NickS

I'd be horrified if my Lexus needed over £800 of repairs in a year, unless it had done 120,000 miles or more! Let's see how much you actually claim in 12 months time? Cheers Nick

In case it's worth looking around, I was recently quoted £338.40 by Warranty Direct, though this was curiosity only as my Lexus used warranty runs until June/July '08. Not had experience of this firm myself, but it seems to be the only one recommended by anyone remotely independent, e.g. Honest John. Nick

My 54 plate RX300 SE-L had a nasty tremor when I test drove it (it was about 25,000 miles then), which was sorted before I collected it. I suspect this was achieved by swapping one front wheel with the spare. All was fine until after its full service 10,000 miles (and about 6 months) later when it was returned with a tremor at about 70mph! Most odd, and I couldn't return it to the main dealer as I was away on business. So I had it checked at a local tyre centre who declared the balance miles out! For £10 it was corrected (both front wheels re-done) and has been fine since. I've not had wheel balance problems in other cars for about 20 years, and my experience in that time includes:- Audis A3, A6, TT; Honda HR-V; BMWs 530i and Z3; Skoda Fabia; FIAT Panda. Has anyone else got a hunch that RXs are unusually sensitive to balance? Nick

Maybe the car itself does not rust but there are many comments about corroding roof rails and alloy wheels. One that sticks in my mind from a member was about the tyres lasting longer than the wheels! What a pity these fine cars are tainted by such weaknesses. I think "ihpj" has summarised exactly what I understand. Fortunately my car was inside the original 3 years when the roof rails were replaced free, presumably because Lexus GB picks up the tab, not the dealer? Happy new year, all. Nick

Hi Mitch I've had my 54 plate 300 SE-L since June 07 and have done about 6000 miles. A few answers and thoughts on your points: 1.) I have got between 22 and 27 mpg, mostly about 24 to 25. The display over-reads by about 10% in my case (i.e. is optimistic!). Have had over 30 showing if cruising on light throttle at up to 70mph. Once pushing it on M'ways it soon drops, but town use really guzzles the gas (presumably where the 400 excels?). 2.) I've not had noticeable lurching (and I read the very long threads) but the box does seem to drop unecessarily into 1st before reaching a standstill. I tend to ease away in any case, as befits an auto-box. IMO it's too easy to roar away and make passengers uncomfortable. 3.) No Bluetooth in mine, so can't comment. 4.) Re air suspension, I find it works fine. I quite like the lower setting on M'ways. Also you can set it to lower to allow easier entry (much welcomed by my oder relatives) so I'd have it for that alone. Obviously handy too when fully loaded as no worries about lights pointing skyward, thouh assume Xenon's would adjust anyway. 5.) The price you mention sounds about right. We paid £23k with 26,000 miles, but that was 4 months ago and they still depreciate quite quickly - though not as much as for the first owner! Make sure no corrosion on roof rails or wheels, as you can get these replaced under warranty, so worth buying just before 3yrs old, rather than just after (e.g a 2005 on 54 perhaps). Hope that helps. regards Nick

I recently went through blackcircles too - though not for my Lexus - only to find that Pro-tyre, a local supplier recommended by blackcircles slightly undercut the price without any bargaining on my part. I've used Pro-tyre three times now and been very happy with them (I think they are connected with Micheldever Tyres, an old favourite). I'm sure that internet prces aren't always the best, but they do give you a good starting point, and personally I like to use someone local if I can. Nick