2Nd User Lexus Rx450H

[Coolie]

Hi

Looks like a Lexus RX450h is on its way to me, as a second user lease car. The car in question is an RX450h, SE-L, 2010 model with 30,000mls on the clock, velvet black with black leather. Its just getting its 30,000mls service, and a gash to the front bumper repaired too. i think its got the pre-crash/adpative cruise option also.

Once in my hands, this car will like do 30,000mls per annum, so i guess the 10,000mls stops will mean regular trips to the stealers. Any experience on tyre wear rates on these vehicles? and how they wear across the trend? - always useful to know.

The car seems to have lost its carpet mats along the way - standard? So, how much will the rubber floor mats cost for 1 of these? also, i was thinking of getting the front and rear silver under trays fitted (it'd look like an Advanced model then), are these expensive? and could they be easily fitted? - or is it more money for stealers!.

I'm looking forward to taking this car on, a colleague has an SE-I model which is nice to drive, but i've not been in this SE_L model, although everyone seems to moan about the mpg.

1 final question, the SE_L appears to have the CD/DVD changer model of the audio system. can the dvd changer be rigged up to a rear screen for my little 1 in the back.

I'll report more when the car arrives this week. Hope my first post finds the members of this forum good and well, the forum clearly has some brand loyal members - this is my 1st Lexus (although the guys passing down the RX is on his 3rd).

[kevinsgs300]

welcome to the club

[Coolie]

So got hold of the RX450h Monday. Turns out its a SE-I model, so not much of what i asked about was relevant.

So far so good. Like the car, very regal feeling. Its just had its 30k service and tomorrow needs front boots fitting. There is some paintwork to get tied up, might have a go at 1 of these chips away services i think. there is also the small matter of the car never having seen a polishing cloth. Two year old car, and the paint work feels like sand paper - i'm thinking of a claybar treatment, never done it before, but the process seems simple enough - does anyone on here have some advice.

right, now just to read the extensive owner manuals!!! quick guide, main car manual, Nav manual, DAB manual - comprehensive, but feels like an epic :-)

MPG from the first tank, 34mpg - although i suspect 30/32 is probably where its going to be on my usage.

Liking the first experience so far

[Coolie]

arrrh - found the car care area of the forum, excellent

great info ava on the forum

[javadude]

Two year old car, and the paint work feels like sand paper - i'm thinking of a claybar treatment, never done it before, but the process seems simple enough - does anyone on here have some advice

Yup, clay bar should sort that. I use Meguairs quick detailing spray to lubricate the area and tackle about a 50cm x 50cm section at a time. I also use Meguairs 3 stage after that - paint cleaner, polish and wax. Including wash used to take about 5 hours for my IS220d so only got done once a year. Not done the RX yet but will do when the spring comes. After that treatment the paint should feel like glass and look awesome.

[Coolie]

Two year old car, and the paint work feels like sand paper - i'm thinking of a claybar treatment, never done it before, but the process seems simple enough - does anyone on here have some advice

Yup, clay bar should sort that. I use Meguairs quick detailing spray to lubricate the area and tackle about a 50cm x 50cm section at a time. I also use Meguairs 3 stage after that - paint cleaner, polish and wax. Including wash used to take about 5 hours for my IS220d so only got done once a year. Not done the RX yet but will do when the spring comes. After that treatment the paint should feel like glass and look awesome.

Thanks for the advice, i'll take a look on those products ta - i'm giving some serious consideration to an electric buffer, given the size of the car and the job in hand. I was think clay bar, by hand obviously, then polish with a buffer. Is it possible to clay bar in coldish weather, or do i need to wait until its a little warmer. Car is currently getting dirty very quickly because nothing runs off it!

The RX is booked in for some new front boots tomorrow - if Quik Fit have managed to order the rights tyres this time!