Well, here's an update about the radio.
Tried lots of things to get it working but to no avail. So, bit the bullet and went to Lexus Ipswich. They took the whole screen unit out and wanted to send it away to a so called approved engineer. I sugessted that maybe it would be better to just send the radio/cassette unit as this was obviously detachable from the rest. They agreed, so at least we get the air con operating on auto. Nothing else works though (very useful).
Two and a half weeks later we get a call from Ipswich saying that the Lexus approved engineer can't do anything with the unit as they don't have the Pioneer accessory required, whatever that means. Why haven't they got the bits they need to fix a 6 year old radio? I'm not happy!
So, the radio is badged Toyota on the back, Lexus on the front, and turns out to be made by Pioneer. It is only 6 years old and the "approved" engineer can't do anything with it? Gavin at Ipswich did say that he was also surprised and would talk to Lexus to see if they can help. We wait with baited breath.
Maybe the change to a new GS will be reconsidered, we mght visit Lancaster Garages and look at an E class, Maybe?
I'll let you know what happens after the next call from Gavin.
P.S. We went to the Open Road day last week and drove the GS430 and 450h. Both amazing cars. If my wife likes a car it must be quite something. Can't say which was best really, after al,l we only drove them for about 20 mins each. We might go and try a longer drive dependant on what happens about the radio.