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Hi, I know this might sound silly, but what was the external temp. reported by the car? IIRC then a temp = < 3 degrees C and the A/C wont work (not sure on the exact figure but in essence if its already cold outside then the car wont switch the A/C compressor on).

Just make sure that whatever oil you elect to put in is 'approved' by Lexus, not all 5W30 oils (as example) are the same (if you will).

Hate to say this...but these electrical problems are reminiscent of Mercedes and their hi-tech gadgetry - which has a habit of going wrong.

Wish I had the fun of a Company Car :P

Just stand your ground and ask nicely :) I think it reasonable that they service the car s its so close to the interval - although you might want to call Lexus Customer Services to enquire about their service policy. IIRC BMW will complete the next service on their AUCs IF it is due in the next 2k miles.

Might be the same with Lexus and the Dealer is just having you on? Also...you might complain the engine sounds like a bag of spanners during the test drive etc. in an attempt to encourage them to complete the service as invariably the Salesman will reply that the car has been standing for a while (prior to you taking it for a T/D). To which you should then check the oil, making sure you comment on how dirty it looks and gritty it feels to the touch, and enquire (loudly) how long his dirty oil is been 'stood' in the car - and what wear it might have caused? Parlour trick maybe, but if you're serious about the car and Lexus Dealer doesn't want to close the deal, this might encourage him ;)

Remember, your money and these big cars aren't actually flying off the forecourts these days...negotiate hard.

Sorry, but there is absolutely NO WAY that I'd let anyone, Lexus or *** Himself, chuck in semi-synth. oil into my Lexus engine. Approved or not its a pure nonsense. These cars are calibrated for true synthetic oil and with a car engine thats been run in to that effect - to change now would be very risky IMHO. My car takes fully synth, thats what you stick in. Are they actually saying you can leave semi-synth. oil in the engine for the same amount of time as the fully synth.? If so, then why do they advocate the use of fully synth. oil in the first place?

Sounds total fob-off to me. But I can't say I blame you in how you feel. Thats how I'd feel if I got stiffed for £1200 smackers!

I too find it cynical when (if?) you are told by the Main Dealer that the 'brakes need doing' etc. only after nominal mileage.

apart from the cynical explanation that exists (and to one which i myself subscribe to!) is that the reason they throw up brakes is that it not only prays on our sense of vulnerability (after all who wants a car with dodgy brakes?) is that many folk wont know how to check them with any level of confidence. So with doubt they can extract more money from you for a job which is very UN-labour intensive, but maximises cost to you (which makes more profit for them). But, and bear with me here, another POV is that they with the extended service intervals on many cars, I was explained that they take the view of how worn the pads/discs are today, with when the car is likely to come in for servicing and how worn they will be then. If they estimate (guesstimate?) they will be below min. they will suggest you get them changed - all from a liability POV should it all go horribly wrong.

I know which theory I subscribe to and yes, Lexus do not have extended service intervals (yet) but I thought I'd share that with everyone - believe what you want to ;)

For any warranty claims, they will be noted by Lexus GB if yours should need any work as the Warranty is on the car and not to the owner.

The only reason you should update these details (IE: new owner details) is that you can be sent a reminder that the Warranty is due for renewal. Vehicle recalls etc. are done through DVLA. I personally would have details updated to show car was in new ownership - but thats just me.

Also be sure to ask what they will do - as on some services (like the 2 yr/20K) some dealers will INCLUDE cost of brake fluid (and quote inclusive) while others will literally give you the price of the service itself.

Do make sure that any variance is taken into account by asking for what they will do. Don't assume that they will do the same.

If the pre-face lift have the same schedule as the post-face lift cars then every 10k, 30k, 50k, 70k etc. will be MINOR services and every 20k, 40k, 60k, 80k will be MAJOR services by definition.

Regime should be 10k miles OR 12 months (whichever is sooner). I don't think there is a 'service counter' on these cars so you will literally have to see what the current mileage is and look for evidence of last service and go from there.

Good luck!

I wouldn't have said it was unusual to need to top up engine oil on a brand new car. Other top marques (like BMW) say that in very tight engines 1L of oil per 1000M is about fine (IE: normal and to be expected). Then at about 30K the engine should have bedded in quite nicely and that should be that.

In a new engine I'd always make sure I was checking the oil (not relying on sensors) because a new engine can use oil. Then I'd have a laxer regime of oil checking ;)

Can't say for sure on the pre-facelift (1998 - 2003) cars - no experience.

This feature is not found on the base model and Ltd. Edition (IIRC) - but otherwise standard on all other ranges of the RX.

I'm sure someone will be on shortly to clarify :)

Just wanted to add my voice of appreciation - these isntructions worked perfectly on a 2003 RX300SE (No NAV).

Thank muchly for posting this solution Mate!

I concur with much of the sentiments (advice) you have been given here by other - stand your ground mate.

However my post here is motivated by the fact they 'want to try' semi-synth oil. That would send alarm bells ringing for me on many counts none moreso than it can do your engine harm if you switch between syht. and semi-synth. oils. Your car is designed to run fully synth. oil and thats what it should have. Also it has run in with fully synth. oil - changing it now may cause other problems. Ask them, what type of oil is on Lexus' approved list, willing to bet its only FULLY synthetic oils. So you must ask them, why they're so keen to chuck in semi-synth.?

Absolute no-no if you ask me. Keep the fully synth. stuff and don't let them toss in anything else.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying the Kumhos are naff - far from it I've had these tyres fitted to a variety of cars (Fabia VRs, PUG 205 GTi, Clio II ...) and they have been the Ecsta KU31 range of tyres. They have performed admirably and I have been suitably impressed. But when it comes to tyres for my 330 Sport or the RX I remain to be convinced that these tyres offer the same performance as the equivalent Michelins. I would need to have more convincing that they are as good on these 'extra load' or 'heavy' vehicles.

If you could post back your findings over a period of time, then I'm sure we would all find it of use.

Thanks muchly to NickS for picking up on the point I was trying to make.

The issue of corrosion is in relation to the roof rails and alloy wheels. Both of which seem to have been reported many times on the RX (and IS?) threads too. I just felt I should post back my own experience since people may think (or be lead to believe) that if they have the Lexus AUC Warranty/Extended Warranty then issues like corrosion to 'trim' will be put right under the terms of the Warranty - this is clearly not the case. IMHO the Extended Warranty is still very good value for money, however this, like many other such Warranty extensions from manufacturers exclude 'trim' (amongst others). But, this should not prevent you from seeking assistance given that Lexus are well aware of these issues themselves and an otherwise pretty damn good SUV is let down by these niggling issues [of corrosion].

However, full credit to Lexus Customer Services for getting involved and resolving matters.

Hi Guys,

I wanted to report back my experience of dealing with Lexus on the issue of corrosion. I know this is a topic we have covered many times on this forum and perhaps none moreso than in relation to the RX. But I felt it important to post back my own experience in the hope that it might be of use to others.

We bought our RX as a used vehicle from Lexus Croydon. It has a full Lexus Warranty until February 2008. In November 2007, the roof bars were showing signs of accelerated corrosion and I asked Lexus Milton Keynes to kindly have them replaced under Warranty. I was promptly informed that the Lexus Warranty on my car did not cover replacement of such items as the roof bars were considered 'trim'. Had my car been under the original 3 yr factory warranty, then yes, they would - but seeing as I had a car that was 3+ yrs old, this was a specific exclusion under the terms of my Lexus Warranty.

I was told that the roof bars themselves cost some £650 +VAT and then labour to fit them. I was not satisfied with this response so raised it with Lexus. Who, to their great credit, didn't take long to respond. The long and short of the situation is that they finally agreed to provide the roof bars FOC, but I would have to pay the cost of labour to fit them. Which is a result because with new roof bars, it will tidy up the whole exterior visage of the car :)

The reason I have posted this is because:

1. If your car is outside of the original 3 yrs factory warranty, but covered under the Lexus extended warranty, then you will not get the same level of protection for items such as your alloy wheels and/or roof bars.

2. I used the experiences of other LOC members (and this forum) to highlight the issue of corrosion - citing that these are very well known problems on Lexus vehicles, in particular the RX.

3. If you stand your ground, use rational arguments and are polite (but firm) then you will get a positive response from Lexus. Might take a bit of effort on your part, but never the less, you should get the result you are after.

4. If you don't have the extended Leus Warranty, then I think you will be hard pushed to get anything out of Lexus.

I think it is well worth an additional mention that we have been very satisfied with the way in which Lexus Customer Services have gone about dealing with our concerns. They have given personal responses, provided appropriate rational (to their POV) and been quick to reply. There has been no unnecessary foot dragging nor have they prevaricated in any way. And you have to commend them on their approach.

I hope people find this of use and informative. For us, we will be renewing our Lexus Warranty in February 2008 (for another year) because we feel it is well worth having (but thats another debate altogether!).

Just t clarify this point. It would appear that our 'premium' segment SUV lacks the relevant car memory module (unlike the Q7, X5, XC90 etc. etc.) and Lexus have only introduced this in the US on the latest generation cars. I find it disappointing (and alarming) that you can spend £40k on a car such as this - and not have the option to set such simple convenience and luxury options you can on the competitors cars.

Its insane. A definite oversight on Lexus' part and one that you really do miss having if you're already used to it. Convenience should come as standard on a luxury marque as the RX IMHO - very bad Lexus.

I too would be surprised if the discs needed doing on a car of that age. Although you don't mention the mileage - presume it isn't intergalactic :)

I'd take the wheel off myself and check the lip - not scientific but if there is a defo. lip then change them, else see how you go. Many places over estimate change intervals - partly due to money (IE: it is a very easy job for them and therefore makes more profit) and partly due to them estimating whether or not the bits would survive until next service.

I must try this tomorrow. I do hate that *BEEP* ... reminds me of that annoying Roadrunner *MEEP*MEEP* my butt :P

Our car has OE Bridgestone tyres fitted. They seem to do the job quite well and are hard wearing. I however don't like the brand (personal choice). its nothing in particular I guess, I just prefer the Michelins. I'm waiting for mine to scrub out so I can put the Michelins on there. Although while we had a Hybrid on load, it had the Dunlop <something> tyres - they appeared quite grippy (soft) and quieter than the Bridgestones. I think I preferred them. But ultimately, I would buy the Micehlins over any other as (for me) the brand is tried and tested.

I think it is a brave decision going with the Kumhos - are they for European market as much of the stuff about them is for the US market - and tyres that are NOT European type approved are considered illegal in the UK.

Might be worth you posting regularly about the tyres and your experiences mate?

I think this might turn into a very informative thread as I don't think UK buyers consider the fuller options (and impacts) of cars they are buying - we get blinkered into looking at MPG only. I'm not a fan of the RX Hybrid (I really REALLY wanted to like that vehicle) but I remain unconvinced and didn't really think about the EMF issue at all.

I think the original poster of this thread (who wants a cast iron guarantee) will find that there can be no guarantees offered because I don't think these things are properly understood and tested. Its like global warming. For every one scientist that says there IS G/W you can find another who says there isn't (if you see what I mean). EMF and the like are phenomenons of the 21st C in which we live - surrounded by electronics and gadgets and gizmos all of which exude EMF to some degree. I know some want proof (either way) before they will be convinced, but I prefer to err on the side of caution and protect my family as best as I can. And with the EMF issue - it is of great concern to me and one that would bear hvy on my mind IF I were to consider purchasing a Hybrid.

I think its a very good question to ask, but not one to which you will find an answer (yet).

IIRC the recall, once approved by VOSA, lasts for a period of 10 years - to ensure it gets done, and will always be FOC.

As with all other consumables, always worth paying attention to. Not least from an MPG POV but also from tyre life and safe braking. Not surprising you're getting improved MPG with correct pressures. Every little does indeed help - especially with vehicles like these.

Lexus Warranty is limited to 7 years (age) or 100k (miles) - whichever comes first. The Lexus Warranty costs £825 for one year renewal or £1650 (if two years paid for in advance).

FWIW Third Party Warranties aren't worth the paper they are written on - just check the exclusions on the 'other' Warranty and the price difference isn't all that much - seeing as yo9u have the option to go with the Lexus one or the 'other'.

If you really want a Warranty stick with the Lexus - else save your money and keep your fingers crossed ;)