First_Lexus

I’m going to go off at a slight tangent, but hopefully contributors will understand my reasons. At various times in my life, after surgery, I’ve had to use a wheelchair. That’s a fascinating experience both as a child and as an adult. What I’ve learned is that most people can’t understand the challenges of using one, but I’ve also gained an appreciation that there was absolutely no reason why they should! I never experienced anybody being ‘nasty’ towards me. I have experienced people saying or doing the ‘wrong’ thing, but I knew it absolutely wasn’t deliberate and was always well meaning. Having never driven an HGV I don’t understand the challenges of doing so. I can think I do, I can try to, but ultimately my knowledge will always be lacking. It’s the same with cyclists - I can’t fully appreciate what it feels like when (for instance) somebody passes too close. I always try to be considerate. Most people are. It’s the same with aggressive driving between motor vehicles. Most people don’t want to get into a dispute - why would they? Life’s too short. In my experience, human beings do try to do the right thing. When they don’t it’s usually due simply to a lack of understanding leading to a lack of consideration. In 99.9% of cases, people don’t deliberately try to do the wrong thing or be hostile. The example I like to consider is that when something is reported in the media it is BECAUSE it is unusual. Occasionally we’ll see reports of a taxi driver not accepting a guide dog in their car as one example - if that happened every day it would be far less likely to make the news. The problem is that certain media organisations like to use the exceptions to drive division or their own agendas. Car drivers, cyclists, HGV drivers, caravanners, farmers driving tractors, horse riders…the more I’ve read this thread, the more I’ve thought that the driving test should cover such examples in far more detail than simply relying on the Highway Code and the theory element of the test. I have no solution as to what that looks like, but as with most things appreciation of difference fosters understanding and more positive relationships.

As somebody born with a disability, I’ve never been physically able to ride a bicycle. However, I think there may be a few reasons based on having worked for three (very) large organisations, all of which had ‘cycle to work’ schemes with little take-up from employees. First, facilities. One of my employers spent quite a lot of money having showers and changing facilities installed specifically for those running or cycling to work (or at lunchtimes as exercise). However, feedback was that people didn’t want the hassle of cycling and then having to use those facilities. Broadly, most people didn’t want to get sweaty in the Summer or wet and cold in the Winter, and have to carry a suit/work clothes to change into after arrival. Second, people these days have to carry laptops / other equipment to and from work. Most people I work with need two or three different computers or devices which gets heavy, and due to the WFH shift they can’t simply leave them locked in the office. They therefore have to carry them to and fro each time. Lastly, I don’t think a lot of people feel safe using a bicycle and/or aren’t ‘into’ exercise enough to change their car ‘habit.’ My current commute is c100 miles each way, but if I was to go back to working in London at any point there are railway stations into Paddington five miles from me and into Waterloo seven miles away. Not being able to use a bicycle, I’d certainly consider something like a Renault Twizy to make those journeys. As with most things, it depends on individual circumstances. There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ that can be applied to everybody based on the circumstances of a few.

Try asking dealers for anything unsold on a ship already in transit rather than a factory order. I was willing to be flexible on colour. Ordered my new RX in September, collected in November…there were two unsold (assume cancelled orders) on that particular ship. One was white, one black. I chose the sonic white with black leather interior. I’d have preferred a tan interior and possibly a different exterior colour, but the discount and rapid availability made the decision easy.

Council

I had one of those once, fooled into believing it would be amazing by the motoring press, and bought a VW Tiguan. It was awful - the hesitancy could be downright dangerous - and then like many others it exploded when at 40k miles and just less than three years old. At least the motoring press seem to be less enthusiastic about DSG than once they were. I’ve read a few reviews in recent months where the hesitancy and jerky nature (especially the VAG variety) has been highlighted. I certainly wouldn’t want a DSG again. eCVT suits me and the way I drive perfectly. Smoooooth and wafty!

What I found really interesting were the comments of the EV ‘specialist’ salesmen at each manufacturer. I’m the first to admit that I don’t understand what is ‘fact’, what is ‘opinion’ and what is - frankly - ‘snake oil’ when it comes to EVs as I’ve read so many contradictory opinions (and I’m deliberately not referring to them as facts!). However, there were common themes. Most opined that the latest batteries would deliver ‘about’ 80% of the quoted maximum range even at motorway speeds and at temperatures below 9c (I’ll come back to that in a moment). They also all agreed that modern batteries should still deliver 90% of their maximum capacity after 7-10 years. I’d hope that Lexus falls into the ‘latest tech’ category for batteries on the RZ. A couple of the salesmen also claimed that their EV software optimises battery range and performance for different temperatures depending on the market. Mercedes put this at 9c for the UK. One of the others put it at 10c (I forget which, we saw so many). Truth or partial truth or snake oil? I don’t know. They also all stated that the ‘WLTP’ range calculations were now far more accurate than once they were, which is why ‘earlier tech’ vehicles such as the I-Pace and Leaf had such discrepancies, which were now being corrected. The Porsche - depending on options - has a claimed range of 198 miles. They noted that they’d ‘never’ seen it below 180 miles delivered even when driven hard in cold weather. TBF the others ALL made similar claims. The only manufacturer who wouldn’t discuss range was Tesla. They simply referenced the numbers on their website as they were far more interested in selling their brand and the tech options in the interior. That’s interesting in itself as they didn’t seem to think they needed to discuss range - perhaps unsurprising as they have the longest claimed of any of the options, albeit the Model Y is quite a bit smaller than the others as well as a bit cheaper. The bottom line here is that the ‘200 mile’ range wanted for purchase is an arbitrary figure, just because they want the option of longer range if needed. Most of the time the RZ will do a maximum of thirty miles a day, and not on the motorway either. They also have at least two other vehicles at their disposal with petrol and diesel power so the risk is pretty limited. I’m fascinated to see how it works in the real world tbh. And the buying experience, for somebody who isn’t a technology expert (and neither are they) was also intriguing given the various claims made. I did feel the salesmen were sincere - I was quite impressed with all of them - but I’m sure this thread will tell me that what they were stating was all rubbish!

Today I’ll be moaning about relegation from the Premier League. Again. Sigh…😬

Indeed, but… …deposit is refundable if they don’t like it when they see and drive it. What helped was that none of the other contenders were liked or suitable for their needs. They like the look of the RZ, the range estimated at 220-250 miles is acceptable, and they know quality will be top notch. I don’t think they see it as much of a risk, but there’s an easy out if they hate it when viewed, as with many members here and the revised NX. I don’t think they will - after all, what else would they buy having reviewed all the other options and not been that impressed with any of them!? TBH I’m tempted myself…

I’ve watched and read this thread with great interest. Before I start, I’ll note that what I write here is an opinion based on a full day of looking at electric cars today from all the main contenders. This isn’t for me, rather it’s for my Brother-in-law and Sister, to replace a Range Rover. They want to go EV. I have no real axe to grind for any brand - neither do they - but they do like my RX. They know I’ve been very happy with Lexus. They’ve never owned a Lexus. I certainly didn’t influence the decision and was there to provide opinion and balance. Criteria - must be SUV style, AWD, maximum price £100k but sweet spot £60-80k. As long as range is 200 miles on a full charge that’s fine. First to Volvo. XC40 a bit too small, that’s their only current option. Nice interior though. Next, Mercedes. A very impressive buying experience and the various EQB and EQC were nice, especially the EQC. However, the rear seat space was too tight in the EQC, and the EQB as a seven seater was ugly with a much cheaper interior. After a brief flirtation with a Ford Mustang, onto Tesla… I must express an interest here. My BIL owns two Model 3 for his company, and liked the look of the Model Y and X. However, the experience with quality hasn’t been faultless. This was my first time up close with Tesla, and I have to say the build quality is ‘iffy’ to say the least. I fully accept that not everybody will agree, but that’s what I found. Interior plastics and panel gaps were poor, and some of the finishing was outright terrible. Looking at 1-2 year old examples for sale there and they hadn’t worn well, which is his experience. I’m sure the tech is great, but there are too many gimmicks imho. Then to Porsche for the Taycan Turismo. Now this is an impressive thing, but by far the most expensive option and with a scary option list! It was a contender, but the image is a bit of a problem - I’ll leave it at that - and with a decent spec the price was almost at the £100k. Close, but no cigar. Another review of options followed. Audi and BMW discounted due to previous poor experiences. Jaguar I-Pace is well known to us both through close acquaintances, but range isn’t great and build is patchy (to be polite!). And the final decision? A Lexus RZ ordered online for early 2023 delivery. Lexus called within 90 seconds of the web order being placed to run through the details. What swung it? Perceived quality - based on my RX and previous NX - along with a good estimated price at about £70k, and the promise of excellent customer service. The fact that it’s more traditional and less like an iPhone was also a big selling point. So there you go. A real buying experience, by real people who actually wanted to spend money and buy an EV. Everybody will make different decisions and for different reasons, but that’s why they made the decision they did. Let’s hope they like it when they get to test drive it!

Heating

Repetition 😁

Isle

For me there are two favourites. The Rover P6 takes some beating as a police car - it was certainly the main motorway presence, along with the Granada, when I was growing up. The proper ‘nee naw, nee naw’ sirens were also far more distinctive than the US style we’ve had since the nineties (or thereabouts). Second choice is even more sentimental. As a child, there was a policeman who lived in our road. The Austin Allegro panda cars that he drove seemed to suit the role perfectly from memory. I remember my excitement when he had a new Allegro 3 - with twin headlamps - I guess in about 1981. Different times…

For the avoidance of doubt I’m posting this for the purpose of entertaining members. It was quite ‘viral’ at the time. Pure genius…enjoy!

Etna

McRae

Boxer

Definitely one of my favourite moans of recent times! It should be utterly irrational, but instead it’s strangely familiar… Going back a few years I used to drive quite a few miles each year, about 25-30k, as my job meant I had to visit offices across England. I swear that, during that period, I came to the logical conclusion (to me, based entirely on my own experiences) that during the week post the school run (now there is a nightmare worth a rant!) driving standards were far better than at weekends or during holiday periods. I became able to tell - or so I thought - drivers who didn’t drive as much, or who were less used to busy motorways, roundabouts, junctions and suchlike. It was something about their general awareness, hesitancy and positioning on the road. I only drive about 5-8k miles a year now. I’ve almost certainly become ‘one of them’. Eeeeek.

I’ve had the car for five months, and been through there many times. I think it’s more likely that a) it was very early and pouring with rain, and I had a two hour motorway journey ahead of me, and b) that journey was to present to a relatively large group of people. I like presenting but I think my mind was elsewhere and I was on autopilot. To be honest it’s probably a good reminder to always be 100% focused when driving even when there’s nobody else around.

I clipped an alloy wheel on a very tight width restriction last week. The mark is only about an inch long and right on the edge of the wheel but I’m very irritated about it. Haven’t kerbed a wheel for over twenty years…typical that I’d do it now on a new car! I go through that very restrictor at least twice a week and just can’t have been concentrating. Doh! Repair coming up…

If you don’t like the trackpad, simply use the touchscreen instead…

The OEM Lexus steps I had on my NX were very robust - I could happily put my full weight on them to help wash the roof. They were also wide and practical. However, the OEM version for the RX look very narrow in comparison. Having had OEM steps on my previous Honda CR-V and on my NX, my conclusion is that they’re mainly cosmetic regardless of how robust they are. Neither car was high enough for an adult to really be able to use them - good for small children though - and I speak as somebody with mobility issues myself. I haven’t bothered with fitting any on my new RX.

I feel like I’m going to get shouted at here…but have you considered a Dacia Sandero? The latest one - based on a quick look a few months ago and the reviews - is well worth consideration. I’ll get my coat…

Mars