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I've had my IS300H for nearly 2 years and am happy with pretty much everything except the lack of a spare. Last week, I stupidly crunched the NS rear wheel against a kerb when parking. It sounded expensive and when I got out to have a look, it was: along with a nice scrape on the rim, I also had a slash on the sidewall and the tyre deflated in less than a minute. The tyre gunk would not have been safe to use - if it would have even worked. I rang my breakdown number and was told that my situation wasn't covered because for some reason they classified it as a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) and this was an exemption in the policy. Except it wasn't. Cutting a long story short, they gave up on inventing exemptions and sent a nice man out with a generic space saver. My other tyres were close to needing replacement so I drove to a tyre shop and got 4 Dunlop Sport MAXX rt2 - 225 / 45ZR17 94Y. Determined not to be caught out again, I then looked into the options for a spare. From reading various forums, I understood that a space saver from a Mark II Lexus IS would fit and a quick search on Ebay revealed this which cost €92 delivered. Using a tyre size calculator, there is a difference in the diameter between the spacesaver and the standard wheel: 23.9" Vs 25" respectively or 4.5% in the rolling diameter (I used Tiresize.com to do the calculation). I'm assuming this slight discrepancy is ok, especially considering there is a 12.8 mm difference in diameter between a wheel with a new tyre (8mm tyre depth) and a barely legal one (1.6mm). So although I wouldn't recommend mixing new and worn tyres on the one axle, these small differences should be tolerated and are ok on a temporary basis when using a space saver. The first job was to see if it would fit. The IS300H comes with a wheel brace and car jack so I was good to go. The spacesaver takes 60PSI and was delivered with 40 so I inflated it to the correct pressure, fitted it to the rear and then took it for a quick drive to make sure it fitted - all good: And then, the front: The car felt a bit different with the space saver on the front - more so on lock. But my old tyres skipped on full-lock low-speed maneuvers, so I'm guessing the narrow, smaller diameter, highly inflated spacesaver was never going to feel 100%. I'm happy to use it for its intended purpose - an emergency, low speed, short-distance option. But where to put the spare? I removed the top boot lining and rigged up a strap through a loop behind this at the top of the boot and underneath this at the base of the NS folding rear seat. I then replaced the boot lining and "installed" the wheel, outer face towards rear: The IS 300H boot isn't exactly massive, and the wheel does take up a bit of room. I already had a soft case in there (full of the usual junk) and the remaining space was marginal to say the least. But what about using the concave area of the wheel to store the case - result! Murphy's law dictates I will never use the space saver but it is reassuring to have the option of using it when necessary and I can live with the reduced boot space. Being old-school, I would rank the availability of a spare highly when I replace the IS - albeit, this won't be any time soon ...

I've found another Lexus hidden feature 😀 When I removed the rear seating recently I found that the rear seat belts have an extending arm, for want of a better description. The seat belt guide on the top of the seats extends , why ? I don't really know, unless it's a comfort thing. Tadah ! Just when I thought I knew the car inside out. 🤓

Of course I test drove it 🙂 ! I kind of knew what to expect in a way as I’d driven an RCF a fair few times. I was just curious as to the history really! This is my 5th Lexus now but plan on keeping this one!

So new car day happened today, now to learn how to use the sat nav whilst driving....

Took the 2-4-1 warranty out after the F reached end of manufacturer warranty, not that I anticipate any problems, I just intend to keep the car for the forseeable future so made sense. Most friends who have compared costs think I'm making it up, so it would appear to be a great deal!

Just to bring this thread to conclusion. The dealer obtained LEXUS approval for the alternative pads all round. These were fitted under warranty last week and 300 miles later I haven’t heard a single squeak. I can’t detect any difference in braking effort or stopping distance. There also seems to be less dust generated I was reminded on collection that these replacement pads are not suitable for track use and I should let the next owner know if I sell the car. J

I don't know if these are available anyway but thinking outside the box, it occurred to me that it may be possible to get some made by someone with a 3D printer, copying one you already have? I have no idea whether this service exists anywhere but if its feasible, you could then paint all centre caps to match? Just an idea

Apologies in advance for OT then.... We just got back from a 1000 mile road trip around Scotland, so a few opportunities for moody/atmospheric/scenic photos of it there: Not sure why the first few aren't showing up properly - the links work

I agree, but I think it is because the 3IS and 4GS are newer models than the 3RX and thus have a newer generation of infotainment system.

Thanks Nemesis will give them a call and report back.

Is it not worth a chat with Lexus? The car is still under warranty. Nothing ventured nothing gained...

I've been buying my 4 replacement Toyota produced Upper Control Arms from Amayama in Japan directly on-line After carriage and Customs duty and VAT and fees they work out at about £250 each corner, which is 50% of the UK Lexus / Toyota supplied parts Cambelt and pulleys and waterpump generally needs changing at 10 yrs / 100k miles and a Gates kit should be fine .... . it's an 8 hr job ! steer clear of BluePrint for UCAs, the one I fitted ( £250 ) only lasted 45k miles, the originals last between 160 and 200+ k miles depending on driving stance and the nearside stuff often wears out faster it seems There's a mountain of data here about the Ls400, study and reflect and just enjoy your wonderful car Malc

if one is really worried about this isn't a rather simple and effective solution to actually ignore manufacturers suggestions about no spare or skinny emergency spare wheels and to actually buy a real proper size spare Malc

Given the number of Tesla + Lexus owners on here may be we need seperate sub section 😉 There are much worse cars to have on the driveway!!

Ron, many thanks for your report and the honesty therein. If I end up in your position I will fit two new Lexus air struts and if at the time money is short I would fit second hand units. As Phil says your opinion after a period of time will also be worth having.

I drive my old Lexus every day, and she always thrills me. I recently left a garage to join a Motorway and decided to "Put foot" to avoid inconveniencing other motorists, my wife was flabbergasted, " How many Gs did we pull then" she said. 😂😂

Ok, purchased my first interior upgrade, I think it looks beautiful, what do you guys reckon?

I've had to use Lexus/AA breakdown 3 times since I got it with my IS in August 2017. They've always been brilliant. I should also add the breakdowns were A Saab A Hyundai Err, another Saab

I had a situation a couple of years ago when my car slid into a hidden by undergrowth small ditch, one front wheel only, on a country road. I couldn't move the car at all The Nationwide FlexPlus breakdown cover people refused to help, to send out assistance, telling me, even after protestations, to contact my car insurers who would have to assist I didn't call my other breakdown people, the RAC with whom I now have free lifetime Breakdown recovery assistance whatever ( been a member since about 1972 I think ) BUT I had to do something quickly, it was dangerous so I called the police as I was a hazard, they came, put up road signs, got a local farmer passing by to go get a two rope and within 30 mins I was out and on my way ................ Excellent positive result My first and last time using the Nationwide FlexPlus assistance for sure Once before I had to use the RAC who were impeccably helpful, car slipped on bus shedding diesel fuel, off the main highway and over the grass and stuck, on the main exit from the A2 going to Bexleyheath. The RAC guy just dealt with it, the police had to come to close the sliproad ( apologies to all those affected at the time ) and the police advised it was a common issue with the bus company over- filling their tanks and they would have yet another word with them about the hazard caused. RAC BRILLIANT Nationwide FlexPlus non - assistance not so Malc

Looking at the catch mechanism I suspect there is no adjustment, the cabin end is a slot in cable with a crimped stop that settles in the Nylon funnel. The cable at sometime as got frozen in its outer or the mechanism for the bonnet fastening as been stuck with gunge and the stress of pulling on the leaver as pulled the end down the nylon funnel therefore taking the tension out of the cable. I suspect the only solution is a new cable and indeed a new cable attachment part in the cabin if it is a seperate part to the lever.

Yes you are correct. They must have change that at some point. I've just taken out the extended warranty on mine, will take a look at my policy when I receive it.

I'd prefer not to as they did admit they were wrong when they rang me back to apologise and offer help. The internet can be an angry place and I don't want to thrash a company (an international one, not just local to Ireland) because of one person's mistake. The advice I'd offer to anyone in a similar situation is to remain polite but firm and have access to your policy documentation; stand your ground and let it be known you're not going to take no for an answer. Oh, and to develop your parking skills 😉

@STE041 Congratulations! The car looks amazing, I think ES is a beautiful car and your example just proves that! How does it feel? Much different to your old car?

Hi Philip, Good to hear your problem has been sorted. Out of curiosity could you give me the part number of the microswitch which was replaced? Like yourself I really enjoy using the car with the roof down but would like to build a bit of knowledge with relation to the roof operation should any problems arise. Many thanks. Dec.

On my LS430 I too discovered it by accident shortly after thinking "why did that stop working?". When the switch is in the middle section, the mirrors don't dip. When the switch is set to the left or right, then lo and behold, it miraculously starts working again.

Thanks It's actually exactly what I expected. It's not as good as the GS for flying down a motorway - the GS rides smoother and quieter. The 3 is epic down Scottish A-roads, with amazing balance, poise and power, so easy to place and awesome grip. I love the minimalism in the interior, the infotainment system is easily the best I've used in any car (but not without its flaws). Our Scotland trip covered more than 1000 miles, and I had to pay a grand total of £6.00 for "fuel". It's better than the Leaf in every way (Shock! Surprise!). As a daily driver it just feels absurdly special (in fairness so does the GS, in a different way... We're not spoiled at all with cars!)

This is something I really missed when I took my NX. so would love to know how this could be done on my F-sport Sent from my Mi MIX 2S using Tapatalk

Please explain how you managed to"switch it on" many thanks 👍

Personally this was a big thing for me aswell. Rightly or wrongly, I feel more comfortable having done so.

Welcome back. I 'defected' to the Germanic dark side myself a couple of times and also realised I was wasting money and getting fed up with spending too much time and money taking my car to and from the repair shop. When I regrettably sold my last Lexus (2006 IS250) a few years ago the sales adviser at the Lexus dealership said I'd be back again one day and would be welcomed. 2.5 years later, he was absolutely right, on both counts. For overall reliability, quality and superb customer service I genuinely can't think of a brand that can beat these high standards. Enjoy the CT. It'll be a different driving experience for sure but a fun and interesting one.

A follow up here guys... I know you all said, don't worry! But every time I open the boot, the dirt catches my eye. And I live near a lot of trees with leaf and other matter often falling into the drainage. I decided to take the rear lights out to have a proper look and it was pretty bunged up. It was two bolts each side, easy to do. Pry two plastic covers off to access the bolts. Slide cluster back (slightly upward so you don't catch the clips and scratch the body work). Some photos attached. There is now such a gap for water to flow into, that I thought the lights were not properly clipped back in at first. I've not gone further down (into bumper) to see what's gone there, but at least I know there's no longer blockage for water to run in there and to be held by the lights / electricals / 12V battery.

When you start the car, the loud noise from the open exhaust pipes where the cat used to be is a bit of a giveaway. :-)

They seem very cheap but they do come from China. If I was going through the process I think I'd want a known brand, it's a lot of work if the product is duff. Saying that it may be worth the risk. Never heard of the seller myself.