Kinda retired from my limo / airport sedan service - but still have a few customers I take. My TownCar was perfect for this biz, but needs to be retired even more than me (625K).

Here's what I need - room for 4 other passengers (+me) / and luggage. I typically drive just 1-2 people around, so don't want anything huge - just occasionally have a family of 4 that I need to accommodate......

New would be fantastic, but I'm still Pandemic Poor - so looking at $25K max with roughly 75-125K miles. I have decided (finally) on a Toyota/Lexus - began thinking ES/ Avalon initially, but recently narrowed it down to either an RX350 or a Highlander. (back seat kinda tight in the sedans). Of course the LS460L would be awesome, but the repairs scare me, and regular gas is huge.

I like the RX, but the cargo space is probably not quite big enough - so I'm probably looking at getting a Highlander Limited with a 2nd row bench seat. Fine with me - but I'm sure my clients would prefer the Lexus.

So for those that have had this same issue, is there a (VIABLE) way to add a luggage rack on the roof of the RX? If I can find a 350L - is the cargo area enough for say 4 big suitcases? (I would keep 3rd row folded down). I just looked at one, but it's hard to tell - the slope of the tailgate looks like it might limit the capacity.

OR - any other vehicles come to mind that might work for me? The Maxda CX-9 and MDX I've considered - but my mechanic has forbidden me to get a turbo ha. I usually keep my cars for a LONG time, and need to get at least 250-300K out of it. I'm ASSuming the LS460L is too risky for a broke bastard like me? Taboo subject - but has anyone 'gotten away with using regular gas in an LS?

Thanks in advance! - have read a ton - just looking for informed opinions.

 

I have 102k kms (64k mi) on my 5 year old CX-9. It's been a very problem free vehicle, but it's still a baby with this mileage. If you do go with one, I would suggest a 2021+. The 2016-2020 MYs have a low risk of developing a crack in the cylinder head that leads to an external coolant leak.

With the 3rd row down, there's lots of cargo room for luggage, but unless you have the bench seat, you're limited to 3 passengers. Or 4 if you put the of the 3rd row seats up, but you lose a good chunk of cargo space. Even if you have the bench seat, the CX-9 is likely going to feel small and cramped in the second row if your passengers are above average height and weight.

The CX-9 can also take regular gas and returns ok mileage for a 3-row. Nowhere near as good as a hybrid of course. The Highlander is more capable on the highway with it's higher HP, while the CX-9 is more at home in the city with its higher torque.

Lastly, the ride. The CX-9 has a sporty ride quality that makes it fun to drive, but also a little more jarring than you'd expect from a crossover. If you switch to 18" wheels and tires the ride comfort improves greatly.

 

Given your experience with Lincoln, what about the MKT? I remember a car service in Orlando that we used frequently had a handful of those and they were pretty nice as a passenger.

 

Definitely pick a Highlander over an RX just based on luggage space.

 

i think you would be fine running regular in an LS as the ECU would compensate for it. you just won't get the optimum performance from it.

why not consider a full size SUV? perhaps the gas mileage is the biggest drawback. the LS would have similar gas mileage.

from your choices, i too would go with a highlander as they have a larger trunk than the lexus.

 

Get a Camry or ES - i have rented both and used both as Uber.
Rear seat and luggage is plenty for 3-4ppl.
The powertrain is super reliable.
Get SUV if you need awd.

 

I took my LS 460 on a roadtrip and it didn’t require fuel until 620+ miles later. This is traveling 81mph on highway + in town driving after arriving to our destination. It’s the most comfortable vehicle I’ve experienced on the highway. The 8 speed is butter smooth. Never downshifted even on the steepest inclines on highway.

stock 19 inch wheels on Michelin tires.

 

Those Lexus fuel calculators aren't over reliable, ours never really are on our Lexus vehicles. You're absolutely not getting close to 30 MPG out of a 22 gallon capacity LS460 with any reasonable amount of extended over 80 mph driving. Unless you were driving downhill all the way.... I've owned LS's, they are more efficient than some might expect, but over 80 mph driving kills economy.

 

 

Instant reads are just that. You’re not going to see an actual average of 30 mpg or so if you're driving at over 80 mph for an extended period.

 

I did not travel 81mph for all 620 miles…however for the first 172 miles of the drive I did. Then I exit major highway and took a back road highway route. Speed varied from 45-65 for next 60 miles (45 thru the small towns). Whatever the speed was I was +5. Took another exit where speed was 55mph (ran +5) for 2-3 miles to another highway where speed is 60 (again I ran +5 thru +10 depending on traffic) for 11-12 miles.. Exit to another highway for the final stretch the remaining 300 miles I’m back at 80mph. I was blown away I was able to drive take a 620 mile road trip on one tank.

I’m able to recap this because I’m currently taking the same trip.

 

If I had the choice I would always try to make the Lexus work if I can over the Toyota.

Only because I think Lexus models look better and have nicer trim and details.

 

6 or 7th gen ES......Stick w/ lexus......

 

not enough luggage room for airport passengers

 

THANKS FOR THE RESPONSES!

Been on crap forums like Reddit too much - not accustomed to thoughtful responses ha

Have driven a few more Toyota's - Highlander and Camry ..... love them for personal use, but the ride wasn't quiet or smooth enough I don't believe for the bizness side of things - plus tough to charge somebody $100 for a short airport ride in a Camry - so Lexus only if possible.

BUT - just got T-Boned, so the TownCar at 625K is really done now ha....

Will make another thread, but now narrowed things down to:

* 2018 RX350L / 130K - $22,000
* 2016-17 RX / 80-120K - $18-24,000
* 2012 ES /80K - $13,500
* 2012 LS460 / 60K - $18,000

Financing issues might lead me to the ES (nice car) - but at only 60K I might take a risk with the LS - maybe get 2 years out of it, avoid brake actuator issues.....