MNMJ

On 4/30/2024 at 8:51 AM, ColinBarber said:

Lexus offer their old extended warranty for vehicles between 10 and 15 years old.

That is good news as it used to run out at 10yrs, though you could buy 2 years in advance taking it to 12. If it still includes their breakdown cover, it is very good value (or was when I had it on ISF and RCF)

On 4/30/2024 at 4:24 PM, Killysprint said:

which for the right ISF / GSF (and some RCF's) is glacial now at worst, and is the biggest cost in new and new(ish) car ownership.

I notice ISFs are still priced not far off the amount I traded mine in for in 2015. Whoever bought it probably has had great value

According to Autotrader's 'value your car' link, my RCF is worth the same as it was in Feb 2020, and I've added 22000 miles since then

That's one hell of a driveway

On 4/17/2024 at 1:55 PM, Paul29bit said:

The best I can guarantee is E5.  I think either Esso or BP still offer premium with no Ethanol but I am not sure which still do.

Also, I understand E10 does horrible things to the tank and pipes if you leave it in there partly filled. When laying up my RCF for winter months, I fill it completely with E5 V Power

On 4/16/2024 at 10:43 PM, Jgtcracer said:

My RCF returns approx 10% better fuel economy on 98 so makes financial sense too, also seems to run better…..

Mine is about 6-8% better fuel economy, which offsets the extra cost of Shell V-Power at my local garage. They only add 10p per litre, whilst some bandits at other stations add up to 23p per litre. One cannot normally tell until you get to the pump.

As it is supposed to clean the engine and give a little extra power, I tell my self that it is free performance.

16 hours ago, Redefined said:

at least 2 were Subarus 3.0L Spec B petrol) that came with a little card explaining that I could lose x amount over 1000 miles

Great car the Spec B, though I didn't get a card from the previous owner.

Mine hasn't used any oil in 10k miles and it seems to stay very clean.  The previous owner (since new) was fastidious with his maintenance, so It looks like I have a good one.

Thank you Charles and Linas; Lexus ProTect is now firmly off my shopping list.

This is one of the reasons I appreciate this forum so much

3 hours ago, binnocorp said:

Not sure if this article has been shared, which seems to confirm the end for new Lexus V8 motors in the UK.

I'm looking on the bright side and imagining how valuable our V8s will become

Yes, the RCF is a gentleman's express for those of us who have (kind o) grown up.  Its great for long cross-continent hauls, but also a hoot on the right windy roads. However, they need to be wide and fairly well surfaced for me to fell secure going for it. 

I have a 2006 Subaru, which is notably narrower, 4wd and much more expendable if I fancy playing around a bit. 

I would think the Mk5 Supra would have a similar type of warranty to Lexus. I've got no idea about an M2 these days, but it used to be the case that BMW M cars, Audi RS models and Mercedes AMG versions all used to have frightening warranty costs compared to ours.  It comes down to the expected cost of repair, and their desire to make a profit. German reliability being far short of Japanese means they need to pass the extra costs onto the customer.

13 hours ago, Jgtcracer said:

ll good points, one thing to consider is the RCF is what I would consider as a ‘grower’.

 Most people don’t buy an RCF without making a conscious decision to not buy the obvious alternatives.  As such, the RCF can sometimes feel a little underwhelming compared to the Audi/BMW/Merc competition - don’t be alarmed if it’s not quite what you expect as the car most certainly gets better once you get to know it.  Think of it as a GT rather than sports car and it will all make sense.

Don’t get me wrong, when pushed it’s extremely rapid but without turbos you do have to work at it and the gearing will have you at nearly 100mph in 3rd!!

Orange is the best colour too!  

What he said...except that Red is obviously the best colour.

More seriously, this forum is a mine of useful information, tips, support, and the occasional bit of good-natured *****-taking. I don't know if other brands have the same.

On 3/21/2024 at 1:23 PM, Linas.P said:

It is decent product, the problem is that for ceramic coating 90% of work is in preparation and 10% is in applying it. The problem is that for £450 Lexus will be skipping that first part which is 90% of end result.

So it isn't just ceramic spray, it is professional product, perhaps not the best in the market, but decent enough. Problem is that it will look shaite if not applied properly and Lexus just going to give it to their showroom cleaner to apply and it will never look right.

I can put Gtechniq ceramic coating for £40 anytime on somewhat clean car (because that is how much C1 costs), that is really not complicated at all, but it will look shaite, because for ceramic coating (that cures and makes proper had coating) in particular car has to be applied on car which polished to perfection, otherwise any scratches or old waxes/coatings etc. left on pain would be highlighted and just look even worse if car isn't polished prior. 

So £1000 I assume is for at least 2 stages polish, Gtechniq coating is just last step in process. 

Very helpful. Thanks Linas.

Yes, the £1000 route for Gtechniq included proper preparation. I suspect it will not be done as well by Lexus

Lexus have recently introduced something called ProTect. It offers a "ceramic hardened" coating, wheel protection and something for the interior too. They can split the package, and I was offered the exterior protection for £450 for my RC.

I can't vouch for it, but having been quoted nearly £1000 for G-Techniq ceramic coating, I plan to do more investigating. Having read Linas' comprehensive post, I'm wondering if this is just a ceramic spray though?

I didn't know about this. If it works, its an easy alternative to a Faraday pouch. I hope someone out there has the answer.

We had a very positive experience with Motorway. It was a completely different sort of car to your LC, but the interactions were efficient and professional. A dealer from Lancashire turned up and after a 1.5 mile test drive to check the clutch, paid the money electronically and loaded it onto his truck. It all felt very safe, though we did check the dealer reviews on multiple websites to see how they were rated.

When (if) I come to shift my RCF, I will certainly get a quote from them.

20 hours ago, GMB said:

I get the impression that the staff have been told to keep schtum and play it down. I got the same reaction when I asked about the theft/ insurance problem at another Lexus dealer. I can't believe that they would not be aware of it.

Whilst sales were not helpful, the Lexus Chester service desk were all over it. I phoned to book an MoT service and they said they were fielding lots of calls after the BBC exposure. They have a metal plate solution for the RX (or NX, I can't recall) and are awaiting parts. They are doing those first and awaiting news from Lexus HQ about other models' vulnerability and fixes.

4 hours ago, GMB said:

churchill refused to renew insurance on my ISF ( underwriters had banned them- no idea why? ) and cover cost was up from 470 to 670 pounds. I am keeping an eye on prices ready for going back on the road after SORN for winter. We will see if prices continue to rise.

It would not surprise me if the insurers are seeing the news about Lexus thefts and bumping premiums on all Lexus models, whether they are vulnerable or not.

A salesman at Lexus Chester didn't appear knowledgeable, or that interested, in the situation.

17 minutes ago, Tickedon said:

The RC-F is sadly on the list of vulnerable models: https://mag.lexus.co.uk/lexus-uk-statement-on-vehicle-theft/

this follows BBC one show & watchdog looking at the issue last night.

It looks like my 2015 may be secure then?

Thanks for all the answers. I'm off to Lexus Chester today so will ask them the question too.

It seems from the LC thread that their cars are vulnerable, and the RX seems to be a popular target.

Anyone know if the RCF has e same issue?

A warning sign is insurance costs rocketing, so I'm pensive about renewal in September

On 2/29/2024 at 1:42 PM, jeffrosie6 said:

Hi guys. My ISF is finally here. Can't wait to pick it up. 

Who do you'll insure with as most insurers don't cover the ISF 🙁

Surprisingly even AdrianFlux don't cover the ISF

Admiral Multicar for me £372, but then its not an import which I suspect will bump the premium

I saw this article today, and I imagine Lexus are part of it.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/08/toyota-cars-collecting-and-potentially-sharing-location-data-and-personal-information-choice-says

Are there any experts out there who know if this is going on in the UK? Would GDPR regulations protect us?

Also would my 2015 RCF be doing this on its own, or would it need a device like a smartphone to pass on the data?

Or perhaps I need to order one of these:

If you are on your own, then I'd suggest getting an automatic tag for autoroute tolls. On a return trip to the Alps I managed to kerb a wheel trying to get the left hand side of the car close enough to lean across and collect tickets or pay.

I heard a neat summary from an expat that explained why the French are so keen on having lots of rules. It means they can feel good about themselves and their independent spirit when they break a law. They also get a thrill of righteous indignation when someone else breaks the same law.

On 1/20/2024 at 10:28 AM, Jgtcracer said:

My Mesa Red ISF looked really quite burgundy/flat on a ‘dreek’ Scottish day.  Brilliant in the sun however.
 

Sonic red seems a bit lighter/brighter.

That's a good summary, with the Sonic Red looking more vibrant in a greater range of conditions. Both colours are spectacular under yellow lights at night time garages though.

I had a mesa red ISF and now a sonic red RCF. They are different shades of red and I understand sonic red is a lot harder to match if repairs are needed; I recall being told it is a 5 step paint process...whatever that means.

If they bring it to the UK, and it is a big if, this will be the first new Lexus that I've been seriously interested in since the RCF debut. 

The IS500 would have been a contender, but didn't come here of course.