zippyone

Have you tried, 'Photoshop,' ? Best wishes. Michael.

Not really Gang, look from another angle, your workfellows are being dragged around the shops in the depths of winter, being mobbed by theirs and other's kids, being pushed about in the crowds, just praying for a little peace and quiet. You, well you are at work, it is quieter than normal, warmer, more leisurely and less as it's now called, 'stress,' for the same pay. The pay back is later in the year, your workfellows will be working in the heat of summer, at the normal pace and 'stress,' looking out at that wonderful view, that you posted a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, you and your flock will be spending that glorious week, earned now, relaxing in the beautiful climes near me, or Spain or Greece. Then is the time to recollect about who the idiots were, as you lay in the sun, or are looking at wonderful landscapes, fully relaxed. A big ho, ho, ho, to you Gang. Michael.

Nice pic. just caught the sun nicely. Best wishes. Michael.

And if you rub it gently, the key fob, not only will the car light up but a nice little cracker will appear in the front seat, ready to carry out your every command. Best wishes. Michael.

yeh, I understand what you mean Gang. Is that Tim Peake's Soyuz preparing for take off in the background?

On 6th Dec. went to Stuttgart, 555Km (344m). Milan to Lugarno fairly flat, then the long debilitating uphill climb to the St. Gottard tunnel, then downhill to Lake Constanze, where it tended to flatten out to Zurich and on to Stuttgart. It's quite a nice, scenic drive around the lake, even though the road is narrowish. and twisty. Swiss limits are generally 80/100kph (49.7/62.1mph) best kept to, so one doesn't have too much unfriendly post when arriving home. The ambient was between 1/9°c. The road conditions were good throughout, I only live 2km from the motorway. Apart from the Swiss section of the journey I was able to maintain between 110/140kph (68.3/86.9mph). I didn't use the cruise control. The car recorded 5.1 l/100km (55mpg) on the outward trip and on the return journey on the 9th, under similar temperature conditions, but with a little rain, 5.0 l/100km (56mpg). I used the paddles for breaking on the downhill stretch, St. Gottard/Lugarno on the return leg. All in all, 1110km (688m), 55.5mpg. ave. ( say realistically 50mpg ave.), over mountainous terrain at low temperatures not a bad result for a IS300. Time, about 5 and a bit hrs. each way, with a meal stop at St. Gottard. I also put in 46litres of fuel (E10) at Stuttgart, as it was only €1.25 a litre, instead of the usual €1.4/1.5 in Italy. Thought the price of the holy nectar was reducing and you think your being ripped of in the UK? Oh! and just in case I don't stick my oar in again before the festive season, best wishes to all members and owners and a happy Lexus new year. Best wishes. Michael.

job for the wife then

Bit of bad news there Rayaans, sorry about that. I hope that the little lady is not too shaken up. Ah! you didn't report on how the following row went, or was it, 'all quiet on the northern front?' Solution might be to remove the pop up things from the car, seems that they only deploy suddenly, whilst driving along smooth roads, or when some clown jumps on the bonnet and roof, as a means of escape. Fit the bonnet pop ups at the bottom of the garage door, with a proximity switch linked by wifi to the car, say range of 2/3mtrs. Presto, one fully automatic Lexus garage door, whoosh! they will open the door in milli seconds. This will save on heavy, unwanted, medical bills for the IS :) Hope all gets sorted well. Best wishes. Michael.

Having just read all of this article, I must say that I now feel a little worried, I was aware of this feature, but not of it's sensitivity and in fact, potential danger. This safety factor could, in itself, also be a danger factor. I think that what JonnyWil #28, described in his first paragraph is typical of what we would all do in a similar situation, after of course the mind thinking, "Chr... what the hell was that," followed by a quick dashboard check, (Think about it?). These actions, even though natural, take precious seconds and could be a potential hazard to fellow road users and pedestrians, depending on prevailing conditions at the time. Yes, it is important to keep original documents and maybe, as in the case of the AA report, withhold it, until a full assessment is made by Lexus. I feel that it is also another good reason to use a carcam, it would document the full sequence of events and reduce the amt. of time and effort, in establishing the initial cause of the problem and its progression. I didn't know that the headlight washers had sensors in them. Does this mean they must be washed and dried with care? is the sensitivity adjustable? or does it take quite a whack to set them off? I take your point Rayaans, about the number of recorded instances of this incident, but how many go unrecorded? Not to be too dramatic, but we both know that sometimes the measure between life and death can be a lot less than seconds. Maybe more needs to be done regards the design of these things, both from a pedestrian and driver prospective. Safety should have have a 360° aspect. My car is MY13 but first registered 01/15, I wash/clean it each week, also wiping any excess water that gets below the bonnet, now I'll be more careful me thinks. I use a dealer in Milan, 'Spotorno car,' I think that in reality they are a Toyota dealership and just do Lexus as a sideline. I would rate them at about 5 out of 10. Servicing I am quite happy with, I have a good rapore with the mechanic. Bodywork they are not so good at IMHO, my CT was rear ended in July 13 and they had an outside guy collect it, the finished work was bad, so I got them to do it again. I must explain that when annoyed my voice can be loud and the whole workshop stopped to look as I was giving the manager a verbal headache. When my IS was rear ended this year, it went to a local chap, who knows me, is good and reliable. OK I got a crap car for a few days, 'Fiat dustbin,' but I only needed it to get home and back, 13km. Accessories also take a long time to get, rubber mat for the boot, minimum 2 weeks. In UK when on holiday, had a Blackvue fitted in the morning, 2hours, then nipped down the road to, 'Snows,' Hedge End, spoke with a nice Polish girl, "sorry no mat in stock, but wait a moment please, I'll take one out of that show car, we can replace it later.' Had my mat in less than 5 minutes, but was about £100 lighter. A totally better attitude and service, but Hedge End are normally like that. Lexus make a big deal out of the fact that their people are specially trained by them, next time you're at your dealership ask the mechanic for his in date Lexus training certificate, also the body shop operative, bet they ain't got one, probably a Toyota one, if that. Fairy duff, Toyota certificate or less, Toyota or less prices. Lexus also need to get their spare supply chain sorted, they should be able to get parts within 24hrs, not a week or more, bet their boss's responsible for these things are paid very well out of our hard earned cash, to keep the seats of their trousers very shiny. The product is good, I am pleased with my IS and would buy another if health and life prevail, (I'm 69), but Lexus cannot afford to live on their laurels, they need to concentrate on really improving all their service sectors and use a little 'Roundup,' on their more, ' Micky Mouse,' dealerships. The opposition is closing in, very quickly. Well that's my half crown's worth. Best wishes. Michael.

Very sorry to hear of your predicament Geof. such news is heart breaking. In 20013 I posted about car cams, but there was very little interest shown, now however, that trend seems to be reversing. I fitted a Blackvue 2ch to my CT and transferred it to my IS this year, it gives me peace of mind whilst driving. I understand though, that many insurance companies are not interested in cam evidence, or/and will not give discounts for there use. (comments) I agree also with #2 and #3, I feel that it is time for the German style test to be used EU wide, which includes motorways and a written test to boot. Only yesterday I had a car try to join the motorway in front of me when I was level with his tail end, a sharp blast on the hooter woke him up. On the same busy motorway a new driver, proudly showing his "P" sign, moved from the inside to the middle lane for no apparent reason, accept to block that up. It is quite common also for people to join the motorway with insufficient speed slowing one down by 10/20kmh, having done that, after sorting out their seat, phone, seat belt etc. they proceed to put their foot down, go straight to the outer lane at high speed and disappear into the sunset, then you have to pick up speed again. When I passed my test (3rd time) in the early 60's, people new how to drive properly, were more curtious and patient, now, traffic is more intense, faster and the drivers, like society in general, have little savvy and sadly think only of themselves. Yes, we all make errors occasionally when driving, I do, but I feel that most drivers today drive badly and just get it right occasionally. As a footnote. Here in Italy, watching people under instruction is almost akin to watching the blind leading the blind, very worrying. Regards. Michael.

Hi Stompe, Dim Tim, Wass has covered about everything, I wrote an article on 29/07/13, "New Kid on the Block," with pictures and cost breakdown. There's nothing to cut, the tray and goo can kit, along with it's expanded polystyrene holder, can be stored in your garage, as I did mine. There's also a shelf life of about 18 months, two tears on the goo, I believe. I have seen other solutions on the site also. For my IS, I just bought a spacesaver and bag, I keep them in the boot. Regards. Michael.

Terry now I understand, thanks. I only got a spare set of bulbs and a poor man's Swiss army knife. The medical set and reflective jackets were well below par and dumped for more suitable ones. However can't moan tòo much, it was free after all. Regards. Michael.

Well Steve, Rabbers just beat me, but I agree with his comments. I do not find the inside surfaces get too hot to touch, however, the cooling system is great. I put it on Auto for 2-3 minutes. then turn it to 'reglo 2,' just nice. I get a couple of Polish guys in Portsmouth to hand wash my car when I get there, at the moment though, dust is the problem, due to the dessert like conditions. I am glad that you and your wife's stay here was good, all mad dogs and Englishman stuff eh, even the natives find it unbearable and it's going to get hotter. Food, well each to their own, I prefer Asian. People, I and even my Italian wife do not trust the natives, they are quite stand offish and unreliable generally, however, I have had some really good friends and clients over the years. Will be interesting to see your final mpg when you get home, I think mine was about 54. We all go on holiday and I feel that this page was a successful subject, we've also been across the pond. I feel that LOC could have a special page where members could write about their adventures, adding a few pics: as has been stated, we are a small community. Have a safe journey home. Best wishes. Michael.

I have 17 " portenzas at 2.65 bar. It took me over a month to get the seat in the correct position for my back. (old age, abuse) 17s should be ok, try experimenting with the tyre pressure a little. Regards. Michael.

ok, I don't live in your neck of the woods, but I would definitely report it. I have a 2ch Blackvue and I would. It is not snitching, it is purely a question of safety. Regards. Michael.

#11 just a short add on, sunglasses are a necessity, the sun is very powerful here and can damage the eyes if one is not used to it, I use them summer and winter now. ( old age) Language. most young and a fair number of older natives speak English, if you want to speak to a Brit. then just look for the blokes' wearing sandles AND SOCKS, funny folk us Brits'. We never book hotels, wherever we are towards the evening, we start to look for a place. The best has always been a private B&B, staying in peoples homes for a night, I find hotels too impersonal. Steve#12 Verdun is very interesting, it is well worth half a day or more, visit the fortress, a train takes you round, then visit the Ossuary just outside town, which in itself is small and pleasant. If time permits then a drive around the surrounding area is well worth it, to see the old forts. I'm now off to my other home, on lake Maggiore for the weekend, 6000mtrs up and heaven compared to this sweat shop. It is 09.37 and already 29° outside, which is wonderful, but the humidity is terrible. Best Wishes. Michael.

Tel #1 please tell me, what is 'Tyre lubricant inflation,' is it the gunge to fill the tyre when punctured? Hope I'm not being thick, but I don't understand it. Steve44. I live at the other end of your journey and have been going to Portsmouth once a year for the last 20. I normally go by the direct route and return on the scenic route, this year via Den Helder (NL) and Baden Baden (D). In France I stop over at a F1 motel at Bailluel, about 30km short of Calais, then the next morning go 10km to Ypres, to buy chocolate for the folks in England. The route I take is one straight road really, (from your end) Calais - Lille - Reims - Strasburg - Colmar - Basel - San Gottard - Milan - Garda. The road Lille - Strasburg (A4- E25) is a toll road cost €43 this year, it is fast, straight, but sometimes hilly. You go under Basel and keep following the signs for Italy or Milan. It is well signed. Times. I live circa 25km east of Milan near Agrate, about 90 minutes from L. Garda, from me to the Swiss border c.45 mins, cross Switzerland c. 3.5 hours. My home to Calais c.13-14 hours, depending on stops, lots of nice little stopping places along the A4, with seats, toilets, even showers. We usually have a picnic at one for half an hour. One is supposed to carry a spare set of bulbs, reflective jacket etc, for you the most important are the jackets, in case of accident or breakdown. Petrol - At the moment around here it's around £1.098 - £1.098 litre. In Italy petrol is dearer than Diesel. Speed - Switzerland is the spoilsport here, it varies between 100 and 80kmh generally, be careful, the zones change regularly. If they catch you speeding the fine will be on your door mat when you get home and they collect. Get the wife to keep an eye open. France, Italy 130 kmh max on the roads you'll use, usually. I don't know what you like, but may I suggest you take a trip about 30 mins east, to Verona, well worth a visit, could be lucky and be there when there is a show at the arena, I sat 4 hours through Aida once, sore bum, understood now't, but it was great. Another trip is to the caves at 'Postoina,' go to Gorizia and cross into Slovenia, the caves are about 20km down the motorway, look them up on the internet, another great day out. If you want to get in touch about anything here give me a bell. Best wishes and safe journey. Michael.

sorry written incorrectly :http:/www.spiritmonitor.de/en/ Michael.

Another site to look at is: http:/www.spiritmonitor.de/en/ This will add another 20-40 vehicles to compare, depending on the years that you plumb in. Regards and happy Easter. Michael.

Hi Par, Richard has answered part of your question, the same goes for the IS, but I never park off road and always remind the wife to watch the kerb with the door. I found the CT very good, no complaints about the car, over about 38,000km ( 25 months) it gave me a return of about 4.65 l/100km, (around 61mpg) - look me up on 'Fuelly,' or 'Spiritmonitor.de.' However, I am not a Spring chicken any more and my lumber area was always playing up, as was the wife's. The IS is a different ball game, the bumps/holes are still in the roads, but the superior damping and seats are kinder to our poor old backs, they haven't given us any jip at all in the IS. Size, unlike popular belief, does not really matter, it's how you use it ! Tomorrow, I shall fill the IS for the third time, at moment it is on 47mpg, I will expect that to go to about 49/50mpg after tomorrows fill. Prior to the CT I had a 96 Subaru Impressa from new, another trouble free car. Now it is dirty, battered and used for the rubbish run, or carting large items about, bit thirsty though. Best wishes. Michael

Hi Par, yes, the jack and wheel brace come with the car. I took out the unwanted parts and stored them in my garage until I px'd the car, then just put them in the luggage space. I also left the space saver in the car as it was a 16" and my IS300 runs on 17". Reading through, the CT seems to be most popular on 16's. Oh! and the 'goo', I think has a shelf life of about two years, even more reason to get a space saver. Don't forget to look at other peoples solutions to this problem prior/after mine, all variations on a theme, but interesting. It may be that you'll find a pre facelift with a space saver fitted, happy hunting. Regards. Michael.

Hi rasA4, Yes you can add a space saver to a pre facelift. Check out my contribution from 29° July 2013, for parts, costs and pics. There are others prior to that by other members. Regards. Michael.

I have a Blackvue 550GW-2ch 16GB. When I migrated from my CT in January this year, I kept the cameras' and left all the fittings in the CT. I re- ordered the latter from TTW Partners, Nottingham, (£113.96) and organised the fitting by Exec Spec, Nottingham, (£163.95). The fitting will be done in April in Hampshire. Exec Spec enquired as to how the system worked and I replied very well, no problems, a happy bunny, the system was on 24/7. I was then informed by them, that they now wired the system to the ignition, as they had experienced battery problems with Hybrids over the passed year. Mercs. and I think Honda were mentioned, as well as one Lexus. (from memory). I explained that I used the, 'Smart Power Device', to stop the battery running down, but they told me that even with that fitted, they were having the same problems. A switch will be put into the line so that I can have the camera on all the time, or let it turn of when the engine is switched of. I have noticed that many members are fitting cameras, I wonder, has any thought been given to possible battery drain been given, or indeed, have any members had any battery problems after fitting a camera? Regards. Michael.

I thought that I would have problems accessing my garage, so on the day that I had an IS300 for a test drive, I took it home to try it for size, as part of that test. When I leave the road I have a 90° right turn to negotiate, then a short straight, at the end of the straight is another 90° turn, but to the left. The left turn is on a slope that has a right camber, then it is a straight run into the garage. I put the car in the garage front ways and in reverse also tried turning it about in my parking area. It went well. I now only reverse into my garage, keeping an old mattress against the back wall just in case of errors. My CT could not cope with the slope in the slightest of icy weather, or snow. On the two occasions the IS has been used in such conditions it coped admirably. I rarely park along the road when out, I park underneath the supermarkets or in underground car parks, but like Renato, I have to keep an eye on the angle at the bottom of the gradients, gets close sometimes. Regards. Michael.

Hi all, great tip, now on 5 winks. I found problems after stage 6, I continued to get just 3 winks no matter where I put the rotary wheel. Then, after counting 10 after each move, on my 7th attempt, it suddenly went well, how, I do not know. I agree with most of the other comments here. Regards. Michael.