ThinDuke

I've recently part ex'd an RX300 for an IS220d and although the mpg could probably be better I'm off to the filling station far less often so something is going right. I do find the ride hard and gearing difficult to get used to (especially driving a manual which is just hard work in itself following 7 years with autos!) and sluggish to engage especially in 3rd. Is there any way to get the gearing power/ratios modified? A 'car' guy at work suggested it but I wouldn't know where to start and if it was even possible on this car...? Cheers

Hi My RX300 SEL 53 is well out of warranty and I do not think that expensive Lexus dealer servicing is adding anything to the residual value. Theoretically I can save money on servicing if I get it done independently. Except that I have never done that and I am nervous that the quality of the work will not be up to standard. What advice would anyone give as to how to establish whether an independent would be competent with my car? Anyone know any good independents in the Dorset (Poole/Bournemouth) area? Cheers

Thanks for your feedback. I think I was probably a little naive when I originally bought the RX and should have worked harder to improve the deal. It's still a lovely car and judging by the concerns about the hybrids on a more recent post I won't be the only one experiencing high depreciation! The price you pay. Cheers.

I am somewhat perturbed to realise that I have lost £10k in one year driving an RX300. On top of fuel and servicing/repair costs. Part-ex'd my IS200 which I had owned for five trouble-free years in July 06 for a 53 plate RX 300 SE with 33k on the clock. £24k and you assume that the bulk of the depreciation has been taken. lovely car and I am more than pleased with the image, comfort, gadgets, ride etc. In August 07, with 50k on the clock when I enquire about getting into something a little less thirsty I am quoted £14k trade-in for it by the same dealer. Is it just me or is that a tad much? Nearly 60 pence per mile on top of fuel. Parkers tallies with the value. I must have got done last year by the same dealer. Turns out that the 'larger' vehicle has become highly unpopular in this environmentally mental world we live in and I guess I just have to take it on the chin. So I think I will sit back and wait and see what happens. On that trend I will have a £4k vehicle come next summer so I may as well run it into the ground...