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So I finally reassembled the seat this morning as I have a rare weekend off from being on call. A few bolts, clips and hog rings and back together. Reinstalled in the car and all working. As this was my first attempt I wasn’t expecting perfection even though it is a Lexus of sorts but overall it’s come out OK. The paint was so much easier to apply with a spray gun as opposed to the air brush supplied with the kit, dust is the major enemy and perhaps a garage was not the ideal location even when vacuumed. But now I have done one I feel more confident with the driver’s seat plus I can’t spend weeks with it out of the car unlike the passenger one.

On the colours, my mantra is always to go and view the cars at a dealership, it is often difficult to decide based on on-screen images. regarding remote start, am not sure you can retrofit them even if you do, your insurance premium might go up as UK insurers might deem your car being prone to driveway theft with the addition of such technology. Happy motoring.

Many thanks to all for the excellent advice. My LS has the Mark Levinson sound system and I must say its very good. I will be buying in the UK and importing the car into Ireland. Reasons for this are choice of cars and slightly lower cost. Seems a good time to buy as the UK September plate change has lots of trade ins available. Most of the cars for sale here are through Toyota dealers and are imported from UK also. The one I tested last week came from Lexus in Cheltenham. Large Toyota dealers here seem to get a delivery each month of 5 or 6 RX450h ex UK cars typically 3 year olds. Looks like Lexus dispose of the volume to help keep residual values up. Road tax for the 450h here is only €270 per year compared to the LS €2000 per year! so that would be a welcome change. I will keep looking for the right colour / spec combo.

Hi Peter, I have a 2019 Sonic Titanium RX450h with a Cream leather/Noble Brown interior (I also wanted a lighter interior). It is classed as the RX + Premium Pack, but I believe very close to Luxury trim of the 2017 model year. It lacks the HUD/adaptive suspension of the Premier model, but does have a heated steering wheel (something the Luxury model doesn't have). I have no complaints of the ride quality of my RX, but I've never driven a model with adaptive suspension so can't compare (I did used to have an Jag XF with adaptive suspension, and in my opinion my Lexus without it is more comfortable than the Jag). I find in comfortable to drive on all road surfaces, with perhaps a little 'float' when driving at speed on fast, twisty A-roads (but then I just slow down a little 😉). I would suggest trying to take a reasonable length test drive over a variety of road surfaces if possible to decide whether you think the adaptive suspension is essential or not. I would also suggest ensuring you are able to get on with the Lexus Premier Navigation mouse pad; personally I have got used to how it works and find it OK to use, but others may have different opinions. I would recommend Lexus Stockport and Milton Keynes, these are the two dealerships I've dealt with in the past, and I have no complaints with either of them. Good luck on your search.

I have noticed that most of the local TV weather forecasts now spend the first minute showing you pictures taken by viewers and then go on to tell you what has already happened. Eventually you then get terms such as “ may be, could and possibly” when it comes to the actual forecast. If I made as many errors in my job as the Met’ Office I would have been sacked years ago! The most accurate way of forecasting the weather?………Look out of the window.

Chris, 2 nice cars! I never drove a TVR but read a lot about these cars! I think it is ideal to have 2 cars like that, Lexus for leisurely every day driving that is comfortable and economical and TVR for a blast, adrenaline rush ride! I have a Honda bike for it, it is not the fastest bike but totally different experience to a luxury that Lexus provides! I like the BMW you had, can't agree more - Lexus is totally different experience to a BMW, you need to get used to it and to the way it drives. Funny enough, this morning I read about BMW 5 series x-drive 545e, well, this will be tempting in a couple of years time! 🙂

Thats great advice! I never knew about the recall! Yeah the luxury car tax thing is a joke! Oh your interior sounds lush!

Premier trim if you can stretch to it will give you the whole experience including the adjustable (non air) suspension which will give you the same ride as an F sport plus a lot more kit. The standard HUD is great. Important Buy a car registered before April 2017 and it will be £115 a year rather than £400+ Road Tax I love the fuel consumption = average nearly 37mpg over 7,000 miles since November. If it has diamond cut wheels check the centres for signs of corrosion and push for a proper refurbishment or replacement. There has been a recall for fuel pump replacement, check if it needs to be done. My January 17 car had a water pump at 24000 miles before I bought it. That cost over £1000, so make sure you buy a Lexus Approved car with full warranty. I have cream leather with brown interior and sapele wood. I sought out this combo because I didn't want black Feel free to ask me more questions. Good hunting

@Vlady -I've had 5 BMW's - 530i, 530D, 630i, 640i convertible and latterly the 330D M-Sport. Couldn't fault the cars - comfortable, effortless performance. Dealer experience has been less than ideal and probably best described as 'arrogant', which doesn't work well with me. All they're interested in is selling you a car and, in my experience, both pre-sales and after-sales service is absolutely average, along with their servicing. The only time they proactively contacted me was when I contacted BMW Financial Services to obtain a settlement figure. My experience with Lexus so far has been a breath of fresh air. Personable, not pushy, well-informed sales staff who communicate well and are probably in love with the product they're selling. First impressions of the UX are promising for me. Not as quick off the mark as the 330, but in every other respect, it's ticking boxes. It's a very different experience and my initial 54mpg isn't to be sniffed at. There were a couple of requests for images, so... (The observant amongst you might notice that the blue car isn't a Lexus - this is my other car, so for anyone who thinks that you get 54mpg for 'Driving Miss Daisy', think again. Unlike the UX the Tuscan has no servo assisted brakes, no airbags, no traction control, no anti-lock brakes or the myriad other niceties of Lexus ownership. It does have rocket-ship performance and several scary tendencies. However, driving either of these cars makes me smile - it's all about experiences.) Cheers

My GS300h has been fine until today when I've encountered strange behaviour with my driver's seat. Formerly a seat belt entry/removal or startbutton on/off moved my seat to drive or exit. Now it doesn't without my having changed anything. I've checked the settings and it's not "off" or "partial". I'm aware of the strange way computer settings are altered in the car such as pressing start twice without the brake pedal and holding the key to set it to the seat memory so I wondered if the key in my pocket had been pressed as I switched off the engine or as I opened the door. I've set memory 2 to having the seat back so I can then switch off and exit easily so it's not too bad except I have to press 1 every time for my driving/mirror etc position when I want to drive again. Does anyone know a combination (e.g. boot lid - brake pedal - wing mirror - turn lever - headlight) which might have affect it so I can reset to this useful function? I'd rather not pay Lexus a large sum for a simple remedy. I DO wish they didn't have these secret resets. I found one to alter the number of turn flashes on YouTube (I haven't done it) I know about moving the seat backwards/forwards/up/down/swing your partner round/do-si-do/allemande left but I haven't tried that manoeuvre!! Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Kind regards to all.

Parts ordered Monday morning, delivered this morning. Brilliant service really, now I hope the parts live up to their claims!

I never saw anywhere on the order form a choice of carrier. We live and learn.

When I first bought my 2009 IS250 from a Lexus dealer, my first big holiday trip was down to Austria. When down there, I noticed a rumbling noise from the front right wheel which intensified when weight was put on it due to cornering loads, which is a classic sign of a worn wheel bearing. On my return to the UK, I took it into my local dealer as it was under a Lexus used car warranty and a technician came with me and drove the car and heard it straight away, but his diagnosis was worn front tyres. He did put it on a ramp and checked the wheels but came to the same conclusion. I subsequently changed the half worn tyres and needless to say the noise remained. A different technician at the same dealer then pronounced, yes it was a faulty wheel bearing which got changed and of course the noise went away. My wife made a pithy remark, that I should send the invoice for the 2 new tyres to the dealer as they were not the problem at all. All this goes to show that Lexus technicians are not infallible.

Any news on this @Michael Cole?

Gone for it and had a catloc fitted at Lincoln Lexus,all done in under a hour 👍

That was good of the techy. With regards to the hardwire kit. Look at your fuses in the car 1st b4 you fit the kit. I had to go to halfords twice to 1st get a fuse puller then to my dismay a 10A fuse same as the ones in the kit because in my car anyway the fuses are different to the kits one.

Thanks for updating us Jim. I hate it when people ask for help, they get suggestions and the help they ask for, and then they disappear without telling us the outcome. The whole idea of the forum is to help or be helped and outcomes are important in doing that, so thanks again.

Always best to use FedEx Mike, that way the duty is prepaid and it'll arrive within a week. I fitted the first control arm and Ball joint this morning, not too bad a job. Over 30 degrees now so the other side can wait until the morning.

Hi Chris and again welcome to the best Lexus forum there is. As for your dash cam go on nextbase website and look for the hard wire kit. Excellent bit of kit and easy to fit. Just learn about your trim. I had a UX as a curtacy car. 40 miles I did in it. Yes I thrashed it 1st time in lol. I averaged 47 mpg and 56% on battery alone. Enjoy your car

Finally managed to find someone who could look at the problem, recommended from a friend who works for a local main dealer, they use him as they can't do the work themselves. I gave him a call, and he came round within a couple of days. He ran a few pressure and diagnostic checks, and it's a leaking condenser unit. He gave me a quote of either £325 or £350 (can't put my hand on it now) Cost of the diagnostic test was a very reasonable £35 considering he'd driven from Altrincham to Warrington and was here for 30 mins which included a chat about cars. Highly recommended for anyone in the Northwest. Damien Kerr Car Air-Con Services 07786028602

Thanks John...

Timing belt, water pump and all the ancillary bits and pieces from Rockautos got into the UK 5 days after ordering but it took over 2 weeks for it ti get through customs. Not used yet but the parts do look very nice. I will use them again.

Hi Emran and welcome to the LOC. Yes they are left and right handed so cannot be stopped from side to side. Your method seems a little labour intensive if it were possible to swop them over from one side to the other. You can normally detect wear in the bearings by spinning the wheel and rocking it top to bottom and side to side when jacked up. If you want a complete hub check out Rockauto based in the USA they offer many options and parts generally arrive in a few days.

Unfo HPI is not perfect. It will not show that the car was in collision if it was repaired by the insurance company. Only write offs are shown. It is still on buyer to check the car before purchase.

I have the exact same issue with my 2011 CT200. I now know what to look for. Thank you!

Firstly great choice, the RX 450h is a terrific car! I have driven 2 models this year (F sport and the long wheel base). I would suggest trying to get the premier so that you can get the mark levinson sound system? I dont know of any major issues to look out for, I guess the usual used car advice such as check for knocks or sensors lighting up dash etc? I love sonic titanium one of my favourite colours

I'm going to get it up on axle stands in the morning and assess it. If I think I can be bothered I'll start straightaway, failing that I'll get it booked on for next week sometime.

I must admit their website looks a bit outdated but their service is brilliant. when do you intend to fit them?

Nice, but now I'm dribbling over the TVR!

If you were a Scouser Chris, you would christian that UX, Jurgen ! Reading your post and previous ones too, I was thinking that this guy knows a thing or two about cars....then I see he`s got a TVR !! I bet you sold the Marcos to get it ? Only kidding Chris...two nice cars.

Thanks John, Did look further into the history and it was a demo and one owner since (living locally) who had put private plates on the car. All seems ok, HPI checks out but i do wonder about the bodywork, salesman says he's had it checked three times and by the body shop to. But as you say, a salesman is a salesman. Anyway, there is body work scratched etc that they going to do and refurbish the wheels, new service and picking it up next week. Looking forward to it 😀 Thanks Colin

That was my point about checking the history carefully.... My IS200d has clearly had some history the dealer denied... (salesman are salesman at the end of the day) ... as the years have progressed, I have seen more and more evidence of a N/S collision, bad re-spray (which they did re-do for me), new windscreen, tyres didn't match, paint on wheel is slightly different etc... I took the bumper off recently to change the radiator and the evidence was clear in there, some broken clips etc. However, regardless, the car has been fine... I suspect the radiator was a long term issue from it's history. So check carefully the window glass has same logo all around, tyres are all the same, shut-lines are all good (out of the factory, Lexus shut-lines are usually perfect) .. also check for signs of re-spray (usually obvious on surrounding rubbers and plastic). Accidents happen and some are only cosmetic, so providing Lexus acknowledge the history of the repair, then your corrosion warranty should remain valid.

Hang old CD`s from the branches so that the flickering light emanating from them might disturb the settling birds. I found that old Des O`Conner ones work best. As regards stains try vinegar,or lemon juice mixed with water. And be very careful,but try a small amount of WD40 on a small indiscrete area of the paintwork. Please keep us all updated with your findings Henry.

Owning an iPhone Sorry, just couldn't resist. I'm afraid that I don't know the answer to your problem - you've probably guessed that I'm an Android man.

Hey guys, the satnav on my new (to me) UX250h seems to be quite out of date, and there's nothing in the owner's manual on how to update it. Can someone point me to a guide or instructions somewhere? Thanks! Nick

When I acquired my 1996 80,000 mile LS400 in March, I also asked Lexus Milton Keynes about changing the transmission fluid, knowing it had never been done, but they advised against it on the basis that they had changed fluid at the owners request before and there had been issues thereafter. When I checked the fluid on the dipstick it was still a nice red colour, so I decided to leave well alone, especially as the gearbox behaves perfectly. When the fluid is brown with a burnt smell is the time to be concerned, so it's best to check the fluid every time the engine oil is checked.

By doing that you are only going to get a warning if a pressure dropped to something like 22 psi. That is far from ideal.

I replaced mine with a cambuckle strap (similar to a ratchet strap) as the bolt down brackets had been ripped out of the plastic battery tray. The strap runs under the battery tray (which is bolted to the body) and holds the battery pretty solidly.

The car was parked with auxiliary power on. I double pressed the start button to shut down the ignition as normal. THEN I lightly pressed the footbrake and pressed the starter button, showing green light, to no effect. Shut down again several times ( ignition completely off) before leaving the car and locking it. Unlocking again, fixed the problem also as advised by the recovery man who was summoned by Eurotunnel as I was holding up disembarkation of the train. UPDATE - Reported the fault to Lexus Canterbury; they requested the car to check it over, FOC. Two days before taking it to garage, car failed to start twice. Fault identified as a partially discharged hybrid pack coupled with a loose hybrid battery connection in the boot recess. Problem seems to be fixed after Lexus recharged the battery pack overnight and tightened the loose connection.

The rear spoiler (roof ) Lift the tailgate and inside at the top you should see 4 rubber/plastic grommits. (2 each side) Remove them and that is where,when you drill from the outside that you will be able to access the bolts. The spoiler is fixed by the 4 bolts. (the 4 bolts should come attatched to the spoiler) You should get a template for the drill holes with the spoiler. If not just make your own with some cardboard or thick paper. Mark the screw holes,double check the measurement before you drill! Make sure that you put masking tape over the area you are drilling in case the drill slips! Line up the spoiler then fit the nuts from inside the car with a socket then replace the grommits. The mirror I am not to sure on but just remove the door cards and you will have access to the inside of the mirror in the door. Disconnect the electrical connector and undo the retaining nuts on the mirror then change them over. I would imagine that the LED mirrors that you are replacing will have an electrical diagram with them. If you are a bit scared of doing the electrical part then get an auto electrician in. But remove the mirror for him to keep your labour costs down. Cheers Terry

Really easy. Move the front seats back to furthest position. That will give you access to the front bolts (on the seat track (10mm I think) release those. Move the seat forward to get to the two rear bolts and release those. Rear seats, remove the plastic covers from the rail at the front then undo the bolts, should be 4. Into the boot/trunk compartment ,lift the carpet and relesase the studs You will then see the bolts. Undo them and there should be two retaining straps which are bolted down. Undo them and the seats should be free. Less than an hours work on your own. If your front seats are electric then there should be 2 plugs. One for power seats etc. and the other for seat belt warning. Just disconnect them. Hope this helps, Terry

so today this happened! was driving along and gear changes felt a bit funny, then all of a sudden lost all drive, pulled over straight away, turned the car off then watch the puddle grow! on the plus side my tan is looking pretty good after sitting at the side of the A46 for nearly 4 hours!