Jobow

I have just returned from a driving trip accross France to Swtzerland and back. My Is200 was full loaded with 4 occupants and luggage. On the way back it was loaded with booze and hunkered down! Event with the weight, performance was good and it kept up with the traffic well. It didnt miss a beat, use one drop of oil or coolant. It was spot-on the whole time. I was chuffed with the performance!

I would go with the Toyota Garage. I had my 60K service (although the car have only cover 19K) at a small independent. Timing belt, tensioner, oils, MOT only came in at £385. I didnt have the waterpump changed. If it aint broke, I am not going to fix it!

Thanks guys, Really appreciate the tips. Plenty for me to look into and research Thanks again joe

Thanks for those tips, I will potentially be taking my IS200 automatic. It has the TTE front and rear bumpers.

Hi all I thinking of driving accross to Swtizerland in April, to visit family. I have never done this, so wonder if any of you have any pearls of wisdom you would like to share? Routes? What maintenance items I should carry in case of emergency? Modifications for driving in other countries? Insurance? Breakdown? Tunnel or ferry? Points of interest? Any tips gladly welcome? Thanks in advance?

Hi all I am potentially thinking of driving accross Europe to Switzerland in April. Know the frotn bumper may take bit of a hammering from grime, stones, flys etc I was wondering what I could protect it with, over and above a good waxing? The paintwork is good, so I wondered if a body wrap on the bumper is an option? Maybe transparent or a carbon weave effect? Any ideas appreciated and any good garage recommendations welcome! Many thanks joe

Hi james, Sorry for the late response. I have had my leus serviced at Albin motors two years running. I find kevin and his crew (ex lexus mechanics) to be honest and frendly. They are open and fair when quoting for work and always keep me informed if anything unexpected comes up. Also Kevin wont push work on you, which is refreshing. Despite being a pig of a drive to get there from where I live, i will continue to go there. Wholly recommended. joe

Hey Needed two small chinks on two alloy wheels sorted. After trawling the net, I plumped for My link For a mobile service in Surrey, they were very good. Tony was particularly helpful and did a thorough job Recommended if you need the odd alloy sorting Joe

Hey Dont worry about those fine scratches, look up a professional detailer on the detailing world website. They will valet the entire car and easily remove those marks. Equally buy yourself a porter-cable polisher and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Hi all, We unfortunately touched the kerb the other day which has resulted in a slight scuff on the edge of my front alloy. Nothing big at all, but I would like it touched in, none the less. I dont think the wheel needs a full refurb and they are not teh diamond cut alloy. They are the sport alloy with a sliver lacquer finish. Question: Anyone know a reputable wheel repairer in the surrey/middlesex area? I live in Twickeham. Any recommendations would be great many thanks Joe

Hi all, My car is coming up for servicing, and I usually go to Albin motors. I will most likely go there again. However, I have noticed another lexus independent in Mitcham. The link is below. http://www.dandbautomotive.co.uk/ Has anyone used them? Does anyone have any reviews? Just wondering as they are a bit nearer to me Many thanks Joe

Hey, That would be good to see, if you could upload it, as I am toying with either the rack or the roof mounted bars. If you do have a picture, please upload it. Many thanks Joe

Great thread! A story. Test drove my lexus before I bought it from a small trade garage, no clunking on the front brakes. Bought the car, and it was kindly "serviced", including new pads on the front! Great! 2 weeks after having bought it clunking starts at the front of car. I am certain the garage threw the shims away when they replaced the pad. Anyhow, the brakes clunks all the time. Due to get the pads replaced at a lexus indepenent soon. Bottom line - live with it! Mine clunk all the time except at high speed, as I cant hear it. Seems the japs couldnt design a decent brake system on a presteige motor. Amazing!

With the saris rack, how many bikes do you put on it? I am worried it may bend or affect the bootlid. Do you also have to fit an extra lights or reg plate?