Swindon Andy

I like this thread. I have another Dear Lexus, maybe it applies more to the GS?....

Dear Lexus,

When I press a button, I know I pressed it, and the reason I pressed it happens, usually a little light comes on too. How I wish you hadn't equipped the car for blind people, with a bleep every time I press something.

Another bleep that's really annoying is when I run low on screenwash. One warning would do, perhaps one every start-up. Every few minutes on a long motorway run is a bit over the top for screen wash warning, don't you think?

Yours,

Welcome, it's always useful to hear these kind of facts from a copper

Maybe the left wheel took a knock and bent it back slightly. Check the front wheels are the same distance front-rear within the wheel arches. Basic tracking checks may not pick this up, they only look for the toe angle. A full geometry check might find it.

Easier fix is to get some spray rubber lubricant and squirt it into the ends of the ARB.

I'm wary of grease on rubber (plastic) as some combinations degrade the rubber, depending on the actual rubber material

Feel the temperatures of the hoses going into and out of the matrix - from within the engine bay. That may give an indication of flow.

If the matrix is leaking (hope not) you should also get a lot of condensation inside the car, on the screen, that is difficult to clear.

Just in case.....have your new wheels got the correct centre diameter to fit snugly on the hub? Aftermarket wheels often have larger centres, which need spigot rings to achieve the hub location. The studs are to hold the wheel on the hub, it's the hub that keeps things centralised.

No, low oil or old oil probably wasn't your starting problem if it ran OK once started.

I'm beginning to think all these recalls are some kind of marketing ploy

I had that on my GS when snow built up on the radar sensor in the L badge

Oil smoke only on cold start often points to valve guide seals

The first few miles of a journey from cold use more fuel, your 7 mile commutes will probably get you less mpg than the above figures.

The M25 is training people to undertake. When the overhead speed limit signs are on, you are told to stay in lane. The traffic can be quite clear before they turn the signs off. I think the main difference in law is if you change lanes to undertake a car that is not turning right. The bus lane scenario seems to be open to interpretation. It is fun though.

I don't know about the Lexus engine, but the logic is sound. I do know chipped Cosworth engines used to blow head gaskets unless you let them warm up gently for a few minutes before putting your foot down.

Worth googling for reviews and forums about the actual insurance companies. There are some horror stories out there. I know at least 2 mentioned above are very wriggly when claiming. One of them takes learners cheaply but jacks it up massively when test passed, and you are contracted to it in the small print. Beware.

I got a very low price this year using a comparison site, Nationwide - they use Liv Vic.

I guess you know the 2JZ is in the Supra, plenty of tuning mods avalable. Check out Aristo imports too (Vertex). If you're not used to this kind of thing, easier to by a Vertex already done.

Sorry, previous input wrong. Not sure why you would as the twin turbo or single conversion would be a lot easier. Supercharger needs special inlet manifold, re-routed belt, ECU / fuelling upgrades

At risk of repeating some earlier advice. - The symptoms still point to the thermostat. When you start up frm cold, the radiator and top hose should stay stone cold while the engine and heater warm up. As the engine comes up to temperature, you should feel a sudden heat in the top hose when the thermostat opens.

Yes, my mate had one similar or the same - Villiers engine (250cc 2 stroke single?) mounted over the front wheel. Engine swung with the steering!

I thought anti-freeze attacked paintwork?

Mute doesn't work for this circumstance. You have to use 'off' or 'delete'. Sometimes 'sleep' will work, but usually only after 'repeat' has been used many times.

It might be the other way round. The front bottle looks smaller and should contain the more concentrated wash fluid. The wing tank is larger for water/more diluted. My Soarer V8 LTD (5 years ago, so not certain) had push the stalk forward for front tank, button for the rinse.

I know of this outfit. Nice guy. The equipment is good, but the standard of fitment and wiring has been reported as being a bit of a bodge. I have no personal experience of this but it's something to watch out for.

but whats with new cars having steering lights (i don't know the official name)?? but i've seen cars now that when they turn the wheel, the corresponding fog light on the bumper comes on, seems to be anythin German, now I think these only come on if the side/headlights are on, but since its still a fog light, will the regulations change? or are these bulbs dual filament so its not actually the foglight that is on in the lens when the vehicle is turning?

These are turn lights I think. My Soarer had them, came on with lights + indicator. Completely different beam pattern to fogs. Almost useless too.

You could take the old rubbers out at a Toyota garage, they'll match them. Last ones were about £10 a pair I think.

I agree witht the rant - foglights in non-foggy conditions are really annoying and a little dangerous. Rear fogs more so than fronts.

When I was a kid I used to think it was cool, like adding mudflaps and other little decorations. There are always some still going through that youngster phase.

It's the gormless ones that don't even know if they're on or when to use them that annoy me more.