rog99

Lots of good replies here, thank you all. My initial thought was 'I will have to change the car before the next MOT' but having slept on it, and read the wisdom in the above responses, i'm now leaning towards 'lets find out the actual cost to fix/replace it, and assess any other potential upcoming maintenance items, then make a decision'. As one response pointed out, given the mileage I do, the cost of repair is likely going to be lower than buying an 'unknown' 2nd hand car instead, providing the above leg work is done first to ensure there no other surprises on the horizon. Not knowing much about metal work, i presume a replacement part from a breakers etc could have some sort of rust-treatment done to it before fitting (and that would obviously be the easiest time to do such a thing, as easier to get to etc). Is this like a paint type thing I could apply myself once i source the parts, or would I need to take that to someone (i'm handy with tools generally, just not so much with car-things!) ?

Hello RX400h, owned by me for 7 years, currently around 160k on the clock. Just had its MOT recently and received an advisory about corrosion on the rear sub frame. My local garage (independent who do all my maintenance and MOT) have suggested this is likely to be an issue come next the MOT, and that there are no pattern parts available, and Lexus charge over £1k for the part 🙄. My garage estimate labour could be 5 hours as there's a lot of faffing around and bits to remove/put back etc. I've used this garage for the last 15 years and trust their judgement, and that they are honest with me also. They have done welding on the car I had prior to the RX, however they didn't suggest that this time - which either makes me think they can't do it, or would rather not (I understand from various forums i've read the last few days that depending on where the corrosion is, welding may be tricky without causing damage). I guess it's just reached that age now where things start wearing out (a bit like me!). Unfortunately i've spent a few £K on it in the last 12-18 months; full set of new radiators and aircon overhaul, some suspension-related items and brake discs/pads, etc. Ironically I often joke that it would be nice to change car but the RX doesn't seem to wear out (cosmetically and driving wise the car seems the same as it was when i bought it 7 years ago!). However i was hoping to keep it another 2-3 years before changing - having 2nd thoughts now. Since CV19 my job role is now home based, so my annual mileage is maybe 3000/yr. Another reason I wasn't rushing to change car to have something 'newer' simply sat on the driveway most of the time...but I like the comfort of the Lexus so don't think I could go back to driving bangers as I used to 15-20 years ago. Also currently a single-car household so need reliability. I think the best way to sort the RX ahead of the next MOT would be a sub frame from the breakers yard. Slight concern is those would be a similar age so may also be in a similar condition (as mine is a 2008 so one of the last RX400 before they introduced the 450s). Always the risk that something else substantial ££ will also wear out 12 months from now. I always have repairs/maintenance done whenever things come up, however it does feel like it has been a few years since i've had a 'cheap' MOT 🙃 How much do we think this MOT advisory will put off potential buyers (or reduce the sale price)? As I wasn't planning on selling yet I haven't yet looked what the car is actually worth even before that is factored in. Looking for some opinions and suggestions from anyone who has been in a similar position.

OK, time for an update. I took the bolt off what I believe is the heat shield in the engine bay - the vertical bolt just behind the radiator. I added a chunky washer I had lying around (from a recently extinct washing machine) and re-did the bolt. This has improved/reduced the 'engine starting rattle' a little, but not eliminated it fully. I have discovered that the 'external rattle' is something to do with the front brakes, as when going down hill the other day with the windows down (short journey, at low speeds (30-40) so seemed pointless using the aircon) I realised that the rattle stops while the brakes are gently applied. Haven't had chance to investigate this one further, but recall seeing another post about rattling brakes on here a while ago, so will track that down for starters and see what the fix was.

Hello My RX has two rattles, which are only (really) noticeable when the windows are open, so i'm fairly sure it's outside (or under the bonnet). I've done a search, and most/all of the threads I found were about speaking rear seats (got that too!) or creaking dash (not got that, thankfully). I have had a look under the car and tugged at anything I could get a gloved hand on, and nothing seems obviously loose. The rattle is noticeable at low speeds (eg when crawling on battery) and even small bumps in the road seem to cause it. The noise sounds like a loose cover or something - it is a tinny metal-metal or metal-plastic noise, rather than a clunk. Only audible with the window open. (may also rattle when at higher speeds, but I don't have the windows open then) I have noticed when the engine starts, there is a similar (but maybe different?) rattle from under the bonnet. Car has had 100k service recently (at Lexus) and everything checked out, so I don't think this signifies an issue with the engine itself (both the 'engine starting' rattle and the 'slow speed maybe something else rattle' were both there pre-service, and afterwards). The engine-starting rattle is 'just' audible with the windows up, but louder than the other low speed rattle. So, any ideas what I should be checking specifically? Either under the car, spare wheel, or under the bonnet (as I know these sounds travel and are often not where you first suspect). Photos or lengthy descriptions would be a plus, if possible. It seems such a shame to waft around in quiet comfort inside the car, but to everyone outside it sounds like bits are falling apart! Thank you.

I must admit (just to make you feel better!) that when I bought my 57-reg RX last December, I too tried taking the tool tray out to get to the rear dvd drive! Figured it out eventually (that there is that little access hatch in the side of the tool tray). I looked up the right part number for the newest maps (given the dvd in the car was the original 2007 one) and bought it off ebay for around £80 in the end (genuine lexus dvd, not a pirate copy). Worked fine, has a few extra features (unlocked while driving, so passenger can fiddle with sat nav during a long journey been the main one).

I have had a similar experience with mine (57 reg). Went to a Lexus dealer for the timing belt and major service. Wheel was a bit greasy when I collected the vehicle, so when I got home I gave it a wipe with a damp cloth, and the coating disintegrated leaving a rubber wheel from 10-2 o'clock. When I mentioned this to the dealer (lack of care covering my wheel in grease and leaving it to soak in) they dismissed it as 'wear and tear'. Yes it may be wear and tear, but it wasn't anything like that 24 hours previously! Lexus Customer care were equally dismissive. Really put me off that dealer, and the Lexus brand (both the customer experience, and what seems to be poor quality materials they use in some areas of the vehicle).

Hello again. Thank you all for the helpful replies. Car has been to Lexus Leeds for its 100k service, and overall it was a good experience. There was some other work identified during the checks (and I was sent a nice video similar to the reply about Sheffield Lexus above) which made it easy to see what they had found, and plenty of time to approve/skip each item for replacement via the video webpage - a lot better than having the guy on the phone wanting an answer right away! The need for 'other work' wasn't entirely a surprise as this was the first service in my ownership (purchased vehicle in Dec2014). The dealer was able to bring up the service history on the computer and confirm previous work (done at another dealer), and also confirmed that the inverter recall had been carried out back in Jan 2014 - I was told this by the private seller when i bought it, but nice to have it confirmed The courtesy car today was a CT200h. Having driven one my review is 'meh' - wouldn't buy one, but got me from A-B. Upon returning to collect my RX the dealer asked what I thought of the CT. After I shared my thoughts he agreed it was an entry level model for 'non Lexus owners' to get them onto the brand, but it's definitely no RX in any regards! Next time i'm going to ask for something different. I've know other marques typically give a 'better' car as a courtesy car, to encourage you to consider trading up at some point, so it is unusual that Lexus default to the CT as their loaner vehicle. While there I couldn't help look at the shiny new vehicles in the showroom. The NX looks very nice (although I've read mixed reviews), and it is a bit pricey. The new IS looks good too. The GS still doesn't have folding rear seats, which makes it unsuitable for me. Also the boot space on the hybrid is tiny. Oh, and of course the RX450 looks great, and for the relatively small step up from the NX price, the RX would be my choice. Having said all that, i'm happy with my RX400h, and don't see me changing it anytime soon! Cheers

Hello Since buying my RX400h I've done 4000 happy miles, and now it is time for the 100k service. I knew about this when I bought it, and negotiated a good purchase price to reflect this expensive service milestone. So, at barely 7 years old this is the newest (and nicest) car I've owned, so I haven't actually been to a main dealer before, ever! I've joined the forum club to get a bit of a discount, and the Leeds Lexus is looking like the most convenient for me. My question is, what should I expect from a dealer? Are courtesy cars standard or an extra charge? If the work is booked in beforehand (which the service will be) is it a 'while you wait' prompt affair, or do they take the car round back and get to it at some point whenever during that day? I don't mind hanging around for a few hours, but if it's a long job (which it could be) then i'd rather go home etc so would need transport. I'm expecting there may be some other maintenance needed (brakes are a bit jerky just before stopping, which I guess is a worn brake disc or similar), so if they need to keep it a few days that's expected. For previous cars I've just dropped them at the local independent/specialist and then got a lift to work from a friend etc. I've not found a Lexus specialist anywhere near me (Huddersfield) and for the 100k service I figure it is best going to Lexus. Bit of a ramble but I guess it boils down to what differences should I expect between a dealer and non-main dealer??

Hi Jack A slightly old thread but might still be getting some reads so i'll reply anyway. My RX400h has a whistle when the aircon is in re-circ mode. I guess this is something to do with the path the ducting takes (maybe too many corners or too narrow or something). When your engine is first started the aircon fan speed will be high to get to your preset interior temperate quick. Once it gets nearer to that then the fan speed slows down...and the whistle is no longer audible. You can test if this is the same whistle by going into the fan settings and manually altering the speed up/down with the re-circ mode on, and see if the whistle stops. Now if anyone knows how to eliminate this whistle, other than setting the fan speed manually, i'd be pleased to hear about it. (re-circ mode is preferable in queuing traffic etc rather than sucking in exhaust from other cars which selfishly don't automatically stop the engine and run in EV mode when queueing ). Plan B, turn the radio up...

OK, a quick follow-up on this one... Having done some trips 'with passenger' I can now confirm that my satnav does now allow nav destination changes while moving - something they was greyed out prior to the change of satnav disc. One other thing which i'm fairly sure it didn't used to do with the 07/08 disc, it now automatically switches the satnav screen to night mode when it gets dark, which is something I wasn't expecting the new disc to change (but is a welcome feature). So...essentially it looks like a firmware/software update did take place at some point - just too quick for me to notice! Thank you all for your advice on this one.

Hello. My 2008 RX400h (purchased by me towards the end of 2014) still had the original satnav dvd, so figured it was time for an update. So I recently went shopping and changed my 2007/08 (E07) satnav dvd for a 2013/14 one (E1A). In the menu it shows me the map data version as 13/14 which is good, however i'm not sure how to tell if the firmware/software has updated itself also, or if I need to pull a fuse or something else to encourage that to take place? I didn't notice any kind of 'please wait...updating' message on the screen at the time, although I was probably busy putting the boot back together (well, putting the dvd access panel back into the tool tray, and putting my boot liner/tray back in etc) so it may have done it when I wasn't looking. The menus and everything looks identical - no new menu options (or ones disappeared) so very much a 'meh' update so far. Should there be any new functionality? I know prior to the update the touchscreen pattern to access the service menu didn't work - just beeped at the end of the sequence. I think this is something that was locked down around 2007 on the RX. Not expecting the new satnav dvd to return access to that, but would be nice if there was /some/ difference...or an easy way to see which firmware/software version is loaded at least...?? Oh and the maps themselves are definitely different/updated, however still don't have my mates house - his house was built 3 years ago (!)...but I know it is normal for satnav maps to be a bit behind so not too surprised by this. (obviously not a problem as I already know where my mate lives - just sharing that info to give people an idea what to expect if/when they update theirs). Cheers

Hi Peter I also have a 2008 400H SR, which I bought in Dec'2014. I reset the trip computer then, and have done around 900 miles since. My average is 30.9 (by the trip computer - I realise filling tank to tank and calculating will likely give slightly different figures). My first 2-3 weeks I was averaging 29mpg (mixture of v.short journeys and 10-15 mile ones). However have done around 500 motorway miles (in 1 weekend) since then which did help edge the average things up slightly. I'd say your figures look fine to me. The hybrid is good on short journeys but there is the initial mpg hit while the engine warms up, which as a percentage of the distance/time is more exaggerated on short trips. My commute is about 1.5 miles, and the engine takes maybe 1 mile of that to warm up, depending how cold it is outside etc. Hope that helps - and enjoy your RX.

Hi. Not sure how you would go about getting back issues as this was the first time I've come across this magazine. Maybe find the magazine online and contact the publisher.

Hello Just thought i'd share this with the group in case anyone is interested. In 'Car Mechanic' magazine there is a 4-issue article all about the Lexus/Toyota Hybrid system. The article does focus mainly on the Prius, however as the Lexus system is closely related to that then i'm sure a lot of the info is still relevant. I think the 4th issue is on sale in a few weeks - I read the previous issues while doing the family visits over Christmas/New Year, as one of them is into his car engineering so is a regular reader of that mag, and quickly produced them when he saw I had a hybrid now (RX). Cheers

Hi Mike. I've sent you a private message. Cheers

Hi Mike I'm not too concerned about the batteries. They're made up of around 200 cells so when they do start ageing it should fade gradually rather than just stopping one day. In the US the cells can be purchased separately however as far as I know in the UK you can only buy the entire pack. Mine is coming up to 7 years old so not something to worry about for 3+ years. The earlier Priuses are now 14 years old and I haven't heard of any battery issues with those. I cannot help re towing. Mine has the towbar (+larger air vent in front grill for cooling) but I don't have anything to tow. Mpg so far after around 500 miles is averaging 30. A lot of very short commute + supermarket trips (all less than 2 miles one way - partly why a diesel wouldn't be good for me due to dpf clog up etc!). Also some 10-15 mile journeys, and one 80-miler. I live in West Yorkshire so all the shorter trips are up and down hills which really suits the hybrid. I expect to get slightly more mpg as I get used to driving it more. Also of gets higher in summer apparently (engine warms up quicker, and can remain off longer mid-trip without cooling as quickly). Acceleration is very brisk when you want it to be - definitely no slouch. However you drive it is relaxing and quiet. My OH said it drives itself! Cheers

Hi Mike Keep looking, be patient, and use the upcoming expensive 100k service as a negotiating point. By your figures, after a frank discussion with the seller about the service (private sale, they genuinely didn't know about the significant work due at 100k) I paid near 2005 rx prices for my 2008 rx last month - aside from that pricey service coming up it is very well maintained, everything works, and it had around 1500 spent on it by the seller in the last 6 months - tyres, brakes, wheel refurb, etc (they were intending to keep it for much longer...then their employment circumstances changed and they HAD to sell). Mind you high mileage doesn't deter me...the outgoing car has 225k on the clock now and I bought it 6 years ago at 145k, and still runs fine...just needed a more practical family car now or I would have probably kept that one another 2-3 years! (Edit: This was also a 6-cylinder petrol, like the RX is) Keep on top of the maintenance once you have it (like any vehicle), and take your time waiting for the right one to come up (I was looking for an RX for 12+ months half-seriously, and 3-months seriously). Hope that helps.

Thank you both (and Happy New Year!) Stockport/Denton isn't too far away so i'll look into that. Don't suppose you remember how much (approx) your repair was stevet? Cheers

Hello. I have a small tear (slightly smaller than a 2p coin) on the door armrest, not too dissimilar to the one in this youtube video, except mine is maybe twice the size. Here is the Youtube video, and the repair is very impressive, but this guy is in the US. 1) Does anyone know if Lexus dealers in the UK offer such a service, and approx prcing? 2) Can anyone recommend any independent repair shops (or reliable individuals) in the UK (ideally in West Yorkshire) who is able to do such repairs for a reasonable price? 3) Or failing that, the best way to temporarily secure the tear to prevent it getting snagged and getting any bigger, until I can get it sorted properly? I don't want to do something and make it worse/harder to repair later, but equally I don't want to do nothing and it 'develop' on its own either! Thank you.

Thank you both for your helpful replies. I took some time over lunch and had another look. By pairing my work mobile to the car and then making a call from another phone to that, I concluded that yes the setting must definitely be on the car somewhere (because that auto-answered also). Finally I came across the setting, almost by chance as it is not in an intuitive place! For future reference if anyone has similar confusion, these are the menu sequences: -> Telephone -> Settings -> Screen. What auto pickup has to do with the screen I don't know. If they called that General or something it would be more accurate a name. Never mind, that's another niggle ticked off the list :)

Firstly apologies if this has already been asked/answered. I have done a search here (and elsewhere) and didn't find the answer for this. Here goes...I have a 57reg rx400h with the built in satnav. I also have an iphone4s. I've paired them fine, put a couple of contacts in the Lexus phonebook, and can make calls - no issues so far, and the other end says the audio is amazingly clear, which is great news. If I get an incoming call, after a few rings (maybe 2) the call is picked up automatically. I've been through all the Lexus menus and cannot find an option for this, however my online searches then suggested that the Lexus doesn't have an auto-answer option, and it will be the phone. However, having looked around the phone settings and not found such an option, I checked on several iphone forums and everyone seems to be saying that the 4s doesn't have auto-answer (mine is running IOS 7, although the posts saying auto-answer doesn't exist on iphones were within the last 12-18 months so around IOS7's main lifetime - IOS8 is out now but i'm not upgrading to that because my phone is a bit old and I don't want it to run slow which I've heard is an issue for the 4S). Now clearly either the Lexus or the iphone IS picking up the call, but which? I'm puzzled as the respective forums both say it is not an option! Not a huge issue - if i'm driving and specifically don't want calls then i'll just turn off bluetooth on the phone before setting off, but it would be nice to have the choice to eg answer calls from my partner while driving but decline everyone else...and auto-answer doesn't give me that choice unless i'm quick on the hangup button before it (something!) answers it for me. Any suggestions as to how to figure this one out?

I've owned my RX400h a whole 5 days so far, and one thing i noticed very quickly was that the turning circle isn't as tight as my last car, but that was RWD so to be expected. I reverse into my drive each evening so getting plenty of practice, and the reversing camera helps a little (although also disorientates me a little when glancing between that and the wing-mirrors repeated during the maneuver!), and i'm sure it will become second nature soon enough.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. A lot of forums you're lucky to get 1 hello from someone, so this is a great start...i'll be hanging round a while I think... Totally agree about pedestrians. I keep an eye out for them anyway - people didn't seem to hear my previous car, a large engined 6-cylinder with a loud-ish (standard) exhaust until it warmed up, so with the hybrid I have been paying extra attention for them. Love floating around the car park on electric-only...it makes driving exciting again! Still early days for getting the hang of hybrid driving but i'm sure the mpg will improve a bit over time as I figure it out better (and also when the weather picks up next spring/summer of course).

Hi Colin. Thank you for the quick reply. I hadn't thought about the seat needing more bits also, good point. I think based on that it is definitely too big (and costly) a job to do so i'll leave it as-is. At least I know where the memory buttons belong for when I trade up in future! Cheers Roger

Hello Recently bought a nice RX400h. Made a slight slip up during the viewing in that I noticed it had electric seats so assumed they were memory ones, but they are not. In hindsight, it wasn't described as having them (or several other options it DOES have), so entirely my fault for not checking. My previous car (nearly 15 years old now) has electric memory seats, and i'd heard that Lexus was well known for coming with nearly everything as standard spec, so wrongly assumed that if they were electric they must also be memory enabled. (Lexus has the satnav/camera and ML audio options, on top of its trim level spec). Anyway, we're considering going from a 2-car to a 1-car household next year, and my partner and I have very different driving positions, so I was wondering if it is possible to retrofit/enable the memory function somehow as this would be very handy to have. Obviously it will need new switches (since purchase i've found out that the memory buttons would be on the door handle if it had them - so would have been easy to spot if I knew where I was looking beforehand!). What else would need doing and how much is it likely to cost? I expect this either needs a module of some kind, or maybe just enabling in software within the car computer (ECU?) once the new buttons are wired in. Oh, and is the wiring harness likely to be already there or will it need a different one pulling through (somehow). Aside from this the car is brilliant (and well looked after) so I don't think i'd go as far as selling it anytime soon and buying one with the 'correct' spec - although I realise that is one possible solution to this 1st world problem... Cheers