boombang

Just checked trip comp and last 75 miles since refuelling have been around town - 20.7 mpg Could be a variety of things: tyre selection tyre pressure selection innaccuracies of onboard trip computer speed he drives at the driving techniques he uses. I know for a fact the tyres are changed every 12-15k (lease car), he checks pressure every journey, he drives usually at 75MPH, leaves very big gaps between cars infront to avoid braking etc. Using similar techniques I have acheived over 53 MPG in a Peugeot 106 Gti, and in the same car I have managed a whole 9 MPG (not great for a 1.6 900kg car). My current weekend toy (Peugeot 205 Cti) ranges from 15MPG on a light thrashing to 40MPG driven carefully at 70MPH. I would say technique and a well maintained car in evey way can gain you / lose you 10MPG or more. (not saying you or anyone drives badly or doesn't take care of the car!).

The low towing limit I would guess is more that Lexus did not anticipate their target market to want to sling best part of two thousand kilo's of dirty rally kit on the back! I merely saw the later as being 2k kg and thought it would apply to entire range. It is looking more and more like my mind is being made up for me in terms of car selection. (reason I asked about tranny coolers is the hi-lux surf is also Toyota and that NEEDS a cooler for the box if you have an auto!)

I'd have given them the car back and got my money personally - there are other dealers/cars/makes out there. Never accept second best, especially for that sort of money!

I am after a tow car to get me to and from rallies, but need something that can also double up as a daily driver. My dad has a 2001 GS430 and I must say its a great car and averages about 27MPG overall (only added this due to reading other threads on MPG!). Seeing the prices of older 300's it has made me consider the car but after searching for "tow" nothing came up. Has anyone used them for towing 1400kg odd (trailer+car+tyres) whilst they are loaded with 200kg odd? Have they fitted a transmission cooler at all (does it have one standard that can have a larger unit plumbed in)? Anything else to really consider? Its looking more and more like I will end up with a Volvo, but I like to think I have some style and therefore looking elsewhere. Thanks in advance

My dad has a GS430 and averages 32MPG on long runs. Does dip to low 20's around town. I managed to get it a lot lower when I drove it over xmas - but boy was it fun.