larryadler

Seasons greetings Tony, I know the feeling when all the Xmas tree lights come on, pound signs Don't know if you have tried it, but if not humour me. Take off the petrol cap, and spray the rubber seal with a silicone spray, something like ' Son of a gun' or failing that a light coating of Vaseline, just to make an airtight seal. When you screw the cap on make sure it clicks at leat twice, and is tight. Now try if you still have the lights? If that solves you problem, spend 25 quid n a new Lexus OEM petrol cap. I am guessing that these lights come on when the seal is broken, as the tank is pressurised, and too much oxygen effects the sensors, see the US websites. Just out of interest, have you recently filled the tank prior too the light coming on?

Yes I know the problem. I fancy a change to a 4x4 but the RX is too expensive for me, or too many miles on the clock for the price being asked. I too like the freelander, but the dealers don't fare we'll with the owners. I am considering the new Hyundai Santa Fe, I just worry that being diesel I don't do enough mile a year, don't want the DPF problems....choices choices, perhaps it comes with age but nothin really excites me. I do like the new GS but having seen them drop 10k on fealers forecourts since June, I am now unsure!

Blimey Tony, no wonder your disillusioned, that's quite a list, and a cost. How many miles has yours done when all this happened? Mine currently at 44k, but I will change next year. I must confess that I would love to buy another, but I too am having second thoughts. I wasa bit naffed a couple of months ago when I had all the Xmas light come on, abs, traction, engine management etc. Took it to Lexus, and 2.5k for 2 oxygen sensors and ECU. Because full lexus history reduced to 1200 quid. But after conversation with PJS on this site, spent 25 quid on new petrol cap, and problem solved, all light gone. Apparently Lexus have never heard of this, but call me a sceptic, but 1200 quid is better that a 25 quid fix. The owners club uk and US is awash with the petrol cap fix. This having been said, is there any other franchise dealer out there that would not take this opportunity to write their own cheque? The pursuit of Perfection or Creating Amazing?

I wish you well my friend, I bought my GS new in 2007, and developed a creak from top of dash, near the 'A' pillar, and creaks further along the dash to its centre. This only happens in cold weather when temperature drops to about 7 degrees. Once the car warms up inside the problem doesn't go away, but is let noticeable. I took mine back to Supplying dealer, Lexus Birmingham on three occasions, and they allege they removed dashboard to replace some padded clips, but I am sceptical, as it has continued, and they were obviously incapable of solving it. I did point out that I don't need to spend £40k to buy a car with creaks! I have now had my car approaching 6 yrs, and am so used to it, don't notice it anymore, just turn the music up. The one creak that does annoy me is from the little box that hols the folding mirrore, p/ sensors etc. I resolve this creak by leaving it open whilst driving. I think from reading LOC reports, this is a Lexus that probably wasn't quite up to the 'Pursuit of Perfection' but must be a good car, kept it 6 yrs.

Hi Cliff Yes it sounds right, I can confirm its just the dipped beam headlight contained within the main headlight unit with indicator and front position lamp(sidelight). The separate inner lights are main beam. For info the bulb is a D4S HID 42V35W. Hope that helps, and Happy Xmas....

I did initially seek to buy the bulb, but that was £90 from Halfords, I guess by additional searches I could have found a cheaper one, but, I still have to fit it, and from looking on YouTube that does not sound easy, unless you are a contortionist, have ramps, and are proficient in dismantling large chunks of plastic engine innards, so, I am very happy to pay the 80 quid and know its done properly. As far as replacing in pairs goes, you are absolutely right, the new headlight is brighter, but either way they conform to Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, will,pass MOT, and no doubt I in the near future I will have the opportunity to replace the near side one.

Problem sorted, just had new bulb fitted at Lexus Wolverhampton, reminds you why you bought a Lexus. As you quite rightly say, sat in comfy showroom, Sky TV, coffee, read morning papers, and car returned washed, first class service for £81.00. I must be getting old, I remember when you could change a bulb for less than a fiver, and your missus would bring you a cup of tea out to you. Ahhh memories!

Just had the offside headlight fail, presume new bulb needed. Have read various threads on the site, with astronomic prices for a bulb etc. lexus it would seem will not be cheap, anyone had a replacement at Halfords, who price the bulb at £90, plus they offer fitting, but at what price I know not. How difficult is it to change bulb for a D I Y ?

Well it appears after 6 weeks and 166 views, no one knows...................

Well PJS, thank for your input and help. I took your advice, and put my cheque book away, after reading your comments and those on the US sites. Initially put Son of a Gun silicone spray on the petrol cap rubber seal, and to date, no problems ( hope I'm not tempting feat) but the cap had to be turned with some force to make sure it sealed. So bit the bullet, and have now put a new OEM petrol cap on. It is obvious that the new cap needs a lot less effort to,seal.........so will see how it goes, but just a line to say thanks again.

Hi Jonas, this was a Gs250 luxury with MM, and less than 3k on the clock. But you are right, Lexus do not fare well on the depreciation stakes, my correct Gs has lost £5k a year on average. In hind sight, because of my reluctance to change at 3-4 years a big gap has now opened up to get back into the newer model. The depreciation point having being raised, I would be good to know whether the equivalent Bmw, Merc, Audi, may not depreciate quite as fast, but do they cost more in repairs after Manu warranty expires, whereas, Lexus ( fingers crossed) remain trouble free, and of course you do feel confident in the dealer network. So it's more than depreciation, it's the whole package that should be considered, that's why 48% of Lexus customers return.

The depreciation is frightening.....the demo I drove last weekend had been reduced by £1k, and this weekend it's gone down another £2k, thats £3k in seven days, sub £30000!!!!!!!! That's £10k off the list price since July.....a good buy now?

Sorry, PJ S, I now do see your humour, thought only BMW dealers tried the ' have I got a deal for you trick', after all 5% of nothing is, Mmmmm nothin! Silver Arrow, could I ask you, when you quote Mpg at 16-23 urban, that really puts this car in doubt. Has that improved any now its run in, I would have hoped that it would return at least 28 urban/combined, and 36/38 on a run. As I have previously said my 300 does that, so I had hoped the 2.5 would be slightly better even allowing for the added weight and smaller engine pay off.

No PJ S, I have bought a few cars before, my name is Larry, not gullible. It has already been made clear I do not want, need, or have any wish for, supagard(£299) Personal Contract Plan, or indeed Gap insurance. What I do want is a deal that I am comfortable with, which has to reflect a number of issues.....20% VAT, £600 first year VED, First Reg fee, and all the usual bolt ons. I am also aware from the web the way the prices of the demo's on the forecourt are dropping, some are now sub £30k, so I would endeavour to offset some of that. Lexus have the car, I have the ability to purchase, it is my decision, not there's, if the deal doesn't suit me, I will walk away.

Thanks Wooski, that's brill, now I know Lexus have sold 512, that gives me more confidence perhaps to make it 513....... If I can strike a deal........

So it still begs an answer to the original question as posted, Who else out there as got the new Gs in any variant? Looking on Lexus Uk, there are about 70-80 nationally, for sale at dealers.........so has anyone else other than Silver Arrow Bought one. Is it possible to establish how many Lexus have actually sold since launch in June!

Silver Arrow, you are absolutely spot on when you say there is little or no choice in the UK for petrol engined luxury cars. Just select petrol in Autotrader, and less than a quarter of the cars are petrol. I don't think 8 k a year warrants a diesel, and I certainly don't want the all too common published dpf problems. I did decide on an Audi A6 then read horror stories on their multitronic gearbox. I have driven Bmw 520 & 525d, which were excellent vehicles, but the ride I felt was overly firm, and the 19" m sport wheel at £300 a corner makes a dent in the running costs, which takes account of the low VED. I felt the Merc had a poor Quality interior, the Jag XF being the only real contender, but, diesel! I do think the GS is certainly the most refined car of this bunch, and as you say, we know what we are getting into when we purchase. I am quite used to 27/28 around town, and 38+ on a run, I don't do any sitting in traffic or daily commuting, and we do have the excellent Lexus back up. I can't see them dropping this model, that is not Lexus way, they are a niche producer of top end luxury vehicles. Had another drive today...........decisions to be made......watch this space!

I hear what you say wooski, but there are financial limits that you are prepared to go too. I see no reason why the GS 250 should not achieve actual urban and combined figures at least, hopefully marginally better that my current GS300, with which I am more that happy, given the car/engine size. It would be ideal to get a 300hybrid, but that is probably circa £40k, and that extra over the G 250 buys a lot of fuel and VED.

I am considering a new Gs 250 luxury. Have read most reviews, but the motoring press, despite there supposed knowledge, leave me confused. Is the new GS 250 fitted with what I thought was a standard 6 speed auto box, or is it a CVT as on the 450h/ Prius/CT . Anyone confirm please?

I have been the owner of a GS300 Se-l from new in 2007, and am now considering a change to the GS 250 Luxury. As I am retired, and don't do any real commuting, my Gs300 has never returned less than 26 winter, 29 summer, and usually averages out at 38-39 on a run. I do about 8k a year. I have read the reports from Silver Arrow, and must confess I am now undecided. He seems to be the only one in the UK that owns a Gs250, and from what was initially glowing reports, you now appear to be somewhat disillusioned . Is that because of the lack of fellow owners, or the new vehicle itself? The GS has never been a big seller, and of course offers exclusivity, but my worry is, will that effect the future values. I see on autotrader that the £36+k luxury model has already shed £5-6k since launch in June. I have test drove the bmw 5 series, Jag XF 3.0d, and Merc, but I do worry about dpf problems, given my annual mileage, and would be happy to go Lexus again, at least then there would be Silver Arrow and me.......2 owners in 5 months since its release..Mmmmm am I doing the right thing? As an after thought, why is servicing more expensive on you new car, but gets discounted when its over 3 years old?

I also have this problem on a 2007 Gs300. The lights first came on 24/8 and after turning the engine on and off a couple of times, lights cleared. They came back on 14/9, again later cleared after turning engine off, and restarting. On both these occasions I had refuelled the day before so may be some credence to the petrol cap theory. The lights came on again 9/10/12, but after stop n start have gone off again. After the second incident I did take it to Lexus, and diagnosed 2 x oxygen sensors and ECU , at the high end cost. Whilst I trust the Lexus dealer, I must ask the question, the code that is produced to identify an oxygen sensor fault, does not actually prove that the oxygen sensor is ' faulty' . What has caused the oxygen sensor to produce this code, and why does it keep clearing itself if there is an oxygen sensor/ ECU fault. It is only to easy to pay £2k+ to rectify the fault, when as you point out it could be down to fuel, fuel cap seal, anything really Could set this off from what I read on the Internet, particularly the Lexus Us sites So where else could you go, and be able to trust to get the sensors analysed, and why can you not just replace the one defective sensor?

Thianx v much for your input, what sort of mileage can I expect from p7's? I was under the impression that they were a softer compound, not unlike dunlops, which offer excellent grip,, but dont last very long. I seem to get about 15-17k miles per set from bridgestones.

I am now coming to the end of my second set of tyres on GS300 SEL, which are currently Bridgestone Potenza aysemetrics. Been on two years, better that original yokohamas, which I found gave hard ride, noisy, and mediochre grip. Would happily put new Bridgstones on, which is a shame, as its only the inner power steering shoulders that have scrubbed off, still 4-5 mill of tread left. New bridgstones are £196 per corner. Anyone tried alternatives, ie Avon zz5 which are £157 or Pirreli Cintirato P7 at £163. Any other suggestions that owners are satisfied with. Ta Very much

I own a 2007 GS300 SE-L, and the sat nav is now a little out of date i feel. Could you advise me, 1 Where do I get the latest disc(s) 2 how do I uninstall and re-install, and 3 what would the approximate cost be? Thanks

I have not recieved any recall letter, what year of GS is affected, or is it all the 2005 on...?