Leaderboard

I have had my RX 450H+Tacumi now for 3 weeks and am just about up with all the new electronics. The iPhone connectivity was a very attractive one and I read up on all the different functions. However, 1 function is not well known. I had locked the car with the Key and was sitting in a cafe across the road. My daughter wanted to get something from the car so I used my iPhone to unlock it. I didn't work. So I tried many time when I got home and it still didn't work. I then noticed if I locked it with the phone and not the key, it did work. A call to the garage confirmed that was the case. I still have lots of issues with the iPhone interface which I am told needs a visit to the Garage ti fix.

In a way Top Gear did us owners all a favour with their review keeping used price of SC's low and affordable for those of us who dared to take the plunge and buy one of these wonderful cars.

The Shadow system doesn't use the Canbus system. Same guy fitted the Shadow as fitted and removed the Ghost. No further issues since regarding battery discharging.

Windsor Safari Park 🐒

Youtuber has a 3 year old porsche taycan (electric) and paid over £100k new. Went back to the same main porsche dealer as he fancied a p/x against a new 911. 'Sorry sir we have too many Taycans in stock we can't sell so no we won't take a p/x'. On enquiring if they could how much would his car be worth 'around £42K sir'. When asked what would happen if his battery fails 'well that would be £42k plus £7k labour' Do the maths on that one.

Was away on holiday last week so a couple of 80 mile journeys completed. Definitely quieter than the NX, more relaxed ride (possibly due to longer wheelbase) and certainly a Lexus where you simply waft along. Seat comfort similar to NX. Definitely a bit thirstier (as expected). Hopefully temperatures will rise which should improve ev range. 660 miles on the clock and still got quarter of a tank. Once I refuel and calculate the electricity consumed I will report on overall mpg.

I have read this from several sources and I have just linked to one. It concerns an aspect that many would not think about, but perhaps they should.

.......but you are a rockstar .....in the classic car show world at least.😁 I've watched lots of Kelvin's youtube content. He really knows his stuff.

European ports are completely full with Chinese EVs. Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Antwerp, Rotterdam and so on. Previously cars were unloaded and then disappeared to the end customers mostly through dealers. The Chinese have a different approach they just use those ports as storage area. Some cars have been there for 1.5 yrs. Chinese manufacturers get paid per car by the Chinese government so keep producing my friends happy days and who cares if nobody buys them ?! Demand for 2nd hand ones is very low out of consumer fear. What are you buying? what is the state of the battery? High electricity prices make EVs as expensive as petrolcars? In most countries you pay roadtax based on weight and that is much higher with a battery? How about value will they continue depreciating like crazy? From the model you are interested in for sure there will be newer versions withmore range faster charging so why buy this one? In short there are too many uncertainties for private buyers. Like before the market is driven by companycars only.

I’m never an expert but YouTube has been very helpful from time to time 😉

You know when you feel a dinosaur? When your five year old grandson can operate the satnav better and faster then yourself ( without any form of explanation whatsoever) !!!

Uncle Bob is our expert in Kent. In NZ for all things UZ there is Kelvin of the Car Tune Company. He doesn't have the same rockstar image as Bob but his vids are very good. Follow Kelvin

Would need to be partially dismantle to see the timing marks on crankshaft and camshafts. Sadly that’s the job over half done . This was my first SC that I done the belt on….turns out it had already been replaced 🙄

Thanks. It was a great day, even rain on the way home didn’t stop me smiling! The dealership was great and the car is exactly what I hoped it was, a unique proposition in today’s market.

An LS430 with 600k on it confirms that in the right hands the 3UZ is a very safe bet.

Unexploded Bombs! Noooo

I'm confused because everywhere I look, including from Lexus themselves, I read that the LFA has a front-mid engine layout, meaning the engine block is entirely behind the front axle, right? I've had no reason to doubt this, except that it always looks like a normal front-engine layout in pictures, with the engine easily straddling the front axle. This isn't always obvious, as it can be hard to judge from a picture due to the angle etc, but this view from the side shows it pretty clearly: The very definition of mid-engine placement is that the engine is somewhere between the front and rear axles. So rear-mid means it's in front of the rear axle but behind the cabin, front-mid means it's behind the front axle but in front of the cabin. Cars which are front-mid engined include the AMG GT (first generation only), AC Cobra, some Jaguars, Aston Martins, Dodge Viper, Honda S2000. They tend to have long noses with the front wheels pushed far forward, with the strut towers clearly ahead of the engine when looking into the engine bay. Honda S2000 is a great example of front-mid engine layout with the engine completely behind the front axle: AMG GT is another clear example: And I'm not picking on the LFA here, I'd like to point out that the Nissan GT-R is also claimed to be front-mid engine even though the engine clearly straddles the front axle: I don't think I'm being pedantic, this is pretty fundamental stuff! The only conclusion I can draw is that the LFA is not mid-engined at all, it is in fact a front-engine layout. So, can someone smarter than me please explain what I'm missing here or why I might be wrong? Looking for honest discussion.

On my Mk3 today she just turned 249,000 wondrous miles Malc

Just an update. The used oil valve solenoid from the breakers seems to have cured the P1351 and P1354 codes. I have 2 new units arriving early next week from amayama. I have been waiting for ToyotaTech Guildford to have some space in his workload to take a look. I still have codes P0300, 302, 304, 306 and 308 which are all bank 2 (drivers side). I checked all the coil packs and found quite a bit of white rubbery deposits inside the boots and around the spring.. She seems to be a little happier but is still lumpy on tickover. EML still returns after a couple of minutes, which kicks in the VSC ABS lamps too, even though the paperclip trick defeats them. Talking to the Tech, he suspects the timing belt replacement, done 12k miles ago may have caused this issue with bank 2 being one tooth adrift. Much research on the internet seems to suggest all other things, so its still clear as mud 😅 My first serious enquiry to ChatGPT the All encompassing AI system was "Could I have a suggested diagnose and repair procedure for fault codes P0300 etc on a 2003 Lex SC430 with a 3UZ-FE engine. I got a thorough reply which contained instructions in each of these bullet points: Inspect Spark Plugs Check Ignition Coils Inspect Ignition Leads/Wires Verify Fuel System Inspect Air Intake System Check Engine Compression Inspect ECM Clear Fault codes and Test Drive So that should cover every eventuality 😆

My Car is off Singapore on the Opel Ace Container Ship. Chuffed. Tel

I'm not retired yet but I already think about my own micro business ...

The suspension set up makes it remarkably agile for a luxury limo and the 1UZ is so strong.

That's my RX450h+ one month old now and 665 miles on the clock. First refuel today with just under quarter of a tank indicated. Ignoring electricity charging consumption was over 82mpg but with the cost of charging (at off peak rate) converted to what that equates to in petrol the overall result is in excess of 62mpg. As expected its down on what I was achieving from my previous NX450h+ (72mpg) but better than I had thought so very pleased.

My Ls400s are occasional “ race cars “ too ……. Amazing acceleration, speed and manoeuvreability with the right road conditions too of course ……. Real Proper Sports Grand Tourers for sure 😂 Malc

Hi Nigel, in truth I think Top Gear did understand. It can of course be turned into a race car with a fixed roof but my issue with the design and placement in the Lexus range was the departure from the previous Soarer which was, in its day, superb as a sports grand tourer at LS level in V8 form and an executive Supra as the 2.5TT. Top Gear had to play to their audience, it was a poor review but if you understand that they were familiar with the earlier import Soarer (an LS400 coupe) they were right to expect something world beating in all departments. Like a broken record, I've said this a hundred times and as an old Soarer nut that's why my SC has received so much 'abuse.' 🤣

Had my LBX for a week now and really like it. My first Lexus and I'm impressed with the quality. Changed from a Leon SR and wanted more bells and whistles as well as a better mpg having just retired. As a previous poster said, I tried both xc30 and xc40 Mazdas but we both really didn't like the lack of any grunt to get away from junctions etc. As also mentioned, not too bothered about the rear leg room as there are only the two of us. I find the online manual really frustrating as its not easy to go to what you want to find out and then to have to go to another reference. The actual hard copy owners manual is much better but only skims the surface. My dealership (Teesside) hadn't/couldn't load up the Lexus sat nav and pushed me to use Google maps instead. Taking time at home I was able to activate Lexus's myself and find it very good, I don't intend to faff around with using my phone for guidance (old gadgie alert!) The dealership are going to have to get involved though as asking for any map updates brings up advice to see them! I really enjoy the drving with the car and it will take a while to get used to all the driving and safety aids. Cosmetically the car looks top class and I'm pleased to have taken the plunge.

interesting, I'm reading somewhere recently, that Tata / Range Rover have developed a secondary use for defunct EV batteries by using banks of them for effective ( solar ? ) power source banks for homes whatever ......... At least EVs will have some use when they're all dead and being scrapped ......... anytime soon maybe 😉 No doubt someone here will happily correct me on this ! Also reading the piling high of EVs at docks and ports globally where they're being effectively stored coz no dealers want to buy them for stock holding and not being able to shift them to retail punters .................. Possibly not much demand for 2ndhand EVs, even Porsche 😂 in the Gobi or Sahara or indeed anywhere in Africa much where all good used cars go for their true end-of-life ......... next life Malc

Just took a look, £366 it came to. Postate to NI was £17. Service Kit (Complete) was £213 - 5L genuine oil, oil filter, sump plug washer, air filter, pollen filter, spark plugs, 7L of coolant Transmission Fluid £44 Various Drain Plugs around £14 Brake Fluid £6 New wipers front and rear / genuine £42 Paint touch up kit £9 Air con cleaner £12 Fuel system cleaner £12 So that pretty much covered all the service items (and some that the Lexus services don't, like gearbox fluid. In my eyes, the car is set right now to pick up from the schedule with the minor / majors Unfortunately no link, but I'll tell you how I know. Where I live there's a 1.5 hour drive to Belfast for the only genuine Lexus dealer in Northern Ireland, part of the UK network of course where I live. There's another dealership just across the border in the Republic of Ireland, a Toyota / Lexus split dealer complete with the Lexus showroom and all. I was passing it on a trip one day, stopped in and enquired about their prices. They work out around £25 cheaper for both services after converting it from Euro. I explained to the service advisor there that I'd serviced it (as above) and was checking that there would be no issues in terms of having it serviced in another country. It was then he said that I didn't have to put it in for a full service since I do the work on my own, he said an oil change with them would be enough to trigger the Relax Warranty. Of course, it's not in writing and I'd have to hope he or someone else agrees. My plan was, nearer the time (around summer when it's been 6 months since my servicing) to contact Lexus Belfast and *hopefully* have them confirm / agree that it's possible. There's a very real chance they won't agree, however then I'll call Lexus themselves and see what they say. Only downside of going to Lexus in ROI, is that if I needed to make a claim under the Relax Warranty, I'd of course, have to do it via them. They're only a 40 minute drive right enough. The only other Lexus dealer to 'dispute' things with down there is in Galway... a near 4 hour drive! Although even with Belfast (in the UK network) I suppose there's still no other drivable Lexus dealer here for me to get a second opinion on any issue. The consumer protections in ROI will be different too. I'm familiar with our Consumer Rights Act etc here, and unfortunately have had to send letters in accordance with that over the last 9 years when dealing with the motor trade (mostly to help family members) before getting results. I always act now in such a way that I think I'd have a back up plan should I get a difficult or lying technician / service advisor. I have high hopes that Lexus will be above such cheap and nasty tricks, but only time will tell..

Yes - forgot about the vinyl roofs 😅

The sound warning when driving over the speedlimit is new regulation. all new cars do have this now, just wait until they introduce the next step in limiting your speed so even if you want you cant go faster. The LBX dash and infotainment seems relatively simple compared to some of the German competitors with humongous screens and a thousand options. They design this to impress customers in the showroom. First time a potential customer sits in the car they have to be wowed and immediately the car is sold especially with the younger generation. That you never use 95% of possibilities does not seem to matter. I like the LBX, it looks good and is the right size for what it needs to be. If you want a small car and like some more upmarket feel what is the competition?

UAE worth considering but it's a bit too hot and wine is expensive over there so I would be bankrupt based on my drinking habits.

For those who'd like to see the spec of my green/tan car a bit better than my incompetent photo above, Lexus Nottingham have sent me a link to my handover day on their Instagram, including a short video. You can just about hear a customer calling out 'you're going to get wet!' as I pull out the showroom with the top up. 😂 https://www.instagram.com/p/C5icHtYChfB/?igsh=MXY2dzc2eHk5bTd6bg==

I think you’ll find that the power outlet (as it’s now known!) is only live when the engine switch is in Accessory or Ignition On mode. If you don’t have an OBD connector then you’ll probably need to use crocodile clips to connect directly to the battery.

The UAE could be an option. Heard they dont have taxes in Dubai.

I think a lot comes down to individual opinion of Technician. My car has always [assed MOT's without advisories. However, on the penultimate service at Lexus main Dealer, they said the rear disks and pads needed replacing and they offered a price for doing it. I actually bought replacements intending to put them on (as I did the fronts a year previously). but due to my wife needing much more help these were not fitted. I was therefore expecting this to be mentioned when they serviced my car last year but it wasn't, just that the trailing arm bushes needed replacing with an offer to do that @ circa £1500. I will take a look myself when it stops raining and becomes a little warmer. If they still seem reasonable and get through MOT, I will leave for another year. Be interesting to learn what Lexus say at next service!

16, it is stated in the owners manual and the parts catalogue for the European spec UX. 20 is used in the non-hybrid version of the engine (not available in the UK).

Glad it's all sorted now @Lex_utor

Got my sat nav plugged into dash cigar lighter. Definitely goes off when ignition key is removed.

…….. and being ragged and dragged everywhere ………. You often in drag mode these days 🤣 Malc

It was the dashcam that got me thinking, as insurers now ask if you have a dashcam installed (which I do - its saved me twice now)

I've just put my son on my LV fully comp insurance policy for 21 days at a cost of only £9, unfathomable.

Amazing. Can you get me on my insurance at a fair price?🤪

Just bought a little trailer to hook up to my SC 430. Coffin goes on the trailer and the SC is the hearse pulling it. Still looking for a cemetery that will do the extra large plot so it can be driven straight down into the hole and buried with me. Think I understand what the Pharoahs were trying to do ! 😉

No, the insurance companies just want to cheat and rob you. It's obvious innit?

The gov't will not intervene because they don't give a toss about us. It is gradually dawning on me that I should leave the country ( after 20 yrs in France one gets a better perspective on different gov'ts ). I just read today that Labour intend to tax us even more now that they are confident in winning they don't need to hide the bad news anymore. The only choice is to get out and live in a country that will not fleece ordinary working people - Maybe Portugal? Must do some research before we leave.

I think the Honda deal is better value😁. But hang on, the wild flower seeds offer sounds eco friendly and they might not be weeds? Hmm... it's a difficult choice. 😴. After thinking very hard ( it hurt a bit ) I think the solution is go for the Honda and buy your own wild flower seeds from home bargains for 99p.

My thoughts exactly as seen in my previous posts on this page. I will either stick with the IS cars that I have or find an ICE non electric alternative elsewhere, if they will still exist in a few years time. I just hope the isF has another 10 yrs left in it, if so it will outlast me.😉

For a healthy charged battery to go flat overnight, there has to be a decent parasitic load. Something like a light, fan, fuel or water pump, or screen heater. Most of these loads will either shut down automatically or sound a warning when you exit the car. So the only suggestion I can come up with is to carefully check around the car using eyes and ears to see if you can detect anything that continues to operate after you have shut down the car. Cheers...

My renewal price £736 vs £659 last year. Happy with that after reading all the crazy prices others are asked to pay. With NFU who are top rated. 67 year old. Full no claims. East Yorks.

UK government “You must buy an electric car!” UK Insurers “We don’t provide cover for electric cars” What time is the number 15 bus due?