parula

I routinely get about 22 in a mix of local and semi-highway driving. This is with synth. oil and tire pressure at 38 psi. and pretty conservative driving . . . . no jump starts. Mid 20's on long highway trips.

lkhodab

You have 2WD! I think this is the reason for different gas milage. 38 psi too much for the tire if manufacturer recommends 34psi, Isn't it ? It should start worn faster , especially in the middle of the tread.
If you using synthetic oil, how often you should change it?

parula

ikhodab, 2wd may help a bit, also I really do drive pretty conservatively - don't think I ever had the car over 2500rpm, maybe once!

Tires indicate max load at 44psi and manual recommends 30 psi, which in my opinion is ridiculously low, and adding 5 psi for high speed driving so mid thirties appears to be fine. When I used to take the '99 in for dealer service and would forget to tell them I like 38psi the tires always came back 33-34 or so anyway - not 30! I had 51k on same tires on a '99 - totally even wear - could have gotten 60-70 out of them.

I plan to change the synth. every 5k or so to make sure the waranty is maintained without question. I also don't put a lot of miles on so 5k for me is about 6 months. I found a local dealer that carries Mobil1 but will also let me BMOB.

Lots of threads on CL about oil issues, check 'em out for lots of great information.

mikey00

According to EPA mileage on window sticker 2wd is about 1 mpg better than 4wd.

parula

My sticker says 19/23 so it's in the range. I can definitely get 24- even 26 strictly highway - fill up right before extended trip and after.

mikey00

4wd is 18/22 on sticker, so there's your 1mpg difference. I can get mine up to 24 on highway also. The trick seems to go slow on highway. The RX is geared low compared to others and really starts to rev at higher speeds.

rhack1

my 1999 AWD rx300 with 40k miles on it gets between 19-20 mph going approximately 75 mph on my daily commute in upstate NY...i travel on I81 which has hills...i agree, that when the vehicle is going fast, it burns thru the fuel...i travel 45 miles each way commute averaging between 60-75 mph...just a point of reference... Rob

Fern

I have a 1999 Rx awd and find that even when using 91 octane the car only gets 350km (220 miles) to a full tank. That is before the reserve light comes on.

What gives?

The car has Michelin Pilot Alpin (winter tires) and 80,000 km (50,000 miles). I religiosly keep the tires inflated at 34 rear and 32 front.

Is the tank too small for the vehicle or is my mileage the same as everyone elses?

Cheers,

Fern

jeremyp111

I'm getting 20.0 mpg on my RX300 and I'm pretty happy with that, especially the way I drive. Let's just say that I don't drive the speed limit on the highway.

parula

Fern, what altitude are you, I note your international designation?

As I recall from my previous '99 the light came on around 14-15 gallons used, and was getting about 22 mpg too where I drive;

it seems your mileage is extraordinarily low for some reason. 220/15 = ~15mpg - can that be right?

mikey00

Fern,
I would first check the amount of fuel being added to the car at fill up and the amount of miles traveled for a more accurate reading. What does your computer indicate?
If your are driving all city miles, you are not too much off from the sticker of 17mpg city. Driving habits or local climate could account for this difference.
Some other points to remember when comparing: In 2001 the RX went to a larger tank. I also noticed you have AWD. When comparing mileage to others, remember 2wd does get better gas mileage. Often when posting mileage people neglect to tell you when they have 2wd.
Mike

guugoo

hi..i am newbie..i just bought a 2000 rx300 and the info on the screen shows 20.9 mpg as the avg. mileage. however, after driving for a month or so, this number has not changed. is it normal? even the number for my avg. speed has not changed. is there a way to reset all the stats on the ecu? thanks!!

parula

guugoo, check your manual, I think you need to reset that feature every time you want to reuse it. Try holding the info button in while in that mode, it should reset.

I use it on trips, it works between engine starts, or park modes as I recall. A useful feature if you learn how to use it.

guugoo

thanks! will definitely try it out and report findings.

guugoo

sorry for not replying earlier but u r right! i am able to "reset" the values while driving by holding down on the info button. it is definitely a good feature to have!