Will O'the Wisp ([info]wotw) wrote,
@ 2009-03-11 13:30:00
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Car Stuff
1) Stop driving instantly when your oil light comes on. I've given this advice to dozens
of people over the years.

2) Having ignored my own advice, I suddenly need a new car.

3) It will be either a 2009 Lexus ES 350 sedan or a 2010 Lexus RX 350 SUV. I don't want
to hear about other options because if I hear about them I will consider them and if I
consider them this thing will drag on longer than I want it to.

4) Therefore: Any thoughts or opinions about the ES vs. the RX are most welcome right now.

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[info]jacflash
2009-03-11 06:25 pm UTC (link)
I suspect you'll be happier, on balance, with the SUV. It's better in foul weather and able to haul somewhat more than the sedan.

(Reply to this)


[info]underwatercolor
2009-03-11 06:55 pm UTC (link)
I think the SUV is kinda sexy. I'm guessing it's also more comfortable for visiting people who live far away. :)

Sorry about your previous car. We are curious how dead it is.

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[info]nminusone
2009-03-11 07:25 pm UTC (link)
1) Stop driving instantly when your oil light comes on.

Some of my gearhead friends refer to those as "replace engine now" lights. Sorry about number 2. :(

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[info]draakken
2009-03-11 08:01 pm UTC (link)
Both models are fundamentally toyota Camry's as far as the mechanicals go.

Not knowing your specific needs I'd say its a toss up. And only having choice A vs. B

If you want the greater interior volume, and the optional AWD I'd go RX
If you want the greater fuel economy, likely better ride/comfort I'd go ES

I think given the same $$$ to spend I'd go to a different brand/model, but I suspect I'm optimizing for a different set of priorities than you.

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[info]wotw
2009-03-12 12:34 am UTC (link)
Those were the exact pros and cons I was weighing.

I love the interior volume in the RX. I also like the AWD.

I love the better ride and comfort in the ES.

In the end, it was a tossup. I went with the ES.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]draakken
2009-03-12 10:41 am UTC (link)
I figured the ES would be a better choice unless you needed the interior volume.

You tend to do a fair amount of longer distance traveling and I think the ES ride on the longer trips would be a nice benefit.

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[info]dr_memory
2009-03-11 08:33 pm UTC (link)
In most cases I would instantly resort to mockery of anyone admitting to considering an SUV, but you (a) live in rochester, and (b) occasionally do need to haul large mounts of stuff around, so it's at least worth considering. Just remember: AWD doesn't make you stop any faster on slick roads.

Still...

ES350 Sedan:
Fuel Type: Premium
MPG (city): 19
MPG (highway): 27
MPG (combined): 22
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $2.18
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 1.14 gal
Cost of a Fill-up $31.97
Miles on a Tank 366 miles
Tank Size 18.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost $1310


RX350 SUV:
Fuel Type Premium
MPG (city) 17
MPG (highway) 22
MPG (combined) 19
Cost to Drive 25 Miles $2.53
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 1.32 gal
Cost of a Fill-up $33.18
Miles on a Tank 328 miles
Tank Size 19.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost $1515


Those numbers are from 2007, so are probably way way low; figure easily double for current gas prices. I know you didn't want to hear about other options, but surely there are things other than gasoline that you could think to spend ~$2000/year on. So, hidden behind invisiotext...

Prius:
Fuel Type: Regular
MPG (city) 48
MPG (highway) 45
MPG (combined) 46
Cost to Drive 25 Miles $0.90
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 0.54 gal
Cost of a Fill-up $17.78
Miles on a Tank 493 miles
Tank Size 11.9 gal
Annual Fuel Cost $540


Mini Cooper:
Fuel Type Premium
MPG (city) 24
MPG (highway) 33
MPG (combined) 28
Cost to Drive 25 Miles $1.71
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 0.89 gal
Cost of a Fill-up $22.81
Miles on a Tank 333 miles
Tank Size 13.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost $1028



Edited at 2009-03-11 08:36 pm UTC

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[info]jacflash
2009-03-11 10:25 pm UTC (link)
I don't think gas was meaningfully less expensive than $1.90/gal (what I paid yesterday for regular unleaded in metro Boston) in 2007.

Not that those prices will necessarily last, of course.

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