Ala Larj

The bong wasn’t just happening when going over the speed limit it was happening every time there was a change speed limit sign!

 I agree with you about the overly complicated dashboards which seem to be the rage these day. Maybe I’m just getting old. I found it difficult to actually see what the time was. Much prefer the simple elegance of an analogue clock. 

Took my 2014 GS in for some warranty work today and had an LBX as a loan car. Have been thinking of downsizing so was looking forward to seeing if it suited my needs. So, after spending a day with it here are some of my personal thoughts and not an in depth review. 

First impressions were quite positive. Initially it felt good quality with good materials on the bits that are often touched. Except for the steering wheel which appeared to be covered in some kind of tacky leather substitute.  However, after a bit of poking some of the plastics lower down felt very un-Lexus like.  As were the A pillars. I was also surprised to hear a couple of rattles and buzzes on a so called luxury compact car with less than 700 miles on the clock. 

However, the driving experience was also surprising but in a quite pleasant way. It was quite nippy, handled well around the country lanes near me and, dare I say it, quite fun.  The only real disappointment was how noisy it was. Both road and engine. 

I won’t mention the relative lack of interior space as it was as expected and probably very similar to its competitors. Unfortunately, what really let it down for me was the infotainment system and dashboard. It was a premium plus spec so had the upgraded main screen and digital dash.  The touchscreen seems fiddly on the move and quite distracting. The dashboard was also overly complicated with too much information regardless of which of the three modes I tried. Again, very distracting. Little things really irritated such as the bong which goes every time you pass a new speed limit zone. I could switch this off but it automatically came on the next time I started the car and I had to distractedly have to switch it off again once on the move.  And once it was off I had a light on the dashboard telling me it was off! Why?  Also why do I need script on the dash telling me what radio station I’m listening to? 
The most annoying things though were the steering wheel controls which are so sensitive it’s almost impossible to use them and so distracting as to be dangerous. 

I’m not a Luddite but I fear that technology is being used just because it can, not because it is useful. I did like the hud though.  I do much prefer the simplicity of my GS dash and ice system. Driving can be a dangerous thing and we need less distractions not more.

In isolation it wasn’t a bad car and these are my personal subjective views but it looks like I’m stuck with my GS for a few years yet!

Paid mine today on my GS. Has gone up 25% to £25!

On 11/30/2017 at 11:53 AM, Farqui said:

Agreed, a level headed review.

Does anyone know what a 'tree series' is?

Surely that’s another name for an avenue?

On 1/26/2024 at 3:45 PM, Linas.P said:

That is correct... It is preventing course of justice in their view. But as I said by now all the devices automatically hide the camera location so won't be an issue. 

Other note - French will absolutelly smack your car with their doors and don't even look back. It is 100% normal and not considered an issue... it is almost like national hobby to hit each other cars and trade some paint. And I don't mean they do it deliberately, or carelessly or in some bad way - no for them, they just can't comprehend that being an issue, in France it is ALRIGHT to hit other person's car when opening the doors. So beware of where you park. 

This was mine few months ago and I was parked in the corner of the car park by the beach. 

I love driving in n France. Never had problems with the police but the French definitely have a different perspective about auto property than we have. Was waiting at a peage once when the driver in front decided to reverse and join another queue. Straight into the front of me! After I got out and confronted the driver I got the Gallic shrug. It’s not the police you need to worry about but the French lack of auto respect. And best to stay off the roads after the 12 to 2 lunch break! At least every village has a pharmacy if problems occur!!

The one thing I don’t like about my car is the ‘power monitor’ screen. Yes it’s interesting to see how all the complicated gubins work but it is incredibly distracting and potentially dangerous as it takes your eyes off the road! Just drive and enjoy the relaxing experience a Lexus gives you. 

https://kentindell.github.io/2023/04/03/can-injection/

19 hours ago, Sherra said:

double check that it says "Low Tire"  and not "System Error"

No messages at all. Just doesn’t show the pressures!

That’s what I was thinking but it seems strange that all four should stop working at the same time!

Not had chance to go to the dealer yet but I have noticed it seems to be temperature dependent. Seems to stop working below 10 degrees!

I was always taught “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!”

I’ve already tried that thanks. The pressures show until I switch the car off and fail to show next time I start!

I always find a nice pub in the countryside just outside where I need to visit. They are usually cheaper, always have free parking, often have good food, usually have a great breakfast and I can usually drink decent beer before a short stroll to bed!

Could be a leak from the heater matrix. I had this with an old fiesta. Footwells always damp and limited heat. Turned out to be a leak in the heating system behind the dash. 

Hi all, I have a 2014 GS300h. Had it serviced at a Lexus dealer last month and they noticed a small puncture which they repaired. Since then the tpms has been playing up. The warning light on the dash flashes for a couple of minutes then stops. When I look at the pressures none of the pressures for the four tyres show. I initially thought that maybe a Battery in one of the sensors (from the tyre they repaired?) needed replacing. However, I then thought that if one needed replacing it would only show that one on the screen with no pressure as not working. Has anyone else had a similar problem? I’m not entirely sure how the system works. Obviously if a Battery needs replacing then that’s my problem and not covered by warranty. All failing at once seems a bit coincidental. Before taking it back I was wondering what peoples experience or thoughts may be. 
 Thanks 

26 minutes ago, Harrier Man said:

Interesting comment Colin.  I thought a garaged car would be less visible to would be thieves and therefore reduce the premium?

Something that annoys me is that I never seem to get the option of secure driveway. I have a garage but as is common these days it’s not big enough to get my car in. However, I have a driveway with six foot high gates secured with a lock far superior to any fitted to normal garages. I also have a security camera covering the driveway. 

12 minutes ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

Gosh.. That looks grim Alan..More to come i think..!!!

Inside with a roaring fire in the log burner it’s fine!

Just north of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire 

https://www.themotorombudsman.org/knowledge-base/what-are-a-consumers-legal-rights-when-buying-a-car#:~:text=Under the Consumer Rights Act,date you brought your car.

10 minutes ago, Mossypossy said:

Bit too small maybe?

Shame it’s an Audi. Don’t want to spend too much time on the hard shoulder!

10 minutes ago, Jgtcracer said:

Wife keeps telling me a few more would be better but keep telling her the RC is big enough!

It’s my wife that wishes mine were a bit smaller!

The car that is!

Well, I wasn’t expecting my innocent question to turn into a personal argument. I do tend to agree with Linas about perceived quality. However, ‘perceived’ quality IS subjective. The point though is that all the touch points in my GS are not only perceived to be of a better quality than what is generally found in smaller vehicles they clearly are objectively better. I just wish I could have the interior I have in my GS in a UX sized car!

Please keep this thread civil. 

I used to have a Vanden Plas 1300 which preceded the Allegro. Although it had all the wood and leather it certainly was not put together like a Lexus and lacked a quality feel!

Have been inside a takumi one but not driven as was not impressed with the quality compared to the GS. I’m not criticising your car or your choice of car. I just wish I could find a small car which has the things important to me. 

11 minutes ago, HPS13 said:

Hi Alan

Personally I believe there are a number of manufacturers that make a good small car, Lexus being one. What is it that your GS has that you believe a smaller car won't be able to replicate? 

Hi. The overall feeling of solidness, the lack of hard plastic in areas regularly touched (especially ‘transmission’ tunnel and door cards), the super soft semi aniline leather, real metal trim pieces, 18 way adjustable memory seats for both driver and passenger, the ottoman extension on front passenger seat, electric rear blind, the list goes on but primarily the complete feeling of serenity partly due to better sound proofing than the smaller cars in the range. 

I guess I’ve been spoilt with the GS! It’s a shame nobody really makes a quality small car. I expect the market would be quite small.