. I love mine (1999 RX 300 AWD, 176,000 miles). At first I was a little shocked on the gas mileage, then I found out how much that puppy weights, 4950 lbs., with just a 6 cyl to pull it with. I'll sacrifice some mileage to have that comfort going down the road.
I could do worse and have. Before this car I had a 2001 PT Cruiser HO GT that only got 15mpg (turbo charged little 4 banger) and you couldn't turn it around in the street. Those PT's have NO turning radius at all. But it was fast lol

AnthonyMtz

Oh gosh, I would kill to have 19mpg I can barely get 16mpg on the highway! And 14mpg city my dads rx gets 24mpg im not sure how but he can get 400 miles to a tank, dose more highway driving though. He even uses regular unleaded, me personaly cant get over 230 miles on a tank, i do more "city driving" and i also run 93 octane and drive 15 miles to get it since i only use chevron stations.

2KHarrier

OP never checked back... Would love to have heard some follow up..

captdalton

Filled up again this morning on the way to the "salt mine". 11.7 galls 224.5 miles.

Getting right on 19.19 mpg same as last tank. I am reading that it has a 17.2 gallon tank. I filled up right after the fuel light came on both times and put about the same amount of fuel in. So, I suppose I've still got about 5 or 6 gallons in there to gamble with. Can any of the mechanical gurus here confirm or deny a 17 gall fuel tank?

I have a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS I've been commuting with since 2005. Bought it after Katrina gave my Dodge Intrepid, Nissan 240SX and Ram 1500 a saltwater bath. Miss that 240.

The Eclipse has totally shocked me with its fuel economy, 32 mpg, reliability and longevity. Just rolled 200,000 on her and she's going strong. (Bought it with 64,000 miles on it). But, all manual vehicle, no cruise, 5 speed, roll up windows. Wanted to increase comfort and replace it, but, I can't bring myself to let it go. Still in fantastic shape inside and out. No major issues.

My 2001 Tundra is sitting on 199,000. Also bought it in 2005 with 60,000 on it after Katrina. It too has been awesome. It's all leather and power everything, but gets 17-18 mpg. Replaced a radiator last year.

I suspect I'll tinker with the Lexus and try and turn a little profit on it. Now, if the price of fuel tanks, I could see keeping it a while.

Ahh, the days when the cost to operate a car wasn't an issue. The 383 stroker in my 1979 Z-28 driving a 4:10 posi-trac rear end, 3.200 rpm stall converter getting 8 mpg...there is no substitute for horsepower.

That sucker got too far into my beer money by senior year in college and I got a 1981 Toyota Supra. That one was a PITA to keep running, but, when it was, it was pretty nice. (And red and shiney and a cop freakin magnet). Of course, back then, I didn't mind working on cars as much.

If I was better set up to work on 'em, I could tolerate it better. No garage, no workshop, gravel driveway. But, anytime I whine about such conveniences, my friends say, "You live on an Island, quitur*****in".

Life's little trade offs.

Thanks again to all for the insights to this Lexus.

salimshah

RX got a larger tank and tighter turning radius but not the initial RX.

My guess is about 15 gallons.

Keep the tank 1/4 full at minimum. Concentration of sediments gets higher and the fuel pump life gets shortened with less immersion in gasoline.

I would also like to politely introduce general car chat, which is may be more appropriate for non-rx stuff.

Salim

matts6887

Salim; so you are saying; generally its not a good idea to let the fuel level get down so low to the point that the low fuel light comes on? Ive only done that once because i had no choice at the time until i could get to a gas station; but I havent let it get that low since that time. And yea i do know about the fact that its not the greatest to let the fuel level get almost dead empty because the fuel pump uses gas as a lubricating agent.