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That's a hell of a lot of money for a 400h. Admittedly my 400h is six months older and 3 times the mileage but WBAC only offered £4000 for it. Naturally I declined.

That's was exactly where the seals on my ls400 perished, went to halfords, got a small box of air con seals for about a £1.50, did the work myself and it took my about 15-20 mins to sort out.

I think we obviously need to re-title this thread to the Big Rat appreciation society..... Glad you are getting back into circulation Paul....

Hi Guys Thanx for the kind words seems the dysfunctional me was missed a tad.....The Rat will be back on the road sooon... right who’s organising the next meet 😉 🐀

Hi All I know been a long while appreciate to see some remember me....... was it my charm.....Witt.....being a pain in the arse ☺️ Anyway being sorting some personal and health issues nearly resolved and I’ll be back....... Oh and Kitt is still with me........ Be good to meet up with old and new sometime Big Rat 🐀

Well my car had an intermediate service today a Lexus Cheltenham. At the same time they replaced the HDD to cure the slow reversing camera issue. Result - camera now switches much faster and some of the other functions seem quicker. The satnav destinations need reloading , but everything functions as it should.. The service adviser commented how much faster the camera switched in, so clearly they made the correct decision to replace the unit ( at nearly 2 grand it was a great warranty claim). While there I extended my warranty for another 2 years and was pleased to learn that the cost includes 2 MOT's. The only thing mentioned on service was that front discs are down to 32mm ( recommended minimum is 31mm apparently). Pads are at 4mm. Quote is £325 to replace discs and pads inc vat , but service adviser Mike said to leave the work for now and pop the car in after another 5,000 miles to check wear again. As always very happy with level of service as all work was completed in 2 1/2 hours while i examined the New RAV4 and UX 's in the showrooms.

I'm absolutely in favour of keeping the core values of the forum alive. However I had a post removed for suggesting a certain poster had an an inherent dislike of slower moving vehicles, No bad language, no offensive remarks.. The same poster has demonstrated my point in its entirety tonight 😉

Hi David, all good mate thanks, hope you are too, above sounds like a plan, we’ll all get our heads together and get something sorted. I’m well overdue a look round your new car 👍🏻

H Matt, Hope all is well with you. Mercedes Benz World at Brooklands is one possibility if it was a southern meet. Duxford aerodrome is another I know some of the guys have been to recently - I’m sure they will have views on its suitability. Be good to catch up 👍🏻

I’m sure there was a mention of a southern meet some time ago? Obviously open to all 😎 any suggestions for a good venue?

I am delighted with my Kumho tyres (all weather ) which were similarly priced to Maxxis 2 years ago.

Had a Dodge Charger on rental in Florida one year. Really nice car to drive. Of course you can get the posher version in the Uk i.e. Chrysler 300 but I reckon the quality and reliability is nothing like a Lexus/Toyota.

Hi Paul, Good to see you back on the forum mate 👍🏻

The Hybrid AC system is much more like your house fridge or freezer unit with no external moving parts. The reason it is driven by an electric motor is that with a hybrid the engine may not be running when the car is moving ruling out the engine to drive the compressor. For the same reason the power assistance for the hydraulic brakes is also driven by an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump to store fluid under pressure in an accumulator. The power steering is also has to be electrically driven. This is at first not noticeable, but once it is understood that the engine can be running intermittently it then becomes an obvious requirement. John.

Well that fixed it! I went out to video it, and of course it's not doing it any more. As you said Paul it's probably just coming on when required to cool the a/c compressor, which it doesn't need to do right now as it's 7 degrees outside. It's odd that I've not noticed this before in six years of ownership! Cheers for the very quick responses by the way!!

Thanks Herbie, just what I wanted

Take a look at this 28 year old Toyota Crown Royal.. an example of a car built to last. i love the digital dash and swivel vents by the way.. they sure dont build it like these anymore

Well, 'F' cars are obsolete anyway these days, given that after 2022 everything is going to have to have a speed limiter and a black box in it. I'm off to swap mine for a Prius..

https://s778.photobucket.com/user/39buss/media/ACUnion001_2.jpg.html http://s778.photobucket.com/user/39buss/media/ACUnion002.jpg.html This is what the seals and unions look like after years of use. Be very very careful loosening the unions as they weld themselves to the union block ( dissimilar metals, electrolytic reaction )

On my GS the worst creak was where the dash met the windscreen. I simply put some of this down between the two and it solved the problem. No need to dismantle anything. A bit of spray silicone helps to wedge it in. Look on ebay for double glazing rubber. It's only cheap so maybe get a couple of different sizes. I think I used 4mm. Because it's black and the top is rounded and smooth it didn't even notice.

Basically suspension height (20 mm lower) better handling, 18" alloy wheels and different front grill plus rear spoiler - the sport whether dealer modified or the July 2003 model should have much tighter handling and a harder ride than the GS430 SE. GS430 sport cars between 2001 - June 2003 do handle differently from the July 2003 ones (as owned both), the July 2003 ones have (in my opinion) slightly sharper handling but the 2001 onwards GS430 sport cars still handle much better than the standard car. The 2001 - July 2003 cars were dealer modified I believe and look externally identical to the post July 2003 cars, but Lexus officially launched the GS430 sport (and relaunched the GS300 sport with smaller lip spoiler) in July 2003 in the UK. Looking at the attached press release they added some additional interior features as well. Suggest you test drive one as the ride is much stiffer than the standard SE car and may not to be everyone's taste as unlike modern cars, there is no air suspension to tune (or go wrong!). Attached the official Lexus press release from July 2003 which might help. the-new-lexus-gs300-and-gs430-sport.pdf

A good question. I think that it must be more than just a hard drive and presume that it controls a lot of functions. I 'm sure someone on here may know the answer.Certainly all my stored satnav routes have gone , likewise the telephone speed dial settings.

I'm glad it's all sorted for you now Les but I'm curious about something. I'm a computer technician and to me, the acronym HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. I know the navigation operating system and maps reside on a hard drive but I'm struggling to find the association between the camera and the hard drive, if that is indeed what HDD stands for in the Lexus world. As far as I know the camera only displays an image on the screen in real time and doesn't record anything on the drive, so I'm wondering why replacing the drive would improve the camera? Anyone shed any light on this?

Here you go Clive:

Anyone who uses main dealer servicing should have a look at this video....Lexus main dealers may be different, or may be the same. But just because you pay more than double for a main dealer service compared to an independent doesn't mean your getting a better service (for the car bit anyways).

May have got bored tonight her body is beaten up but let's have some fun sanded 400 and 800 then base coat no primer colour sanded then cleared it's not prefect but I have alot of body work to do anyway so I'll redo it all with the spray gun and spend the correct pint of time it was all done withing 4 hours

Thanks Malc I don’t disagree. Car is booked in anyway for an inspection- will be interesting to see what they come up with.

Piers, you know the saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I feel on this occasion you may be the solitary beholder!

I would never ever buy anything from ECP for their list price. They list price is literally 30% on to of anything else, but when you get 50% of from 130% price, that is still quite reasonable discount of 35% in the end. Secondly, I am not getting overly excited bout their prices and even with discounts only buying in case I really need something. And if I need something, but I am not desperate, then as you said ECP will have 50-60% discount at least once a month.

@PhoeNicks Just what I have bought for my ISF. £280 but hopefully worth it. I ran yellowstuff pads before which I got on really well with. On the OEM discs Vs ECP Brembo discs and also adding MTEC discs into the frame. Only one set of discs cracked on me while on track.... The OEM ones. Really not worth the money in my experience. I am about to run a DS2500 pad and ECP brembo disc combo in a couple of months so hopefully all will be well 🙂

Welcome. Only been here myself a matter of months, having acquired a 2006 400h. Gradually getting things "up to spec" - within reason - refurbished wheels, fixed brakes, couple of new tyres, all that sort of stuff. Got compliments from the in-laws. They always buy new cars (Audi or Land Rover with good Mondeo as a run around), so compliments from someone on a much higher budget really welcome! I think a headlight lens refurbishment is my next thing... UV damage, I think... Not exactly uncommon issue. Anyway, enjoy!

I have owned in succession a RX400h (outgoing Executive Limited Edition), a RX450h (SEI) and now a NX300f (F-Sport). Best on your comments, I am assuming that you would be looking at a previous generation RX450h, as opposed to the current one. Size: On paper, the RX is not that much bigger, but you do notice the difference in car parks and along country lanes. The boot in the NX is smaller, but I have never found it to be a problem. The NX is narrower and this can be an issue if you regularly carry 3 passengers in the back, otherwise space is plentiful for two rear passengers, even with the panoramic root. Room at the front is more than adequate. Performance: No doubt about it, the RX is much more powerful, and therefore feels and is a lot faster. Swifter progress, but you pay for it at the pump, although you'll never stop grinning. I never managed to better an average of 29mpg, but that was without trying hard as mpg never was a priority. Comfort: The RX is very comfortable and I travelled (very) long distances at times without suffering from my back etc. The seats are more like armchairs, the suspension is relatively cosetting. My sons tell me that the rear seats are equally as comfortable and the incline of the backrest can be changed to help find your ideal position. Having said this, all of us agree that the NX is equally as comfortable... but in a different way. Firmer suspension with better control around corners and bends, and seats are better sculpted and more supportive in some ways. Personally, I love the seats in the NX F-Sport. Noise: the 6 cylinders of the RX, backed up by laminated (double) glazing and good insulation contribute to a quieter ride. Also, the engine being more powerful, it is less strained under load. The downside is that you notice that it is far more rattly than the NX. Our RX suffered from a rattly back seat that used to drive us mad, plus the odd squeak here and there that would come and go, and friction noise from the front windows against the runners/rubber (never managed to completely get rid of this), depending on the weather and the outside temperature. On the other hand, absolutely no parasite noise in the NX and I find the engine noise well controlled... until you need to hurry up a hill. Technology: The RX is an older design than the NX. As a result, you get more toys in the NX - depending on trim level of course - and they are more up to date. At the end of the day, I'd recommend the NX over a previous generation RX450h. Unless you want the performance and the space, the NX is a better compromise, it arguably looks better, is cheaper to run... and for the same amount of cash you will get a much newer car. Now if I had to make the choice between the current RX and the NX, I'd plump for the RX!

I do see it aswell in the new Mercedez/BMW compared to 90's and early 2000 models. yes a 2019 model will have newer toys than a spaceship would but you can just tell its not the same. not sure what new car buyers pay for these days when buying a luxury car. mediocre quality even when you put reliability aside. its more the badge if you ask me but whats the point in being 'exclusive' when every man and his dog drives one.. I'm not sure if the financial collapse experienced in 2008 has something to do with it but Luxury car models released afterwards are hit and miss in terms of quality with a few models still being well built in terms of material quality. the worse of the Luxury brands for me is Tesla interior build quality how can a car be worth that much and have such interior build. no offence to Tesla owners

Assuming my disability allowed me to own a normal saloon, I wouldn't swap from a GS to an NX either. Surely the comparison isn't 'luxury' saloon - luxury SUV i.e. GS vs RX, it is 'compact executive' saloon - compact SUV i.e. IS vs NX. The GS imho is from a class above the NX, and was priced accordingly. The GS I had for a few weeks as a courtesy car was for sale at over £45k 'used' whereas my NX Luxury was below £40k brand new. Similarly it would seem logical that the new UX compares with the CT in the Lexus range for those wanting a slightly raised driving position. Looking back at my posts from when I had the RX, I was achieving economy in that of 28-32. I achieve 38-42 in the NX. I also note that while very disappointed in the RX when I had an F-Sport, I was far more complimentary when I had the 'normal' Sport version. None of which really helps the poster of this thread, who needs to decide which car is most relevant for HIS purchase, which will depend on price, age, size and his opinion of both cars. I'd recommend three things @LexusIS300h First, see what age/mileage you can get for your budget in both cars, and decide if you'd be happy with older/newer. Second, make sure you get a 24 hour test drive in both. Third, go and look at the new Honda CRV Hybrid as well...

I fail to see how a Lexus dealer could realistically sort out a challenging aircon issue when they would presumably just send it to a specialist to sort it out ............... and add their margin I hope I'm wrong and that they do manage to fix it at a sensible price Malc

I had exactly the same issue. One garage had several attempts at resolving it. I then tried an electrical and aircon specialist in Rotherham, who replaced many seals and O rings. That sorted it out

Great to see you back on the forum. 👍

You've been conspicuous by your absence.

Good to see you back Ratty

Welcome back Paul. Be great to see you again soon. The Big Rat forum has just been full of boring lexus stuff since you've been away! 😁

Hi Paul, glad all is well at your end. Good to see the rcf is going strong and your coming back onto the forum, I made a decision in the new year to try and get out and about in mine a bit more, try and get to some meets, hopefully see you at one. all the best, matt

RX all the way. Bigger, better, roomier - my wife's mobility scooter lives in the back very happily, and the fuel consumption isn't a lot worse than the NX anyway. I believe the NX is a 2.0 (may be 2.2) straight 4 as opposed to the RX's 3.5 V6 so you'd expect the NX to give much better economy, but the engine is underpowered for the size and weight of the car so it's not as economical as you might think. We bought our late 2013 (63-plate) RX450h Advance 14 months ago for £25k with 33k miles on the clock and I've loved every minute in it - I think I'd sleep in it if I could 😊

Sorry I didn't check. Well lexus are over engineered 😁

What Car have announced that 2009 to present Lexus RX450h is the 6th most reliable car. No 1is Toyota Yaris and No2 is Lexus CT200h.

F10 m5’s are very good value for money at the moment imho.

Speed limits are exactly that, a limit, not a target. Drive to the conditions

Time to update this thread... I test drove a lightly used CT200h at the nearest Lexus dealer at the start of the week. I had been interested in a brand new car and managed to find some great deals (albeit at dealers some distance away), but the convenience of being able to look locally at several different specs and colours together seemed like a good place to start. I spent about an hour driving a 2018 Sky Blue demonstrator, which I'd picked out on the basis of colour and spec (on a sunny day, the colour looked fabulous). I concentrated on driving around town and practicing things like reverse parking, rather than a more usual dual carriageway test route. This is the sort of use our cars get the most of, although I did also take in some higher speed driving. The overall impression was one of serenity. Most of the driving was done on battery power, with the engine cutting in an out peacefully - it really was a lovely experience for the sort of driving we mostly do. I will admit that I didn't drive the car hard and therefore suspect I drove around the common reviewer comments about a thrashy engine. I also suspect that if you drove a CT like an average German hatchback on the open road - burying the throttle from low revs once on the move, expecting a wave of turbo torque to arrive - it would seem rather different. I personally found the ride really quite fine, with the route including lots of broken and undulating roads. It certainly felt taut, but I was left a bit mystified about comments about harsh ride quality... maybe that's just my back-catalogue of performance cars. The drivers seat was really quite superb and I like the large wing mirrors, which partly offset the average rear visibility. Anyway, I like it enough to buy that very car! It's a 2018 SE model with 7k on the clock and the Plus pack, which as far as I can tell is the same spec as what is currently the 2019 base model - but in turn is quite well specified compared to the pre-2018 cars. The main option I wanted was the Lexus safety system, which is either an expensive option on most other compact cars and / or not available. There are some other options on the car, which I don't have to hand. I'm hopefully picking it up this weekend. Ordering a new CT in a colour I wanted would have meant waiting another 4 months, so the small but appreciable (10%) saving of buying a lightly used model against the very lowest broker offers on a new car seems worth it. I don't expect that wait and extra outlay would be worth it several years down the line. It's far from a perfect car and arguably a bit of a niche - but it's one that fits our requirements much better than many others out there. It makes ICE-only cars seem antiquated, even when it's an old-ish model in itself!

Take a look at the link...may help you. http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-second-generation/691517-diy-headliner-removal-swap.html There are some pics that should help you see what is going on there. I've seen some other posts where they mention detaching the -ve cable on the battery and waiting 2 minutes so that you don't accidentally deploy the curtain airbag in the pillar. Tread carefully and read as much as you can find. Don't route any cable over the airbag!