One year with my Lexus CT200h: Fuel and maintenance costs revealed!

[@PoodlehawkFPV]

Just hit 150k with my 2014 and so far so good 🤞🏻I love my car, had it 3 years and It still hasn’t given me any major issues. I replaced the rear shocks and all the sway bar bushings and linkage recently since they got thrashed on the SoCal roads. Otherwise it’s been a fantastic car to have especially with the price of fuel right now. Thanks for all you’ve been doing with your CT. I really appreciate the videos you make.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks so much for watching. Great news about the luck you have had with your car.

[@PoodlehawkFPV]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB yeah, it’s been a fantastic little car for me. I treat it good. I’m planning for the major repairs though. I’ve seen enough on the FB forums. I’m curious though, how many people who had the head gaskets go who used premium fuel instead of regular? And if that may cause the problem. I’m just a dummy though.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@PoodlehawkFPV there is a lot of discussion on what causes the head gaskets to blow. I think it is either failed cooling parts, or the cooling and heating of the engine. Due to it being a hybrid, it has many more cycles of heating and cooling than a regular car.

[@Fyane004]

I came to this channel looking for maintenance at home, for a CT, I have owned one for less than a month, it is a 2015 CT, it comes with the F sport package, I was lucky that the owner had the wheels fitted, looking for greater smoothness in the ride, so now I have a set of 16 rim wheels and a 17 rim set. It has 63.000 miles.... It cost me 16,000 dollars Very happy with the car, I'm getting 46-47 miles per gallon. Thanks to your videos, I am going to clean the battery cooling system filter myself, and I am also going to change the spark plugs. The rest of the maintenance is up to date. Thank you very, very much for uploading this type of content. Greetings from Machali, Chile.

[@gusguzman9985]

I have a 2015 with 188000 I bought it with 30k miles. Easy maintenance (Dont take it to dealers do it yourself) I buy the Kirkland Synthetic 0-20 oil $28 for 2 bottles and filter and crush washer for $6 bucks. I did have to replace the Hybrid battery, but I used Hybrid2go and bought the new vs refurbished for $1800, so it wasn't too bad and haven't had any issues. Love hate the car though because of the power:)

[@capillarysystem]

The hybrid battery replacement was easy? Is it just a few bolts and plugs?

[@serene4961]

What milage did you need to change the battery

[@YangGQ]

I replaced the Hybrid battery too! Easy! 2 hours at the workshop. Tney had a prepared unit ready for bolt out bolt in on a 2011 CT200h sport with 195,000 km.

[@joeop-z2186]

Just hit 200K on our 2016 CT, been a great car, still gets 47 MPG, original battery pack, had to clean egr system. Ride is kinda rough but ok. But now starting to worry about battery and maybe future head gasket since mileage is getting up there. Right now considering Model Y.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Oddly enough, we are considering a model Y for my wife to replace her VW Tiguan. If you are getting that high of MPG, there is probably still life left in your CT, but I understand your concerns.

[@joeop-z2186]

Yeah at 200k it gets a little concerning but I do want it to have some trade-in value, I've been a mechanic for over 50 years and have taken great care of this CT. Still have my auto shop and currently drive a model 3 which has been great and maintenance free for almost 4 years so also considering model Y for the wife since the prices have came down and they have proven to be very reliable.

[@jacobpaul5077]

@@joeop-z2186 I'm looking into buying a 2016 CT. Aren't the head gasket issues only a problem if the EGR hasn't been cleaned?

[@joeop-z2186]

@@jacobpaul5077 Mainly the EGR ports in the exhaust manifold plug up and cause a knocking sound so you want to clean those out when possible as I did about a year ago.

[@CristianGonzalez-ey7dd]

I have mine with 58.5k miles like new... i really love this car untill now because family is growing so i do have to sell now... mine is 2017 lexus ct200h so looks little different than yours 😅 amazing content

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Yes, they are quite small for family use. Thanks for watching!

[@Grafyte]

I do not have a hybrid. I drive 20k miles a year but I get 47 mpg in my 2024 Civic Sport, 35 mpg in my 2000 V70 non turbo

[@stevencorbo1220]

Crutchfield makes a replacement head unit it has Android auto and Apple car play

[@scottmottard1737]

I got one also. I wish the fuel tank was bigger though. Only 7 usable gallons. And it sooo slow. But no problems whatsoever for 50k. Just hope your head gasket doesn't go!

[@Flaimed97]

How many miles roughly will a full tank get you?

[@inSpyr]

Could you come out with an EGR System Cleaning video

[@poizonfreak9967]

Just bought a 2011 last weekend. Love it already. Amazing how well it rides. Similar to my 128i and it’s not even rear wheel drive. Crazy. Can you clean the egr system soon? I really want to do mine. Your mileage seems low also. I get about 46mpg hwy driving normal. Thanks for the video. I will love mine a long time.

[@carterbliss484]

128i and the ct are my two choices for my next car, which would you choose if yo had to pick one?

[@poizonfreak9967]

@@carterbliss484 definitely the Lexus. 45mpg and way more reliable. Bmw is way more fun to drive tho.

[@carterbliss484]

@@poizonfreak9967 thanks! driving an r56s mini which shares most wiring components (gauge screen, radio, etc.) with the 128 so i figured it would be a close upgrade

[@nataliefunk4895]

When does the hybrid battery need to be replaced? What is the cost? I’m in Canada, looking at purchasing as 2013 with 103k km. I’m hesitant due to battery replacement.

[@capillarysystem]

I am wondering the same, though it is a good way to get a cheap price on one through a private seller to mention the high costs of hybrid battery replacement

[@sonofapollo5892]

Just buy it.The hybrid should last a long time as long as the car hasn’t sat for a long period of time.

[@common_c3nts]

I had my CT for 9 years. I get 35 mpg at normal speeds, 31 mpg at 90 mph, 28 mpg at 110 mph (driving in mexico for 2 hours straight), like 38 mpg in stop and go traffic. Got over 40 only once by driving dangerously slow and coasting a lot.

[@taylamayde]

I heard that happens when degradation is high

[@TheDylanjduncan]

You probably need a new battery pack. Old/used batteries won’t be as effective just like having a 5 year old mobile phone. It will discharge faster and not hold as much. Low speed mpg is 100% the battery pack. Acceleration from a stop is where fuel is wasted the most and idling.

[@melchaos5288]

I got my 2012 CT a month ago and just realized I've been using the wrong gas type (91) 😅. I hope there will be no issue going back to 87.

[@occasx]

would love to hear your take on the water pump vs EGR valve causing blown head gaskets problem. I just found your channel and I just subbed! Also, I'm from Australia, and these cars here require 95 octane fuel. I wonder why that is.

[@steves7973]

I have the Toyota Auris Hybrid which is a very similar car and have owned it for 5 years, it has returned 60mpg over that time with no issues . I keep all my car data on an app on my phone and it automatically works out the stats for me. It gets an oil change every year, 0-20w oil as recommended, it's the best car I have owned.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

That is great MPG. Do you drive city or highway mostly?

[@Motorsportsgeek]

Getting a 2012 with 100k next week can't wait. Hopefully I don't have to change the head gasket right away

[@30musabboouf61]

U got it?

[@ronpersaud7910]

How much did you pay ?

[@Motorsportsgeek]

@@ronpersaud7910 The deal fell through, battery light came on as I was picking it up, lucky for me I hadn't paid for it yet. I told myself screw this battery none sense and il keep driving my 45mpg yaris for now

[@sonofapollo5892]

@@MotorsportsgeekThe hybrid battery??

[@Motorsportsgeek]

@@sonofapollo5892 yup

[@kkovler1]

so what's the advantage of hybrids if you only get 39mpg? I get 35mpg that without going to a hybrid!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Not much advantage if you have mpg that good. I was only getting low twenties in my Jetta GLI so it is an advantage to me. Also, some hybrids get much more than this.

[@kkovler1]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB thanks for your answer, and see you on the C&C auto radio show soon

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@kkovler1 absolutely!

[@rafaellomeli1793]

I have a full size sedan (Es300h) I get around 38 to 40 mpg. For a full size extremely comfortable car I love it. I could drive a camry and get 35 but the ride quality, quiet cabin, and overall comfort are incredible. I could drive a civic and feel like I'm in a cart or a lexus and feel better than a cadillac

[@alexanderswagin9618]

Hi again from Australia. My gen4 Prius which I have had for 6 and a half years achieves the equivalent to 52-55 us mpg. That is with a two hour highway trip at least once sometimes up to three times a month and the rest locally. Easy 500 mile range with some to spare and without the warning light coming on. Cheers

[@dkcoan792]

I like the car but the issues, had brake booster go out. And the head gasket go bad and cause the motor to go. I like it but has some issues for early models.

[@whatsupky]

I just bought 2013 with 111k mileage. I was able to change atf, spark plugs, oil, full brake job. Hybrid battery replaced by prior owner. All fluids topped off. However, weird swish fluid sound when accelerating. Coolant level is full. No lights on dash. no leaks no bubble coming out of coolant resevior. Any ideas or is it normal?

[@akdenyer]

Thankyou for the data. Insurance is likely to be higher.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

It’s hard to say, mine dropped in half but I am coming from a Jetta GLI to this, so it was expected.

[@akdenyer]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Well in England they are out of control, but that is for fully electric not hybrids. I live in New Brunswick Canada and am a Red Seal motor mechanic. Hardly any here. seen 2 Teslas. I am an independent.

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

5:45 Huh? How many family members are you buying groceries for? You know the back seats fold down right?

[@DREakaPACMAN]

Could you make a playlist for this car to find all the videos easier please and thank you.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I have all the videos under the Prius playlist, hope this helps!

[@DREakaPACMAN]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB ohhhhh awesome thanks

[@dimdimis2936]

Mr B what about cabin noise on the highway? I'm reading that it makes a lot of noise. Is it noisier than a 4 cylinder BMW E46? Do they have problems with head gaskets failures like you describe??

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I’ve owned two e46s and yes, the CT is noisier than them. Mine also has a sunroof rattle that I am hearing is difficult to fix. I normally have my radio up loud enough that it drowns it out. The head gaskets will fail with enough miles on them too. Not a hard job and I have a video on it for the 3rd Gen Prius (same engine.) Overall, still worth it to me.

[@dimdimis2936]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB thanks for the response! Sad to hear that are noiser than E46. Hopefully they are not noiser than E36 that I'm having right now! But if you confirm that they are prone to head gasket fail, then that's not the car for me. You know, in my country, car mechanics are not paying attention to their job. Fortunately, I'm doing a lot of service stuff by my own. Anyway, thank you for the info!

[@jgalmodovar]

@AutoScholarwithMrB Hey Mr. B, have you tried the Sport Mode? I really think that helps with the performance!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

It helps a little bit

[@JCubed123]

Great videos by Mr B! Would be great if he had a mic. This channel misses out on a LOT of views because of the poor sound quality.

[@itsamemario5299]

What’s loud

[@jojomorgan8556]

12k per YEAR? that may be the average for someone who works in an office but where I'm from I haven't seen anyone who needs less than 5 oil changes per year ( that's an average 25k miles per year... ) and those are the lower end. I have 4 customers who live within 20 miles of me that require me to do a monthly oil change because they can put 5 or 6 thousand miles in a month... ( OK, so Texas is a lot more spread out than most of the rest of the US, but even the people I know who live in new jersey say they drive 20k/yr at a minimum.... 12k miles/year is more likely average for a couple decades ago... for example my 2014 F150 has 278,361 on the odometer and it was at 100,000 when i bought it from the city in 2019