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Just wanted to express my gratitude to this forum Not only do I find answers to all the questions and problems (small number) I have encountered during my ownership of the Lexus Marque but on occasions I have been sent stuff free of charge. Once I was having a sound issue with my car (turned out to be fuse in the end) and a member sent me a replacement screen/cd player free of charge - a big thank you to that member Just recently I asked about part number for luggage net - a member pm'd me offering to send me one free of charge - they even sent it Special Delivery! - a big thank you to that member - I am grateful - I won't name them just incase - but feel free to reply to this thread if you want to. Finally I purchased Pete haylands LS430 recently - we literally done the deal within minutes and he kindly and happily delivered the car to me from over 140 miles away - great guy and great car which was as described and came with a boot full of expensive spare parts. Hoping for many years of Lexus motoring and contributions to this forum

There is an interesting Paper available detailing various solutions to mechanical attack. I belive that several layers of Kevlar fabric, laid crosswise behind on sandwiched within a metal casing will be most effective agains a saw or grinding attack, ai it effectively clogs and ties up the discs and blades. https://www.cpni.gov.uk/system/files/documents/8a/67/Project_FARM_Guidance_Doc_Materials_Spreadsheet_Manufacturers_V1.0.20160523.pdf

It is normally contamination, covering up the catalyst material to stop it working. Oil from a worn engine, coolant from a minor head gasket leak etc. Unburnt fuel from the engine igniting in the cat and overheating/melting the honeycomb structured catalyst will also reduce efficiency due to a reduction in surface area.

thats my mark 4 - sold it in 2012 with 80k for £2k - i think it went to blackburn then - everything looks the same apart from the bonnet

Just waiting at Le Shuttle to board, 2559 miles so far over 10 days and the old girls not missed a beat, didn’t see ANY F’s in any forms......shows just how collectible these fine machines will be, even the MPG isn’t to shabby 👍🏻

Try you tube for how to repair power door blinds.

Looks much better with the original wheels 🙂

Bit of a wash. First decent picture with correct wheels.

Hi I have got a Lexus GS300SE 2005 model I had a Stainless steel exhaust system fitted 3 years ago at Tony banks in Leeds for £800 because the Lexus dealership wanted £2000 plus fitting plus I am more mpg now so go for a Stainless steel exhaust system it's much better hope this will help you. Regards Eddie mason

Most dealers will give you a trade in price but allow you to sell privately before handover. Agree to purchase the vehicle, arrange a date in a few days time to collect the new car and in the meantime advertise on Autotrader slightly average private sale prices but above your trade in price. If a car is priced well you normally get calls within hours of a vehicle going up on the website.

I drive to and from UK to Andalucia twice each year and have traveled many routes for the last 15 years. They are always wonderful journeys.

Sorry thought they’d uploaded in France 🙄 Sat at 75-80 on cruise most of the way, obviously the odd little spat 😉

I discovered a local detailer, so it's nice and clean.

Make sure you get the locking wheel nut it can be a disaster without it down the line if they forget to place it back in the car. Don't expect a spare wheel!

Brake calipers still a bit shouty though.

Hi gb1600e and Northern ISF, I recently had my transmission flushed along with a TCU and ECU reset as a last resort by Lexus Wolverhampton. My transmission starting shifting harshly and was doing the odd rev flare between 4th and 5th. Highly recommend giving Wolverhampton a ring as they have experience with mine and were fantastic through the whole process. The difference is night and day, it now uses less revs on the torque converter when unlocked and now locks the converter from 30mph instead of 55mph. It pulls harder using less throttle and MPG has increased from 21 to 27 on my 6 Mile commute to work. From the American forums it does not take much of a drop in fluid level for it to start misbehaving. With transmission fluid living a harsh life it's worth changing, after 12 years and 60k miles being worked, it will had degraded. My car is a 2008 with 60k miles. For comparison a friend of mine has a M140i. Although a different gearbox brand, ZF recommend changing their 8 speed transmissions' oil every 60k. Yet BMW along with every other manufacturer say it's sealed for life. There's a chap on YouTube who has an hour long video on how to remove our gearbox's sump, filter and replace, along with the oil and oil level setting procedure. Hope this helps

I have a 65 plate f sport with the joystick and I can confirm that the joystick will stay in the left/right/up/down position when moved there, but it only needs the slightest touch for it to move back to centre. It certainly does not “stick” in those positions but it will “stay” until tapped back to centre.

This may vary. On my car there are two identical keys. Both work in the same way. However, there is a valet function - you press a button in the glovebox to disable the boot release; then you lock the glovebox with the mechanical key. Take away the mechanical key that slides out of the electronic key and give the latter to the valet. (Personally, I just give the whole thing to the valet - if he can't open the boot, how's he going to get my luggage to lay out my evening clothes for dinner? I ask you...) The two keys come with a tiny key tag that is embossed with the key number. The manual says you need this if you ever want to have a key replaced. You keep the key tag with your car papers in case it's ever needed. Speaking of keys, if you've ever used and like the Mercedes function that opens or closes all the windows when you press and hold the key lock button, these cars have the same function but on many models it's disabled by default on leaving the factory. The dealer can turn on the function and if you'd like this, it might be something you can ask the dealer to do. (Having said that it may already be enabled on the Premier or it may have been turned on by a previous owner.) Latest satnav would be good. Each body panel should have its own VIN sticker. If one is missing it probably indicates some respraying. This is not necessarily a bad thing if it was done well. But the absence of VIN stickers can point you to the panels to inspect more closely for problems. If you have any problems after collection, I'm sure the Lexus dealer will do their best to put things right.

For 4 Euro's, you can view official Lexus workshop manuals from their website (https://www.lexus-tech.eu/).... I tend to do this for all work on my cars, to ensure I have the proper procedures... . Especially worthwhile if you need to remove trim panels, as they show you where all the clips are. The website is difficult to get started (I suspect on purpose, they have to do it for EU rules, but not in their interest to make it easy!). but for 4Euro, you get an hour, which is enough for most jobs

Congratulations on your purchase. Two keys minimum, usually 1 “Master” key and 1 “valet” key, The master key opens all locks, boot and glovebox, the valet not the glovebox or boot. Get all the paperwork, user manuals and service history. Check bodywork for any damage or marks, matched tyres on an axle, check wheel condition as Lexus alloys are renowned for paint peeling and corrosion. Lexus do some decently priced service/warranty packages for older models “Essential Servicing” Enjoy the Lexus experience drinking as much free coffee and snacks as you can in the time allowed.

I managed to negotiate a 15% discount on a 3 year service plan with Lexus Stoke. The service plan includes MOTs and net of discount compares very favourable to independent specialists. Lexus Stockport point blank refused my request for discount, whereas Stoke listed the discount as 'new customer' and everything went through smoothly.

I also have had items given to me by other members at no cost both Lexus, and non Lexus related. The forum is also a font of information, and help with little or no trolling or abuse that seems to be prevalent on some forums. I also would like to thank all members for there helpful participation here, and long may it continue. John.

I went for the rx330 kit the tensioner is different after 2003 but I did a bit of research first by going to gates website and trying to find the part numbers for my car also parts are listed on ebay etc on rockauto site usually there are cross references for original manufacturer part numbers if you have a 2003 model year registered in 2004 there may be a problem I was confident as my car is 2005. All Lexus did as far as I can work out is make the same engine but bored out for the USA the rest of the UK car is the same as the RX330 including handbrake cables as I have bought them from Rock auto also. I hope that Helps.

A great Post Mark. Have you shown us Pete`s car in your possession? If not then we would all love to see it !

Bought new March 2017 no issues and 100% reliable. I do make sure my 12 volt battery is topped up with a smart charger every month as it can be a weak point. My last car was a Mercedes C class and the Lexus is a much better car.

Excellent - thanks Mark. I've ordered them to be fitted on Thursday - £430 all in from Kwik-Fit. I'll call them in advance to verify it has rim protection ahead of time. But yes, totally agree why jeapordise the safety of the family for a few quid? Cheers, Ken

i had them fitted on my CT, on my 1st IS300h i had michelin cross climates and when i need them on this car i will go for the dunlops again at the end of the day tyres will cost what tyres cost imo there is no point buying a tyre that doesnt have low road noise,good fuel economy & good wet braking as you buy a hybrid for the quietness & good fuel economy and who does'nt want to know they can stop in the wet i would rather pay more and know i will be happy with the tyres as you are going to have them for a few years my car was 3 in may 2020 and i'm still on the original tyres at 25500 miles

https://scitechdaily.com/proteus-technology-new-material-is-strong-light-and-non-cuttable/ https://newatlas.com/materials/proteus-non-cuttable-bike-lock-armor/

New material called Proteus. Cannot be cut by angle grinders.

I’ve seen the one in question and I think it looks really nice. I can’t remember seeing another mk4 for sale in the same colour, very nice colour as well I think. But what has happened to the bonnet..................it looks like it’s been scratched to hell!! iirc the MOT history looks ok apart from the rear subframe corrosion, if it’s been dealt with and treated it shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s as described and drives well then it’s worth considering if the bonnet condition doesn’t put you off.

There have been several threads on this subject and on one I posted an alarm system which would have had to be activated if the pipe was cut. Perhaps as an additional refinement a dye could be released in the process. Stealing cats has become quite a problem in the USA and some mainland European countries as well as the UK and it calls for serious collaboration between automobile manufacturers and security experts. Unfortunately, the Police are overstretched already so the scumbags have a very good chance of 'getting away with it'.

Maybe some gumming up of one or more piston rings. I don't know the set up in your car but mainly the oil control ring can be responsible although I have seen cases where compression rings have become stuck. Was a compresssion test done?

Sorry for lack of any feedback, life's gone a bit crackers and the car doesn't seem that important anymore, and thanks for responses 👍 Had MOT recently it sailed through, also had oil and filter change done as well, after this was done for a few days no smoking at all, then it came back again it has a slight blue tinge to it, only happens from a cold engine start up this happened for a couple of weeks and now touch wood it's not smoked at all for several days now.... baffling !! I'm thinking with the age of the car it might be wise to just live with it, it drives fantastic engine is so smooth, could treatments do more harm than good ? Might give the rocker cover gasket a go how much was this to do if you don't mind me asking ?

Looks very clean, well prepped with low mileage. Check to see if it has had a cam-belt + water pump service. Before you buy, try a face-lift model too so that you can compare the difference.

I think that would be caused by something else (although I have to admit that I don't know what) rather than deterioration of the precious metal catalysts themselves.

I have bought such car, 70k on 66 plate. 1 year Lexus warranty and extra 2 years Lexus warranty bought already too. 2 years was the maximum I could buy at the moment. Seats are pristine (black). Body has wear, small scratches, blemishes etc if you are picky.

https://www.lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/parts/lexus-is/lexus-is-phase-iii-2013-present/lexus-is-3-exterior-interior/lexus-is-phase-3-n-s-rear-outer-tail-lamp/

There appears to be no price listed on ToyoDiy so it may be a call to a dealer ( just make sure you are sitting down!). Amayama have them in stock for £232.00 plus £30.00 shipping by 02/08/2020 from the UAE but bear in mind you may be subject to import duty and VAT at UK customs.

My ISF and F30 🙂 Both of them were my dream cars when I was younger.

I must admit I had my lower control arm bushes for ages (on my 1st LS) that knocked but kept passing mot's I also think that they were a cause of a wobble now I think back. Just bought a set of bushes already Pressed in, just waiting for them to arrive and a sunny day to fit them. I was looking at these's for the future https://www.shopfigs.com/v3/by-vehicle/cat-lexus-ls/cat-G3-LS-CAT/G2ISHP-FRLCA-SP3491K-IN-BRKT

Difficult one that as I've sold them! I think I'll try Mark's suggestion of swapping the wheels around as it's one I've considered. It does feel as if there's play somewhere but everything is tight.

Hi, I've got the Champagne Silver with a lovely black interior. I can't believe the condition, considering it will be 20 years old next year, apart from slight bubbling on a couple of corners of the roof, it's immaculate, a credit to it's previous owners.

You could simply have too much oil in the engine...so check that first. if it`s the valve stem oil seals, and it sounds like it is, you could try adding a oil leak stop additive after an oil change using a fully synthetic oil...not a very thin viscosity, and be very sure you don`t over fill. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wynns-Engine-Stop-Leak-Oil-Treatment-Additive-325ml/164230458648?epid=8008815976&hash=item263ce5ed18:g:WlAAAOSwmv1ezo68

Rich, I have located a secondhand ECU for you if you need one, let me know via PM and I’ll pass the details over to you.

Double bonus! Got new tyres fitted today and now TPMS warning light is out after finding passenger side reset button. Replacement set of wheels had 4 good senders. Second bonus. Old bling wheels hopefully being collected tonight for £300. Managed 37mpg on a 40 mile round trip.

Just bought a set off eBay. Might be able to recover a bit of cost by flogging the huuuuge ones to a drug dealer. Actually a bit embarrassing rocking up at the tyre place with aftermarket wheels.

If you search the forums, you'll see that someone had a custom-made, stainless steel, cat-back exhaust, guaranteed for the life of the car, made and fitted for £495 if I remember correctly. He got it from https://www.cybox.co.uk/ but if that's too far from you I'm sure there'll be somewhere closer who isn't too far away price-wise.

Less of a problem if full Lexus service history but if independent garage or no service history its a bit of a gamble. Basics is its a Toyota/Lexus .....so well build and should last. list..service items....Timing belt /water pump, calipers sticking, exhaust blowing, oxygen sensors . shock absorber wear out early and give a rough ride, front suspension can wear and you get a knocking or steering pulls. tyres wear if tracking is out or worn suspension...size 245-40-18 around £100 a corner for a brand you've heard of ! Warning lights on dash.....Tire pressure warning system.....sensor in wheels playing up or battery flat , engine management dash light......oxygen sensors . Most don't have a space save spare just a compressor and sealer by now probably missing ...check in boot. if you can look after the car yourself to not a major expense but if using a garage could be expensive .....and not all cars will have all the problems above. Just shout if you want more advise :)

I've just bought an IS 200SE Lexus, so only just getting a look at the Lexus Owners Club For some reason I have acopy of a SC 300 / SC 400 Soarer Handbook in quite good condition Free to anyone who wants it in excange for the postage charge - approx £ 3.00 Any takers? Conchain