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My Soarer had 120,000 miles with air suspension. It did need a new compressor but all the struts were fine. I DO like the idea of air - my RX300 has it. And I DO like the height adjustment feature.

I owe you an apology then😬 so I apologise and yes it was a bit of a strop! I did have the battery disconnected for a few weeks when I did the suspension work last year, it was unintentional ( I left the boot open somehow) and that didn’t make any difference.

I have an RX with air. Almost 180k miles on original air struts. I've had to replace 2 rear controllers and that's it. Normal struts would be cheaper to replace and I dare say I would be on a third set by now. My non air SC has new suspension all round, the non air GS 430 needed new rears at 90k The LS with air was still fine with no issues at 110k miles, the Soarer with air did have 2 front struts replaced late on in life at less than £100 each but all was well when I sold it at 230k miles. Would I buy an SEL? you bet. With all the scary stories about air suspension where are all the cheap SEL models?

Just buy some branded leather cleaner and leather cream to nourish the leather, I use Autoglmn products, if I’ve spelt it correctly.

It is actually a traffic offence to reverse onto a trunk road/A class road but doubtful if anyone would be ticketed for it.

Fortunately Lexus have now come up with a fix for the wonky parking system as demonstrated below, unfortunately this does not compensate for driver error or a wall built halfway across the driveway 😀

It's a year since I went down to Kent to purchase this 3rd-gen Luxury model (following the abortive month of having an Advance which had to be exchanged as I wasn't happy with it). Low mileage (less than 24k) and one owner from new. Condition and quality was commensurate with that. I wrote a post-holiday a review of it here: Much of what I found then is still the case, but a busy winter of using it very regularly has brought some other aspects into focus. Economy isn't great on the shorter journeys, of course. About 32-33, rising to around 35 if I can get some longer runs across Norfolk/Suffolk. No motorways for us here and it sees very little dual carriageway use, 50-55mph runs sitting with the lorries on A-roads definitely shows an improvement. Now I have my old Camry back on the road I hope to use the RX less for those silly little journeys, dad's taxi runs etc which should help. An SUV hadn't been something I was actively looking for, but the height is great for giving better visibility on the country roads I spend all my time on. However I think the overall look of it isn't too big or intimidating to other road users. Regrettably it spends most of winter looking like this. The joys of the sugarbeet harvest in winter. I spent quite a bit of time last week cleaning out the overlap behind the door bottoms, surprising how much muck had crept in there. The strange felt wheelarch liners hold a lot of muck, when it does get cleaned I usually spend some time shifting as much of that as I can. Ultimately it's a working car and I don't get too precious about it. It's impossible to avoid odd scratches and muck living out in the sticks and visiting building sites for work. The rubber mats and bootliner are doing a good job inside, however. I'm not convinced by the auto wipers, variable intermittent would be fine. And I still don't like the keyless entry and starting. It had a service and MoT down at Ipswich. All good and no untoward work required, although it does seem unnecessarily expensive for what was done. It'll be due the big 6-year service this year, I need to look at the essentials servicing. I like the people there (I've known for 25+ years through our shared interest in older Toyotas and Datsuns) and I will do my best to ensure any future Lexus comes from them as I don't wish to repeat last year's experience.... The overall package still works very well for me. The hybrid and CVT combination adds a layer of interest to even the dullest journey, and the peace and calm is very welcome. That being said I still find the ride a bit unsettled and jiggly. There are one or two others I see locally, but not as many as when I've gone down to Kent/Surrey. What I find interesting is that I cannot tell what sort of people have them, maybe that means they don't have a strong image but I prefer to think that they don't come with the negative baggage of some marques. I'm sufficiently committed to it that I have just bought the two-year extended warranty. The European recovery was a major factor in making that decision, as it should be making a couple more journeys to France with us. Difficult to predict life, work etc two years ahead, but assuming I'm still in a similar position to now I really don't know what will happen at the end of the PCP. For it to be something I can afford it means that I'd be looking at something that's in production now. 4th gen RX is the obvious choice, and reviews of it on here show it to be good, but I haven't fully come to terms with its looks and the better MPG of the new RAV4, Camry and ES could be a deciding factor. Just a shame the latter two aren't available as estates. Bootspace of the RAV4 is decent and it gets decent reviews, I shall be interested to see what they do with the new NX if it shares the same good qualities and particularly if/when it becomes available as a plug-in hybrid. Full electric isn't right for me yet, but 30-odd MPG isn't great nowadays. Might just buy mine outright, run it for a further year or two and then use it as a deposit for whatever's next. Mileage should still be relatively low even by the time it's approaching 10 years old so hopefully it will have some value unless the market completely dies.

2AD-FHV already craps itself up even on normal power, having power increased would just make it even more unreliable. Further, removal of cat and dpf is illegal and highly antisocial... just cannot see how one can benefit from spending any money to make their car worse and pollute around them. There are plenty of success stories on other cars obviously, but the way they differ is that they had reliable engine to begin with. As such when tuning one can trade off some reliability for more power and still keep engine usable. 2AD-FHV is already unreliable as it is and there are nothing you can trade off... it either blow-up or it blow-up anyway, with more power you just make it quicker. This topic has been covered several times and conclusion is if need more power - look for another car. The only tune which would benefit 220d would be "economy" map, which would slightly reduce the power but would make more car more reliable/economica - exactly what Lexus did with 200d (+new head gaskets and head bolts).

They are indeed pretty sturdy. My SC gets all the attention, the RX is the poor workhorse, it just gets serviced and is expected to keep going. Discs and pads are usually a nice straight-forward job on the RX and whichever model RX you have, they're very well appointed, completely dependable and a very fine car.

The new Camry interests me. Probably because of this thing and some others I've had: I'm rather pleased with myself today because I've just got this old crock back on the road. Its last MoT expired back in April 2019 and it just sat on my driveway since then. I think the novelty of the then-new-to-me RX distracted me, as well as having some other old cars to use as the weather got better, I first bought it back in 2011 as it seemed to be a good price and I think these old Camrys are fantastic. After a few months I realised how good this particular one was, so I sold a newer Camry Sport I had and it became my daily driver. The RH passenger door got hit by someone in a car park, but luckily I had a spare one off another estate. At the end of 2013 it got hit up the back by an Audi A4. Both cars were written-off, but damage to the Camry was limited and with spares I had I thought I'd keep it and get it back on the road. What actually happened was I bought a 2010 Avensis and the Camry sat on the drive until 2017. I finally took it to a local, friendly garage and they gave me a list of things required. Camry Estate parts by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr It ended up with a new clutch, two front springs, brake discs and pads front and rear and a new cam belt (probably a water pump as well). Engine had to come out. Happily the damage was easier to repair, just needing a replacement tailgate (which again I just happened to have). Used it as a back-up car and occasional 6/7-seater people transporter (they have a third row of rear-facing seats) until 2019, which brings me back to where I started. Driving it again today reminded me of just how great the 1990s Camrys are. Now I've also had experience of 1990s Lexus ownership (I ran a Mk3 LS400 for a while) I can see some strong similarities between them. The toy count is much less of course, certainly on the 2.2 models which have just fuel injection, electric windows, ABS and PAS to differentiate it from my older Japanese cars, but it's the feel and quality of what is there that counts. Mine looks somewhat rubbish (my wife despairs of it) but I know how good it is. The Mk1 LS400 wheels were a fairly recent addition, in great condition with some very good Dunlop tyres on them for just £40. Despite the LS being RWD and the Camry FWD, the offset is the same and so is the tyre width, so they work perfectly on it. The 2.2-litre engine is the best 4-cyl, multivalve unit I've had, smooth and with a nice bit of torque at lower rev's but with an ability to spin up to higher speeds quite happily. The stainless steel exhaust on mine gives it a surprisingly sporty note which adds to its Q-car appeal. The Camry is a fairly obscure and overlooked model, so why do I like them so much? I bought my first one in 2006 when I needed a big estate. It was a 2.2 with high mileage of nearly 180k at around 10 years old and I bought it unseen off eBay. Came from a Home Counties solicitor who'd spent more than my purchase price of £550 to get it through its last MoT. 1996 Toyota Camry 2.2 estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr It was my main car until 2008 when the looming MoT looked like it would be a bit tricky. I sold it to a friend who had the pleasure of taking it past 200k, then I bought it back for spares for the next one..... Camry on the track at RAF Marham #3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Next-gen 2.2 Sport, an oddball Toyota GB creation with 17" alloys, bodykit, Connolly leather interior and surprisingly harsh, lowered suspension (I think some had been reading Max Power). Equivalent of the GS300 Sport I suppose. I ended up running it on 15" steels off the estate, much better-suited to the country roads where I live. This is the one I sold after I purchased the K-reg estate. What came next? Ah yes, because I had a spares car with good panels on it this accident-damaged, low mileage 2.2 saloon appealed and it became another unseen purchase. What could possibly go wrong buying a damaged car I hadn't seen before that was on the other side of the country? 1992 Toyota Camry 2.2GL Project Car (Pt 1) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1992 Toyota Camry 2.2GL (Pt 3) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr It's a 1990s Toyota, so not very much. Battery was dead and I had to buy a new one on the way home, but otherwise it was fine and I ran it like this until the MoT ran out. I started repairing it, but the panels didn't quite seem to sit right so it never progressed any further. Also, I got sidetracked by yet another one...... 1991 Toyota Camry V6 GX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr I'd left a note on this local car some time beforehand, then the owner rang to say he'd been offered £200 as a part-ex and did I want it for the same amount? As a running, driving V6 how could I go wrong? I got it MoTed and it went into regular use alongside the green 2.2 estate. These V6 models go nicely, although strangely I prefer the lighter feel of the 2.2. Again, it saw some trackday action: Camry at speed! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr I had it for several years until it was clear the next MoT would be difficult. Sold the engine and 'box to someone for an MR2 conversion, then by chance another local Camry owner needed a load of panels as he'd had a bump in his, so from that I had enough to buy the N-reg LS400 (another story, which also involves trackdays). I ended up owning all five at the same point (the Sport is missing from this shot): A convention of Camrys by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr As well as the green estate I still have the 2.2 saloon as a source of spares. A bit of a shame it won't see the road again as it's low mileage and was tidy apart from the damage, but it's been an invaluable parts donor. I find it a little sad that Toyota/Lexus don't offer a normal, big estate car nowadays. I've had a couple of Avensis estates and they were OK (though the 1.8 petrol in the last one was a miserable unit). I saw an IS Sportcross today and thought it a shame they didn't continue with these. It's great that Toyota have brought the Camry back here, with my history I should be a natural buyer for it, but a 4-door saloon isn't ideal for me which is why I went for the RX last year. An estate version would be a great alternative to the various German and Volvo models on the market. In the meantime I'll keep this one going for as long as I can.

No great surprise that on the last episode of Top Gear, Chris Harris - who must pinch himself every day that such a hopeless presenter can hold down such a plum BBC job - slated the UX. Personally I think his criticism of the looks was just odd. At least his criticism of the eCVT gearbox was predictable, if mis-informed. I wonder if he's ever actually driven one?

Paul, there is much esteemed wisdom spoken on this Forum about the necessity to deal with the radiator issue before it becomes a terminal one Please take heed, don't ignore it, it will probably save you £000' or writing-off your car This is FACT and not just heresay Best wishes with whatever your decision on this BUT you have been warned about it .... it is of course your decision Malc

Hi we have 2 4 1 warranty yes you’re correct for 2 free MOTs but you Can only do upto 30k within that 2 year period. It does not mean that cars can be with 30k it needs to be less than 10 years old and have no more than 140k miles. I hope this helps. Furthermore the 2 4 1 will not be withdrawn as it will lock you in to getting your car serviced at the dealership. You can save over £100 if you buy a service plan with the dealers.

its a 2015 premier , did say in user guid you could but would need programming at dealer might look into techstream as you mentioned thanks

Thanks guys. I’ve actually warmed to the idea of air. However, I bought an SE navigator. It was only the fact that the SE had less miles on the clock than SE-L air and was equally as nice that swayed me,,coupled with the colour being black as my missus wanted a black car. Such a nice car to drive. Now I know why they’re so liked. Probably need new pads soon but expected as my gosshhh they are heavy beasts aren’t they. Thanks for all your input and thoughts. Appreciated. I’ll have a search on here to read about disks n pads etc.

I'm going to go against the grain and say she was right. Now hear me out before crucifying me I don't think it matters what the fault is, I think the important thing is there was a fault present. Different things matter to different people and whether we agree that not being able to park without using the guidance lines is a problem or not, the car still wasn't doing what it was supposed to. The fact that the Lexus technician in the end agreed that something was off suggests that the car wasn't working as advertised. So, if this was the case, why should she accept a car that doesn't work as intended? I also don't think it is up to Lexus Sidcup to decide what is important or not.. I do think it is strange that Lexus couldn't figure a way of adjusting it to straighten it up.

Ah did not understand that immediately. THanks for clarifying. As far as I know, only from the key fob.

There was a £3k difference in price between the SE and Luxury when launched but the SE is still very well spec'd. The main things you miss from the Luxury are: 20" wheels, roof rails, Premium Nav with 12" screen, no-touch tailgate opening, wireless phone charger. Maybe there has been enough change in the lineup over the last 4 years that it is now worth putting a list together.

The US F Sport components used to just be the European standard ones as their standard is softer than in Europe - that may not be the case anymore though. I'd go with coilovers, the 10 mm difference on the F Sport is hardly noticeable. Just be careful with coilovers as many are harder than stock even on the softest setting.

I did spend a load of time deciding when i changed my 4 tyres last month and in the end as i now do little mileage decided to go the "other" route often mentioned on this forum and chose Avon. ATS did have a "special" at the time that helped Avons being almost £70 per tyre less than the Cross Climates. Very happy with my choice very marked difference with road noise.. in fact so pleased with them have replaced the tyres (needed) on SWMBOs Clio with the same. Doing the low mileage i now do i am guessing that i will be replacing well before they wear out due to age factor.

Like other 1990s Toyotas they do seem to have been popular for export. The economy (circa 50mpg I reckon for my use) is one aspect of the new Camry that definitely appeals. At least the saloon has a folding rear seat, so if I'm doing more miles next time I change I'll strongly consider one. I suspect Mk1 (and maybe Mk2) LS would have indicators on the right when RHD. From memory so would Mazda 323F, pretty sure our G-reg GT model did. Other than the modern RX and this '93 Camry I have three other cars, all old and Japanese. Indicators and lights are on the right on all of them, which is exactly as it should be for a RHD car. The only reason we got used to them being on the left was cheapskate European makers not bothering to change them for RHD. Sadly that became the accepted pattern in the 1990s and the Japanese makers followed suit for cars sold here (but hopefully not in their domestic market?). The interesting thing (to me at least!) about the Camry estate is that not only did they have the wipers properly set for RHD, they also handed the twin rear wipers. This is an example I went to view, but didn't end up buying: 1992 Toyota Camry V6 Estate - Dilemma! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Compare to the USDM model: A piece about the twin rear wipers here: https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/remember-when-toyota-camry-wagon-had-two-rear-wipers-260157 The article states there wasn't an estate version of the next-gen Camry, which is true for America but they were available elsewhere. 1999 Toyota Camry 2.2 Estate (Auto Trader, £3995) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr They look good, just a shame they didn't keep it going on future generations but by then I suppose there was the Harrier/RX etc. As already mentioned, same comments apply to the IS Sportcross. Nice 300 I saw last weekend:

Looks like I'll be moving to a full set of CrossClimates sooner than planned. TPMS told me that a tyre was low, fortunately it's one of the rears that are the Dunlops it came with last year (albeit brand new back then, so still only done 13k miles). Topped it up but it's slowly dropping again. It may be repairable, but I think I'll take advantage of a forthcoming work mileage claim and no council tax this month to get a couple more Michelins. Looks like they're about £160 each on Black Circles at present. Discount code only available on a set of four. With the two-year warranty recently purchased and a full set of CrossClimates it'll feel like a car I'm happy to run for a while yet. Only other major expense coming up is the six-year service, at which point it'll have done about 40k. I need to have a chat with the friendly service manager about what realistically needs to be done then. Hopefully I can use the "Essential Care" thing, so long as that's sufficient for the warranty? Thought of a minor annoyance this week, I wish the fuel tank was larger so it offered a bit more range. With 400 miles being a realistic maximum out of one tankful, the location of filling stations out here in the countryside means I tend to fill up at around 300 which seems to come around rather quickly. I find that I very rarely look at the actual fuel gauge, it sits a bit low and I find it easier to use the odometer and cruising range figure.

Very good - but I still reckon you're overthinking it. I've passed the same driving test as you and I'm more than happy using just door mirrors, as are many hundreds of thousands of people, every day. EDIT: I know you want the camera/phone combination to take the place of the rear view mirror, which means that you must intend on having the display on all the time but, seriously, I think you need to look at the screengrab below, particularly the yellow highlighted part. This is the reason why dash cams with LCD screens only have the screens 'live' for a couple of minutes when they first power up and then they must blank the screen off.

You're a two RX couple! If only I could convince my wife to get an LS, we could have over 8 litres between us!😁

Hi, I am selling my SC430 and I wondered if you were interested? Please feel free to PM me if you want to ask any questions. It's a lovely car in great condition, 55k miles, with full Lexus service history and under warranty with Lexus until August 24th and is the facelift six speed with the low tax rate as it was registered on March 9th 2006. Thanks, Chris

Thank you

Late in the day, but the Michelin Cross Climate also very good on the IS250, quiet and very grippy on streaming wet roads

I too switched from Yoko to X-Climates. The Michelin are much quieter than the Yoko and great in rain and snow. The ride is also much more compliant.

The yokohama's are dangerous in the wet. I ended up with some back on my car when the mitchelin cross-climates were not available. Regretting it now.

Yet another vote for Michelin Cross-Climate. They seem nice and quiet, though I haven't had any other tyres to compare. I've driven another, newer, IS300h with different tyres - possibly Bridgestone - and I think the Cross-Climate was more comfortable and quieter. The thing that has impressed me is how little they wear. They're down about 1-2mm in 15,000 miles. I think they've done around 30,000 miles so far, (though I can't be certain because they were on the car when I bought it) and they still have 4mm on the back and 5mm on the front. At that rate, they should last around another 10,000 on the back and maybe even 15-20,000 on the front before they need changing at around 3mm.

Insurance prices depend on so many factors, so I would never recommend a particular insurance company to anyone. You could have two people living next door to each other, with the same type of vehicle, and the same personal details, who get vastly different quotes from the same company. Even the time of the month or week can make a difference.

I completely agree, there are certain criteria to be met when parking at night without lights, it must be within a 30 MPH speed limit area, there must be street lighting, the vehicle must be facing the flow of traffic but 5he law is never applied. The police complain of budget cuts but they could make a grand a night in fines just on my estate for parking infringements!