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Likewise I am in a similar predicament in that my NX will be 3 years old next April. By that time it will have covered c27k miles. Don't know whether to trade in for a new one or extend the warranty. It is in immaculate condition inside and out, has been faultless, still brings a smile to my face every time I drive and could still easily pass (and has been) for a brand new car. The UX is a lovely car but just too small for me at present. I expect the next generation NX will include a PHEV which is tempting me to hang on to mine until it becomes available but if that is still some way off I may think again. Nice "problem" to have!!

Hello all, I've posted a thread where I was looking for an RX350, but a lot of you have convinced me that the RX400h is pretty reliable. So I went and bought an extremely beautiful example - travelled 180 miles to pick it up. Before picking it up, I went to see another example at a different dealer and, albeit it was advertised as mint condition and FLSH, it was a bag of poo. The car was in bad condition, very dirty, there was a knock when moving off and a strange vibration when the car switched from petrol to hybrid; for example, when you were about to come to a stop and hybrid would kick in. I just walked away. Bear in mind that the car had full LSH and last serviced in June, but mechanic state was awful. Also, the car was MOT'd in June and had tons of issues, such as corroded fuel lines / pipes, ARB bushes and so on - the dealer allegedly MOT'd the car yesterday and when I challenged about those stuff he kept quite. Basically, a very dodgy dealer: Chadwell Motors in Romford. Avoid these cowboys at all cost! Anyway, off to another dealer. This time, the interior was simply immaculate. Not a single tear. 1 owner from new. Full Lexus history and camblet / pump changed too. Driving wise, not a single issue. It has done 106k miles only, so I took it. It is 2009 SE, but has all the bells and whistles (apart from rear entertainment screen). I noticed that it states that it is Mark Levinson system on the audio, but it doesn't have an embedded Mark Levinson on the speakers - is this norm or is it not ML? Welcome my new baby!

@paulrnx Yes, it is the relaxed drive and supreme comfort that appeals most. It certainly isn't a car for a 'boy racer' but tbh as you get older you (usually) get wiser and realise that driving everywhere fast is futile. Enjoy the journey, slow down and relax is my motto!

just for interest (but off topic) .... there is an 'inspection mode' you can put it in, and with that set different engine idle speeds depending on throttle position... used for diagnostics and emissions tests For the Rx450h, the instructions are Perform the following steps from (1) through (4) in 60 seconds. - Turn the power switch on (IG). - Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with the shift lever in P. - Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with the shift lever in N. - Fully depress the accelerator pedal twice with the shift lever in P. - Check that "FWD MAINTENANCE MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display. - Start the engine by turning the power switch on (READY) while depressing the brake pedal.

Last time I had an issue after buying an approved used car, a Jaguar XE, I let the dealership have one go at investigating and fixing the problem. They declared that all four tyres were indeed ok and that the car had passed its inspection prior to sale to me. All four tyres were showing signs of cracking where the sidewalls met the tread. I had numerous trips to different tyre fitters and they were about 70:30 in favour of the tyres needing to be replaced asap. I paid for replacements myself because I decided I wouldn't drive round on tyres that I wasn't sure about and determined I would claimed back from the dealership. I gave them one go at re-imbursing me and then I wrote to the head office of the dealer group and asked them to re-imburse me. They contacted the dealership and the dealership immediately contacted me and arranged payment to me. It took a while but I kept my cool (I'm not saying you aren't btw), put everything in writing, noted down telepehone conversations and what was said and replayed everything back to the head office. I was polite at all times (again, not saying you aren't) and they paid in the end. I was going to take it to a small claims court if needed. Good luck, hope you get the result you deserve. I believe that the Lexus approved scheme requires brakes to be good for at least 3k miles and if any service or work is required within 3k miles / 3 months then it must be done prior to sale. I can't find this written down anywhere, it is word of mouth from more than one dealership.

If you are losing coolant constantly and there are no obvious external leaks it has to be going somewhere internally. There have now been many cases of the engine coolant mixing with the transmission fluid due to a defective radiator intercooler. Given this problem I would get the problem investigated ASAP before you also possibly end up with a failed transmission. Also as previously mentioned if your car was purchased from a dealer you have Consumer Rights regarding defects within the first 6 months.

Yes that's the one. Hopefully I can get a test drive in one soon. I had a good look around the new Supra, but it didn't do anything for me XFR is too big for my liking. However an XE Project 8 would be in my fantasy garage, next to an Impreza RB5 PPP

I honestly don't think the question is "interstellar travel" but what kind of client there will be in the future. If we think that future customers will love the smoky rumble of petrol or diesel engines, then in my opinion, we are wrong. Perhaps today it is easy to make fun of Tesla's technology, but we must also take note that ALL the car manufacturers have accelerated strongly (and much faster than Lexus) on the technology of electric vehicles, precisely because in that of hybrid vehicles all have failed to technological level, while Lexus was the leader. It is therefore clear that they no longer looked at Lexus, but at Tesla: and they were inspired by it. We know today that the problem of autonomy is almost over. Today, most vehicles have minimalist and integrated consoles with suitable screens, Mercedes has a single global screen that includes the entire dashboard: while Tesla develops this vertically, Mercedes has developed it horizontally, but the creative matrix is the same: before of Tesla nobody had integrated the LCDs in this sense or as control units. Lexus, on the other hand, does not have any car, not even the LS with an advanced infotainment system truly connected (the "connected services", if you remember we talked about them for a long time, are totally obsolete) that allows you to know the status of the car at any time, to command it, to manage it as Tesla has and as other car manufacturers are doing, with keys that can be controlled from smartphones, management from apps and so on. Lexus launches the UX for a young segment, accustomed to more minimalist touch screens and interior design, and fills it with a thousand buttons scattered around the dashboard, with a mini screen that I had, as I said, practically the same in my early IS200 2000. I had some difficulties in orienting myself when driving. In short, I understand the irony about Tesla and the technology that revolves around it, which after decades led to a NASA mission in space by freeing the cockpit of the shuttle of old potentiometers and levers and using only two touch screens, and a pair of iPads. , fixed on the leg of the astronauts. But at the same time, as observers and customers, we cannot avoid the fact that sooner or later, like it or not, all cars will at least be like this. Even Lexus, like it or not, will have to think ... of course if it will be interested in staying on a certain type of market and maybe it is already doing it ... or maybe it will surprise us with hydrogen technologies ... nobody knows what they are doing in their laboratories What we do know is that instead they are losing a specific set of customers, including many of us here who will have to change their cars soon and can only choose between SUVs or sedans that are much more expensive than their IS. Or maybe buy an RC, as I would like, but it will probably be discontinued. Could it also be that on a marketing level this is exactly what Lexus wants, that is to cut out the "old dads" who drive a sedan and invest in the "young fashion people" who drive an SUV and only the "rich people" who can afford an ES or an LS? Who knows? Although the path of the hybrid, as far as I'm concerned, could still be widely practicable given its technological potential of which Lexus is the master, as it is now and with current technologies, in my opinion it will not lead the Japanese house anywhere and this will happen very, very soon. Probably, seeing how they are moving here in the EU and the UK, much sooner than they themselves think.

Mine is insured “agreed value” at £3000.00 at the moment but looking to increase this at renewal time. Collecting evidence of values at the moment to justify it. Going into the body shop at the end of November ( fully booked until then!) to have the crazed lacquer roof done and wheels refurbished. £400.00 for the roof and £320.00 for the wheels.I was waiting until the MOT to commit but passed again so investing in it now.

I had same in my 400, turned out to be leaky radiator with a hole that was small, but one cold day, noticed a bit of steam drifting out of grill which confirmed the problem Maybe Japex up in Kings Langley are worth a call

Excellent to see a 26 year old car still in spec and doing it's bit to keep the planet a little less 'smoggy', unlike so many oil-burners of a few years old I see.

Just to add, the car is fitted with a Mark Levinson system, I knew it sounded awesome the moment I turned the system on. Also, the car came with front and rear sensors which was a Lexus dealer added option, I saw a receipt with "LPA 800" with a "sensors" wording, but unsure if this is a parking sensor option after all; either way, it is something I wanted to have as it helps a lot when passing a tractor when you're around the Cotswold / Harrogate narrow roads. I couldn't believe how fast the car is - it is mighty quick for the size! To be honest with you, I've driven a lot of cars so I don't feel a difference with the gearbox / hybrid in terms of driving. I do feel that I'm more eco cautious as I keep looking at the hybrid battery screen haha. I've driven 7 hours and a total of 250 miles and I love it.

Take it straight back to the trader you bought it from and get them to sort it at their expense.

It has been contended that modern paintwork only requires to be washed down rather than being followed by waxing, although some members go even further and 'clay bar' and use various polishes some using expensive carnauba products. There is also a waterless product now to clean and polish. I think this last method risks rubbing paintwork with debris so I wouldn't use it. I tend to spot clean splashes of bird poo every couple of days or so, as I can't get the car in my garage and this is a penalty of living close to the coast. The heavy and frequent rain in Devon does help but actual driving through puddles means more cleaning. I have not gone to a car wash for many years since my car came out with grease marks from the rotary brushes. I suppose some of the 'hand' car washes might be better but I believe you are more sympathetic to your own car in cleaning it. Interested to know your cleaning regime and what you use.

Crazy how clean it is inside with the rockers off, looks brand new! I wish we had more options for aftermarket parts over here like they do over there but understand the lack of demand compared to the US.

I just love the detail on this project Rob. Branded stylized heat-shield......it puts the heat wrap on my headers to shame.🤣

Check that Roger Whittaker isn't wedged under the wheel arch ;)

Agreed. An invoice stating £0. I'd want the £0 invoice, the checklist and the hybrid health certificate. I'd probably settle for the latter two though.

That’s all I can think of too but how different is a MY21 RX going to be against the big change MY20? Surely not too much? The only thing I’d like to see on the RX is the wooden steering wheel from my ES (the RX’s wheel is the old style) plus the rear seat control module from my ES Takumi.

Here's an oddity I was unaware of. Over the past few months of enforced idleness, it's been established in other threads that you don't need to drive the car to charge the 12v battery. It's enough to set it to Ready state and leave it alone. You don't need to go for a drive unless you want to, as this will use more petrol than leaving the car stationary. How to charge the hybrid battery has also been discussed, though generally this isn't necessary unless you plan to park the car unused for several months. It's been suggested that if you want to do this, revving the enine might increase the rate of charge and intuitively it looked as if this must be right. But I was puzzled to find that when you do rev the engine the dashboard energy flow graphic shows that the charging stops when you increase the rpm of the engine. Then charging resumes when you release the accelerator to allow the engine to idle. I thought this might be to protect MG1 from excessive speed. I've now discovered that this is wrong, courtesy of the data from Hybrid Assistant. If the engine is not running, Hybrid Assistant shows around 0.2-0.3 kW are being drawn from the hybrid battery (or 0.7 if you have the air conditioning compressor running). Just to try it out, I pressed the accelerator to check that you could rev the engine, even when it wasn't already running. Sure enough the engine revved up to around 1500 rpm and the battery charging stopped, the same as if the engine had been running before touching the accelerator. But then I noticed something strange. With the engine stopped the HA app was showing 0rpm and 0kW output for the engine and around 0.3kW drawn from the hybrid battery to keep the car's electronics etc going. But when I revved the engine, I could hear the engine turning and these readings changed to 1500 rpm but still 0kW output. At the same time the battery readings rose to around 1.5 kW being drawn from the battery. This is power being taken from the battery - not the amount of charge being fed into the battery. So what this indicates is that when you "rev" the engine, it isn't actually using any fuel. What's happening is that MG1, powered by the battery, is spinning the engine and running down the battery charge, rather than increasing it as common sense would suggest. If this is all correct, the conclusion must be that to increase the charge of the hybrid battery, it doesn't help to "rev" the engine. Counterintuitively, instead of charging the battery, this will run the battery down.

It's post 2012 cars that had to have the sensors and post 2014 that will fail an MOT if they are disabled or don't work. I've been told that you can code new sensors into the ecu using Techsmith, and that it's possible to put in a zero code safely enough - but I don't know anyone who has done it so don't know if the zero code actually works. What is the pressured box trick you referred to??

Back to the car in question: it's one that I know well by sight. The previous owners live on the seafront in Brighton, and I often used to see the car parked there on my way into town. Perhaps the location explains the state of the paintwork and the amount of corrosion?

I think the LS represents such a significant step forwards that it has every right to be considered as a 'proper' classic and command a decent price. I've used mine today and still marvel about what it does, and how it does it. I didn't pay a lot for mine, but it was a case of being in the right place at the right time and the price agreed was one which will allow me to fund future works and try to keep it on the road for a few more years. As I reported on here when I got mine, the issue is that some insurers don't see the early LS's status in the same way. FJ only seemed to accept it on my classic policy as I already had five cars insured with them, if I'd have gone to them as a new customer then they'd have turned me away.

... 'did' ... 😪

“I’ve decided to get my local independent engineer (who’s been very helpful since 2016) to service the GS450h.” Will do John. GS450h service due 5 November. And am getting Lexus to run a hybrid Health Check.

Hi John. I'd hoped for the GROM solution but got a no from them when I got in touch. I did wonder if it was just they didn't want to commit so went to check the harness myself but actually there's a really good How to... here by @Howplum that shows the harness in detail so I was able to save myself the hassle and compare with the GROM harness I already have. Unfortunately it's not a match. So more investigation into Dension required I think. But tbh I've been rather enjoying the cassette and CD players and just ignoring phone calls I've also rediscovered the retro delights of burning CDs.

From ground to top of wheel arch the car is sitting at 31 inches all round. Chris

All the above done! 🙂 Well, apart from buying a new discs and pads, still waiting for a quote from Lexus Glasgow. 😞

This is probably a Placebo effect but after doing my brakes the cars feels much smoother and qiuter during braking, even though brakes were in decent condition before I cleaned them anyway! 🙂

Ours was £71k after options, within £5k of an equivalent spec Q7. The £100k version is the one that does 0-60 in sub 3 seconds, and 1/4 mile quicker than a Ferrari F40 or most Lambos. In that regard given most Ferraris/Lambos can only seat 2, and cost more than £100k the top spec Teslas are "cheap'. Both the Model 3 and Y are much cheaper than the S/X. Though ideally Tesla needs the prices to be about another 10%. Tesla is just about the only car manufacturer whos busy building new factories at the moment rather than shutting in them down. The NX/RX is whats keeps Lexus afloat right now, Q4 sales of both in the US will show just how much Lexus has to worry about the Model Y eating into sales.

Total cost for me was under £450. 2x Remanufactured IS350 Calipers imported from rockauto.com - £187 GS450h discs, pads & shim kit- £210 The calipers incurred an import tax charge of about £40 IIRC. Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

It looks the same colours as mine but with 90,000 miles I only want $22,000 for it 😀

Where did you refill the water when it was empty of water?

No - no issue if you stay with original tyre sizes. Genuine 17s have 225/45 - 245/45 and 18s has 225/40 - 255/40, making overall rolling diameter the same and they have same offsets, so no issues. But tyres on 18s will cost you more fur sure.

Thanks Vlady. I wouldn`t like to be in their shoes tomorrow morning when you give them both barrels! Where abouts are you in Ayrshire, as before COVID my wife and I stayed with our eldest daughter in Glasgow and did a couple of runs to Largs and to Robbie Burns`s cottage.

There goes a very senssible man !

Hi Chris I started by takeing tension off then winding it up by hand till it got tight , then puting the second lock ring up to the first one and then wound the top one up until the the supplied spanner fits between ( about 4mm) then locking the lower one, what height have you set all around the car

I am in the same situation. My NX is 3 years old in March and has only done 13,000 miles since new. I was looking to change it, but it is 'as new'. I am one of those that start looking to change when 3 years comes up and it can take up to a couple of years to make a decision, but buying the NX has made me realise that there is no better car that suits my overall needs than what I have. So, it looks like I will get the extended warranty and wait for the new NX to arrive.

Stop trying to wind every one up and look back into the forums archives where there is chapter after chapter of what this guy has and does get up to. When we find someone or a company and with facts we will always warn the membership of that particular person or company.

So, I have made and epic trade between 3 cars 🙂 Returned courtesy car to Woodford, and got courtesy car from Reading, Reading picked-up my car from Woodford and will inspect brakes + do the Full service which I negotiated free when I purchased the car last year. They should let me know what they think about brake condition soon, not sure what they going to agree to do, but at least some progress... It was funny how polite everyone were (including myself) whilst holding battle axes behind the back 😄 But to be fair I don't hold grudge - it is all about the money and as long as they replace what is require without me emptying my wallet I will be very happy. @JeffL - previously I would say NO! But my experience proves otherwise. Again I would always take car for inspection if I suspect something to be wrong with it, but this time I kind of got myself in trouble and put too much faith in dealership experience. In conclusion I think spending little bit on inspection could save thousands down the road, especially if you looking at more fancy car.

Corolla hybrid, top range model. Would definitely not go for an SUV thing.

That is the essence of owning a Lexus. On first acquaintance you think, "Yes, it's good but not stunning - it does what it says on the tin." But after owning the vehicle for a few months/years you begin to fully appreciate the quality and engineering. Bells and Whistles, at my age (yes you youngsters have this to come!) do not float my boat. But neat design, coupled with excellent engineering and quality begins to be fully appreciated as time of ownership goes by. And I am talking about a 1998 LS 400!

I haven't posted much recently (apart from the excellent word association game thread) as I haven't had much to say. My NX continues to be a pleasure to own. Nothing has gone wrong. There are no rattles. Apart from a few stone chips on the front bumper, it is as new. In June it will be three years old, and in all likelihood I'll keep it. I can't think of another car that will do exactly what I want with a quality that becomes more obvious with length of ownership. I ought to downsize, but actually with fewer miles as working at home more frequently I may as well keep something that I really like. Comfortable? Yes, supremely. Quiet? Yes. Good enough for me. Reliable? She's been faultless. Economical? 38-42 MPG is more than acceptable. Service from Lexus Swindon has been equally good. Winter wheels and tyres will go back on shortly. That's the sum total of activity since the Summer wheels were fitted at the annual service. What more could one ask for from a car? Experience amazing indeed!

We've had the car for 4 years and prior to that it lived around the Stoke area. It is a Jap motor though, you should see the underneath of my MX5, now that is rusty!! I fitted the new pipe and had to reuse the old metal bracket as it's no longer supplied with the pipe and has to be purchased separately. I didn't know this until it was delivered! I've only filled up once since but no leaks. I also painted the pipe in Bilt Hamber UB to give more protection and did the arches too. Given the new pipe arrived with scratches on it down to the metal I wouldn't be surprised if they're fitted in the factory like that. Scratches on new pipe. Bilt Hamber UB, it's like a wax and quite tacky. Old bracket was a mess! Cleaned it up with Bilt Hamber deox c and painted with hydrate 80. New pipe fitted with new plastic clips and arches cleaned and protected. It was a fairly straight forward job, just a bit awkward getting the pipe in and the new clips on. I haven't cleaned the old pipe up yet but it still feels solid but for how long is anyone's guess! I also reused the breather pipe, cleaned up and painted.

@ColinBarber Thank you. I'll try harder with my homework. I don't mind paying if I'm getting value, but I do like to get something other than a rubber stamp in order to maintain my 3yr warranty. The genuine Lexus parts for a full service kit including oil, filters, plugs, etc from Lexus cost approx £160. £500 labour doesn't strike me as good value. Unless they need to lift the engine to access the plugs, of course! I love the car but I've already paid for that once 🙂 I'll check again. Perhaps they need to replace a timing item or adjust tappets Cheers for showing an interest!

HI Jeff and welcome. An LS600HL is a very big car which will take some parking. It will have cost over £75k when it was new and will have associated running costs. £15 k is not going to buy one in the youth of its life and will be a potential money pit and whatever you save by only spending £15k, will not be enough and go nowhere near compensating you for the heartache. The ES for £35 k is a better idea, but a Toyota Camry for £30k and a 5 year warranty seems to me to be even better. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Just been watching the Spanish drama called Velvet on Netflix, but the Corvette is surely the most amazing thing on it, what a beauty!

Looks great. +1 for powder coating. Makes a huge difference. Had my 13 year old ones powder coated too to Anthracite earlier this year and makes a huge difference. Few pics of my powder coated wheels below:

Dear all, Here are the first few pictures of my IS. Hope you like 🙂

Oh no, the days of me crawling underneath cars and covering myself in Waxoyl are well and truly over. 40 quid and done by my friendly local mechanic. He could get it up on a lift and do a much more thorough job. I was aware that my '02 IS had lived a pampered garage life but now lives out on the street. I didn't want it starting to deteriorate in my care. I'll probably still check the arches again myself shortly but at least I know everywhere else is done and done well.