Hey everyone,

I've been MIA for a while, been super busy! I'll update you guys and answer some questions now:

internalau asked if I am still considering the RX hybrid. The answer now is no. I was unaware that the RX uses premium fuel regardless of trim or engine type. Seems all Lexus models except the UX and ES use premium gas, hybrid or not. Considering the fact that Lexus parts cost double than their identical Toyota counterparts, I am going to just stick to Toyota from now on.

abelhands asked for an update on my mileage and whether or not I replaced my car. The second answer is no. Luckily, I haven't needed to replace my car yet. I decided a while back that if Lexus doesn't offer to buy back my car or take it and give me a replacement (which I would either sell to get a Toyota or ask for a credit I can use at Toyota), then I will just keep the car, even if I stop using it (just as a good backup car).

As far as the mileage, please keep in mind that my car sat for 3 to 4 months on and off at the shop for some repairs. I also took a 3 week trip so my car wasn't driven much (friend drove it a little to make sure the car doesn't lose all traction battery charge and have to be towed or something). Right now, my car is sitting at 772k miles.

lastguy asked about various maintenance and repairs. I haven't updated all my records yet, just been too busy and missed some chances to do it on the spot. Here's what I recall: water pump was changed twice, at the same time I had the head gasket replaced (twice). I don't think the timing chain was touched, unless it's part of a head job, in which case it was done twice. I just don't remember seeing it on the invoice. On our cars it's sealed and doesn't need maintenance.

EGR system was cleaned (using brake cleaner, though media blasting would be better but would cost more than replacing parts) around the time of the first headjob (400k~), and I had it replaced at 700k+ as it was no longer worth cleaning.

Low beams, as well as all lights except the driver's side reverse lamp, are all still working from factory and have not been serviced or replaced.

The 12v battery was replaced once so far, around the 5 year mark, and the traction battery was replaced once only because the factory one sat long enough without the car being driven that it drained to where it couldn't handle a recharge. Some of the cells were too far gone to recharge enough to allow the ECU to accept it and allow the car to start.

My struts and shocks were worn, but not enough to replace. My mounts were worn enough to make noises, so to save on labor, we had the mounts and all dampers changed during the 3/4 month downtime period. Motor mounts remain factory.

 

Thanks for the update Raidin! Wow, you're about to hit 800K miles! Amazing! Maybe if you hit 1million miles Lexus will give you another hybrid?

If you go Toyota for your next vehicle, what would you be interested in? Maybe a RAV4 Prime, Corolla hybrid, Venza or even bZ4X?

 

Or a Prius?

 

I love the new Prius! But alas, I need cargo space more than anything. I'm looking at the Highlander hybrid, possibly the Grand Highlander hybrid if it's not too much on price and too little on fuel economy. Otherwise, it will probably be the Rav 4 hybrid. I can't do any plug-ins (primes) because I drive too much in one shot. PHEVs are great for people who drive small distances most of the time, so they can spend maybe like 80% of their driving on electric only, then charge and do it again the next day, with the ability to go longer if necessary on the gas engine. For me, I would use up the battery and then the entire tank of gas each time, meaning I will only get a few MPG more for the large additional cost of the PHEV vs hybrid.

The Corolla hybrid will be a last resort (I'd rather get the new Prius sedan). I've tried the Venza, but it's smaller on cargo than the Rav 4, not much more comfortable, costs more, less MPGs, and has worse interior controls (touch volume sliders). I don't think I will consider the BZ4x or any other EV now that reports are coming out that many EVs will fail when you try to fast charge, by charging slowly or not at all, and how half of the chargers out there don't work, won't fast charge even when rated for it, or will overload your EV and cause a total write-off. Just too much unreliability for what I do.

 

Newbie on here. 2014 CT200h F Sport. I`m new today, and very curious about what repairs if any were needed on your CT. Even if another user can point me to your other posts, as I`m sure you have already put this info out there. Appreciate any help. I`m concerned about all the egr/ head gasket posting, and I`m def not a do it yourself, I can barely tie my shoes! Seems they tweaked something starting w 2014 model? If I had the means to do it, I`d buy a 2019 CT from Europe, and ship it here, but that's dreaming.

 

Well, this confirms my idea to "see how many miles" I can get on mine...

Challenge accepted. I have considered getting something bigger but I really like the CT. I know that I'd be sad to see it go. I enjoy mine! Congrats on putting on so many miles. Big kudos to Toyota to build something that holds up so well, that's pretty amazing!

Every time I take mine in for service I always hear how the CT is literally "the most reliable" car they have ever made. They're serious about that, too.

 

Always good to see an update on this car.

From experience, I can tell you grid charging is snake oil. Don't waste your time or money pursuing it.

 

This news article should be written about Raidin's CT instead,:
The Highest-Mileage Toyota Prius Hybrid In The World In 2024 (msn.com)