Charlie Alder

I have been a Lexus owner for 16 years. Unfortunately in todays world money is everything. In a world where car ownership and car technology is changing rapidly, the philosophy that launched Lexus has gone, stifled by Toyota I suspect. I see it in their cars and service provided by their dealerships. What has sunk Lexus I think is too much Toyota in their cars. My first Lexus was an IS200 which was a true Lexus. I replaced that with a CT which while being a good car is really an Auris in disguise. Lexus are trying to convince people that they're cars appear to be different, charge much higher prices and hope nobody notices. Apart from the US Lexus is now a liability for Toyota so much so that in the next 5 years or so Lexus in Europe will not exist. Shame really because for me Lexus, back in 2003, were something special.

I have disabled the smart entry on my MY CT via the onboard customisation facility. To start the engine etc. You have to hold the key fob directly against the start button the car will "beep" after which you press the start button to put the car in "ready"mode. Doors are opened by the key fob.

Thank you for your reply Royoftherovers. Thought that was the case but had to check. Trusting you and yours keep well and safe.

Hello to you all and trust you are keeping well. A question for Easterlily. In your post you say the HV battery was replaced after 5 years. Why was this? The life expectancy of the battery is much longer than 5 years or am I missing something.

Thank you all for your replies and the advice given. Much appreciated. Live long and prosper.

Hello This may be a silly question so I apologise become hand. I have a MY17 CT200H. The lable on the aux battery says the max charge rate should not exceed 4.2amps. Does this mean the CTek MSX 5 would charge at too high a rate?

Ignore the reviews in the motoring media. I have had a CT for nearly 3 years (replaced an IS200 I had for 13 years) and you would think the so called experts were talking about a different car! Make sure you take your chossen CT for a good test drive as it does some issues ie hardish ride, tight legroom in the back and small boot. Do not worry about the CVT gear box its easy peasy to use just different to a standard box. Lexus are reliable cars but need servicing to keep them tip top. The car is not slow even in Eco mode and returns good mpg. Enjoy the car.

Thanks Farqui. I see now, did not fully appreciate the workings of the Hybrid system. Did you have to rest anything after battery was reconnected?

Apologies for asking what may seem a stupid question but why do you need to disconnect battery when changing pads and discs?

I need to understand one thing. As I see it, it is possible to use the battery terminal in the engine bay to charge the aux battery as well as " jump start " . Is this correct?

I understand there is a CT in the States that has clocked up 400k. Worth taking a look at the US LOC, very interesting posts. I have had a CT for nearly 3 years ( replaced an IS200 I had for 12 years) and to date it has been faultless, touch wood, with excellent mpg averaging between 52 and 57 depending on journey length.

I had a UX as a loaner when my MY17 CT was being serviced at Lexus Cambridge. Certainly liked the car and will consider it as a replacement for the C T in the next few years. Found the UX to be quite, easy to drive and big enough boot space for me. Price is the issue as there are better priced SUV's out there that will possibly suit your sister's needs just as well. Best thing is a test drive.

I used them for replacement wipers and found the service provided was excellent.

Happy New Year to all at LOC, with best wishes for 2020.

Hello Dave and welcome. My intro to Lexus was byway of a 53 plate IS 200 that gave me 13 years of trouble free motoring. What a car. Changed to a MY17 CT in 2017. Not everyone's cup of tea but is ideal for me. I find it a great car, so easy and relaxing to drive. Lets hope it proves to be as reliable as the IS was.

Glad to hear you had excellent service from the dealership.

I assume the car has FSH from Lexus dealership. As long as you are happy with the size of the car (it is not a family car), understand what a CVT gearbox is all about, how to correctly drive a hybrid to get best mpg and hard ride, they are great cars. If you went for a service plan that will cost you in the region of £835 for two intermediate and one main service. Best to have a good test drive before deciding to buy and do not listen to comments in Motoring Media about these cars, they tend to favour other cars mostly made by our friends across the channel.

Glad to hear Lexus are finally living up to there supposed reputation of outstanding customer service Knowing what you know now, would you recommend Lexus to other potential buyers? Be pleased to hear your reports on the UX over the coming months.

Colin. I have already spoken about the steady downward slide in the quality of service provided by Lexus. So sorry to hear about your problems. Who is the dealership involved so the rest of us know to avoid them in future. Have you read the Consumer Act so you know your rights regarding possible rejection of the vehicle. Sometimes a solicitors letter gets things moving.

Seems you might be right about the UX. See Colin Haynes post on the UX forum. Disgraceful behaviour by Lexus. Puts me off buying another Lexus or at least a UX in the near future.

Ok, point taken. I correct my statement by saying my comment applies to 40% of cars manufactured by Lexus. Don't get me wrong, I know that build quality and service provided by Lexus is good hence I have owned one for 15 years.

Accepted with grace Stompe.

Any difference in road noise?

What's your alias Lewis Hamilton?

I have a MY17 CT and over two and a half years of ownership average 55mpg with max of 68 on long trips. Driving a Hybrid requires a different driving technique to get the best mpg. There are vids on YouTube about this.On short journeys mpg will be low particularly in cold weather. In town, the trick is to use as much reg braking as possible.I use the Hybrid Assistant app in conjunction with a Link LX OBD. Shows the workings of the car in more detail. Worth considering. Enjoy the car any queries we are here to help.