Spottedlaurel

I have shared photos on here before, but this is what mine looked like after 60k: That was at eight years old. The dealership and I could see no point in changing them at six years when it would have been on 40k, and I couldn't see anything within the service recommendations about them having to be done on anything other than mileage.

I know of a DHP not too far away,will give the owner a nudge....

Find an excuse to try one next time you visit the dealership? They gave me an RX450h+ to drive when my older model went in for brakes, and they knew I had no immediate intention of buying one. Admittedly that used the engine less as it was the PHEV model, but the 4-cyl unit seemed fine to me. It was fast, smooth and rode well, certainly got me thinking about it as a very eventual replacement for my 3rd gen version (like 5-6 years' time). I like the fact there are decently-specced versions available with 19" wheels, a consideration for me living in the countryside. The example I tried was on 21s - it rode well, but I'd be nervous about damaging a wheel. There are one or two aspects where I feel the quality is slightly lower than in the previous generations - the way the seatbacks are detailed/trimmed, and the lack of soft padding inside the interior door pull, for example. Having never driven a 4th gen RX I can't make a direct comparison, but overall I liked it.

I've said the same thing before. The Germans manage to churn out tourer/estate/wagon versions of many of their saloons/hatchbacks but there are very few big Japanese estates available that aren't an SUV. When I got my RX I considered Subaru Outback and Mazda 6, not much else out there. I'd love to see them make something equivalent to the Nissan 300C and Toyota Camry estates I had in the past and fondly remember.

Most of the non-autoroute speed limits seem to be up to 90km/h again, but watch out for the odd stretch of 80 on busier roads. We saw very few police of any sort and no mobile camera vans, but there are a fair number of fixed cameras and they're not always obvious.... If you don't already have one then a dashcam could be handy? Might help overcome the language barrier if you have any problem.

Yup, Crit Air sticker. Very easy process, you'll get the sticker in about a week for something less than 5 euros. Not necessary if you don;t go into the big towns or cities, but worth having in case you do. We recently got back from around 1700 miles of driving in France (with a couple of short forays into Switzerland). No issues whatsoever, as usual the journey back along the M20/M25/A12 was far more hassle. Take the time to avoid autoroutes and use the old main roads or smaller D-roads across country, so much to see. Take it easy at junctions, occasionally the priority isn't what you think and the worst is you'll have someone thinking you're an idiot for not proceeding as they expect. Some villages have a Stop sign for a small road coming out when you think it would be your right of way. Roads are in much better condition, with low levels of traffic out in the countryside. I wish I could do our trip all over again. P.S. Regarding headlights, I suspect you might be similar to my RX - the flat beam doesn't need adjustment, but turn off the AFS.

I'm pleased to hear it's still available. My RX turns 10 next year so it will be ideal for me as I want to keep it for a few more years yet - changing to a 4th gen RX isn't a particularly appealing prospect at present due to the theft/insurance issues, and I'm more than happy with what I have now.

When I added my Mk1 LS400 to my combined daily/classic policy that I have with Footman James they were initially reluctant, saying it wasn't a classic, but maybe having four other cars on the policy at the time and wanting to keep my business helped them see sense. Yet you say Saga don't like it as an everyday driver, so how is it meant to be insured?! Last week I bought a 1996 Toyota Carina E. FJ simply wouldn't add it at sensible cost to my policy, even with my 2014 RX as they everyday car, so I had to get a separate classic policy. Again it was in a bit of a grey area, but eventually I got a sensible quote off RH Specialist Insurance. Policy seems to be with ERS. They've been good to deal with on the phone so far and I used to insure with them and had no complaints (but never had to make a claim).

Have you tried the Lexus Roadside Assistance? Daughter's boyfriend took it out on his '90s LS400 for the trip to France they've just started, doesn't appear to have an age limit although I imagine market value will come into play for a recovery back home.

Not in my experience, plugs don't need changing until they've done their full 60k. The schedule says as much, I had mine done at eight years old when it'd done 60,000 miles.

I doubt there's much difference in MPG between any of the 3rd generation 450 models. My 2014 Luxury is currently getting around 37mpg, but that's with 4+ years of hybrid driving experience behind me and wafting around on relatively gentle East Anglian roads. Shorter journeys and/or hillier routes would make a difference. There's a good guide to the RX450 trim levels and their equipment pinned at the top of this forum.

Thanks Herbs, decision made.

Any reason why you went for that one Herbs, rather than one of the full cover types? Price is somewhat in their favour, and it would be easier to store when out of use. I stand to be corrected, but I'm not sure if we have the same issue on the 3rd generation models i.e. 2009-15.

I would say my non-air Luxury model suffers similarly on roads as you describe. It's a tall, heavy car and I presume they gave it fairly firm suspension to limit body roll. I can drive on similar roads in my 1992 LS400 and the ride on that is in a different league. Even the 1999 Avensis with 277k miles that I occasionally drive is better. When I changed to a full set of Continental all-seasons from an aged mix of Dunlops and Michelins the ride got a bit better, but I'd say it's still the thing that's least like a luxury car about it. That being said, it's other qualities of smoothness and refinement are why I still enjoy it after 4+ years, and I have no plans to change it for at least as long again.

Thanks Barney. Your SportCross looked very nice, was it a 200 or 300? An now RX fills the gap left by a couple of much-missed Camry estates - sadly there aren't many big, modern Japanese estates to choose from. By coincidence, the day you posted your message I was at the second East Coast Japanese show of the year. A selection from this time around: Late Mk4 looked tidy. I was pleased to see the other early LS400 and compare it with mine, as suspected it is a Mk2 and I now know how to spot a few of the differences (most of them internal). This particular one is now on coilovers, with air suspension due to be fitted soon. The owner fits stainless steel Powerflow exhausts for a living, it'll be good to get mine along to someone who knows about the LS. Trio of 6th gen Celicas. I'd be happy to have a 2-litre model someday. RX-7 looked smart, certainly good inspiration for a future 1/24 model build. A few MR2s there. Hopefully daughter's boyfriend will get his there at some point. A couple of different Crown estates in attendance again. I had a good look at the other one, certainly something to think about. Modified GT-R another one that is something I'll be recreating at 1/24 scale at some point. I'd have been very happy to take this Prelude home. This one is the 4-wheel steering model. Not just newer/sportier models came along. This Carina dates from 1971, it's platform being shared with the Celica.

My sticker arrived from France today, excellent service as I only ordered it a week ago. Must remind daughter and BF to get one sorted, assuming they can for their Mk4 LS400.

Don't dismiss a late example of the 3rd gen RX, up to 2015/16. I find mine to be very capabale and competent, and I don't believe they suffer with the Canbus theft issue. Apart from the rare SE on 18s, they run 19" wheels which offer greater choice than the 20s fitted to most 4th gen models. I've had no issues with mine in 4+ years and 47,000 miles. I avoided a model with a sunroof or air suspension. The latter can be an issue on the 3rd gen RX, but they dropped it on the 2016-on model.

I don't have plans to enter any of the zones shown on the official map, but we do go close to one or two of them on this year's holiday and for the sake of a few Euros it would be better to have one of these in case we have to make an unscheduled visit. Just gone through the process, commendably straightforward.

Nice one. What colour/mileage? Good opportunity to fit all seasons at all four corners.

Good news! Did you buy it through a dealer or privately?

This isn't something I've managed to achieve too often in my 2014 3rd gen RX, but as I'm dragging my overall MPG up (now at an indicated 35.1) and the weather is getting warmer, helped by some longer journeys, it's happening more often. Ever since I started driving I've always reset the trip meter when I fill up, and that's usually my guide as to when I should next stop for fuel. As I go through the tank I then add that to the cruising range to see what it's predicting. It's starting me off at something like 460-465 miles, but as I drive around at better than 35 then I get closer to the 500 miles figure. I try not to go too near empty, the total usually starts dropping again as I get towards the next fill-up. But to see this figure of 500 at some point is pleasing enough. I have filled-up again since the above shot. When I parked-up it was showing just over 40MPG and 502 miles trip + range, and I think the highest total I've seen so far is 503. Can I make it to 510? My journeys are a mix of Norfolk/Suffolk A-roads, country lanes, towns and villages and the odd bit of dual carriageway. I don't drive particularly slowly, I've found the trick is to carry speed and use any opportunity to lift my foot just slightly. It's surprising how often it will maintain speed with next to no throttle. With that info screen I can then easily see what's happening (more so then the energy screen, or the main dial). The bars are a quick indication of how I've been doing. Tyres are Continental All Seasons all round at 2.3, and the AC is on all the time. I'm usually using E10 fuel, often from the supermarket. Occasionally I give it some E5 but my journeys aren't consistent enough to see if it makes any great difference - perhaps I'll try again on the next fill-up. I had new plugs at the last big service (60k) and the mileage is now approaching 70,000. I don't obsess about this (honest!), it's just something to keep me engaged as I drive around on the work commute, meeting/survey visits etc. As a comparison, my wife's 2010 Toyota Auris 1.6 (non-hybrid) gets around 42-43MPG on similar journeys. I'm sure a newer RX would be even nicer and maybe a touch more ecomonical, but I'm happy to keep this one while it continues to do this and offer such comfortable, relaxing and capable transport.

If I go for a 5th gen model one day I'll try and limit myself to one with 19's, there seems to be a good choice in that size. We've seen 4th gen RX owners on here struggle to find much in 20" (especially All Seasons).

I was in my LS400 last Sunday and exchanged waves with a similar K-reg LS coming the other way. A pretty rare occurence I would says nowadays, but they attend the odd local show and I'd seen it an event a couple of weeks beforehand. Need to catch up with the owner at some point. I wouldn't do it in the RX, although it is pretty rare that I see another one on the road around here.

Thanks! Facebook page here, no sign-in required to view dates etc: https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastJapanese/ Next Sunday meet June 11th at Foxhall Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP3 8JU. No club stands or anything, just all welcome so long as it's Japanese.

Sorry to hear of your problems with that car. I rate my 2014 RX very highly, get a good one and it should give many years of troublefree motoring. It makes for an interesting comparison with this one, similar age and mileage at my local main dealer for just under £15k: https://www.steveneagell.co.uk/lexus/pre-owned/16057545 My RX is now coming up to 70,000 miles and I have owned it for over four years. I plan to keep it for at least another 5-6 years.