I know this is an older post, but I'm curious, how does she "back it out" and then start it? Put it in neutral and push it out?

 

She gets in the car and starts the engine to back it out of the garage and then shuts the engine to start it again with the remote to let it warm up while she walks back inside the house.

 

Why? Why not just walk in the house while the engine is running locking up the doors

 

I like to run the A/C all the time and keep the windows closed. do u think this would lower my MPG?

 

Can you lock the doors when nobody inside and leave it running? I did not try it but I assumed that it would not.

 

Of course!!!

 

You can, using the physical key and locking it with the keyhole hidden inconveniently under the handle. You might also be able to do it by rolling down the window, locking the car, and then rolling up the window and then pulling your arm out quickly...

In an attempt to bring this back to mileage, might I suggest you try an engine heater like this:

You attach it to your oil pan, your car warms up without wasting petrol, and you don't have to take your car out of the garage and turn it on. The hot engine oil warms your car quickly. Just don't drive away with it attached. Also you'll see improved mileage as your engine has been pre-warmed.

 

Hope this is the right place to post this. Recently went in for 5k maintenance. Before I was getting 20-21 mpg combined (1/2 highway 70mph, 1/2 local 50 mph; adaptive cruise when possible). After the maintenance, I can't get past 18-ish. I'm driving in ECO mode on a 2017 350 with 20" wheels. When I went in to the dealer for the maintenance and asked how I could improve from the 20-21 mpg, the guy suggested I use Shell or Chevron rather than Costco gas. So I'm on my 4th tank of Shell 87 and my mileage couldn't be any worse. Any suggestions?

 

You do not improve from 20-21 mpg. Maybe going back to Costco will get you back to 20-21.

 

Just picked up a new 2017 w/ 18" tires. My first tank that I paid myself and I'm barely getting 22 mpg. This is pretty much all LA highway (with traffic).
My previous vehicle, a 2009 RX 350 w/ 18" tires (rated 18 city / 23 highway) and I would get 24 mpg on the same commute.

 

I've heard that Toyota has no incentive to increase the fuel economy of their cars. I guess that's one way of seeing it considering this car is the most sold luxury suv in America despite the low efficiency.

 

As you said, it is new. Gaz efficiency improves with time. A new car is always harder on gaz than when it ages.

 

This said so often it has a life of its own, however I have never had a vehicle where the mpg increased over time. On this car, when it was brand new, I took a trip where I cruised at 75 mph for hours and consistently got 24.3 mpg. After 11,000 miles that's about same or more than I'm getting today. Yes, I know there are many variables, but I ain't gettin' 25 mpg under any driving conditions, except maybe holding steady at 55 and that almost never happens at least where I live. No doubt I'm in the minority, nothing new there.

 

My 2016 was very hard on gas when new. And it is mostly doing city streets.
I did see an improvement after a year. Not a miracle, but it went from 16L/100 KM (15 MPG) to around 12L/100 KM (19 MPG). But when I do highway (which is rarely), I get 8.3L/100 KM (28.34 MPG).

Like your said, many variables. Many conditions (we have winter and snow which is harder on gas too).

Enjoy your RX and hope the gas conception will improved.