I Love Driving My Ksh2.4M Lexus RX350, But I Hate Its Fuel Economy

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Jacob, a Nairobi-based professional who owns a 2013 Lexus RX 350.

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When I bought my 2013 Lexus RX350 in January 2025 for Ksh2.4 million, I felt like I had finally arrived.

This wasn’t just another car purchase. For me, the RX350 represented a level of comfort, status, and peace of mind that I had wanted for years. In Nairobi, a Lexus, owing to its premium design, turns heads, and I won’t pretend that didn’t matter to me.

But 18 months into ownership, I’ve discovered something important: the RX350 gives you the luxury experience first and sends the fuel bill later.

Why I Chose the Lexus

I bought the car locally after looking at several options, including the Toyota Harrier and Vanguard. What made the Lexus stand out was the combination of reliability and premium comfort. 

The leather seats, smooth ride, and overall refinement made it feel like a proper luxury SUV.

Also Read: Buying This Toyota Harrier Was My Dream, But the Fuel Economy Has Surprised Me

The V6 That Drinks Like a V8

Under the bonnet sits a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The power is addictive. Overtaking is effortless, and the car feels incredibly smooth at highway speeds.

In heavy Nairobi traffic, my fuel consumption is around 7.5 km/l. On the highway, it improves to 10.5 –11.5 km/l.  knew a V6 wouldn’t be economical. I just didn’t expect traffic to punish me this much.

There are days when I genuinely understand why so many Lexus owners eventually start talking about hybrids.

Maintenance

One thing I appreciate about the RX350 is that it hasn’t been unreliable.

I service it every 5,000 km, and a normal service costs me between Ksh12,000 and Ksh18,000. Major services can climb to Ksh35,000–55,000, which is where you begin to feel that this is a luxury vehicle.

The good news is that parts are easy to find.

Because the RX350 shares many mechanical components with the Toyota Harrier and Vanguard, getting filters, suspension parts, and other common items is surprisingly stress-free.

A friend who owns the same model warned me about the usual trouble spots: suspension bushings, shock absorbers, rear spark plugs that require significant labour, and the occasional water pump leak common on this V6 layout.

Also Read: Why I Will Never Sell My 2002 Toyota Mark II

What I would change about the car

For a car that still looks modern from the outside, the infotainment system feels like it belongs in another decade.

The remote-touch controller is clunky, and using it while driving is more frustrating than it should be. An Android screen upgrade is already on my to-do list.

I also wish the car had modern driver-assist features. Blind-spot monitoring and better highway safety tech would make long-distance driving much easier.

The biggest surprise wasn’t the fuel consumption. It was the cargo space. The RX350 looks large, but the sloping roofline eats into the practicality. For family outings, I sometimes find myself wishing it had a squarer rear design.

It’s a strange compromise: the car looks elegant, but elegance costs you usable space.

The RX350 is excellent for me. It turns ordinary commutes into comfortable drives. And despite the fuel bills, it still gives me a sense of occasion that few cars in this price range can match.