The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Da Guy in an SUV?

While Da Guy has had this thing for his coupes ever since his teenage days, as the years have moved along, something else was needed that was just a little more practical. He's never been a truck kinda guy, and was only considered briefly in his late teen-years. What in the world does he or many people you see on the road with an empty truck bed, need to haul around? He's not into those big monster trucks riding a mile high in the sky, that you see on the road either. When home ownership eventually came into the picture, his coupe didn't prove to be very practical for some of the inevitable local home improvement center runs. His coupe couldn't make it over those Arizona roads in monsoon season and through the flash floods either. One unplanned night at a hotel, when he couldn't get home after having arrived home late from the airport, was enough of that. Da Guy occasionally needs to haul more than one passenger comfortably for longer distances and needs to have a ride that can sit in the airport parking lot awaiting his return that doesn't scream -- molest me -- like his coupes tend to do! One day, he'll need to haul around his dog, and the coupe does not seem too practical for that either.

Da Guy may not use the "Sports" part of the S.U.V. very often, other than hauling his bicycle every now and then, but they have each proven to fit his needs perfectly in every other way.

Today: 2006 Lexus RX400h

A super vehicle without question. Luxury appointments. Quality construction. Reliability without hesitation. A hybrid more oriented to performance than gas savings, but this ride does well on mileage around town and does help him feel he's doing his part more than a lot of others in that regard. While it's wonderful on the highway -- quiet and easy to ride in or drive -- it's no Prius with it's significant gas savings, but this RX will beat the socks off most 4 and a lot of 6 bangers out there when it clicks in both electric motors with it's gas-powered engine. Oooohhhhh-weeeeeeee on those long on-ramps! It's only a couple of tenths slower than his old V-8 SC430. The only drawback in this wonderful ride is perhaps the not-so-time-proven battery technology... this isn't a vehicle that will last forever without planning to replace them around the 10-year mark if one keeps it that long...

2006 Lexus RX400h

• Bamboo Pearl with Light Gray Leather & Aluminum Trim -- more than 95% recyclable!
• AWD Automatic / Hybrid
• Heated front seats with rain-sensing wipers
• Mark Levinson Audio -- The best. Awesome!
• Cargo Mat
• Tow Hitch with/ Ball Mount

Service

Reliability is proven. Service is simple. Da Guy follows the Lexus recommendations based on mileage, not time unless that becomes way too long between services, as his mileage is very low these days ... less than 5K per year per vehicle, even when he pushes it!

Photo Album

Show All

Move the scroller to find a thumbnail within the album. Click one for a larger picture, access to a slideshow, and more.

References

Lexus

• Dealers & Service
  • (2006-Present) Lexus Service at Lexus Carlsbad (California)
  • (2001) Lexus Sales at Lexus Mission Viejo (California) -- ask for Braden Crowe
• Forums & Clubs
  • - Da Guy is known as BertL around Club Lexus
• Lexus.com is the official site
  • Bluetooth -- Official site with cell phone connectivity FAQs
• Toyota-Lexus Pressroom -- has some good stuff
• References

  

Miscellaneous

• Sportworks -- get a bike rack just like you see on da bus around town. It's what da guy has, and it fits right into your tow hitch when the urge to go riding strikes you. After inventing and selling the quick release rack for 9 years, Sportworks sold this business to Thule in April 2004. Go there for more info.
• Top Tier Gasoline -- did you know major manufacturers such as BMW and Toyota actually recommend certain gasoline dealers over the other? Read this to find out why and who.

Shopping

The places where Da Guy goes for his auto accessories, detailing stuff, parts, and the like

• AJ-USA -- great prices on accessories, Covercraft products and Lloyd mats
• Autogeek.net -- great stuff to maintain the look of your ride, along with helpful hints. Check out the additional discount via Bimmerfest.
• Autopia Car Care -- great stuff to keep your ride in beautiful shape, along with helpful hints and how-to-do-it tips
• Canine Covers -- combine these custom covers with an appropriate harness and protect your dog and vehicle on your travels. Shop around the Net for best pricing and material/color options, as many sites resell these made-to-order items from Covercraft.
• Classic Motoring Accessories -- more great stuff from here too
• GetBMWParts.com -- Tischer BMW OEM discounted parts and accessories. Good prices, fast shipping and good service.
• -- lot's of speciality branded products. When you want the best, you'll probably find it here. Great service and a lifetime 100% money back guarantee.
• Sewell Lexus Parts -- check out the additional discount via Club Lexus
• Lloyd Mats -- great custom "protector" mats for your ride if you can't fine OEM versions to your liking. Get them from AJ-USA for better pricing.
• PakShak -- generally the best prices on microfiber of all types, and it comes to you from a distributor in Paradise to boot
• West Coast Specialties -- is the place to go in the San Diego area if you need auto damage or paint repair. Specializing in the luxury brands such as BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes, Masserati, and Porsche
• Zaino Store -- your source for the best polish on the market. Da Guy does all his ordering on the web, as there are few local distributors around the country and world.  You can contact Sal via Zaino's web site with questions -- he always seems to be available and is always helpful.  Check out Da Guy's practical view of exterior Zaino application here.

More about Automobiles at Bert's Place

Automobiles HOME	The Coupe	The SUV	Detailing	Zaino Steps