Gryphon

...what's wrong with it? Apparently it is hanging down and blocking Gene's keyboard.

Luckily, there's no need for you to understand. To each his own! Paul Paul, I have neglected to properly thank you for stepping up as emim's spokesman, just in case he is unable to speak for himself. Tom No malice intended. Paul PEACE. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. Tom

Lexi, I defer to a man with much more knowledge than I. My state, Arizona, does allow self-insuring but it is very difficult to accomplish and in my book should involve an attorney considering the consequences of doing it wrong. Tom

Tom that is the whole point. What are the chances that you will have a total loss vs. have a $5k or $6k accident? Of course there is a chance it will be a total loss. As far as thefts it is getting harder and harder to steal newer cars http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-10-18-vehicle-thefts_N.htm Lexi, it's not as hard as one might think to total a high end unibody vehicle now worth about half of it's original price. As far as theft, I live in the number two state for same. A trip to Mexico with a stolen vehicle takes about two hours. Tom

Luckily, there's no need for you to understand. To each his own! Paul Paul, I have neglected to properly thank you for stepping up as emim's spokesman, just in case he is unable to speak for himself. Tom

I would assume that the Prius is faster since I think it also lighter than the CT200h. Tom

I have upgraded my nav disk each year and now have version 10.1. The changes are not impressive, mostly outlying roads in my county that I rarely drive. And destination data that was wrong in 2007 is still wrong. Don't expect any dramatic changes for your money. Tom

Thanks for the clarification, Paul. Tom

Your chances of a total loss are considerable. If you have a serious accident and the repair cost is greater than the book value, that is a total loss. So is a theft that is not recovered. Tom

I have never quite understood the desire to have brighter license plate lights. I see no purpose other than to make it easier for law enforcement to ticket me whether it be by direct sight from a cop or photo-radar.

Rey, I too have 21st Century here in Arizona. I just received a renewal and my rates stayed the exactly same. But I should also comment that I have not had rates drop during the time I owned a vehicle for many years. This has always seemed like a ripoff to me. Yes it still costs the same to repair the vehicle regardless of age. But if I experience a total loss, the reimbursement will only be the fair market value of my vehicle, which is far less than when it was brand new. Tom

Costco is currently selling a CoverKing Extreme weave cover for RX models for $119.99. I don't know this particular company but I do know that there is not a better company than Costco when it comes to standing behind their products. And online purchases are returnable at any local Costco including S&H. Tom

Peter, it depends a great deal on how you drive. I typically get around 25-26 driving normally, which is say somewhat aggressively at times. But I can "hypermile" just for fun on local streets and increase my MPG by close to 10. Tom

FYI, Discount Tire stores, at least in Arizona, will price match any online price and with a little persuasion will negotiate local sales tax versus shipping costs. It's a win-win for me as I love Discount Tire and their excellent service.

It's a pretty car but in my humble opinion a Prius with sand bags in the trunk. Tom

In my experience, if you take an online price to your local dealer they will match it, not happily but they don't like to lose business. And they will likely give you the, "don't spread it around" line. Tom

I'm not too sure why I would want brighter license plate lights. Easier for photoradar to capture? Tom

CJay, many of the items listed are not shown in the maintenance schedule for an RX400h (Warranty and Service Guide.) If you do not have one I think one of us can either scan the page or email same. Tom

Consumer Reports has reviewed this car and I am not particularly impresses. It looks like it runs like a Prius with a few hundred pounds more weight.

Thanks guys, I had forgotten about the web site info. But I also should have the hard copy since I obsessively organized. Duhhhh. Tom

I am having a senior moment. I cannot find a maintenance schedule for my 2007 RX400h. Can someone direct me as to whether it is embedded in one of my manuals or is it a separate book?

Rich, someone with more knowledge that me might have an answer to your question, but if it were me I would visit a Lexus dealership and ask the service writer if you/he could ask a mechanic. No one else would have a much hands-on knowledge.

I have a friend who was briefly a service writer for a GM dealership. I gave up the job because he was constantly pushed to "oversell," which conflicted with his religious beliefs. And, yes, service writers are sometimes commissioned and sometimes get nice bonuses for jacking prices.

This clearly sounds like sticking tumblers in the lock. I have never had good luck with graphite either with locks or speedo cables. I prefer a foaming lubricant and/or WD40. Tom

That's a very pretty car Whit. If you cannot find a trade how much are you will to sell it for?