DanD

Contacted my dealer Lexus Hedge End/Southampton) today as I would like the work done before we go on holiday on 27/10. They confirmed that the parts are being released and by car is booked in for 23/10. They confirm that they only need the car for one day.

As a matter of fact I do, but I don't know whether or not this makes a difference... Incidentally, our vanishing key has re-appeared, so I'm £165 better off. Or rather, I am not £165 worse off.

I think I can add some clarification here. The RX450h that we are familiar with over here is also sold as a petrol only RX350 in the US. Serguey, the model that you are referring to is not sold in the UK. Only the hybrid version is available. As suggested by Duncan, you may be better off checking the US forums for your specific model.

FYI, I have just been quoted £165.00 for a new key, including VAT and programming of the key.

As a matter of interest, what put you off?

Had mine changed earlier this yead and went for Dunlop Sport 270. Excellent blend of comfort, silence and grip. Very pleased. I think the set cost me around £640, including tracking.

Spoke to my dealer at the weekend. They now understand the work that has to be done and staff have received training, supported by detailed videos. They are now awaiting parts and will soon be making appointments with car owners.

Interesting. Black interior was top of my list and I would not have considered anything else when I was looking for my car. Then the dealer offered my a good deal on a RX with Oakham/beige leather. It was in perfect condition and felt light and airy so I went for it... and never looked back. It has been very easy to live with so far and nowhere near as fragile as I had anticipated. The only thing I did, was to buy black matts. I tried them first, borrowing some from another car in the show room, to see if black matts would shock. They did not, most probably because the top part oif the dash is black anyway.

This is exactly what I am referring to. Given that there is no other symptom, I would like to think that this is just a trim issue and all I want to know is whether someone has experienced the same and managed to fix it. I appreciate that ultimately, the cause may be related to wheel balance etc., although I would suspect that this would translate into something more than just a very localised vibration.

Nothing as bad as that. It is like a buzzing noise that definitely comes from the cowling. It only starts around 50mph and stops at higher or lower speeds, so must be linked to engine speed and associated noise / vibration frequency. As I said, if you put your finger on it, the thing stops buzzing. Performance and engine noise are the same as usual. Wheel balancing could potentially be related, or more possibly tyre inflation although I have not noticed any undue vibrations in the steering wheel. I guess I was more looking at stopping the symptoms rather than looking for a cause. Thanks all the same.

The cowling set between the dials and the dashboard has started creaking/vibrating, and the problem is getting worse. The noise is coming from the right hand side and stops when you jab a finger against it. Has any one experienced the same problem and managed to fix it? Thanks

I hear you. Good luck. Keep us posted.

HAve you considered sourcing a car from Lexus? - If you can afford spending a bit more, I think it is worth considering on the basis that they make sure they keep the best car within their network and they provide an excellent 1 year warranty / recovery service package.

Personally, I would leave the SR alone: a Lexus without all the toys is a shame, and the SR typically misses out on the very good built in satnav, reversing camera and other toys. I would say that the SE is the better buy - depending on condition. It is a little older but has lower mileage and all the toys. Note that some of the listed extras such as the sunroof, the privacy glass, the adaptive lights are not extras but standard equipment across the range. Also you will find that the large majority of SEs come with the satnav/reversing camera. I would strongly suggest that you check the alloys for blistering / corrosion as these are one of the car's few weaknesses and if you decide to buy make sure that the dealer will get them refurbished for you if need be. Also check if and when the battery was changed (not the hybrid system which seems indestructible, but the conventional battery which is prone to failure) I am sure other forum participants that are more technically minded than I am will give you additional pointers, but the two issues I have mentionned are well documented on this forum so a quick search will be useful. Oh.. and don't believe the claimed economy figures. Expect to get between 28mpg and 30mpg if you are to enjoy your car.

Ah... must have misunderstood you... thought you were saying you did not know what the national speed limits were!

Really!? Should you really be on the road at all?

Doesn't recall work have to be performed by registered dealers as opposed to independent garages?

Pretty good result for a 7 year old car. Going to Lexus can have its advantages

That's an interesting response that I shall print and take with me when I travel to the continent. I always buy stickers to adjust the beam and did not realise that they are not actually required for this car. Just as well... they're a bugger to remove afterwards. On another note, it always amuses me to see that a lot of british drivers are always very keen to put these stickers before they travel across the channel... but then are quite happy to leave the stickers in place and blind other drivers for months afater coming back to the UK!

I believe these to be alarm sensors (unless someone proves me wrong and tells me that they are the aircon temperature sensors!). The button allows you to disable the internal alarm sensors. Very useful if you need to lock the car with your dog in it (or kids... or other things that move uncontrollably like birthday balloons - speaking from experience here) or if you want to lock the car but need to leave the windows or sunroof ajar). The door, boot, bonnet sensors will still work. All you need to do is to press the button (you will see the red LED on the dashboard blink faster), before you get out and lock the car.

Considering how many of us RX owners have experienced problems with alloys and had them refurbished, I wonder why you never see RXs with alternative alloys... just a thought...

I understand your frustration, but on the other hand you should be grateful that Lexus are being so scrupulous. I think their approach is, in the long run, in your and their best interest. You would be far more disgruntled if they were to let you take the car away knowing it is subject to a recall, and then you end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. They have offered you a courtesy car for the duration, which is far more than other manufacturer would offer in similar circumstances. My advice is take it, enjoy putting the mileage on their car rather than yours for the next few weeks, and rest assured that you will take a delivery of a car that is in tip top condition when the time comes. Once thing I would do is to take a good look at the car and identify through this forum anything that could potentially be sorted out while the car remains with Lexus. In particular check the alloys, auxilliary power outlets... If your dealership is as good as mine, they will bend over backwards to keep you happy.

Your dealer will be able to tell you.

You will find that the 08 car you are referring to is more than likely affected. Mine is a 58 plate Exec Limited Edition, e.g. one of the last models sold before the RX450h came out, and is affected by the recall also.

I am sure they will provide you with a replacement car as they would do if you were to book your car in for a service!?