BoutTime

For what it's worth to you (which may be very little 😉) I disagree with most of what you say. 7 Deg c decreasing is the point at which a winter tyre becomes beneficial over a summer tyre. For anyone traveling early hours in the winter as I have for many years this is a fair percentage of winter months.

Have a look at these results. I'd rather make do with a slight performance hit in the summer than a massive performance hit in the winter.

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/92873/all-season-tyre-test-2019-results-by-category

25 minutes ago, Linas.P said:

For longevity I still think Michelin is king. Regarding having all-season tyres is a choice - many people thinks that all-season will always have better grip, but that is not true. Depends where you live, depends what sorts of roads you are driving on. It is fact that summer tyres would be safer on dry roads as long as temperature remains 8C+, most premium summer tyres are as well very good on wet roads again as long as temperature drops below 8C. The biggest advantage of summer tyres over all-season is always going to be wear and fuel economy - there is just no way all-season tyres with softer compound could match the mileage and wear.

So my advise would be to go for good summer tyres if you in the city, and consider all-season tyres if you more int the country-side.

These are the first all-season tyres I've ever fitted. I toyed for years with fitting winter tyres. My Jaguar XF had them fitted when I first got it and I noticed the increased road noise when swapping them out for summer tyres.

I would possibly agree that so far the fuel consumption has been a little worse. But the temperatures have been lower anyway and we have had plenty of rain.

What I would say is that in the summer months a summer tyre will be better than a winter or all-season tyre, but the difference is nowhere near as stark when comparing how much worse they are in the winter. The difference is quite shocking. In fact it's well widely accepted that in the winter a 2WD car fitted with winter tyres is safer than a 4WD fitted with summer tyres. Especially in the snow. 4WD helps with accelerating but does nothing for braking. I've read a few motoring experts state that you would be better off running winter tyres all year round rather than summer tyres if safety is your primary concern. Especially with our climate. What muddies the water further is that not everyone fits premium summer tyres. So it's possible that a decent all-season tyre could out perform a lower quality summer tyre even in the summer. Plus we do have rain in the summer.

Having ran these now for a few weeks I'm already of the opinion that I wouldn't think of fitting anything else to my CT. Unless of course they prove to wear prematurely by some huge amount. They are extremely quiet (which makes a big difference to me in a hybrid), less harsh, and have incredible grip in the wet. Temperatures are only just approaching the 7 deg C threshold but remember the Cross Climates have a summer bias. I drive a mix of town, country and motorway miles all year round and for me these are the jack of all trades that I need.

4 minutes ago, SJT said:

Mine is also an Advance Plus like BoutTime's running on 45 profile.  Not too harsh a ride... quite bearable really although I see that mine are 225mm width (225/17 R17 91Y eagle f1 asymmetric 3)

So may things to consider......

Great tyres those. Had them on an Audi A3 and a Jaguar XF. But really impressed with these Cross Climates.

Just now, royoftherovers said:

Wow, a 45 profile is low. Noise reduction would have been greater had you fitted 50 or 55 profile if that had been allowed by the Handbook.

Anyway enjoy your new ride.

It's the factory fitted profile. They actually don't look as the Yokohama low due to the sidewall design. But they are far less crashy. Very pleased with them.

3 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Good price Ricky.What size were the tyres + profile please?

Just fitted x4 Michelin Cross Climate +.

Noticeable improvement for me. Quieter, less harsh, and incredibly grippy in the wet. They are an all season tyre with a summer bias and are highly recommended on this forum.

Kwik Fit had a deal on recently nso I got all four fitted for just over £400 with a set of true wireless earbuds thrown in for free.

5 minutes ago, paulrnx said:

My current NX had a missed 30k / 3 year service. I could see that it had all other services done and had evidence of other trips to the dealership for things like wheel alignment and investigations etc. It was low mileage and appeared to be in exceptional condition so it didn’t bother me. Another factor was my intention to keep it for a very long time. A 30k service is an intermediate service so it would effectively have missed an oil change and some checks. The car I bought had done a lot less than 10k miles a year - less than 20k miles over 4 1/2 years in fact. If the car had done 20k miles between it’s second and fourth service I might have been more concerned. Getting an approved used warranty also eased any concerns I had.

Very similar to me then. Bought the car. Had it over a year and have renewed the warranty so all good. Thanks 

I'd pay the extra I reckon if I was buying again. The extra safety kit on the newer CTs plus the larger screen, better stereo, auto mirrors etc would be worth the extra cash to me. Although I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by the halogen headlights on mine Not as good as the Xenons on my old Jaguar but miles better than my wife's BMW and my Dad's golf which are verging on dangerous

1 minute ago, Stompe said:

I agree with this entirely!

I would be interested to know what Android phone you have got please?  Just to give you a bit more background my car was taken in to Lexus Southend where a new head unit at a cost of £5000 was tried and still it did not work (we are talking about text messaging side of system, I can make and receive calls fine with my Android phone).  With the new head unit a number of Android phones were tried by the Technician to no avail and yet an iphone 8 which was the customer service advisor's own phone pinged the texts instantly.

Not sure if this issue only affects upgraded stereo/nav but my Xiaomi mi 9 works fine with my standard stereo/nav. And so do my OnePlus 5T before it. This might even be dependent on what version of Android the phone's software is based on.

Good morning all,

I was on the look out for some Michelin Cross Climate+ tyres to replace my Yokohama fronts and Nexan rears. The rears have only covered 10k but want to replace all four together as the Michelins are obviously an all weather tyre.

Anyhow, Kwik Fit are currently offering 10% off a pair and 15% off four. You can also claim some free Michelin Wireless earbuds if you are that way inclined. So a set of four for my CT200h just cost me £415.70 including a £5 charitable donation for a children's cancer charity. The discount worked out at £63.30 and they are due to be fitted on Wednesday morning. I also went through Quidco in case I manage to also succesfully snag the £17.16 cashback which has so far been confirmed as tracked.

Just posting in case anyone is considering fitting these tyres to their Lexus in time for winter.

2 hours ago, Poundy said:

With the Battery a bit of a pain to get at for checking and charging I decided to fit a permanent C-Tek comfort lead loose in the corner of the boot, for quick hook up when a charge is needed.

It is also easy to put the multimeter across the lead pins to check battery charge as per pic, without the hassle of pulling the liner out.

I appreciate it can be checked under bonnet but find this is my preferred method as the traffic lights give me a constant reminder when opening the tailgate.

Excuse the mess it's mainly my wife's ride 🤣

I have one routed the same way. Very convenient.

23 minutes ago, Stompe said:

Hi Ricky

I done exactly what you professed to do.  I had a 2013 premier which I was really happy with but like you I thought I would upgrade to get further warranty and more "bells and whistles" like you mentioned.  The adaptive cruise control is really good but not prefect.  All the other things you mention are good too, however with the premium navigation it is not pointed out that the text messaging system is flawed because it only works with an iphone as I have previously mentioned on other posts which soured the upgrade for me.  Now I will have a dilemma when I look to change next, now that the CT200h and the IS will not be available.  I did have a UX for a very short time as a lone car.  It was a basic version and it did not impress me and I was not sold on it like I was the CT200h. 

I have also fitted Michelin Cross Climate tyres to my vehicle which made a marked improvement to the ride. 

Finally I would say to you, it is a marked improvement going from 2018 onwards but remains to be seen whether the second hand value will climb now that the CT200h will be no longer available.

Cheers,

Steve

Yes I think the prices may creep up as there aren't many alternatives. In many ways it's the perfect car for me at the minute. It drives so much better in my opinion than is suggested by the motoring press. I watched an independent dealer on YouTube who bought one to sell on and he ended up keeping it.

Interesting what you say about the UX as I thought it might be an option in the future.

Has there been any difference to fuel consumption with the Cross Climates?

Shortly after buying my CT I also fell into the category of wanting a 'better' one. I wanted specifically the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Avoidance, 10" screen, better stereo and Premium Nav. I thought long and hard about chopping mine in for a MY2018 to get the above kit. But I was looking at at least another £6-7K on top of mine. I had to ask myself was it really worth it for what is essentially the same car with the same reliability, same performance and same efficiency. On top of that I would loose the zero road tax status and there are things about my car that I like such as the colour, sunroof and seat coverings which in combination are fairly unique to the Advance Plus.

So my answer was no. I work overseas and the car stays at an airport carpark during winter months for a week at a time, every other week. In the summer I work from home and enjoy taking my kids to school out of town where I can regularly get 66-72mpg. Like John I now see the car as a workhorse I fully own that looks nice, drives nice and hopefully won't let me down. I've just stumped up for a 2-4-1 warranty and will fit some Michelin Cross Climate Tyres before the winter arrives so I'm fully invested. So I've surprised myself to be honest as I love gadgets and technology.

On another note my wife and I test drove a Toyota CH-R a few weeks back as she likes them and is thinking about a new car. The salesman was ex-BMW and drove a hybrid Corolla. He told us he only gets 54mpg and I bit my lip and stopped short of telling him he was doing something wrong. We took the CH-R out for a 40 minutes test drive after resetting the OBC. By the time we got back it showed an average of 67.9mpg which is impressive for a car like that. Lovely car and bigger than I thought it would be. It also had all the safety kit listed above. But again the interior is just not a Lexus. But my wife loved it.

12 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Norman ,you have opened a whole world of discussion.

It is important to identify your perspective on motoring, family life and politics! Remember matey, that you started this !

For example 1.

I bought my Merc  Diesel Estate when it was 6 months old, the last of the W210 series. It was a run out model with all of the items I desired as standard (REAL LEATHER, SAT NAV ETC). It has served me and the family well, trips to Uni, moving into student accommodation and flats, going to the Rubbish trip, family trips, continental travel..you get the picture. It is now 18 years old on 3 Jan and has covered 247,006 miles. Overall it has been brilliant and still gives more than 50mpg on runs. Internally it is still brand new with nothing having worn or faded. Externally it has suffered a few knocks and scrapes consistent with the use and mileage. Were I to buy a new one, it would cost £40K. But do I want to spend such a sum at my time of life? Not a chance. Was I bothered that as the years rolled by that my model was superseded by W211, W212 and W213 ? Not by any stretch. I had bought the Mercedes for the long run. So I cared for it and it owes me nothing.

Example 2. 

Six years ago I bought a 3rd Generation GS Lexus. I bought and still have until 2023 an Extended Warranty. It was and still is a quality motor car. Not quality as perceived in Audi, BMW and now, Mercedes, but quality in my eyes of reliability, economy from bumper to bumper, no rattles or squeaks and build. I bought a 10 year Service Plan and I have not had to spend any money on the car other than normal consumables such as wipers, not covered by the Service Plan. I haven`t even had to buy a bulb and my local Lexus people are such nice people to deal with.

My car has been superseded by the Gen4 and lately by the ES. Do I feel the need  to change? Not a chance.

These are two examples of me keeping my cars and ignoring Mr Smith`s new xx next door, or taking advantage of some supposedly fabulous offer from a motor manufacturer. I was able to keep these cars because I had a long term objective in mind at the outset. I bought quality that could serve me well and I looked after both of them.

 

On the other hand my advice to people is

if you really, really, really want it and you can afford it and you will not upset anyone or anything by doing it, then go ahead.

I`m sorry for taking so long say what I would do, but you now have my TWO answers. Good luck.

Great post that. I think what we are seeing with today's cars is they are like gadgets. The latest tech is what makes people want to change their car in the same way they change their mobile phones.

52 minutes ago, Poundy said:

Sadly, it appears when current UK stocks are sold no more CT200h will be made available over here.

I was thinking of upgrading ours but feel it may be an unwise investment now. Thoughts?

It's a shame the Corolla interior is so cheap and nasty. Not a patch on the CT inside. But lovely on the outside and uses the 4th Gen Hybrid system.

5 minutes ago, bfgqueen said:

Thanks Herbie, that post is so helpful! I don't really see myself as a mega car techie who is likely to have to help others out, but you never know! I have had a flattened battery twice, mainly as a result of lockdown (having to shield and not go anywhere). But last night I called lexus breakdown at 6.30pm (still daylight) and the guy finally came at 9.30pm (dark, and I had to drive around for an hour to charge the battery). I just don't want to be in that vulnerable position again, and so I want some way to be self sufficient if my battery dies in future. If this gadget does it, I am happy! But of course, if I come across someone in need it also means I can help them too. I have got standard jump leads, but the location of my car at home means they are useless without a second car to jump off. Hopefully, this gadget will solve my problems - if it helps someone else, that's a bonus!

Thank you for your helpful advice - when I retire, I intend to take a course in car mechanics, and with luck I will be a bit less clueless!

 

 

From what I understand there is no need to drive around. Engine charges the big traction Battery which in turn charges the 12v Battery. With the car in Ready state sitting idle, if the large traction Battery needs charge the engine will run.

26 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

Yes but all the automotive power packs are made to turn over an engine. If you can find one that is just for hybrids then it would be ideal.

It won't be because you need an output within the 12.8 to 14.4 volts range and can supply that voltage at around 20 Amps.

The one linked was for 8ltr petrol and diesel engines. So it might at least be cheaper to go for something suitable for a smaller engine instead.

What's interesting about the hybrids is that a traditional powerpack is surely overkill. As it's not required to turn over a starter motor but just power the computers and display.

54 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

That`s good to hear as they are part of the Motorline Group which has not received any accolades this side of the last appearance of Halley`s Comet !

Oh great. One of the reasons for buying a Lexus was the dealers apparently being the best in the business. I guess I should have interpreted that as just not as sh*t as the others.

1 hour ago, stormchaser said:

Have heard that Lexus Hedge End (now the Snows group) are very good although a little too far from Bournemouth.


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Thanks. I actually live a little north of Bournemouth. Right in the middle of Swindon and Bristol. I've been using Lexus Bristol and they've been great so far.

2 minutes ago, doog442 said:

They now have Hendy Sports next to them since Jaguar moved out, share workshop facilities and are servicing numerous different makes and models. I wonder if they simply spoke to the wrong guy in there ?   

I had an awful experience with them. Felt a little sorry for the salesman but I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. Although he hasn't confirmed it's them.

If it is Hendys I'd try another dealership. They told me door catches cannot be adjusted. They also took paint off my wheel arches when attempting to perform wheel alignment. Smart alloy repair flaked after 1 week. The list goes on.

5 hours ago, stormchaser said:

 

Took the CT in for its service and MOT(6th one) at my usual local dealer.

I requested the tracking to be done and a gearbox oil change (it’s on 107K).

They tried to play the “it’s sealed for life” bull and “you can’t change the oil on those and it’s not part of a service schedule “

I laughed at him and told him he can’t be serious. I showed him this photo of the gearbox displaying the oil drain and fill plug which is by the sump plug also.

He phoned the workshop to ask them for a quote of time etc. They replied it needed a special tool and oil (partly right) but to top it all said the gearbox needs to be removed and supported under the car so they can gain access.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so told them to forget this and that I thought it was terrible that they didn’t even know what to do.

I’ve told him I’m going to book it in to my Toyota dealer to do as they said they do this regularly on the Prius.

Sorry to rant on but it’s ridiculous that a 30 min job,3.5ltrs of oil and a half inch drive and open access to it and they tell me this crap.

Just beware of your dealer if you decide to get this done on yours.

 

 

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I read your post and wondered if it was Lexus Poole (stab in the dark). I checked your profile and see you are in Dorset. So was it Lexus Poole by any chance?

47 minutes ago, Charlie Alder said:

Just popping in to throw in my 2p's worth. I had a MY17 CT Premium for just over 3 years and 12v battery was never a problem . In the time I had the car it covered 12 500 miles, so not a lot of use. I did however recognise the need to give the car a run once a week to keep the battery topped up. Even purchased a CTek but never needed it. Lexus  are aware of 12v battery problems in the Covid 19 lock down time so worth visiting them for further advice. CT is a great car but wanted something a little bigger so changed it for a UX.

I know it's off topic but how are you liking the UX?

I had my alternator fail on my old Jaguar XF. Completely discharged the Battery to the point where the car couldn't even change gear or light up the dash. And this was at night in the dark! My Ctek charger managed to smart charge the Battery and it never gave me a problem after the alternator was replaced.