Meeja

So, after a long time of researching, and a lot of looking, and a few weeks of actually viewing and test driving, I put a deposit down on Saturday for a 2009 450h SE-I. Red with a black interior, 46k with full Lexus history. A few bits need attention before I collect, which I hope will be a week on Saturday. Can't wait, and genuinely feel like a dog with two tails at the moment. In a mark of defiance, my ageing Range Rover P38 sailed through it's MOT yesterday, and drove home beautifully.... it seemed to be pleading with me not to sell! One thing I will need, is a towbar. Lexus would like me to remortgage my house to fit one, so looking elsewhere. Any recommendations available for fitters/suppliers etc? I'd want vehicle specific electrics rather than generic, and also a swan neck (maybe removable?) rather than an ugly flange towbar.

It's from a main dealer (stealer!) and "approved used" which I would hope will have a decent warranty.

Hoping to be test driving a 2010 RX450 in the coming days. Anything particular I should be looking out for? (Apart from corroding fuel fillers)

Noted on the other thread of a £600 bill - is this about standard for the work? Am looking at a 450 that has an advisory two years ago for filler pipes corroded... and would use this as a bargaining point should the car be otherwise the right one for me... just want to know how much to bargain!

I understand the concept of programming a blank fob with a laptop plugged into the car, but in that video clip, how did they gain access so easily? They simply walked up, wiped the windscreen and the car was then unlocked and the door opened. Is the second guy who wanders up tp the front of the house scanning for the key? Or did they already have something that gave them the ability to unlock the car, and they just then needed to programme a fob? Really quite worrying.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a question about whether I should go for the RX400h (probably one of the run-out models) or an early RX450h. After reading the replies, and thinking a little more (and upping my purchasing budget slightly), I have decided to opt for a 450, as it will be my intention to keep whatever I buy for a minimum of five years. As I understand it, the SE-I model has traditional suspension, and the SE-L has air suspension - is that correct? And as with some other manufacturers, would air suspension be something to avoid? How does the range for 2009-2011 cars line up? From the entry level to the top spec - what is the order? My guess is: 1 - SE 2 - SE-I 3 - SE-L I have seen a couple of "Advance" models (2011MY) - where do they fit into the range? So many questions I'm afraid! - But having made a decision, I'm really looking forward to finding the right car! Edited to add: Of course, if I had clicked on the link at the top of the forum, some of my questions will have been answered! D'OH!

I daren't enter the details of the Range Rover into Fuelly... I did keep a spreadsheet of the running costs (including repairs at a very good backstreet Land Rover specialist) The results were eye watering and had they been seen by the wrong eyes could have been grounds for divorce!

Yes - absolutely. My usual driving/commute is a mix of city/congested roads and dual carriageways. My daily office run is 21 miles door to door - 65% stop start and sub 40mph - 35% National Speed Limit on a generally uncongested dual carriageway. I'm after a car that rivals a Range Rover for space and comfort, without the long term finances required to keep the thing on the road as it grows old disgracefully. My research suggests that the RX is a relatively reliable beast when older - and when compared to other £40k+ (when new) cars, relatively cost effective to maintain, as it seems they don't regularly break! Edited to add: The Rangie I have is a petrol with LPG conversion - the MPG on petrol isn't great, and on LPG is worse.... with LPG costing half the price of petrol, it does the equivalent of 30mpg at the very best. (Plus LPG requires an additional service annually on top of normal servicing)

Also, MPG(!) The 400 seems to average around 30mpg, but the 450 claims to be significantly better (have read high 30s/low 40s) Is this true in the real world? The 2016 RX I drove managed 31/32, and that needed some effort on eco driving.

Thanks so far - the comments don't come as any huge surprise. Reading about a bit, it seems that the 450 SE-L are all air suspension - is that correct? Having owned a Range Rover, air suspension is not something I would have again by choice! I had planned on a late Limited Esition final run 400... but over recent weeks have been wavering towards an early 450 - for longevity reasons as much as anything else. I appreciate the feedback so far - feedback from others is welcome!

So - I am replacing my ageing (and expensive to maintain!) Range Rover. Have been hanging my nose over an RX for some time. Have driven a 400h, and recently a new 450h The question is this... my budget will get me a late 400h with low miles (sub 70k) or an early (09/10) 450h with 100k+ miles. Whatever I buy is most likely to be kept for 5-7 years. What would be the sensible choice here? Thanks in advance!