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Changed the oil today - used the last washer I had - took a picture of the used on to show the sizes - may be usefull for someone... Fibre based - not metal)

Having had my NX Sport for nearly two weeks, today was the day for my first clean. The car has the 'Williams F1' ceramic coating applied by the dealer (well, by an indy the dealer uses) so today was also a good chance to assess the quality of the application and finish The good news is that the paintwork is flawless. Regardless of the merits or otherwise of the Williams coating - which I didn't pay for - the preparation of the car was evidently done very well. My basic regime today was the same as I use for my other cars, although with the Williams coating present I didn't (at this stage) clay or actually prep the paintwork, which I would normally have done. - Snowfoam - Bilt-Hamber Auto-Foam - Wash - Bilt-Hamber Auto-Wash (three bucket method - body, wheels & rinse) - Paintwork & wheels - CarPro Re-Load sealant - Tyres - Bouncers Dress to Impress - Glass - Dodo Supernatural followed by Auto-Perfection Pro Clear - Exterior plastics - Chemical Guys New Look Trim Gel

Hello all .. new here to Lexus (be gentle ) . I will be picking my (new to me) RX450h 2011 this Friday and have a question about the USB connector on it. Where is the USB socket and does it just act as a connection to the Audio system or does it charge the phone up as well. I am sure I will be pestering you with other questions as time goes by.

My is220d SE was in the local Lexus dealership yesterday having some recall work done on the passenger airbag release mechanism, got the car back and they had done a full valet + they put £25 of fuel in it as well. Lexus I cannot fault you!!!

Every time mine goes to the dealer, regardless of why it is there, they will do a visual safety check. Why would they need permission? I can't imagine anyone objecting to the technician giving the car a once over. It is not like you are charged for it, or that you have to even listen to what they say.

Well, the Lexus have been on back burner... I have been busy with other things Like this :)

My car had option 2 fitted. It has only one DVD reader under the driver's seat. The dashboard screen does connect to the DVD player. The infrared wireless headphones provided do not work seamlessly and make a constant hiss, presumably because the signal, that comes from transmitters fitted to both rear door frames, is too weak. My children prefer using their own tablets instead.

Yes. As other people have said. It needs to pass an inspection (in my case it had was in for a major service) which meant car was eligible for Lexus extended warranty. Mine did have a full Lexus Service History + a stamp from a friends garage who does my oil changes every 5k between services and they were happy with that. My 2008 ISF is now under warranty until April 2019 :-)

And there you go @BUG4LIFE, the F is pretty bullet proof. So bullet proof people like @Big Rat and @Warrington guy will often be found sabotaging excellent technical threads such as this. I do not approve!

Big rat . That’s what I meant but couldn’t be bothered typing it all out . Lol

Depends on how you define quick. Anything under 6s is quick in my book and mid range acceleration of the GS450h would still decimate most cars on the road today. And if opting for the F-Sport version, can go around corners as quick as any other M-Sport or AMG-Lite saloon from Germany with its 4 wheel steering. Ask me how I know - I've done it.

It was tongue in cheek..... :D But yes, I wouldn't get rid of the GS450h, its the first hybrid saloon from Lexus, it'd be rude to get rid of it.

Just completed an oil change today - bought this oil catch can from ebay last week and gave it a go - found it a lot easier to use than the old 6 litre tub I had from Halfords. This holds 16 litres which is more then enough - slid under the car nicely. The spout on it is especially handy as it fits in the top of the used oil tubs so you can empty the oil into them with no mess.

Here's one https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/car-maintenance-accessories/maintenance-fluids-and-greases/maintenance-fluids/?542772570&&cc5_858 and another http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-200ml-Electrical-Contact-Cleaner-Switch-Clean-Aerosol-Spray-Can-Dirt-Remover-/331628595834?epid=1989654760&hash=item4d369aca7a:g:~v4AAOSw--1WqheB pays yer money takes yer choice!!!

My insurance company let me choose as long as they were an approved dealer on their system and it was within the allowed distance from my home. Lexus Edinburgh don't have a body shop though so would just outsource. Don't be put off by an independent, mine was done really well and the repair is still gauranteed. I couldn't see a main dealer doing a better job than the service I received Marcus

Its just an electrical spray evaporates quickly cleans very well also. One i use is called Fixt.

Try spraying inside of fob with electrical cleaner.

Gotta chip in here and say please do lots of homework before getting the DERV version, Lexus were running with the flock back when the motor manufactures were let's say encouraged to make diesel versions of their range and unfortunately the D version was the worst car Lexus ever put their badge on, no surprise they were one of the first to discontinue diesel options. So again please do more research and don't get disillusioned with the Lexus brand when you have got a troublesome diesel! ( for troublesome read expensive to maintain) Also Lexus are renowned for the silky smooth auto boxes and to choose to have a manual does detract slightly from the whole Lexus ethos I feel. ( just my opinion, and the diesel was manual only-tells you something right there, I guess that Lexus wish that the diesel were badged with a completely different name altogether back on the day!) my two penneth worth, paul m.

I would second that statement. In a few months, you may be saying its the worst car you have owned.

I would suggest you have a good read of the issues on the diesel Lexus models from the owners on this web site. Dealers will of course tell you its a fantastic car as they want to sell it. I have not had one of the diesels so cant really comment but from what I have seen from user issues then look for an IS250

The red ones have that effect!

I am a relative newcomer to these parts, but I have found this particular subforum to be refreshingly-free of posturing and insults. I would like to think that most of us would be able to look past the OP's somewhat provocative choice of words and respond to the issues raised rather than descending into a slanging match. However, you have been here much longer than I have, so perhaps you know better! For what it's worth, I would not be surprised if Lexus did get rid of the 450h. It certainly fulfils a purpose (being quite quick, quite economical, understated and well-built) but I'm not sure if there's much of a market left for that any more. It does seem like people either want ridiculous horsepower and bragging-rights speed (where even the GS-F fails to compete), practicality or posing potential (where the saloon bodystyle fails to compete on either count) or simply fuel efficiency (where 40mpg just doesn't cut it any more). Add in the fact that the the GS-F is such a depreciation disaster that a lightly-used one can be had for the same money as a 450h, and the case for the 450h seems to weaken further. To me, Lexus's RC strategy actually makes more sense - offer an economical but sporty-looking version and a fast-but-thirsty version, with no need for anything in between. I would also add, in response to the OP's comments about the 300h being 'awful' and 'annoying' that for anyone with a serious interest in performance motoring, it might well indeed be both of those things. Whilst the power is just about adequate for overtaking, it could never be described as a quick car. I can imagine it would be very frustrating for someone who enjoys 'spirited' driving as it's a heavy old lump that's just not set up for that kind of thing. Whilst it can go round corners at a decent lick, it makes it clear to all concerned that it's not really enjoying the experience! The 300h is also not even all that great at being a quiet wafter. The road noise is not as well-suppressed as one might expect and the ride is not as relaxing as it really should be. However, it is peerlessly brilliant in three specific areas: a) Delivering strong fuel economy for a car of its size without being a stinking diesel, b) offering a well-built and classy interior and c) not being German. That was enough to seal the deal for me.

Some news again Last week, Tein Street Advance Z upgrade : In the IS : Exterior : And yesterday, front optics renovation and VVT-I emblem : Before : During : After :

Found a 2009 limited edition rx400h to look at tomorrow. Can't wait for my first experience in a hybrid......

I agree. Personal tastes are just that, personal! My only criticism was the fact that someone could make a judgement on a vehicle that they admitted that they'd never driven. That to me is bizarre!

@mike m How right you are, enjoy yourself over there, it’s an interesting colour on the Van Tectonic Silver....... no points for guessing why I bought it there then 😉 🐀

I've been reading this with interest great work, when it comes to removing difficult engine parts, this vid is a must see....... Big Rat

Maybe its just me but Ive got an awful sense of deja vu about this thread Lets lock it before it gets out of hand again.

Surreal topic: what is the sense to say that a BMW 520d is not like a M550d and the last one is far better? I had a GS450h and I traded in for a GS300h, obviously 450h was faster, but for daily use GS300h is more than adeguate and less thirsty of gasoline. (and taxes here where I live). May be my next Lexus will be faster, if i will decide to waste more my money. About GS 300h; a nice review of same version I have: http://carproductstested.com/cars/2014-lexus-gs-300h-premier-review/

lol. Your secret's safe with me. So long as you keep quiet about me putting all my mucky microfibres and rags in the washing machine.

There's a 12V socket in the armrest for sure. Mine was a facelifted 2012 model and it also had a 12V socket in the cutout of the centre console. Not sure if its present on 2011 models. Wouldn't worry about it - life's too short and time certainly shouldn't be spent on being paranoid about these things.

Thanks Dan, that is most useful especially the advice of leaving a cable there hanging out. The one I have bought (pick it up on Friday) is black with black seats ... was wondering about the lighter grey interior but was not sure how it would cope with being marked. Thanks Rayaan, if there is a cigar type socket in there then it might be better for me to use that instead then and leave that cable there instead. That range puts my mind to rest with it then.. thanks for the info.

What colour combination have you gone for? Q1: It's a pain to get to! - Lift the centre armrest and pull out the storage unit. It should just lift up. There is 1 (could be 2, can't remember) USB connector, a cigar lighter type connector, and I think there is also an audio connector. Your best bet is to leave your charging cables plugged in at all times, because having to pull out the storage unit each time soon becomes a pain. To the front of the storage unit, next to the seat heater switches, there is a small slider that you can push to the side to allow the cables to poke out for easy access if so you wish. Q2: You have to be within a couple of feet of the door handle. You need to place your fingers/hand in the gap between the body of the car and the door handle for it to unlock. in effect, it means that the car unlocks itself as you pull the handle to open the door. To lock the car, there is a groove on top of the door handle. One tap to lock. Two taps to double lock. You will notice that the interior lights will come on (as well as the puddle lights under the mirrors) as you get near the car, but also that they get brighter when you open one of the doors and then dim slightly when you close the door. Another little thing I like - I know, it's a bit nerdy - is that the "mouse" re-position itself each time you switch the ignition on/off. Oh, and there is a little light hidden next to the interior light at the front that gently illuminates the centre console (only really useful when it's pitch black, but a nice touch nonetheless).

Many are missing the point of the agreement being a contract...as opposed to insurance companies making laws which they cannot do...vs ...making conditions to the contract which they can do. As Linas points out they vary!! As I point out if you have no claims protection in your agreement you're premiums do not rise. If you have to pay more to have this protection that's called consumer choice. It's not compulsory but "caveat emptor"...KNOW WHAT YOU'RE PURCHASING. Just for good measure you can purchase NEW for OLD insurance also. Some policies are chalk some are cheese....some know about these aspects of insurance some don't. Finally some think it's good value others don't...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Every situation is different fault or no fault doesn't matter it's what did you purchase that matters. Me...Fully Comp...Life Insurance...Personal Injury....NEW for OLD...etc etc... Cheap? ...NO WAY!! Good Value?... YES!! Was it tailored to my requests?...YES!! My bottom line is that if I'm spending as I did €53k on a NEW car (which I did) then I need to have it covered, me covered and other road users covered. My insurance company would charge almost the same for a €5k value...that's because it's not really about the car it's about road users....nothing to do with fault but everything to do with RISK...If you don't tell an insurance company something that's your choice but should they find out they don't trust you, they don't want your business, they don't know what else you're not telling them...and YES they'll hike the premium for all its worth to get rid of you. Reality sometimes comes back to bite some people in the backside...no matter what the insured thinks about whose fault it is ....they'll decide. Like I said earlier and like others have pointed out you may be innocent as in sitting at a traffic lights and get rear ended...but if you've got even one tyre that isn't legal...then you're in the wrong place at the wrong time with a car that shouldn't LEGALLY be on the road. So now the question arises are you insured at all? The Third Party may well be and you may not be? But hey lets keep blaming insurance companies....is someone having a laugh? Hopefully not at my expense!!

I'll say it again...along the lines of there's no such thing as a free lunch. You get what you pay for! It's very simple...by the way you will have noticed I never said it was cheap! You're making a case along the lines of material things only, remember Judges and Juries are rightly in my view handing out £Millions to unfortunates who are crippled for life and need 24-7-365 care for the rest of their lives. This whole discussion stemmed from the OP posting about the need to report most of my response was in response to that. Then a few started going off topic talking of fraud and rip off etc etc. My post asked contributors to take into account all factors to include being able to see the big picture. I'm quoting the reality as things stand....you call that rubbish which is to be in denial of what your responsibilities are and what the facts are regards claims...remembering too that I pointed out you make your own choices. If you want just "Third Party" that's fine by me and that's the only min requirement in Law is that you insure the other persons and their property...insuring yourself that's entirely up to you. There's no extras if you don't want them! As for your premium going up if you make a no fault claim....that is not true. Your premium goes up because of everyone else's claims as well. Not forgetting inflation being 3% p.a. I would recommend you read your policy before you make your next informed purchase!...no use whinging afterwards. Call it rubbish if you will but correct me if I'm wrong....constructively!

I agree with you John. What annoys me no end is your premium going up even if you make a no fault claim. How is it fair for it to cost you more if someone else hits you? It doesn't make it any more likely that you will be involved in another accident, and it is certainly no reflection on your driving skills.

Bottom line here (and let's get sensible) you purchase insurance from a company of your own choice, you make choices as to the type of cover, you make choices regards the amount of damage cost you will cover yourself, you decide to protect your "No Claims Bonus" or not ... all this is up to you! Then in the agreement you accept the offer under the rules of the Insurer and Law of the Land...it's all very simple until something happens then according to many on this thread even though it's not your fault you end up blaming the insurance company who are YES making a profit but importantly protecting ALL the other drivers they insure. If you hit a dog and do £1000 damage you make a choice to claim or not and forego the Grand. You report to Police because it's the Law you don't have to report to Insurance. Then on the other hand if two or more vehicles are involved therefore more than one party hopefully all insured then it is a must you notify your fault or not. You should remember too that the dog may be insured!!! So the advice inform your insurer. If you have your No Claims protected you have nothing to worry about...if you are NOT at fault you also have nothing to worry about...the insurance company decide that. eg when inspected your car may have one tyre which hasn't enough tread left even though you're not to blame for the incident you are driving a vehicle with a weak link and illegally as it is no longer road worthy. None of us like paying but that's the way it is...Insurance in my view isn't a rip off....it's expensive yes and the attitude of many towards their responsibilities in respect of it is a contributory factor as to why. Unless you're living in cloud cuckoo land you all know that and that's why you purchased insurance in the first place.

In my thankfully limited dealings with insurance companies it seems that everything you mention is counted against you, your fault or not!