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All's well that ends well... got a call from the dealer today, they refunded my money... thanks to all for the advice..

It doesn't have the same motor, that is one of the issues with the NX - lacks a bit of power and economy.

The gen 1 is like an old leather sofa to drive. It's a step back in time every time I drive it. For the daily drive I obviously prefer the gen 2 but the older stuff is built like a tank. In general a lot of people prefer older wagons. Technology has advanced so quickly in recent years that the features and systems are sometimes overwhelming and hard to live with. I drove a newish vw the other week which blasted out 4 warning messages before I even set off. The washer fluid low buzzer screamed for attention every couple of miles for 30 miles.. Poor car was stressing out. In comparison even when my RX has lost traction and I'm sliding out of control (I have since found my limits) all it does is gently clear it's throat and cough quietly to get my attention. Quite a different approach 🙂

That's what you would expect, though, improvements over time. But that's not what always happens. I used to have a thing for the big Citroen's, and owned 2 CX saloons with about 8 years between them. The latter one was really really nice, but I always found myself thinking "why did they get rid of that?" The answer, in hindsight, was probably marketing... They had clearly decided that satisfying the somewhat quirky tastes of the traditional fans wasn't going to shift units en mass. The strategy didn't really work, though. Lexus marketing does seem to be selling cars at the moment, so they are getting something right. I guess I really can't judge unless I get to drive a current RX.

Good news today . Lexus have authorised my local dealer to refurbish the wheels (Listers Cheltenham). I will contact them tomorrow to arrange a date.

This post may be of interest to other owners tempted to put their RC to unorthodox use. Certainly, until recently, the RC was not the sort of car I would normally have connected with my memory - now probably a remote one - of all shapes and sizes of vehicles with GB plates heading towards Calais or Boulogne filled to the roof with bottles of wine. The other day I found myself needing to transport a cargo of wines across town. The load consisted of upwards of 160 bottles mostly packed in cartons of 6 plus two wooden cases of 12 and a few odd singles. Worried they would not fit into the RC, I had been toying with the idea of hiring a small van. However, to my amazement, though admittedly not without some geometrical computation, the entire load went in easily once the rear-seats were folded down. To my even greater surprise, I could probably have got another couple of dozen bottles into the back without affecting my rear view and, at a pinch, also used the footwells. I have never hidden my fondness for the RC but had not previously given it high marks for its loading potential.

I go out of my way to avoid them. After they damaged my vehicle on three separate occasions and had other poor service issues I've given up on them.

I wanted an NX to replace my GS300h but when I drove one my back hurt within 10 miles. I then tried a series 3 RX and fell in love with the comfort and performance.

Track outing a few years ago. Car stock apart from H&S Exhaust and an intake. Tyres - Michelin Pilot Super Sport - OEM size. TCS off. Expecting the car to be a little less lairy with the latest mods/tyres.

Tsk! All these clean cars! I love looking at the aero flow on the bodywork after a few motorway journeys...

Finally bit the bullet and listed the old faithful! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990-Toyota-MR2-MK2-G-Limited-Auto-Non-Turbo-HIghly-Modified/143116045988?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3Dd83b6e58895b4c18be2480a23a4fc525%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D143116045988%26itm%3D143116045988&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507 Anyone who fancies a nice summer project that's about 95% done please let me know!

Once again its MOT time again and she passed with two advisories front discs and pads need replacing. Parts ordered and they are being done next week. Only 7k miles done since the last MOT I love my Lexi.

So on Day 3 the 12v battery failed, and kudos to the 2 hour away Lexus Dealer at Croydon, they said 'buy a new one and send us the bill'. So I did :) By Day 5 I am happy to say this is a superbly comfortable and spacious drive, so different from my now gone GS450h, and just as great a car. Am loving the fold down armrests :) So its 12 years old with 93k on the clock, and wow, does it feel well screwed together. Today I fitted the Vaistech MML I took from the GS450h, and now have my iPod and usb input back. And yes, I did lose the two 10mm bolts into the void but hey, life's too short. Have also updated the sat nav disc (the disc that came with the car was the one it had from new in 2006!!) and now have access to all buttons on the move. Need to replace n/s screen washer jet as it just dribbles painfully and won't clear with a pin. A bit of a tidy up on the outside but interior is spotless, amazingly so given age and mileage. Bought the car to do the NC500 road trip in March, not sure the GS would have been the right wheels for the trip he heh and happy to have done. I recentyl had the RXL 7 seater for a day, which was great fun. But this 350 is just class... One question for RX experts. The switches for the mirror controls and fold in on the rh end of the dash unit, don't light up at night. All others do. Is this a fault or did this set of switches never light up? Thanks in advance Michael

This is a little bit of a review and a whinge about the NX... So rather off topic... But I do have a valid question. I had an NX (300h) as a courtesy car recently, and was immediately struck by the gadgets. However, the ride is not nearly as comfortable as my RX, and the screen is rather trickier to use... It's mounted a good distance away, and interaction is via a touchpad and cursor arrangement which is seriously fiddly... Setting up the satnav was even harder than on my RX. The buttons and controls are also small and cluttered. This is all in comparison to my RX, which is 12 years old. So, the question is... Is this an issue with the model, or with the new Lexus designs, or with the trim level? Any opinions anyone? I would ask to test drive a new RX for comparison, but since I have no intention of spending £60000+ on a new car at the moment, I feel asking for a test drive would be a little dishonest of me 🙂

Hi Ian, Congratulations on your purchase, i hope you like the NX as much as i do. I was in a similar position to yourself about 18 months ago. I had an RC, beautiful car, stunning to look at but like yourself, a bit too low to get in and out of. Lexus Cardiff did me a great deal on my first NX which was a 66 plate ex demo in sonic white. I would still have it had Cardiff not made me an offer i couldnt refuse. In fairness the new one is better in a couple of areas, so im really glad i changed. I love my NX and the Lexus brand in general. I hope you are as happy with yours as i am with mine.

Certainly did Sir! That was a great watch!! Those pesky Megs are quick though eh! 'Rings full of them. Well, before they end up, upside down! What tyres? And just standard pads/suspension?

Glad you are enjoying the jump up in ride height Michael. I don't think mine light up - will double check in the morning.

I have only just got over my outrage from last year when they flagged up a defective brake light on my 2000 Mk 4. Another year on and who knows what they might flag up? I could be looking down the barrel of a two figure sum in order to get it through . Is it worth it, I ask myself?

On my IS250 'MENU' button on dash, then 'MAP DVD' to bring up the info screen but Do Not press 'EJECT' if DVD is behind fascia. But suggest checking your owners manual. paul m.

^^ As with most things it depends on personal circumstances. I had a GS300h Premier last year as a courtesy car and loved it, more than my NX. Even so, it would be absolutely no good for me as my daily driver: - I have mobility issues, and it was a struggle to get in and out of, and; - I live in a very rural part of Wiltshire, more than 2 miles from even the nearest 'B' road. Rear wheel drive saloons are not seen often around here - putting aside the lack of traction in bad weather, the visibility isn't great on the lanes with high hedges either side. The best car will be different for every user based on their requirements. It also depends what you've come from. I came from a Honda CR-V 2.0 litre petrol, and while it was a great car the NX trumps it in almost every way (apart from ultimate practicality). I guess if I'd come from a GS my opinion might be different. In terms of the ride, and having driven them all back to back over an extended period (long story, but I was without my original NX for 4 months due to a fault which ended up with Lexus replacing it), the NX stacks up pretty well against the new RX imho. The F-Sport NX and RX are too hard for my tastes, but the standard suspension is just fine. I prefer the standard NX ride over the F-Sport RX ride for instance. Over the course of the 4 months I was without my original NX I had - in order (mostly for 1 or 2 weeks but I had the NX and RX F-Sport for the longest periods), an IS300h, an NX F-Sport, an RX F-Sport, a GS Premier and an RX Sport. Currently I'm in an RC300h as I have a nail in one of my tyres and a replacement isn't available until Monday. That's a pretty fair percentage of the range I've covered and I haven't found a car I didn't like yet...😀...and the customer service from Lexus Swindon is always superb.

If you have water in the spare well, then that is coming in from the seal. It's not due to seal loosing its compression, it is due to the sealent that holds the deal to the boot rim drying out. Then the water can wick over the gap (usually a the top of the boot, and makes its way down to the bottom inside rim, then where the lock is it finds a path to the spare wheel well. I just pulled off seal, cleaned up the ridge around the boot, then cleaned out the actually seal, then redid the rim with silicon and not had a leak in 5 years. (also did same on Mk3). Took no more than two hours. Saved me the cost of a new seal. If you have water gathering on either side (where the air vents are) then that is likely to be rear arch corrosion, which is a bit more of pain to sort out.

This whole topic strikes a chord with me. I've had 8 months to acclimatise myself to the 4RX but I find myself regretting my decision to have sold the 05 SEL that I'd driven for 13 years. Yes, the 4RX does a hell of a lot that the 05 didn't so it's hard to fathom why she lingers on in my mind. The one thing I'd miss most would be the Head Up Display. I find that incredibly useful to help me stay within the legal limit. Alan

Just had my 2006 RX400h serviced by Lexus, Guildford. Brilliant customer service, and surprisingly good prices! Big point here, though... The free hybrid system check that comes with a service is now extended to include vehicles up to 15 years old. This is better than it sounds... Not only is the check free, but any hybrid failure within the following 12 months is treated as under warranty. This is even if you go for the cheaper "essential care" service, like I did. The downside with the essential care is that you don't get a discount with your LOC membership.

Hi. I am looking forward to picking up my own NX Luxury (incidentally in the same colour as yours) tomorrow from Lexus Newcastle. I have traded in my 2016 IS for this model as, although the IS is a lovely car and has been excellent to own from new, it's a little bit low so getting in and out is playing on my fragile back!! The NX is a 6 month old demonstrator with 5k on the clock, but otherwise is as new, but with almost £7k off the list price, so seems like a bargain.

Hi Herbie Thanks for the chase-up. I've been away for a few days so haven't tackled the problem yet, but I plan to see if I can even start the car with the 'booster' today. If I can, I'll go on a run for an hour to (hopefully) charge the battery up and see what lights (if any) remain flashing on the dashboard, and see if I can still hear the humming sound coming from under the bonnet when I turn the car off. I'll report back after that.....

Yep. That was me swearing a bit. 1st trip in the ISF. I got a bit quicker on the 2nd trip 🙂

Congratulations! Love the colour!

When I had my GS 300h I test drove as a courtesy car a NX and I found it, even with same motor, worse. So, when I decided to change , I got a RX 450h, that's better because of V6 engine and space, NX it would not be a alternative choice to GS. At the moment the best Lexus is LS (or LC as coupe), and just a bit lower RX, then GS 450h (no more sold), ES, IS, NX and UX . All in my personal list...

Quite, I "imagined" as an indication that I didn't KNOW. "Imagine" does not imply a conclusion, so I wasn't jumping to one.

Yes, my RX is exceptionally comfortable. Maybe I just have to stick with the older ones. Or maybe like hats that grow softer and more comfortable with age.

One of my biggest gripes with the NX was how hard the ride was. I've also been known to complain about the torque steering on the RX... which didn't seem a problem on the new NX. Guess I want my cake and get to eat it.

I've got an NX Luxury (2018) and have had new RX, GS and today an RC as courtesy cars over a number of months. The RC and NX have the trackpad to work the new large screen. The RX and GS had the 'floating button' to control. Neither is great on the move imho, but you get used to it as with most things. All I would say is that both options are better than the awful BMW 'wheel' set up so beloved by the motoring press. I work alongside many people with BMW company cars and there is very little love for that arrangement. Unless you are a motoring journalist it seems... Comparisons when you get a chance to drive cars back to back are really useful though. I had a new RX F-Sport for a couple of days and was seriously unimpressed. The ride was hard and I found it surprisingly noisy, indeed more so on the motorway than my NX. Later on I had a new RX with the standard suspension set-up and it was an amazing difference. We all like different things - I like soft and relaxing personally - but there is also the factor of what we get used to. If you are used to a hard ride, then I'm sure the RX F-Sport feels fine. And after all, how many people get the chance to really see the differences between models back to back?

Just checked and on: https://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/servicing-and-maintenance/# near the bottom of the page it says under Hybrid Health Check: Free warranty extension With each Hybrid Health Check, you receive an extra 1 year or 10,000 mile (whichever comes sooner) hybrid battery warranty extension, until your vehicle is fifteen years old. Terms and conditions apply.

It can be a big move going from one vehicle to another and immediately you start seeing difference and analysing these difference because you are not used to them. I myself don't like change and when I changed from an LS400 to an LS430 I found it very difficult to adjust and as I found it noisier and the ride harsher. I even bought another LS400 to go back to - I then spent about £1500 on servicing and other parts to bring it to my standard however just before selling my 430 I was persuaded by family to keep it and since then it has been happy motoring for 7 years - I currently don't know what I would buy if I was to change. I agree with your last line about test drive - I'm like that aswell!

I tracked mine. It was very capable on ‘big power’ tracks like Silverstone. Huge grunt and the brakes never showed any hint of fading, even when standing on them from almost 140mph at the end of Hangar Straight into Stowe. I was on standard tyres but as mine had a H&S exhaust, I was a bit restricted which circuits would let me play - it was rather loud! Fuel economy dropped to 4-6mpg and as long as I restricted myself to about 15 mins at a time, the tyres held up! I have no doubt that on twisty, technical circuits however, my S2000 would run rings around it - I found the ISF to be fairly nose-heavy, but easily neutralised with a bit of gas. Mine was an early ‘08 without the mechanical LSD - I can’t say I noticed. I was having far too much fun. It all came to an end about an hour before the end of the day last time though, when I picked up a screw in the rear left! D’oh! Looking forward to reading about your experiences!

Don't forget that when initialising or re-learning windows after a battery dis-connect you must use the switch for each window and not try and do it from the drivers switch panel posistion. paul m.

Thanks @Gliderpilot I got one from the local Costco for £50 and change so that was a bonus. Now to wait for them to run an offer on tyres...

OldTrout that’s exactly the ones. Saves a fortune.

Alan,re-above, Hence why my new NX has AVS. Tel

In my opinion it doesn't look as smart as a NX, it did seem a lot smoother a ride. I placed a order for the UX as wanted to down size from my current NX.

I have a test drive booked for the 14th, maybe that’s the car that is going around the dealers. Only 2 days in Bristol I think. Mine arrives in Bristol March 1st.

Had a test drive in it on Saturday

The TPMS issues is a very good point as I hadn't considered that and have been glibly carting around tyre weld, should the worst happen. I'll ditch that now and just use a plugging kit instead if for any reason I can't get the wheel off (it's what most of the AA vans use anyway in emergencies) and keep the compressor in the back of the car. I keep such a kit on the bike and they are relatively simple to use, most being based upon finding the puncture (obviously), removing the offending item (if still embedded), reaming the hole out using a tool provided, the smearing glue on a sealing band which is then pushed into the reamed hole. It's left 5 or 10 minutes then cut off flush. It's more reliable than tyre weld anyway and you can drive up to 50mph with some to a garage to get the puncture properly repaired.

no hope of me ever changing my flat when I have one, physically just can't do it these days. 😐 The last time, a month or two back ( the third flat tyre in about 18 years i think ! ) and I just called the RAC, half hour later he arrived, used my spare, pumped it up a little from being a bit low pressure, changed the wheel and there i was, on my way .... all torqued up to perfection too I believe I don't understand why new cars these days don't come with a spare wheel and tyre, weight and cost saving by the manufacturer takes it to the extreme of stupidity methinks Malc

Might be an idea just to get the health check done before it is 10 years old - that way you are covered for another 12 months. Then going forward just do regular servicing via your independent. RX battery problems are limited - the worse are the GS450Hs

The way I look at it is that the hybrid system works unless there is any evidence to the contrary. I had mine serviced at 125k at my local garage and paid less than £200 (about £190 ish I think) and that included new pollen and air filters. For me to take my car to a Lexus main dealer would be a major PITA because of where I live and work so that's also a factor for me which wouldn't apply to others. My local garage noticed that my rear wiring loom for the Hybrid system is quite corroded which was impressive seeing as it's not part of a normal service. They said that it may never cause an issue but if it did then they would be prepared to fix it for me rather than having my pants pulled down at a Lexus Dealer!

I think that it is indeed true but I'd be inclined to pay it as your regular mechanic won't have anything to check hybrid systems. Either that or get yourself an OBDII dongle so that you could use the HybridCheck app on your phone.

Many congratulations on your new NX 🍾 When I chose mine I was split between the Mesa Red and 'your' blue. Although I'm happy with the red, it is a bit 'flat' in the Winter when the sun doesn't shine. Don't see as many in the blue either. It's a great choice imho.

congratulations 🎉 nice colour 😊

Loving the colour.