Spacewagon52

Do you mean bitumen underseal? Not recommended really. There are better products on the market. In the past, I have used Waxoyl using an electric spray gun. There are even better products available now. Someone will comment further.

In particular, oils were developed that would cling tenaciously to cylinder walls. In fact the only danger was the reprehensible habit of some drivers to give the throttle a final, farewell blip which injected a final flush of fuel into the cylinder. Ever since, I’ve always let the engine idle for a few seconds before turning it off! I remember that tip! It is surprising what you have been told to do over the years. One thing I cringe at is when people are parking or manoeuvring and the turn the steering wheel full lock while stationary. I was told it places great strain on the track rod ends and you should only turn the wheel when moving. Anyone else got any pearls of motoring wisdom from the past?

Sadly I passed my test when petrol went up to 50p a gallon! Yes there has been more than one petrol crisis!

When buying a car the dog comes first! Happy wife, happy life!

Must read the manual again! Sorry Roy!

Not in the owners manual Herbie!

The technology behind the hybrid system just blew me away. Newer models are even better, I am led to believe. Apparently there is a secret switch that disables the hybrid battery when the car is being service! Anyone know about this? Or is it just "Dung from the male cow" ?

There has been arguments on both sides of the debate about the environmental impact EVs have. When deciding to purchase a car (new or secondhand) people have a figure in mind. What you spend that money on affects the future cost of ownership. EVs are mechanically less complicated, cheaper to service and cheaper to run. That might make one an obvious choice but to others there are other factors to consider. The big stumbling block is price (at present). availability and the body design are also limiting factors. The writing is on the wall and EVs, I believe, will be the future but I am not sure everyone will be able to afford one.

Do you realise, b4u2, that the car tax is £630 a year?

How rude! Poor Royoftherovers! He is a legend! Not infamous!

Speedy recovery Mike. Looking forward to seeing your photos!

Sounds a cracker Mike. Congratulations

Bump

2004 RX300, pre-facelift model so no camera or sat nav. Stereo comes on, lights up BUT only static sound heard. CD loads and plays tracks but no proper sound just static. Any suggestions? Amplifier? If this model has one? Can anyone recommend a good car audio place in Kent for a repair/diagnostic? Thank you.

I will give it a go.

Sorry to hear that. I hope you get it repaired to your satisfaction. Drivers seem to be more impatient now - possibly due to the density of traffic. Tailgating also seems very common. I can never figure out why someone should drive so close to you and have no intention of overtaking? I wonder if they learn after rear ending someone? Probably not.

Am I allowed to look in my handbook?

Noticed no difference in my RX 400h.

Not many good ones around at a reasonable price John. Second hand cars are highly priced due to demand.

Vanish Spray Foam is very good - try it after jet washing - when dry.

Are your mats the sheepskin type?

The ferocity and speed of the fire took me by surprise.

The longer you own a Lexus, the more you appreciate how good they are. Talking to owners of other manufacturers also makes you appreciate Lexus levels of reliability.

I have travelled some distances to buy cars and have had the same experience. You try to cover all the bases before travelling. When I travel to see a car, I view it as a day out. I am then not as disappointed! Buying "locally" is by far the best but with Lexus cars you often need to travel to find the one you want at the price you are prepared to pay. Buying a Focus or Fiesta is much easier, as there are so many about. The prices for these cars, compared with 18 months ago are very high. If your Volvo is reliable and will pass the MOT, keep it for now. If you are determined to buy a Lexus, have you considered the RX 400h? You may get an older car but in better condition. Just my thoughts. Please keep us all updated on your search. Good luck Jim.

There are many variables to consider at present. The main factor being your disposable income – i.e. money left after paying home bills and food. For some an extra £400 a month on bills is not that painful, to others it is a fortune. Deciding on when to change your car is, again, a decision based on several factors. One of my neighbours prioritises a new motorcycle every two years over decorating and maintaining the family home to a reasonable standard (in my view). Most people on the forum love cars and motoring, so a car might be a higher priority compared with Joe public. I agree that the “new” car feel soon wears off. Linas says ,“Not being able to predict and calculate depreciation is what impact me the most.” This would only apply if you changed your car regularly. Depreciation significantly reduces the longer you keep a vehicle. Many on here own older Lexus cars and can afford to run them due to good reliability. Would I consider running a 1998 4 litre Jag – no way! Second hand prices, at present, are ridiculous as far as I am concerned but if your car is written off you have no choice but to buy another. I agree, with Spock99 (Andrew), when a car becomes unreliable then that would be the time to change. In the nearly 7 years I have owned my LS400 it has not depreciated. Yes, I have had expense on consumables, but that is with any car. I will probably stick with my present cars. I agree with Linas and Malc, that the volatility in the car market is uncertain right now but it will settle down in the future. The big uncertainty is deciding on the fuel to run your next purchase. - diesel/petrol/hybrid/plug-in hybrid/electric ? Have I opened another can of worms?