new boy

Andy I have a 57 plate 220d SL which I bought from Newcastle almost a year ago, I am more than happy with it in fact I love it. In the main I am getting circa 43MPG and have had 50 on a run and that was only to Harrogate. Some people who have the earlier modles have had issues in using the fith gear below 80 mph I do not have that problem from 65 onwards providing the road is not a climb then you would have to drop down a cog. My advise would be to ask for a extended test drive and decide for yourself. Merv

Maz this may interest you - called at Minories Durham asked for a price for first year service quoted between £115 to £130 rang Lexus Newcastle (which happen to be the same group as Minories) they quoted £236. They asked should I get a less quote would I go back to them, so I told them of the quote from Minories they rang me back and said they would do it for £130 all in which I accepted. Merv

Can,t recall any on my first car, 1960 Triumph Herald, in fact I can,t recall having any bells or whistles just the basics shows how far cars have evolved. It would be unheard off to have a car today without even a heater which was probably one of the first accessories. lol - Merv

cool, does Hammerite heat rssistants too? and what do you mean by out chrome dust caps? Regards Maz Sorry Maz - it should read, your chrome dust caps. It looks like you have black plastic ones fitted from the photo. Yes Hammerite is heat resistant and quick drying - Regards Merv

Look fine, did mine in Hammerite aluminium when I first got the car still look good after ten months. Maz what has happened to out chrome dust caps? Merv

Good luck Jambo you have made a valuable contribution to our forum, enjoy your new car - Merv

Tony there are a number of threads on this subject it looks like in the north the most competive is Teesside. I will be giving them a ring when my first service is due at the end of August. See link http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...showtopic=48222 Merv

Being a member of the LOC and a daily reader of the forum I can understand and sympathise with the disappointment the 220d has been to some of our members. In my case I have had my 220 since August 07 only done 5600 miles and have not (touch wood) experienced the problems others have had, with rattles and poor MPG. This is my first Lexus and diesel and it has been said you do adapt to the small change in driving technique to cope with the difference from a petrol engine and the gearing ratios. A present I average 41mpg commuting to work which is only 12 miles each way mainly on B roads and on my last longish run it returned 52mpg at which I was pleasantly surprised. I am one of the happy owners and enjoy and look forward to driving my car, but I will always contend that a good petrol engine is difficult to beat even which the technology built into the modern day diesel. Merv

Brolly 727 DPS4 is a diesel fuel additive manufactured by Millers which is alleged to improve performance by making the engine run cleaner and more efficient. I have never used it but will try in the future, those who have used it swear by it and appear to have good results. see link http://www.banchory4x4.com/acatalog/Millers_Oils.html

Wacko - I am not sure about black cars having a clear coat final finish. I have a black IS and I bought a touch up kit for minor chips and it has a clear coat in it. If you want good advise post your question on cleanyourcar.com there are many experts who are more than willing to help. You can also get some good products from this site. Sorry I can't be of more help. Merv

Looks great where in Darlington did you this fitted ? also love the colour of your car - Merv

Anna - See the previous post by Mr Stig I posted a suggested route, but if you are getting a new car you will not need to use a polish just Carlack sealent then a good wax like Victoria Conours. Having said that some of the more pofessional detailers say even a new car should be clayed before sealing, it just depends how far you want to go down the dealing route. Merv

Matching Arran cardigans for you and your wife - please

There is also a change in the pockets on back of the front seats they are dished to make more leg room in the back seats. What should be addressed is the final drive gear ratio, while I do not find this too much of a problem there are many who do. At the end of the day I guess this would mean a costly investment to correct. Merv

I would have thought that if the ASL is working correctly you should not notice any difference that is the function of the system to adjust the volume so no diffenence can be detected at whatever speed or noise level. - Merv

Do not forget to wash and rinse after claying then I would polish it with Autoglem super resin then seal and as Wooza said wax a day later apply at least two coats. Merv

You are getting some good advice if you would like to read a little more about car detailing by some of the best in the bussiness visit www.cleanyourcar.com and read the guides. Good quality products can be bought on line from this site, you may find it a little in depth when you first start reading but basics are :- Polish (Auto glem super resin) Seal (Karlack is very good) Wax ( at least twice Victoria Conours is good but can be hard work) keep clean after washing with a quick detailer

Yes Gliptone is a very good product and it smells like leather it can be bought on line at www.cleanyourcar.com

This was the topic of a previous thread some time ago - Lexus Tesside proved to be the best on price. It would be worth getting a quote from Hodgsons or Minories Durham as a bench mark and may be a means of a price match, lets us know how you get on. Merv

Colin - I am also interested and would like to know the costs Merv

Guess I am one of the "old men" at 58 but not in body or mind, quite happy with my 220d Se but I can understand some of the concerns others may have espically with the early models.

Did you have corrosion on all four wheels in such a short time? Service Manager at Bristol said they were replacing the wheels with new this time rather than refurbished (as was the case on the 200's) so would replace individually any that showed signs of corrosion. I only have it on two of the OEM's at the moment, so he's suggested leaving it until nearer the end of their warranty period (end of November this year) as it looks as if Lexus have eventually agreed to finally do something to prevent a recurrence of this problem. yeap, bubbles on all 4 - bit of a :tsktsk: if Lexus are improving the alloys as you suggest, mine was in Bristol but they never mentioned it......mind you, still have over 2 years of warranty left (or is it 60k if sooner???) Thought it was 3 years on the alloys, unlimited mileage. Tim Fox mentioned Lexus had resolved to fix the problem, but they're still saying it's only in the UK that they have to pay out so much warranty on their wheels. Had all my IS200 wheels replaced as a set, and a few months out of the warranty period even those started to show corrosion. Had them refurbed by Wheelstyles in Iron Acton who give a 5 year anti corrosion warranty. :winky: Sorry...I know Before my Lexus had to have mine replaced on Toyota Avensis when two years old done FOC they are subject to three year warranty. I was told that there is a wearhouse somewhere full of rejected alloys it figures that the firm making them for Lexus and Toyota are not achieving good quality. Merv

Sure you enjoy it, it gives a feel good factor. Had mine now for eight months and love it averaging circa 40 mpg traveling to work but not much more on a long run. It is also my first diesel the rising cost at the pumps is a pain, that is our leaders for you. Merv

I have also used this company for a while now for all my detailing stuff, I have also refered to it a number of times on this forum. Tim stocks lots of very good products and is also very quick to respond to orders placed and normally delivery is within two days. In addition to this the site has an excellent forum with many amateur and professional people passing on their knowledge.

I have also used this company for a while now for all my detailing stuff, I have also refered to it a number of times on this forum. Tim stocks lots of very good products and is also very quick to respond to orders placed and normally delivery is within two days. In addition to this the site has an excellent forum with many amateur and professional people passing on their knowledge.