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Weather warmer and she’s (the wife) getting better 😉, an actual of 43 achieved from previous charge and last nights charge figures showing 50.8 / 46.2. Must be my coaching🙄😉

Cloudy and not that warm. Climate concierge doesn’t care. It’s very clever!

On 4GR-FSE (that is the engine in your car) not possible - don't waste the time thinking about it and don't waste money trying to do it. I simply cannot be done. And I don't only mean ECU cannot be mapped, which is true - it is locked and cannot be mapped and people who say it can are just lying, but as well that even if you get fully unlocked ECU, or replace it with aftermarket ECU (£1000+£500) there is simply no power to be found in the engine. There is no earnings to speak about on NA engines in general, you can "tune" anything you like out of them, but there is nothing to be gained. On NA engine the only way to make more power is to change the hardware... meaning - pistons, rings, rods, valves, boring out to higher displacement, then upgrading injectors, intake, exhaust... and only then you can do ECU tuning to "unlock" the power you gained from hardware. On Turbo engines that is different story - more boost = more air + more fuel = more power, big gains are possible with simple ECU tune until your rods hits the oil pan. On naturally aspirated car you just can't do it. I was at one point toying with idea of simply raising the RPM, sure at 8500 engine may grenade itself, but it would work in theory... the problem is that you will only make extra power in the new RPM range - so ~7250 to say 8250... It works well for race cars on the track, but it is simply not usable range on the road. Likewise gearbox can't be tuned, it is simple 6-Speed Automatic Torque converted box, it shifts as fast as it can already, there is nothing to be gained. If you want less comfortable and less predictable gearshifts just press "sport" button and that is more or less what the "gearbox tune" can achieve. Now I believe A760E (gearbox in IS350) can be "manualised" meaning new chip/module is installed and it works like sequential manual gearbox, it does not override and it stays in gear you selected. That makes no difference on how quickly it shifts, but it could give a "feeling" that you are more in control, basically if you selected 2nd it will stay in second no matter what. However, I don't believe anyone officially does it on A960E (that is the gearbox in your car), because in Aisin boxes the lower number denotes the higher power rating, so A760E is in that sense superior to A960E and can hold more power. Now they are same design and very similar electronically, so I assume that whatever mods are done to "manualise" A760E would work on A960E, the reason it is not done is that A960E is simply not strong enough box to handle it. So no engine remap, no gearbox remap. I do believe ETC can be made more responsive, but it is kind of pointless because it doesn't give you more power and as it is electronic it does not move any faster anyway, so all the same can be achieved by simply pressing accelerator further. Note as well that with ETC what your foot does on the pedal is literally just suggestion, ECU may accept it or it may not, you cannot override it either. If you want faster car, then you need different car. Sorry to say it but I had 4 IS250s myself (mk2, but that does not matter, they are identical as far as engine, gearbox and ECU are concerned, mk2 is even a little bit faster because it is lighter) and if there was one thing I could change about IS250 then it would be slightly more power. Not crazy amount but say 270hp and something like 6.5s 0-60 would make it perfect, sadly it is not achievable. I know somebody will come around and say "SUPERCHARGER"... Yeah sure - for £6000-£9000 you can get many lights on the dash indicating that your car will explode soon. It won't explode, but you will never get the lights off the dash (apart of tape trick) and secondly - do you really want to spend as much as the car itself to get ~280-300hp? At least on IS350 I understand it - with supercharger they get to 450hp and because they are lighter it makes them as fast as IS-F, but on IS250 it is all downsides and no benefits in my opinion. Certainly the power you get from supercharger is not worth the investment.

To be fair the IS300H has decent acceleration in 'Sport' mode with High voltage battery assisting. The IS250 being a VVTI engine probably loves to be rev'd out to use the power like the old Honda B/K series VTEC engines but then goodbye to MPG old techonology but making them very reliable because simple in comparison to modern engines as they are are turbo charged making them more lively in the lower range. For example the new CIVIC 2016 onwards with the 1.5 VTEC Turbo is a lively engine at 180bhp if your after good performance, MPG & reliability.

Eh up Eric. Excellent post. I was going to start another thread regarding conspiracies etc but now I may not. Your post also made me laugh. It's great how things get muddled misconstrued etc. Mmmmmm I've just had a swig of coffee and decided that yes I will start a thread on conspiracies. As I think it'll be a guddun.

Agree with what most others here say i.e avoid it. Things to consider before you decide you are saving money 1)Cost of insurance for a cat s. This is something you will be shelling out annually on. 2)Ease of selling it / value you will get for it down the line when you want to sell it. 3) Potential cost of additional repairs that may arise due to the structural damage / poor previous maintenance. Also note that the car is already nearly 100k. You can potentially get a non catS 100-125k used one with service history (may not all be main dealer but better than nothing) for maybe under 10k. If its a private sale you may be able to bargain.

Screengrabs shamelessly stolen from clublexus / Lexus Poland - it looks like the 2024 model will be losing the clock and gaining a touchscreen with idrive style control and a 360 camera system, together with some new colours. Not sure on the new dash personally but the ultrasonic blue paint looks very attractive.

Great service once more provided by Lexus Birmingham for my 2014 Ct, love the way the service video comes to my phone so I can see what's happening underneath and confirming what they are checking. Once again it is trouble free with the Mot a pass and no additional work needed, which gives me assurance that they are not in the habit (like some) of trying to bulk the bill, they even let me off with the pick up and drop of charge of £15 which saves me 2hrs a day and another driver to take me there and back or using a loaner. I am on my 2nd service plan which consists of 2 major and 1 minor for around £1100. Some may compare it price wise with a local independent as very expensive, but having paid zero out in additional items apart from brakes and tyre during our 5+ years of ownership plus all the genuine Lexus parts used and full Lexus service history I cannot see me looking for an alternative any time soon. Nice to think there may be an upside to customer loyalty.

Well I managed to access the service history online . I'm a bit under whelmed. It lists the services done at the UK main dealer from 2016 to 2019 but that's about it . No detail, only the hybrid health check .

Happy to hear it helped. Your car being Premier, consider getting maybe used F-Sport airbox and look around for the guides, F-Sport airbox has a hole and a tube to cabin to give more intake sound. Secondly, you could consider cutting out of replacing resonator which goes over rear axle (the exhaust goes into single pipe over axle and into resonator, at least on mk2 it did), as far as I am concerned that resonator doesn't do anything apart of making car quieter, so not much is lost be removing it and if the rest of exhaust is kept as it is then it shouldn't drone either. Alternatively - keep the resonator and replace back-boxes for smaller straight or turbo design, the potential for drone is there, but they would sound more aggressive than just removing resonator. Obviously, the loudest option is to do both of those things, but then you guaranteed to have a drone - cool at first, painful after 2 weeks (guess how I know), so not recommended. Just to be very clear - these 2 mods doesn't add ANY HP, maybe 2HP, maybe even loses 2HP... but they would make the car sound better and therefore "feel" faster. And secondly - this has no impact on emissions, 4 cats are in the front of exhaust and it is better not to touch them for many reason. I would not advise K&N filter, all it did to me was to ruin my MAF... Now I am not saying it is fault of K&N, maybe I oiled it wrong, or didn't oil it in time, but the fact is that K&N filters as far as filtration goes are worse, and that oiling them is faff. As far as the airflow goes... frankly it is irrelevant for IS250 (definitely adds no power) and as far as sound goes... I thought it sounded better, but maybe it was placebo. Anyhow I would do F-Sport airbox mod before I do K&N filter. Sparkplugs on IS250 are already Iridium anyway, so there isn't really any upgrade you can get for them. So what is left are as you mentioned - intake/exhaust/cosmetic mods/sound. Other thing to consider - suspension, lighter wheels and good tyres... If anything good tyres probably is the thing that could improve IS250 the most... if you as well pair it with some light weight and maybe slightly smaller wheels, that may actually help the car to accelerate quicker. But anyway we are talking miniscule improvements here. it is not VAG or BMW diesel where you slap the ECU tune and suddenly there is 100 more horses out of nowhere, but on other hand it is not VAG or BMW where after 40k miles you need to do full engine rebuild because Germans in their infinite wisdom makes parts like cam cover and water-pumps from plastic.

A car trader told me he routinely trades CTs with mega miles and has never had an issue. He swears no other small exec is built to this level. Lexus service manager gave another example by saying roof head liner on CT much thicker and deeper than Prius. That explains the refinement and smoothness. My other car is a LS600hl for long trips but CT is perfect daily drive as half the size of LS so v easy to park anywhere!

Even if it took him most of a morning time is not an issue for the laid-back citizens of Malibu.

After Relax warranty there is a 11-15 warranty available. There is no information on the website so you need to speak with the dealer. The hybrid warranty is 15 years in any event which speaks volumes for Lexus belief in their cars.

Thank you Linas for sharing your wisdom and experience and is really much appreciated. You just saved me couple of hundreds of pounds😅. I think is time to get over myself and maybe just take care of it and maintain it properly. I will do old tricks changing exhaust/ iridium sparkplugs and air filter (K&N most certainly). It is a bit shame because I really love the sound the engine makes and I thought maybe I can make it better. Definitely not investing a large sum of money and definitely doesn't worth the hassle with lights in dashboard 😁 After all it is a great daily driver and probably I need to understand the car.

How long would it have taken him to get into it! I struggled to get into a Lotus Esprit when I was in my 40s....

Im quite certain it does. I’ve read about 3is owners in the states doing the same upgrade

That's jolly helpful. Thanks Ahmed 👍

Eric Len and whoever else. Don't post on this thread if you're going to use words like Conspiracy, Theory, Nazi, Crime and all forms of that word, Bill Gates, ULEZ, Speed zones, LTN areas etc. I've started a new thread What's Wrong With Conspiracy Theory and that's the thread to post things like that on. This thread is purely on what's wrong with electric vehicles and nothing to do with governments etc. Failure to adhere to my request and I'll get this thread shut down. That would be a shame for the sake of 'arguments ' spoiling a good debate. Thank you.

Just had email from my dealer saying they have started the build my 450h. it was ordered 29th June. no details, just a link to my Lexus based on the previous comments on this forum I should be looking towards the end of May for delivery

I cannot seem to open this Renato ........... maybe buy yourself a more User Friendly limo instead ................ a fine Ls400 ! 🤩 Malc

I’ve now got the controller in my sweaty hands. Thanks Martin. Fitting imminent…

If they are cleaned and lubricated properly they should last indefinitely. The rear calipers on my MX-5 are similar to GS ones and they are over 30 years old. They just get a bit of TLC every couple of years. If they are not seized now they can definitely be fixed with a bit of attention. Do all 4.

Fair enough re the shock absorbers and exhaust. I would still try and find a garage which would work on the calipers to see if they can be freed up. Lexus will only fit new ones at vast expense. Usually they can be retrieved with a little effort.

The Irish NCT system works a bit differently than the MOT in the UK. NCT centres are just that, they only do NCT tests so it is almost like a state run body and there will be just a handful in each county, garages aren't allowed to carry out the test. All else being equal it is more strict in that sense making it harder to get a car passed at times. I would try going back to the centre or ringing them for clarification on the precise issue, as if you get the same tester they will only fail it again.

My [unrequested] professional opinion, as someone who designs interfaces for a living, is that both the Lexus website ecosystem AND the apps are pretty underwhelming... 🙄 and I'm sure it's not lack of money to do it better.

My recent service showed up on the app,but listed it as"major", rather than "minor". The garage haven't been able to correct it on the app.They did send me a screenshot of their system confirming "minor" service. Regarding the app showing only hybrid checks,there is a filter button on that screen which filters hybrid/maintenance/repair.Mak sure it is off on all the options to show all. Incidentally,my garage said Lexus were working on improving the app.Perhaps it would be kinder to take it to the vet and have it put down.

In today for the recall. Nice surprise a black LC500 Sport+ as a courtesy car, wasnt booked. What a bit of kit..... interior is something else. If only I'd driven one back in December.

Yes I also had a service that only shows the hybrid health check too. What's on the Lexus Link app isn't worth having anymore unfortunately. I always make sure they stamp the service book and keep copies of all my receipts.

Apologies for my somewhat delayed response also So sorry to hear this news, my sincere condolences go out to his family. Although iv'e only known of john a short while, you could tell what a wonderful style he had and as everyone has said will be very sadly missed

Dya know what. This thread is titled What's The Problem With Electric Vehicles. It's got a lot of relevant posts but unfortunately, in my eyes, too many irrelevant posts. Things like consistency theories and criminality. ULEZ zones and speed limits. 15 minutes time zones in some towns and cities. Those kind of posts need their own thread. I won't be starting it because I can't be bothered. So go on and start one and please stop posting irrelevant things in this thread. It's tiresome and getting boring. And on a lighter note. Just before I watched a video from someone I watch from time to time. He's a proper EVangelist. He was giving us a 3 year from new review on his Tesla model 3. It was enlightening. On his model the warranty is 50k miles and 5 years. Pretty poor that I think. There's hardly any personal touch as in face to face contact with the dealer. When he first saw his car a panel gap on the rear bumper stood out like a sore thumb. We'll fix that sir they said. Few weeks later they went to his house to fix the issues. Oh panel gap was wide at the top and very thin at bottom. They got the measure out and because it was within tolerance there was nothing they could do. How rubbish is that? And months to fix the infotainment screen.

The best advice by far ...

Let the buyer beware! Not a car I would consider - no service history and no paperwork for the repair? Alarm bellswas done should be ringing very loudly. It may be genuine but can you afford to write off £7000 if it goes pear shape? Just my take. The RX400h above is a good, safe buy - surprised it has not been sold by now.

Very easy to fit . Clipped down the leather gater and screwd off the original knob .screwed on new one and clipped back up the gater They had no OEM . Just 3 shades of black and a carbon looking one . I agree the piano black would be nicer but for what I paid (30euros) I'm happy and I may change it down the road 👍

seriously tho' everyone ............ . running these older brilliant simple technology limousines, our Ls400s ...... V8 4 ltr comfy, reliable and surprisingly petrol economic too ........ are a wonderful blessing why on earth all these other people are chasing for summat technically so advanced that it's going to cause immense headaches at some stage . and huge reductions in one's personal wealth ...... baffles me I'm old fashioned ........... and as someone mentioned on the Roy of the Rovers Requiem ......... in our Twilight years ........ does it really take Age to develop Wisdom with cars 😇 OR just a lack of ambition to grow old gracefully and simply rather than chasing around trying to become a Boy Racer .... isn't the Ls400 quick witted and fast enuf ? Malc 🤩

It's horses for courses and thank goodness that we are all different. My choice of model was the best for my circumstances but that doesn't make it the best choice for everyone. Likewise for the charger; most of the time, I charge from the domestic wall socket and it suits me fine but every now and then I really appreciate my wall box and being able to turn my car around in a couple of hours before going out for the evening. Certainly not an essential bit of kit in my case but in different circumstances or with a different vehicle, it could be.

Hi Brad, You are under a misapprehension in a couple of respects. Lexus did not fit Gel type batteries to your model. With the 12v battery in the boot, Lexus fitted a VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) Panasonic battery. In this the acid is absorbed in the glass mat so it is an AGM battery even if it does not say so on the casing. The purpose of the 12v battery is to power the computers, and alarm etc, and connect to the traction battery. It does not start the engine so can be small. The car does not have an alternator or starter motor. This function is performed by a generator which is powered up by the traction battery. So although the engine is fired up as called for and in that sense is stop/start it does not impose a heavy load on the 12v battery as with cars using a stop/start system with conventional alternator/starter motor set up. So with the RXh, the 12v battery is charged via the traction battery but you can't make this connection without the 12v battery first powering up and making connection with the traction battery. It is most important therefore that the 12v battery is kept charged up by regular use of the car, kept sufficiently charged using a smart charger or allowed charge while car is stationary as per handbook. As batteries age they tend not to hold a charge so well so may need increasingly more frequent additional charging, particularly if the car is only used for short journeys. The situation will be worse if the voltage of the 12v battery is allowed to fall below a critical level so that the life of the 12v battery will be reduced or terminated. So high cranking power is not required but because the 12v battery continues to serve its purpose when the car is not used, Lexus specified a deep cycle battery, until at least after the 3rd Generation cars. Your options are therefore:- A like for like replacement VRLA AGM battery generally only available from Lexus. (Since seen Yuasa do similar model but also at high cost). A free flow acid widely available battery with same dimensions as original. Modify plastic base plate that battery sits on in order to fit a slightly longer readily available AGM battery which was less expensive than Panasonic. It also called for some other mods which I detailed on another thread. This also gave 60Ah compared to the original 51Ah of the Panasonic. Appreciate few would go this route. In conclusion, if you accept the slightly increased risk of acid spill in an accident and the battery not being so deep cycling, your cheapest solution is to go for a standard free flow acid 12v battery of same dimensions as original.

Blimey Eric you ain't arf painting a recession type picture. Doom and gloom. I'm seeing you as a Mr Angry character. Passionate yes to beyond that and ki d of blinkered as you read a post but pick at it the parts you kind of twist. Its a shame because of your professional insight to batteries is very welcome.

and the proven culprits of CO2 emissions, being cows, can be properly addressed going forward Malc

Wouldn't have predicted that sentence 80 years ago :):):)

The weather has been so bad since I collected mine I haven't really had chance to take any decent photos in a nice setting. Here's the best so far!

Here's mine. Just to add to the debate on colour names, mine is cadoxton slate, and the American dealer I spoke with recently hadn't heard of the colour. Not sure what it is called in markets outside UK.

Here's mine. It's got a different reg now. The pictures are from June 2020 before it owned it, when Lexus GB touted it around various magazines and reviewers. These photos are not my own but are professionally taken and there's no way my skills with a camera would improve the view. It also appears in this YouTube video being driven by none other than Yianni, the car wrapper with his own TV programme on Dave. I reckon he should stick to wrapping cars and I only ever watch this vid through my fingers.

Shop pic under the lights.

Mixing things up…. I love the inside too!

I haven't had a proper photo session but I've always liked this one taken on the drive.