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Showing content with the highest reputation on 12/16/2018 in all areas

  1. I was looking for a motorway muncher a while back to run alongside my Volvo AWD and after browsing Autotrader at various diesel VWs and Audis I ended up looking back at the world of Lexus and ended up with my 3rd. A quick update from my many years away from LOC - after selling the Aristo V300 due to getting a company car I ended up going through various hire cars from work (VWs, Peugeots, Vauxhalls, all sorts really). I bought a 2006 VW Passat and racked up over 60k in 6 months. I had a baby on the way at the time (6 years ago) and swapped the car for a VW Passat CC TDI GT which I drove all the way up to 200k before chopping in for the Volvo). Amusingly it took the wife over a week to realise I'd changed cars when I went from the Passat to the CC 😄 I live in the moors these days so bought a Volvo XC90 which has been flawless in bad weather wherever I've been, but unfortunately it triggers a shoulder injury I have from a few years ago and long drives (which I do a lot of) really take their toll. I fancied being back in a saloon so I get the best of both worlds - the Volvo for bad weather and shipping the kids around and I did a fair bit of reading and it seemed the LS460 was a pretty reliable motor assuming looked after properly which some hitting bonkers milage figures over in the USA and over here. I had traded in a 2008 VW Passat CC 2.0 TDI DSG last Christmas which hit 200k and was still like new inside and out - that was a great car and fared me well so I wasn't afraid of high milers. So I found one fairly cheap with ~140k miles which would be a nice easy intro back in the world of Lexus and help minimise shoulder problems for me. Full Lexus dealer service history with lots of parts replaced over the years including the seats replaced just 12 months ago and as part of the sale it had the usual issue with the control arms so I had those replaced and a clean MoT as part of the sale. I picked her up from SE London and it was a lovely trip home other than the TPMS warning flashing up on the dash all the way home, Luckily I had a Carista on hand so could see it was because the spare was missing and as the pressures were all ok I was happy to do the >200 mile drive back up North. All was fine and dandy until the car went in for a full service and geometry check at Lexus and it came back out with a PCS error which unfortunately took Lexus weeks to figure out working with Lexus GB and turned out to be the radar sensor failing while at the garage so it needed that replacing and the front Lexus badge. During that period I pretty much read the workshop guide cover to cover. On the plus side it didn't need the new brake disks or pads I'd bought so they've been put to one side. I've actually only had the car at home 4 weeks out of 8 weeks of ownership due to it being in the garage - it gets worse as this week it threw a brake pad warning when they all looked ok and turns out the cable at the loom side has been chopped off and the wires bodged to the other connector. It was fixed but while the garage had it they've damaged the front bumper on the yellow ramps so it's gouged to buggery as well as doing similar to the steering wheel which I'd only just sorted out 😕 FFS! They're not responding to my emails at the moment so I'm going to have to call in and see what they say - even more worrying was that there's a clip missing from the dashcam which suggests it was removed and then when they connected back up and took into the garage it was all talk of the car being "fast as f*ck" - hoping I won't be getting a ticket in the post soon and just proves you shouldn't trust feedback of a garage from Facebook these days. @abdallian will be very familiar with the car as he owned it previously which I'd pieced together from old posts before it went off to auction. In terms of work done since I've had it: New lower control arms 4 wheel geometry at Lexus Full major service at Lexus Latest 2017-2018 v2 E1G satnav disk New Yuasa Silver battery (I was trying to rule out voltage issues causing the PCS errors) Mixture of BG 44k and Shell V-Power to clear a couple of misfires logged on Techstream New front radar sensor (ouch!) New front Lexus emblem (picked up a spare I've got sat in the garage now too!) New spare wheel & toolkit (rolled my own TPMS scanner using an SDR I had sat here and used Carista to program it in). Lexus LED projection lights for the doors (the daughter loved the ones next door had on their new Peugeot so they were an eBay special) New clips to replace all the missing ones from years of removing the engine shields New uprated Osram Night Breaker Laser D4S HID bulbs (they need adjusting up still yet) Refreshed the headlight units with the 3M polishing kit and 3M clear coat New Lexus Sport LS460 gearknob from Japan as the old one was quite worn on the leather. Cleaned up the interior with Dr Leather products (they're excellent if you haven't used them before) A pass through with an odor bomb to remove smoke smell. Added a Raspberry Pi system for kids films for the daughter so she's got her own media setup Picked up some Lexus headsets (and it also works fine with third party headsets set to band A) Still to-do I've got a full deep clean valet booked in for January Get the wheels refurbished as they have the typical Lexus rot Get the paint tidied up - to be fair it was in pretty great condition for the age with marks on the bonnet and boot which look like a parking barrier has closed on it and now the front bumper has been mullered this week. I've been quoted £1k by a local guy with a great rep but he's fully booked until July 2019 😮 The car is showing a solar circuit issue which I think is the rear window demister as it's not the most efficient (it is 12 years old) Sort out a problem with a rear cabin temperature sensor I'm debating whether to fix the rust on the sunroof - it seems fairly common on the LS460 from what I've read. Thinking about a Grom V-Line 2 but hear mixed reports. I may just leave that alone and stick to media burned to disk as the factory Mark Levison system sounds amazing! A long post but pretty much covers the journey so far, it's been frustrating but touch wood things will settle down a bit now (please!) I've bought the full set of diagnostics since buying the car (I have a mistrust of garages from experiences over the years) so I always like to check that what they're telling me adds up. I started off with the cheap copy Mini VCI cable which turned out to be firmware 1.4.1 and couldn't handle various things so moved onwards and upwards through the VCX Nano and then finally a GTS OTC VIM which I've tested on up to the latest 2018 cars with the latest Techstream licensed from lexus-tech.eu (not the hooky version). I also bought a Denso Intelligent Tester 2 with oscilloscope probes when trying to figure out the PCS error but that's overkill for my needs so I'll be getting rid of that at some point now I have a reliable Techstream up and running - for now it comes everywhere with me as I'm not quite confident it won't throw another random error - I've seen more engine lights than I care to with this one! Fingers crossed for a bit of stability going forwards now anyway 👍
    6 points
  2. So ive managed to finish off the bottom mounts for the intercooler so now it is pretty much solid and also managed to fit the new power steering cooler. Just waiting on the other cross support for the top of the intercooler. all i had to do for the steering cooler was bend the pipes up at the correct angle and shorten the original hoses. Just need to get a couple of support clips to hold it in place now. Also had this turn up..... Just waiting on a couple of more fittings to come and i will then have all my parts ready to make a complete fuel system. So more updates to come.
    2 points
  3. Hi Jason - I have been running mine from New (March 2018) and No issues whatsoever to date.
    2 points
  4. Well that could have been worse! I believe you can get the rods made, or even do some kind of DIY repair.
    2 points
  5. Well that was a very pleasant gathering and nice to meet Jennifer and her husband too, also some new to me F folk, good food and company.
    1 point
  6. Thanks Mark. I'm thinking of a cheap eBay set, but as I say I'll probably just do the two corners. I find the camera is really good, it's just the corners where the unseen (especially in the dark) concerns me. I'll get on my back and have a good look tomorrow. The main problem is getting back up!
    1 point
  7. Hi Jason, Exactly as Westie says in his post. I have a 2016 450h and had the rear doors seal issue and sunroof trim issue. Both replaced under warranty and not been an issue since. Otherwise a great car
    1 point
  8. Ha!, I think it defaults to US units. I clicked on the link and, yes it's 33.1mpg ave. on the website but look top left the units are US, change to UK and you get the 39.7 in my sig link.
    1 point
  9. are there likely to be any/many other marques in every day use 20+ years old ? Malc
    1 point
  10. Out of 4 mercs two gave me a serious amount of headaches and issues ranging for rust, failing suspension springs, more rust, lots of engine warning lights, manifold issues etc. My Rav4 which I inherited has given me no hassle nor has my Lexus.
    1 point
  11. 1 point
  12. (Overlapped reply) yes - it's not a Phillips head It's a toothed wheel (rather like the toothed wheel you get in the rear brake drums to adjust the handbrake). The screwdriver shown in the pics I sent is just being used to flick the wheel round. See the teeth on the bolt head you turned. (As I recall, anyway)
    1 point
  13. That's a real shame about the GS. I've only driven the old C63 and the new C63s. They are both torque monsters and feel very fast from low revs. The 5.0litre in the RCF (same as the ISF) needs more time to wind up. Higher up the rev range the AMGs and the Fs feel similar, neither feels like it will or can change direction like an M4, but they don't feel overly nose heavy either. The AMGs 'felt' faster to me as they are more aggressive and sound louder. They look very premium inside due to the more conventional interior layout, but there isn't more quality. I think it's really down to a more cohesive feeling of 'This is a weapon, it will go stupidly fast'. I didn't think the steering was all that great in the AMGs, nor the ride which was very firm in both, more so in the old car. And neither is very subtle, in looks nor how the sound. Horses for courses, but if you want a car with blunt performance and noise, that looks mean and shouty, you'll not buy a Lexus over the AMG. But then, that's exactly why I don't own an AMG.
    1 point
  14. John, Just when I'd decided NOT to have installed but sell the LPG Conversion Kit with unused Torodial I've had knocking around it seems forever, you tell us the sort of MPG figure which makes me envious. Only Diesel i ever owned was a Renault Safrane briefly, which went into limp mode and has a non accessible Gearbox for checking level. New BoxSir? no thanks - it went to a Londoner who drives local and can only ever reach second gear most of the time. Comfortable seats but the smell of Diesel seemed to always be there. Not the norm I'm sure. Swansea too far away for installation so think Kit will have to go after Christmas. Wife will be pleased.
    1 point
  15. Ah..yes - you see the bolt is actually part of a toothed wheel. I said the horizontal adjustment thing is not easy to find. Have you removed the trim strip along the edge of the wing? It looks from the middle pic that it's still in place (The rubber to the top and left of the washer tube in the middle pic)
    1 point
  16. Points to worn suspension bushes if it comes on at speeds between 50/80 mph I had this problem around 130k on my Mark 1 ,turned out to be trailing arm, rear bushes but it can occur on front suspension bushes also.
    1 point
  17. It such a perfect level of OCD in this build [emoji7] Skickat från min SM-G950F via Tapatalk
    1 point
  18. Not sure, all the part codes changed and the new feature outline just states "the speakers adopted for the Mark Levinson premium surround sound system have been changed" Will see if I can find out some more detail.
    1 point
  19. I agree, the reviews all seem to say the same thing, although Chris Harris a reviewer I have the greatest respect for did conclude that as a road car it was fine. In all honesty I'm not fussed about whether the sat nav isn't the best, I do like a decent hifi system in a car although being a hifi fanatic I know how limited you are with a car environment but it'll do. I chose the RCF because it's different and I like driving it and find it perfectly adequate on todays speed camera strewn roads despite its weight which I haven't really noticed.
    1 point
  20. I haven’t driven one but a c63 is probably barely 50kg lighter and a I bet an S5 or RS5 is just as heavy. An M4 might be lighter but it’s by no means the only competition to an RCF. Certainly someone looking at an 840d, E53amg or such like might consider an RCF and find the cars quite comparable price and mass wise. An RCF is a small grand tourer - maybe a sports coupe but not a sports car. It’s not pretending to be. I don’t disagree with the comments re the NAV as that applies to all Lexus/Toyota models but they still remain one of the most trouble free performance cars on the market. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    1 point
  21. The answer to my problem was that one of the front ride height sensor arms had snapped giving false reading to the system and preventing the front from maintaining a correct height. As usual the rod is not a separate sold item, requiring a whole unit of sensor and rod to be fitted. Worth keeping an eye on these arms to ensure they don't seize and break as mine had. Had advisory on rear sensor rods going similar way so will prepare myself by finding replacement rods before they also fail.
    1 point
  22. You and me both. Trouble is I'm having to translate from Japanese first!
    1 point
  23. Blimey, that was in May 2014 ........ 4.5 years ago and it's been all ok since ( fingers xd ) Malc
    1 point
  24. It's what mine does - I don't mind. But STILL finding settings I didn't know I existed.
    1 point
  25. Give a look to configuration menu "automatic change screen" trying changing the selected setting.
    1 point
  26. I bought my LS 430 at 13 year's old and 31,000 miles used. Always been a fan off low mileage, well serviced, kept in a garage, cars. Now up to 63,000. Drives beautifully. Sorry, we do not drive.......we waft. The key with old cars is to over-service them. The interior is mint, as is the body and engine. The key question mind you is .......how much did you pay.
    1 point
  27. I bet that having such an unused interior is a real treat!!! I’m much more tempted by low mileage cars myself these days because the thing I always consider when people boast that high mileage is nothing to certain engines you have to remember the mileage will take its toll on the rest of the car such as the gearbox, suspension components, steering, brakes, seats, switches and buttons etc. My Mondeo is 17 years old and has only done 57k and everything still feels tight and like new. I once had an 18 year old Ford Escort with only 13k on it!!! It was a real timewarp car being like brand new throughout. I’d say at 29,000 miles it’s not even run in yet!!! Congratulations on the new car, be sure to post some photos for us all to drool over!!! 😂😂😂
    1 point
  28. Malc I beg to differ on the low mileage causing harm to the car. My Mark 4 had 19k on it at 14 years old( one owner )now its got 42 k on it after my 6 years of ownership and it as never missed a beat and still runs and performs like it came of the factory floor this morning
    1 point
  29. A cam belt change will never be due on an RX450h as it has a chain drive, unlike the RX400h. 😉 It's worth keeping an eye on the serpentine belt but that's not a huge job to replace.
    1 point
  30. This is what I get at 60mph in my ls400
    1 point
  31. I had a notion for an Elgrand too, but never followed it up. I had a look at one last week that was in for an mot at my friend's garage and whilst not the best example, seemed pretty good. However, i'm not sure if my wife would drive it as they are quite van like. Regarding Lexus reliability, the only every day cars I've had that come close was a Merc 190E (last of decent mercs) and my trusty Rover p6B. Pete
    1 point
  32. 2001 GS430, Heater stopped working, exhaust fell off, various creaks from dashboard and roof lining. 2002 LS430, Transmission completely failed without warning resulted in car being scrapped, blown speakers, electric mirrors stopped working, heated and cooled seats not working, rear climate pipes rusted. 2006 GS450H, Hybrid battery failed, various creaks and rattles, brake callipers seized 2006 GS450H, Shock absorbers failed, radiator failed, TPMS issues, creaks from dashboard, xenon headlight issues, juddering brakes. These are the main issues I’ve had, there are various other minor issues and niggles I haven’t listed. The worst was the transmission on the LS430 and the hybrid battery on the GS450H, both of which failed without warning and left me completely stranded with repair bills costing £thousands. Many other problems are what you might call minor but from a prestige manufacturer that prides itself on build quality and reliability is unacceptable. May be I’ve been exceptionally unlucky but it certainly puts you off, especially when the repair bills for Lexus are so high. I’ve owned jags and mercs with no issues, I currently own a mk3 Mondeo 2.5 V6 Ghia X which I’m really happy with and has made me realise that in my experience Lexus are overrated. At least if something does go wrong with the mondeo I won’t have to remortgage the house to fix it.
    1 point
  33. I think you have been very unlucky. The overwhelming testament and experience of most owners here, from my observations over the last few years, is the exact opposite. Sent from my LG-H870DS using Tapatalk
    1 point
  34. My wife's brother in law is a 'Jaguar man' and passes his Jaguar club magazine on to me when he is finished. As a Jaguar sympathiser, I always look for a good read, but I am truly shocked at what owners say.....new wishbones, not too bad at £450 a side......new rear suspension bushes only £400 as if it is 'normal'. The most scary aspect is corrosion. My daughter has a 12 year old FIAT Panda with no corrosion. Yes, a FIAT. Yet, a £50,000 Jaguar F type (the E-Type replacement ) has a string of corrosion issues, such that members are screaming for Jaguar to act. They do not. Corrosion was solved by the bad boys of Lancia, Vauxhall, and Fiat in the late 1990's. That Jaguar still has an issue is really worrying. We however, just waft along quietly in quiet snobbery ......and why not?
    1 point
  35. Perhaps owning unreliable cars is exciting for some people.
    1 point
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