Leaderboard

Thanks all. No, it's a used one - it's a 4th gen, pre-facelift. It's the only pre-facelift I've ever seen in the UK with the LED headlights rather than the Xenons. We went through a long process of selecting a replacement for the V70. We used to have just the one car, and there's not many cars that can match the V70 for doing everything (wafty cruise, practical load lugging, etc), but petrol V70s all come in at £500+ tax. However, last year we got the Leaf which does my commute and popping to the shops and I'm using to carry stuff when needed. The mileage dropped on the V70 and we started to look about for something a bit special to replace it (and get away from diesel). We looked at BMW and Mercedes (E-class coupe was favourite on paper) but came away very disappointed with the interior quality (look fantastic in pictures, cheap and nasty plastics to the touch), the comfort (awful seats in the E coupe, better in the saloon) and finding a petrol BMW or merc with standard (ie not sports, M-sport, AMG-line) suspension and electric seats was a proper needle in a haystack job. The only cars that impressed were the GS (and we were much more impressed with the NX in person than on paper, we liked the RX as well) and the Tesla S (which was only driven because I was interested - out of reach for now, and having now sat in a model 3 in the USA I'd prefer a 3). Husband isn't quite on board with having both cars electric (yet...) though. The more I learned about the engineering of the GS (I'm an engineer), the more impressed I became. The way that the Power Split Device in the Hybrid Synergy Drive works is such a beautifully elegant bit of engineering and it really appealed to me. It overcomes so many of the real problems of auto transmissions. It's interesting reading the reviews of the GS hybrids in the motoring press. As an EV driver I've long since come to the view that the motoring press are mostly clarksonesque dinosaur petrolheads who can't cope with change. Most of the complaints around the GS hybrid transmission come down to "the car makes a droning noise at full throttle" - see the Fifth Gear test for a good example of that. In the real world though you accelerate hard for only a few seconds. They all seem to miss the myriad advantages of the smoothness of acceleration (much more akin to an EV), lack of wearing parts like clutches or auto fluid, the lack of kickdown lag or turbolag (which is the main reason that my Leaf is quicker in the real world than most ICE cars around town - fast acceleration isn't much good if you have to wait a second to get to it as the car gets into the right gear and builds boost) and the ability of the GS450h to gear right down to ~1k rpm @ 100mph (there's an autobahn video that shows this). In other words, as far as I can tell from the engineering and my experience, the "e-CVT" (and half of their problems are down to calling it that) is actually pretty much superior to any other mechanical transmission in terms of driving characteristics, it's just the noise that people focus on. Drive with ear defenders on in two different cars and they'd come to a different conclusion. Way back in the late 90s my father was buying a new car (and I was in my late teens, just learning to drive). Even then the disparity between what the motoring press said and the reality was quite plain. My father's shortlist was the 7 series, A8, S-class, XJ8 and LS400 - the press loved the A8 and the XJ8 at the time. The S was the first to fall (the grosserwagen W140 was just too big, and needed the 5 litre to move (I should explain, my father had previously owned an S-type 3.8, Rover P6 3500 V8 and an XJ12 5.3 at various times - he demanded a certain level of performance)). The XJ8 was next, as the interior belied the car's very dated roots with a cramped cabin, short seat squabs and shallow boot. The A8 went down next as it was stupid - the 4.2 quattro was epically quick, but the ride and seats involved more concrete than compliance (fine for a sports car, not a luxury saloon). In the end it came down to the magical LS400 and the BMW 7 - in the end of the cars that were available at the time he went for a 740iL 4.4 as the mk4 LS400 was a bit out of reach and the mk3 was a bit off what the BMW was. However, the quality and experience of the Lexus always stuck with me. We did drive a 2nd gen GS300 at the time also. I think the 4th gen GS is a car he would have liked - it's also the same colour as his BMW was. Shahpor - I thought someone would be watching. It is the latter of the cars you mention. We saw yours on sale also - we've been keeping a close eye on them since July.

There’s some more pics from the same day! I just loved the car! Looking forward to see the F version 😏😉

Lexus could learn a trick or two from Porsche with this. Whenever my Porsche went in for a service they would always give me a top of the range car, I had a Panamera Turbo, a Macan Turbo as complimentary cars for the day and it did sow a seed of me thinking 'i wouldn't mind one of these'

Something tells me you are going to be an interesting person to have around here Sorry, was I too quick for you when I bought mine? I browsed the advert for yours a few times because it is not just an unusual spec, but also an unusual colour. These are rare cars to begin with, so finding a full spec'd red GS450h Premier is indeed a rare event. I look forward to seeing some proper pictures of it.

Great looking car, I ask whenever mines in for another f or the lc. They just laughed when I enquired about the lc. They did let me look inside it though ! 😩 good work 😎

Ha ha. No car is tucked up in the garage and I haven't got round to reversing it out 10ft to take some pics......I like to prolong the suspense. Tomorrow.

I think the problem is complexity of idea. I only really "got it" when playing with a 3d printed model of a rear diff that a colleague has on his desk. The principle of the PSD is the same, as I'm sure you know, although differing in some of the details and optimisations. Using the output shafts of the diff as the inputs and driving them at different speeds/directions to see the sum effect at the input (output on the PSD) got the concept over to me (but I'm a kinaesthetic learner, so that's what I needed). Although the concepts of how that works are difficult to get, the actual mechanicals are very simple relative to a conventional autobox. I fear for complexity in modern ICE vehicles, especially diesel - my volvo terrifies me. It has 2 turbochargers with much associated high-pressure pipework and intercooler, EGR and DPF. Newer ones are even worse in having Adblue SCR systems, etc. They're not terribly reliable as a whole, and then you get onto the issues of auto boxes. Although it used more fuel, my Honda Accord Tourer was the cheapest car to run that I've had, as it had such a simple but well-made engine (chain cam, 4 cyl naturally aspirated). Stick some long-life plugs in and servicing was simply change some oil and filters (it was a manual though). Once I understood how the hybrid system works I went from fearing its complexity to realising that it's actually a lot simpler and a lot more reliable than other ICE/transmission combinations (as the ICE part of the hybrid is a big lazy naturally aspirated engine that should go on for ever). The electrical side doesn't frighten me because of my profession. Of course, all of that leads to the strong arguments in favour of electric cars - vanishingly low mechanical complexity (few moving parts, no issues with engine mounts, no emissions hardware, etc) and very high reliability combined with very high efficiency - a Hyundai Kona EV will do over 300 miles real world on 64kWh, which is about the same amount of energy as 2 litres of diesel. I very much look forward to having a choice of full electric Lexus, Volvo, etc vehicles.

Whoops, saw the title and thought it was a meeting for BMW Mini owners. My experience of the new Mini would suggest many might break down on the way 😂

I did mention that I would like a LC500, didn’t think they will take it literally 😂😂😂 Lexus Cheltenham and Sam, the service manager are the best!

Might be able to do this if i don't have any other plans with the family.

Greetings all. I've hung around many a car forum on the internet over the years. Indeed, I recognise a few names here (well, at least one!). Of late I've been active on Volvo Owners Club (because of my V70 D5) and SpeakEV (because of my Nissan Leaf). Now the time has come for the diesel to go, and a deposit was paid today on a GS450h. I've done enough research to know that this is a spectacularly rare example. Once we collect it (another couple of weeks off) and I've done some detailing then I'll reveal... Nice to be here, I've already picked up some useful bits of info.

Hi everyone. Collected my new(to me) RCF this morning. Very impressed on the 200 mile journey home and grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I think this is going to be a keeper. I will try and update when I get time.

A new RCF will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. Sources say it will be a Track Edition with more power than any Lexus currently in the market. Teaser pic only for now. We'll have to wait till 14th January 2019 for the reveal 😎 But that carbon fibre wing looks mighty tasty.

Not always the case, first time my 911 was in I got a fabulous V8 Cayenne with about 400 miles on the clock, more recently I got a Mini diesel. My wife's RX is due in Feb 2019 for a service and I will be requesting the LC as the courtesy car on the basis it's very much a potential replacement for my Porker. Even when the cars are more special from Porsche, the service most definitely is not up to Lexus standards.

Bit of an update. Sealed around the roof bar foot, seam pointed out by Jay (and Lexus bulletins!), tailgate strut, rear bumper fixings and rear lamps. Took it for a wash and so far no leaks. It's raining atm and I've left it facing uphill so we'll see what happens tomorrow. Close run thing. Nearly fell out with it!

In fairness to Rolls-Royce, I should probably add the proviso that 1930s models apparently could start themselves. It only needed the advance-retard lever to be moved, which I suppose generated one spark, for the engine to start running, even after a month of not being used! https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1975/48/starting-rolls-royce https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/march-1975/36/v-e-v-miscellany

You should have asked nicer 😉

Welcome I-s, how are you going to sleep for the next 2 weeks, waiting for your new baby 👍😊 Sounds like a good buy you got your hands on

They are so similar but different at the same time. The LC is much more comfortable even if the overall space inside and booth space are much smaller. It has a “Confort” driving mode and it does its job very well! The quality of the materials inside is so much better. The exhaust sound is better, more mature, they really worked on that. The gearbox is better than the one in the RCF. It’s another class. It doesn’t compete with the RCF, though. The RCF is sportier, stiffer, even sharper. The LC 500 is definitely a GT cruiser! Looking forward to see the LCF. That should be another animal!

Bit of promo for the ISF! https://apple.news/AERHHkFxKS0mN1srT6liG_A

Elegant is right. I've said the same thing in another thread but I get the impression that not many people appreciate just how elegant. I think I compared the power split device in its original form with about 22 moving parts, to a typical automatic gearbox with something closer to 350 moving parts. It's nice to see someone else appreciate how impressive this device is. The elegance of the transmission was probably the number one reason I bought an IS300h. Not only does it get round the problems of auto transmissions but it also overcomes the inadequacies of the internal combustion engine. Wind back 120 years when there were steam cars, electric and internal combustion engine cars competing for market dominance and the ICE is plagued by problems: it won't start itself (steam and electric can); so the engine has to be running before you get the car moving (not necessary for electric and steam); and it has a limited torque range (electric and I assume steam have maximum torque from stationary). So to keep up with the competition, the ICE needs something to get it running - a handle will do in the early days. Once the engine is running, it needs something to engage the driving wheels - a clutch is developed that can do this. It then needs something to get over its limited torque at low and high speeds - a gearbox with two speeds in the model T Ford. But despite all these inadequacies it had one trump card to play. Its energy source was much lighter and took up less space than in the competing technologies. The electric car still has the same problem as 100 years ago - the battery is too big, too heavy and doesn't store enough energy. The steam engine still needs to carry a lot of water and fill it up at regular intervals. A whole century goes by and the picture barely changed. The engineering of the gearbox became tremendously sophisticated but at the expense of more and more complication. The starter motor and the clutch are far more sophisticated now. But how much better to dispense with them altogether. Which is why the power-split device is a truly 21st century solution to the inadequacies of the internal combustion engine. It wouldn't have been possible without the incorporation of computers. By contrast, the starter motor, the clutch and the conventional gearbox are still basically 19th century concepts. So, yes, elegant is right. And it sounds as though you've found a nice example.

Slightly better graphics than SEGA Rally on the PS2. Took me a while to figure out that it wasn’t real footage!

Not as good as the Spectrum 48k 😂🤣........miss read it tbh, thought u was stating real footage 🙄...😂🤣

The usual method of stripping the mirror is to tilt the mirror upwards as far as it will go. Then lifting the bottom edge of the mirror glass with as many fingers as you can firmly pull the glass from it's clips at the bottom, and then unhooking the top clips. The rest is then a matter of undoing the self tapping screws now visible. It will help to release the glass if you blow warm air from a hair dryer behind the mirror glass to soften the plastic making the clips easier to release. John.

Pray tell, Phil. Have I been Trumped ?

I fear you're right!

A wonderful contribution by an informed lady. It made an extremely interesting read for me. Let`s hope that there will be more of the same!

Welcome It's not that facelift Premier that was linked earlier, is it? http://usedcars.lexus.co.uk/en/used-lexus/Lexus/GS-450h/35-Premier-19-Alloys-pbbux96 The other ultra rare one in the dealer network (which isn't there anymore) is a red 450h with the led headlights, sunroof and active cruise control fitted; so pretty much every option there was available at the time. Yes, I spend far too long looking at used Lexus's even though I only bought mine recently.

Did they give you the LC as a courtesy or did you have to ask for it? Awesome shot of the car btw 😃

Stuart The coating is probably put on when the manufacturer packs them to prove origin and no previous use, if it comes off with little effort the other reason will be corrosion prevention on the contact surface that hits the carbon segments in the distributor cap. Denso is 50% owned by Toyota and supplies other car manufacturers,so this will be a genuine OEM.

+1 on the 'gunk' problem. Had it before in a Mondeo where some detergent was used instead of proper screen wash and it just sunk to the bottom and congealed blocking the gauze that protects the pump/jets, in my case I removed the pump and ran a hose pipe through the resivour. paul m.

Welocme to LOC! Is it a brand new GS you paid a deposit for? It will be 2 long weeks! lol!

Welcome 1.(juan?) We await your contributions and piccies.

Take it to someone local but ask the supplying Dealer if they will reimburse you for the local fix ?

Did you buy privately or from a Dealer ?

Sometimes the washer jets can become blocked. The best way to unblock them is to remove the hoses from the underside of the bonnet, and reverse flush the jets removing them completely if required. Also check the supply hose is not kinked or flattened along it's rout especially where it is clipped to the bonnet hinge. Both operations will require the removal of the bonnet sound deadening mat. For the petrol smell I have put a suggestion on your first post. John.

Vredestrein Quatrac 5 on mine,very happy.....

Will try to come 😃

Just to add another one to the "basically ignore reviews because they overstate handling" argument. The infotainment is a pain (but you do get used to it) and I do think road bumps get through the car a little more than they should. But that's it. Other than that it is quiet, it is good-looking, it is supremely comfortable, it is reliable, and it is in every sense outstanding. So if you liked it, don't hesitate!

Welcome ... Great cars but....

UPDATE.........(sort of!) contacted the seller of Sat Nav DVD's and got the following response.... Hi there, this item have only few new roads, but new version should be soon, because this is not final version. Regards Reply Your previous message Hi, I have actually got this disc (2017-18) in my IS250 and upgrade it every year when a new version is released, but Do you know if the updates for this map are being discontinued? Ie is this going to be the last version available.? Thanks Paul m.

Update the software. My 2015 was a big sluggish at times before i updated. Now it's a lot faster. I bought new maps on sd card from a website and that updated the software for me. https://www.satnavishop.co.uk/

Hi All, I am sad to say i have now sold my beloved IS-F and bought a A- -I SQ5, as Lexus do not make a beefy 300+ bhp SUV, it is a shame as i have owned over 30 yrs of Toyota/Lexus vehicles, and i miss the exclusivity of the IS-F already, it was an unbelievable performing vehicle and could return 30+ mpg on a run and was literally bomb proof, a cheap to run supercar, i shall keep my eye on the forum from time to time as you never know i might be back LOL, as i gained a lot of help from these forums from the knowledge that was shared by you all. By the way i have a pair of IS-F exhaust tips and a single tip for sale if anyone is interested pm me or call on 07974007405, open to sensible offers as we all know what they are worth , as i know what it is like to lose one and to try and get a replacement asap. Cheers and Thank You All Mark (Markovanb)