Robertb

I assume you need to plug into a diagnostic computer to backup- its probably there for dealers when they are disconnecting the battery etc so that the customer doesn't lose data. I think the latest European update of the nav disc allows input on the move- don't know if its the same for SA.

Very nice! Enjoy.

Good to see the tank MPG with an 11 in it! So how was it on track? It looks composed...

The brake lights and the tail lights are LEDs but not the indicators. Agreed though, not so obvious as on others. I feel oddly jealous of the LED number plate lights on the GSs. Perhaps I should get out more!

The OE one is bolted on. I agree that its not ideal, but if its done properly it should be fine. I understand some in the US stick 'em on with tape, but you'd need to be sure it wouldn't fly off! I'd consult a bodyshop.

Basically, press the voice button, wait for the "say the command after the beep" "beep", then say the command, which it then confirms. I think you can turn off the voice prompt which presumably speeds up the process. Make sure you are talking toward the hands-free mike up by the rear view mirror. It works well, but there are certain frustrations to me such as you can say "disc up", or "track up", but you can't say "disc 6" or "track 4". It can understand numbers for the other functions. Still it never ceases to make me and passengers grin! I copied out the list of all the voice commands from the on-board help. PM me your email address and I'll send it to you. I'm sure you'll enjoy the car- they are so gadget-laden the SE-Ls its outrageous! I'm still finding out new things about mine one year on...

I prefer the OE looking one- slightly more to it somehow. I've borrowed SRs as loan cars before, and the spoiler really sets it off- I'm looking into getting an OE fitted at the moment.

As far as I can tell they are odd wipers- I've not found any available outside of a Lexus dealer. The good news is that you can easily just change the rubbers which could be posted to you from the dealer. The bad news is that they are outrageously expensive for two extruded rubber bits and seem to last about 2 months before they start squeaking occasionally. When you change them, you will need to remove the two metal strips which give the blade its correct curvature- make sure you reinstall them the right way up...

Assuming that's a reference to the photo of my Rapier then it's bloody well spotted! I've tried really hard over the last few days to replicate the situation you describe (bends with trucks on the inside lane) and haven't really found it to cause problems - I can understand the logic of the radar pointing in the direction the car is heading but it needs to be an awful coincidence for the angles/distances/speed to all gang up together to cut the cruise...... BUT yesterday I found a situation that the system really couldn't cope with - lots of snow/spray on the M1 was tackled fine unless there was traffic in all three lanes travelling at much the same speed at which point a message appeared stating that "cruise is not available"! It could be re-set once at least one lane cleared away and would last until the next similar situation - I ended up changing to the non-auto mode and all was well. Perhaps therefore your system may need some TLC from a friendly dealer tecchy! No, hadn't noticed your Rapier pic in the profile, so a happy coincidence! Lovely car though- have you had it long? The "cruise not available" message comes up when the auto wipers are in 'fast' mode- might this have been the case with you? It's easily defeated by putting them into non-auto mode at the lower speed, assuming you can still see... Snow on the 'L' badge in the grille also gives the same message, plus "pcs not available" They've checked mine over a few times, and done some realignments according to Lexus service procedure involving cones and bits of rope apparently and have given it a clean bill of health. They noted its occasional reaction to high sided vehicles on bends, but say that its working fine as far as they are concerned. They've offered to lend me another car with it fitted to put my mind at rest. Oddly enough, I recently test drove a Range Rover with ACC fitted, and the salesman said that it did the same thing from time to time. I do agree with your comments though- it does a much better job of maintaining safe distance etc than most drivers (esp Audi and BMW! ) and I do love the "gadget" appeal! Thanks for having a go at replicating the problem though- much appreciated

Odd... so it is. Wonder why the thing they sent me has gone up by £15. Looking at that link, the 24 months for £1175 looks interesting.

My used car wty expires at the end of Feb, and just had the renewal quote through- £680 payable by 10 monthly installments at no extra cost. Doesn't seem unreasonable esp as it includes RAC membership, especially compared to BMW etc. Is it worth taking out? I guess you don't know til you've had to make a claim! Peace of mind I suppose... I'd be grateful for folks' views.

I think alot depends on how they are looked after- I take care to get into my car without sliding over the bolsters, and they aren't worn to speak of, certainly compared to other 41k mile cars. Conditioning the leather from time to time helps too.

I think you push the cruise lever forward and then you can change the mode to normal. Interesting- seems the occasional braking bit around corners is normal. I can tell when it might do it, so I usually gently press the throttle in those situations to take over control for a second so it doesn't matter really. As you say, in heavy traffic, and most of the time its brilliant- well worth getting if you can...

It has to be said, mine is pretty rattle-free. Yes, a slight creak from the dash which is due to be sorted, a drivers seat creak round corners which was easily sorted last service, and a creaky mirror- again due to be sorted and just me being ultra fussy before the wty expires. But the important thing is that is all sorted without question or grumble by an ever affable team at Lexus Reading. This is a far cry from the deeply indifferent experiences I've had at the hands of BMW/Audi. A friends new shape 5 series seems worse rattle-wise, and worse wind noise, and an E46 3 series I had was diabolical. I guess you get unlucky with any marque.

Might the alignment have been knocked out? Have it looked over by a dealer, to give the steering the once-over. Have you been driving something else? I ask because when I've been driving my 911 the steering on the Lexus feels like it's come undone!

Jaguar have just launched an XF diesel which does 0-60 in 5.9 secs and 43 mpg...

Well to start with I don't believe you can use the OEM panels as most everything is different between them. Not just some body panels but some the inner structure is different. However, I believe a Korean Company has produced IS-F look-alike panels for the ISX250, complete with the non connected quad outlets on the rear bumper panel. Here you go: http://myride.co.kr/goods/bbt02.html Wow! Lovin the neons in the front wing air intakes... The main issue IMO is the performance gulf- a 330Ci sport is near as dammit as quick as an M3 (and are both straight 6), whereas an IS250 vs ISF...

The mm camera is generally fine at night. Just be aware of two things though; - the little lens is not hidden and gets very grubby in the wet, esp in the winter and then you get a very blurred image! - in the cold, the exhaust is very steamy on start up which can affect reversing visibility.

I've cancelled pcp contracts a couple of times in the past and had no problems with credit rating.

The systems on BMW, Merc have a traffic stop-go mode which would be great too. Its always a bit disappointing when it deactivates at under 30mph... Thanks guys- Mmmmm ISF. I'd be very interested to hear if you manage to replicate the problem. I use the M40 very regularly, which is hardly the col de turini. A truck on even the most mild of motorway bends can upset it when its playing up. Sounds more and more like mine's faulty. Someone has pm'd me to let me know the potential cost of replacing the unit under warranty which perhaps explains the dealer's forlorn hopes so far that a set-up might do the trick!

I had a total nightmare with an 220d loaner the other day. Ended up having to get the manual out, with my daughter making helpful remarks like "it might help if you put the key in!"

Thanks for posting that pic of the slate car Tango... its just how mine would look, and I'll get a quote to get a rear spoiler fitted. The rear wing gives the car a bit of extra length at the back which makes it look sleeker. You're right, the rear valance doesn't add to it at all...

It generally works fine- it is easily over-ridden with a gentle press on the accelerator which gives you total control again (e.g so you can close a gap more than the system would normally allow while you wait for someone to pass you without losing speed) You can of course switch the adaptive bit off, and just have normal cruise. On the whole its great, and I'd miss it, especially in heavy traffic. Its just that "lorry on a slight right hand bend" business that's a bit unsettling, and intermittent which leads me to think its just my unit.

As far as I can tell from loan cars- illuminated boot and fuel cap release, and slightly reshaped seat backs to give a fraction more rear leg room.

Mines just done 41k, 55 reg, seems v sound to me. No rattles aside from the dash creak (worth listening out for on a test drive) that is due to be sorted. If you get it from a Lexus dealer with a wty, then go for it- 50k miles is hardly run in as long as its been well looked after. They're serviced every 10k miles which IMO makes them a better bet than cars with extended service intervals as they visit the garage more often to get bits sorted, and get the oil changed more. The intermediate service is very cheap so doesn't make it a more expensive proposition in the long run.