Gryphon

Personally I would have preferred the AWD for the increased towing capability and performance, but they were scarce when I bought my RX. Tom

There are several Lexus recyclers in the USA. Try Google. Perhaps someone should buy, used or new, some original molding and cut it up and sell individual pieces. I for one would be interested. Tom

I would call again and ask for an experienced person. They do not seem to have the best phone people. Tom

This is not likely to be a difficult or expensive repair, if you are not in warranty. Go to a Best Buy installation department (behind the store) and ask the lead technician. I did this for a broken Porsche unit and had it repaired for $40 by a tech moonlighting. Tom

Dave. I know more about DOT3 damaging paint than I wish to remember. I once had a car vandalized with DOT3--apartment neighbors jealous of my brand new car. It dissolved the paint right down to bare metal. Tom

That's an interesting point, Dave. I am considering painting my garage floor, probably with epoxy. Isn't this impervious to brake fluid and other solvents? Tom

They drove your stolen truck back to the scene of the crime? Stupid criminals. Tom

Excellent news, Bruce. I'd say you came out smelling like a rose. Don't beat yourself up too much. Everyone makes mistakes; most just don't talk about them. Backing my RX into my garage with the lift gate up was not my finest day. Tom

I would certainly agree. This is ridiculously poor service from the car company who justifies a hugely inflated labor rate with "factory trained mechanics." Tom

Hey Bruce. Any luck recovering your RX? There is a post running around the Net that claims that thieves are able to pick up remote control codes with electronic equipment while sitting nearby. I wonder if this is a possible way that your car was stolen? Just a thought. Tom

I would suggest having the battery tested by a competent person. This is not accurate however unless the battery is fully charged, by a charger, not the vehicle. You could easily have one dead cell. Tom

Children should not be issued driver's licenses. Tom

Ho hum. Wondering if someone is driving daddy's car again. :D Tom

Two 2007 RX400h's, two different drivers, two different driving styles--both of ours get between 22.5 and 23.0 mpg, mostly city driving. But my service writer has the answer: Lexus recommends only name brand fuel, never discounted brands like Costco, and claims I can improve my mileage 2-3 mpg. Yuk, yuk, yuk, yuk. Tom

I agree completely. Why jeopardize safety for a bit longer tire life? Tom

Gee, whatever possessed you to choose blue? :P Tom

I have seen Alenzas at my local Sam's Club. Tom

Oh, my. UCLAlum! I'm a USC alum. :( But my son goes to SDSU. Does that earn any points? Tom

Vanessa, this a bit of a long shot, but a possible source of help. I met a young man, now a good friend, while he was working in the installation department (back of building) at Best Buy. He is extremely talented with vehicle electrical systems, as are several of his friends who still work there. You might drop by a local Best Buy and ask if they are interested in diagnosing your problem. Even if they charge you, their labor rate is very low compared to a Lexus dealer. Tom

What we need are some dynamometer tests on our RX400h's to determine the effect of various oil viscosities and fuel octane ratings. I suppose that this is unlikely, considering the type of vehicle. Tom

Steve. I received a letter last week from a Lexus dude from my dealership asking about my satisfation with various things. I think I'll take the opportunity to email him about our low fuel economy numbers and see what he says. At least I will have begun a "paper trail." Tom

I would then suggest calling or visiting your dealer. Tom

If I had more trust in my dealer, I would take in both of our 400h's for diagnosis since we both are getting 22.5-23 mpg since purchase, now with 14K miles each. But frankly all I think I will hear is "everything is normal." Tom

Silver, I thought about the solar fan too, but you gotta have solar for it to work. :) Tom

Vanessa, check these out. I have not seen them in person but the company in general makes quality products. http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvp.aspx?...CustomerVehId=0 Tom