Chrishobbit

So, my car was in at the dealer today for its 10 year service and cambelt. I got a message after a few hours informing me of the extra work required.......3 grands worth! This is on top of the service and cambelt cost. A big chunk of this is the exhaust centre section, which is £1100 or thereabouts. They sent a video of the hole that it's blowing from and it looks like it will patch for now, but obviously is going to need replacing sooner rather than later. Has anyone had any luck sourcing a cheaper option? I'm sure one of the custom exhaust places will knock one up for much less, but I'd like it to be as close to standard as possible.

Quick update, Filled up with 250 miles on the clock today and worked it out at 22mpg overall. Currently showing 25 on the trip info, but I reset that about 80 miles ago. Had much more use of battery power driving today as it was warmer when I left work at lunch, so I'm convinced this is a major factor. In fact, i took my mum shopping and drove the 2 miles from her house to the supermarket completely without ICE. I'm not actually that bothered about the mpg, but I'm interested in the technology, and, of course, the health of the car I've just bought. I'm thinking some old fashioned ideas, like covering half the rad, may help at this time of year.

Hi, I got a 2008 rx400h last week. Im VERY chuffed with it. However it's proving to be pretty awful on fuel so far. I've done 180 miles of mixed driving and used 3/4 of a tank. If i apply any more than a feather of throttle, the ICE is kicking in. Particularly today, it's been almost impossible to get the car to drive under battery power for more than a second or so, even with the engine up to temperature, heater off etc. Is this typical cold weather behaviour?

That only seemed to lift it, rather than allowing it to slide. Probably doing something wrong. Pretty sure I'll be buying the original car I saw if its still available this weekend.

Thanks folks. So it is a nice toy to have then by the sounds of it. I'm even more confused now. I've looked at a few more cars and they were rough compared to the one without the cooled seats. Considering going for that one anyway. Not exactly roughing it! I have another question. Probably being dumb......but....does the centre armrest slide forward over the buttons? It looks like it should, but on all the cars I have looked at, it seems stuck in the back position.

Hi, I'm looking at getting a gs450h. I've been to look at a few and the one that is current favourite is a black car with black interior. It doesn't have the cooled seats in it though, which is something that I think that I want, especially with that colour combo. Does the seat cooling actually work well? Because if it's not great then I wouldn't miss it I guess! Any other things to look for when buying? I'm aware to look for leaky shocks, listen for squeaky interiors and pay close attention to the hybrid system. Cheers