Illogan

Hello Nicole, There is quite an informative thread on this very subject here: https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/120992-rx400h-catalytic-converter-theft/

I sought the Lexus Owners Club on the internet when deciding to purchase a car to replace my MB S500 I had decided I wanted reliability, a quality build and a car to last me many many years. I am of a certain age (!) and have been forced to realise that climbing down from a car is much easier on my limbs than clambering out of a car at almost tarmac level. So reading your forum was a considerable part of my decision to buy a 2014 RX450

I cannot fault your maths, Les - - but I'd want Herbie to handle my tax returns! 😉

So - - - - I guess it's a question of: "Go with the flow" then?

Insomnia strikes at all ages!

I had a similar problem with a 16 year-old Merc S500 I bought four years ago - - - noisy air-pump - - - Then it became very noisy ! I hauled it into my local indie and together we discovered that the (intergrated) mounting assemply was rotten - and repair was innappropriate - - though the pump assenbly was fine - - - - So maybe a worn mounting on yours?

I too have spent the last couple of months looking for a RX450 at about £15k - - the 'red lines' for me were that it had to have a full Lexus service history, bodywork in good condition, wheels unscuffed and interior clean. I didn't think that would be a problem until I started looking, and it's amazing how many fell outside those parameters Few Lexus dealerships sell cars of that value (though some do - and they are worth looking out) Whilst I guess you may already do this - I also checked out the Gov.uk MOT website to look at the mot history of the cars I was considering (which gives an impression of how well they may have been maintained (and even more useful with older cars) and I always use the Parkers Price Guide to get a reasonable indication of the pricing ration between year/mileage. It cost me a tenner - but has saved me a great deal of time (and cash)) Though it may well be of no surpise at all - - nearly all of the Lexus dealerships work at the upper end of the pricing (as do some of the independents tbh), but there are reasonable examples out there at reasonable / fair prices. I was certainly not concerned at high mileage cars (proving FLSH of course) - for the reputation of Lexus reliability and quality precedes it, but I was careful to check for bodywork damage and wheel condition. (Though if sold by a Lexus Dealership these should be good - apart from one I saw - which is still for sale on a Lexus forecourt with two areas of damage and rust that the salesperson "didn't know about"!) Enjoy your search Ben, (I have) - and I've learnt a great deal about the marque and the RX450 models - - My search has come to an end - I think - and subject to a proper check-over/test drive etc etc, I too will joing the ranks of Lexus owners in the next few days.....

Maybe Ian's garage meant to quote £395 per hour? (😉 )

Thanks for the article - as a prospective purchaser (in the very near future indeed) of a five year old RX450H F-Sport - - - I am thoroughly looking forward to joining the ranks of satisfied (possibly smug?) 450H drivers

Thanks for that tip Eric, - it's always good to learn by recommendation!

Extremely interesting thread, and thanks to jpowerand everyone who commented, advised and assisted. It's a great advice and warning for anyone with an aircon problem - (or any other problem to be fair) always research and ask questions of the knowledgable BEFORE you attempt to repair, and, most importantly, never trust Halfrauds to even change your light bulbs - they'd only manage to put them in back to front. On a personal note, as I am looking to purchase my very first Lexus, this thread may yet prove invaluable. Thank you