brianphillips

Hi, I have recently part ex'ed a manual 2001 2.9 petrol Volvo S80 for a 2001 GS300. Like yourself I tow a caravan with a max weight of 1485kg. I talk to my local Lexus dealer and they suggested I needed a tow kit consisting of tranny cooler, larger radiator and towbar which when fitted would have cost 2k, if I had known this I would have brought the gs300. What I have done is fit an oil cooler which I sourced from Kenlowe for £100, I'm not changing the rad. but I've put some Wetter Water additive in the cooling system this helps lower engine temp. I hav'nt tried towing yet (I'm a summer caravanner) also waiting to have a towbar fitted, a Brink detactable (£500 fitted )which is only towbar suitable other then a towbar from Lexus. I'm enjoying the car, it's a far better car to drive than the Volvo but I'm only 19-23 mpg, 27 tops on a long motorway run.

Hi, I'm a new member I just bought a 2001 GS300SE 4 wks ago from a Toyota dealer, the car has done 33k. I pleased with the car so far the only downside is the way it drinks petrol. I previously drove a Vovlo S80 2.9 which was better on petrol but not as nice to drive. I tow a caravan due the summer months and was wondering if anybody out there is /has used a Gs300 to do the same. I phoned the local Lexus dealer and they want about 2k to fit a towing kit which consists of towbar/gearbox oil coiler and larger radiator (maybe I made a mistake buying a Lexus). I have towed with automatic before and always fitted a gearbox oil cooler but change the radiator I not sure, I think maybe just to watch just the engine temperature and put the heater on and open the windows. If I have to spend 2k, I have to think it over should I change the car. I be gratefull for advice/comments.