NickS

Like Chris, I was always washing mine but they blistered from the inside, and I had them replaced under warranty when the car was just under 3 yrs old. When I sold after another 3 years they were bubbling slightly, but absolutely no kerbing damage. Can only think the alloy is sub standard, which is strange considering how sound the rest was.

Shame they didn't actually wash it for you! Not seen the recent mag yet but might treat myself for the Bank Hols!

Well the service display can be set manually at any time so it proves nothing. That said, it would take a very deliberate act of deceit to alter it, and if they were going to do that they'd surely have wound the odometer back to 70K! Or maybe it's done 150K - only joking! Afraid I'm unsure if Lexus has central database of service history. I believe Audi does. Can you trace the dealer from any items like window stickers, number plate logos or tax disc holder? Why not ring the previous owner? Don't recall reading about cam-belt change, but a quick search turned up this:- http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=64583&st=0&p=704649&hl=cambelt&fromsearch=1entry704649 That was a 400 though, and I'm unsure how closely related the engines are. I'd ask the dealer to be 100% sure, or post a query here with that as a heading. Perhaps it's lurking in my handbook, but I'm mid 60s at moment (car not me, quite!) so perhaps I had better start saving.

For years I had bought a pair of new frames and blades for my cars as a kit of two (a pair). When the RX needed a rear one, I bought the frame with blade fitted. It was in a Toyota bag. When new fronts were needed I bought some Bosch (my usual fave brand) from a mail order place. They were too short, and the fitting was the wrong type! Went to Lexus, who (as above) happily fitted new blade rubber for nothing - cost about £8 for one! Bargain, and they have lasted 30,000 miles and over 2 years. My Honda ones are worn out after the first heavy downpour and half-an-hours use - rubbish quality. Very few Lexus items appear over-priced, though I am saving up to get radio repaired.

Yes, the service does knock spots of all the others. Like you I have some experience of BMW (530i and wife's Z3) an several Audis. Now I have a Merc and none too thrilled with service so far - extortionate prices too! Wiper blades for SLK £30. One blade for Lexus, £8 fitted! Lexus/Toyota still supply the rubber alone, which I haven't seen for years, and fitted it gratis. Must admit I doubt there are many breakers though google found a few, none that were obviously in Hants though.

Mine has another 3-position switch. On with doors, off, and permanently on. If it only works in the perm on position, I'd check the button in door jamb that triggers the lights - it's not by the hinge like most cars, but near the latch above the wheel-arch. If you are trying with the doors shut, while sitting inside, only the perm on position will appear to work.

Hi and welcome! Can answer the satnav question. Are you trying to enter data while moving, because if so you can't! Most of the function are 'greyed' out above a few mph, for safety reasons. Frustrating, but Lexus are a bit paranoid about these things. A few threads here about updating the nav, but personally I supplement with a 'paper GPS', or Road Atlas as I used to call it! No idea about the DVD screens, I'm afraid. Re the trim, I'd ask at your local Lexus or Toyota garage as I've been surprised how cheap some bits are. Failing that, I'd ask them about any breakers locally, unless you know one. But not many of these about, so maybe there are trade suppliers? Hope you enjoy your new ride!

I believe this a long-standing issue, particularly if it is worse when cold. I recall reading about dashboard creaks and suchlike when buying our RX300 three years ago (a 2004 model) and ours has tended to do this to no ill-effect. Here's thread where it is mentioned:- http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=12787&st=0&p=125803&hl=creaking&fromsearch=1entry125803 Or have I misunderstood?

I'm inclined to think it's a Lexus problem too. Can only speak for the RX though. I went to Tony almost 3 years ago. It certainly felt different, but 6 months later the wear was obvious, but on the outside (not the inside as he said above). It usually looks feathered, even though I was mainly using motorways at the time. Now we do far fewer miles, and a branch of Pro-tyre last did alignment using the same gear Tony used to have (the printout is almost identical). They said the RX is notoriously sensitive and recommend checking every 6 months. I also run the tyres at 34 to 36psi and this seems the best solution, and a lot cheaper than regular tracking.

As the SE-L has HID/xenon headlights, there is no manual levelling fitted, unlike regular headlamps where there is usually a 3 or 4 position switch. However, this model also has air suspension to keep the car level, so theoretically the lights would only need one setting anyway. If they give you a guarantee it will pass the MOT test then I'd be tempted. But I wonder if they have really thought it through?

I tried the links, thank you. The removal guide is great, though I'm too wary of modern cars to attempt that. Last time I fitted a radio was about 25 years ago in a Fiesta! Nothing about the symptoms, though, which surprised me. As you say, many more sold elsewhere, so maybe just unlucky? Two weeks ago, the battery was flat. It had only been serviced the week before, but the dreaded lights switch was left on Auto, which I had read could cause issues. The AA man said the battery had given up, and as it was 6 years old, I got him to replace it on the spot. £110 with 3 years warranty, versus Lexus dealer at £99 with 12 months. Am now awaiting the AA again (!), as I haven't driven her since Monday evening, and virtually no juice; just enough to unfold the mirrors! So there must be something 'leaking' or not switching off. Also booked in to see nice car radio man tomorrow, as recommended by the AA chap. When new battery had been fitted, the radio worked again, so clearly the basic bits are functioning. But as soon as I changed the Driver/Front position it went silent and hasn't worked since. I had hoped resetting everything with the new battery had somehow sorted it, but no!

I know exactly what you mean. Most newer designs rest much closer to the back of my head. Personally, I'd be reluctant to bend anything, lest it was damaged. I have seen little headrest covers, and someone good with a sewing machine could create some. Then you could tuck some slivers of foam inside, bringing the surface closer. Might be worth looking in Yellow Pages or www.yell.com for car upholsterers, as they could doubtless pad out the existing headrest for you, which would be hard to spot.

Sure enough the main dealer has confirmed radio etc will need to be removed to look at this. I haven't plucked up the courage to ask for an estimate yet. Pleased that 60K service and MOT went smoothly but still at a loss to know why the radio should simply stop 'sounding'. Any clues please?

It must be all those people in front driving too close to you! Seriously, though, we've not had more than the usual chips in 35k miles in the previous model, but the bonnet is really badly chipped. The paint seems quite susceptible. I suppose there might theoretically be a quirk of design or aerodynamics causing this, but most likely just coincidence. Like sometimes you get two punctures in a month, then not again for 2 years.

Very good, I agree. Have you owned yours from new? I had all five replaced on my RX 300 when it was about 3 years old, having bought it at 2.5 years old with the normal 12 month Lexus used warranty. I thought they might have supplied refurbished ones but they looked brand new to me. What is still worrying is that 3 years later, one or two are bubbling through again. The worst one was in the spare wheel well all along! There was never any curbing; it is as though the core material is corroding and pushing the paint off. My roof rail ends were replaced too and they are bubbling again. What I can't understand is given how good the rest of the car seems to be, why Lexus seem unable to make durable alloys. I had a 2003 Audi TT from almost new and there wasn't a mark on the wheels when I sold it earlier this year. So it isn't impossible, and I don't buy the argument about wet weather in England!