LenT

I think that’s possibly a counsel of perfection, Alex. Rules 226 and 236 of the Highway Code require that front and rear fog lights are only used if visibility is less than 100 metres. One problem is that drivers vary in their perception of both ‘visibility’ and ‘100 metres’ - especially in adverse weather conditions. As for seeing the regular tail lights, I think I must have seen almost every combination of dim/missing, rear/brake lights - and it’s astonishing how often it’s the offside that’s the problem. On the occasions when I’ve been overtaken in heavy fog, rain or snow, I often wonder what that driver can see that I can’t. And drivers do manage to rear end the car in front even in perfect conditions! So you’re quite right that it shouldn’t matter if the driver behind thinks it’s a motorbike that they’re approaching at a crawl - unless they see such a low speed as a chance to overtake. That’s when the one fog light seems a false economy.

Can’t argue with facts like that! Frankly, a single fog light is potentially dangerous. Two confirms that the shadowy vehicle in front is probably a car; one will suggest to some drivers that it’s a motorcycle! If there was one area in which my IS250 disappointed it was the lighting. As I mentioned earlier, the reversing light was so poor that I replaced the bulb with a brighter LED version - but it should have been on the offside anyway!

It’s disappointing that the Xlock succumbed to drilling out the lock, but it may still deter the casual thief who hasn’t come equipped with power tools - and is prepared to spend a little time hanging around. But it illustrates the old principle of getting what you pay for. The Gold Disklok is substantially more expensive but claims to resist attempts to drill or pick the lock. https://disklokuk.co.uk/product/disklok-gold-edition/#:~:text=ANTI-DRILL LOCK,1%2C000%2C000 combinationunique key code. Another device not tested was the Milenco bar lock - which like the Disklok has passed the 5-minute attack test. https://www.bestproductsreviews.co.uk/milenco-steering-wheel-lock?psafe_param=1&targetid=dsa-19959388920&matchtype=&device=t&campaignid=15548184439&creative=569168980234&adgroupid=131395587735&feeditemid=&loc_physical_ms=1006494&loc_interest_ms=&network=g&devicemodel=&placement=&keyword=$&target=&aceid=&adposition=&trackid=uk_all_top_11_2&mId=407-132-4411&trackOld=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACWZmZl0uYtdZBEWueW7qBbVGMF7Q&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6s-0iKCyhAMVxJJQBh2FwwExEAAYAyAAEgIVJPD_BwE Of course, you could invest in one of the better immobiliser systems such as the Ghost, which may invite a Canbus attack. I think the advantage of a visible deterrent is that it suggests to the thief that this is the prime security system. Combine this with a Kill Switch and you present the thief with an additional, time-consuming problem with an engine that turns over and doesn’t fire up. Short of putting the car on to a trailer, most thieves will be inclined to move on to a softer target. After all, the two thieves in the video only located the kill switch because they were given heavy hints to look for one! There are much better places in which to locate it.

Suppliers seem to suggest a battery life of between 5 - 12 years, depending on use. So if these are the original fittings, then you’ve done pretty well.

You haven’t mentioned where you’re looking or how far you’re prepared to travel. So apart from all the excellent advice others have already provided, might I suggest you look at the Autotrader web site - if you haven’t already done so. It seems to be well regarded among Members. Or, of course, the For Sale section here! My preference would be the IS250 - but as that’s the only Lexus I’ve owned, what do I know! 😊

A recent reassessment of Shrodinger’s thought experiment suggests it may have been based on a typo. It wasn’t a cat at all!

I You’re clearly much better organised than I am, Don. When it comes to items such as wipers, I’m much more reactive than preemptive ! 😊

No, Don. They sit just above the bonnet line, proudly flaunting what Bosch describes as its ‘new AeroClip adaptor’. 😊 What you cruelly dismiss as ‘daft’ turns out to be an ‘aerodynamically optimised connection between wiper blade and wiper arm’! And never was a lump of plastic more aptly named. I can certainly testify that I can recall no combination of wind, rain and speed that has resulted in even the merest flutter of these blades as they silently go about their business. This is how Bosch themselves describe this masterpiece of engineering design: Karlsruhe, Germany – The Aerotwin with new AeroClip adapter – an aerodynamically optimized connection between wiper blade and wiper arm – increases the contact pressure against the windshield, preventing the wiper from being lifted by the airstream. The result is improved wiping results, even at higher speeds. The Aerotwin with AeroClip adapter also features the Power Protection Plus (PPP) wiper rubber with its patented coating and long-life formula. Since a special additive makes the rubber of the wiper blade more resistant to wear and environmental influences, it lasts even longer.

I don’t quite see how these Dealerships are ‘rip offs’? Surely, a ‘rip off’ is when you don’t get what you pay for - such as being told that your roof requires extensive, expensive repairs and later discovering that it didn’t. Or that the price you’ve paid wasn’t justified by the work done. But you’re not being conned into buying a car, are you? You have the opportunity to test drive the car, compare it with other, similar examples and - ultimately - walk away from the deal. If it turns out to be mis-sold and not as described or develops faults, you have legal rights to redress. No doubt there are car buyers whose purchase turns out to be a disappointment, but buying that specific car was their choice. Personally, I’ve never had a problem with walking away from a deal. Perhaps more importantly once I’ve bought what I want at a price with which I’m happy - I stop looking! So I don’t feel ‘ripped off’ if something cheaper suddenly appears.

My Bosch Retrofit Aero Twins were £23, inc VAT, from autobulbs direct - and I fitted them myself.

You’re quite right, Malcolm. And many owners may well find it suits themselves better not to pay Main Dealer labour rates for what are really generic motor trade jobs these days. Since we lost our local Suzuki Dealer due to loss of business through Covid restrictions, MrsT’s SX4 gets looked after by a very good local garage. The Lexus, however, is a different story!

Undoubtedly so, Colin. But of course there’s this grey area where the tester doesn’t yet think the joint is at risk, but there may be some rubber cracking or oil leaking that suggests it might soon be. My previous MOT included an advisory on a suspension rubber cover, but my recent MOT didn’t! Now what am I to make of that? It could be that the cover had cleaned up and looked better, or the same tester had had a slightly different subjective reaction. After all, although the MOT specs for testers are very detailed, ultimately it all comes down to an individual’s interpretation.

It looks like a very good example. Interesting comparison with a slightly newer BMW 5 series! If it didn’t come with the appropriate Owner’s Manuals, you can download them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/customer/manuals All the best with it.

Not covered at all? My AA Insurance covers the repair and replacement of all the glass, although not necessarily with the Lexus brand product but an equivalent. I would have to check the actual Policy to see if there were any conditions or if small scratches were included. But were it to be smashed by an errant brick ,say, replacement and any resulting bodywork damage would be covered. (Now, where did I put that brick?). 🤔

Success will depend on how deep the scratches are. I note that one windscreen repairer suggests that anything you can clearly feel with a fingernail is probably over 40 microns and therefore may not polish out very well without causing further damage to the screen. Although fine jeweller’s rouge paste will deal with very fine scratches, there are more traditional methods that you could try first as you may already have them. Namely. Brasso or a whitening toothpaste - both of which can be applied on a microfibre cloth if using in liquid or paste form, after throughly cleaning the windscreen first. Afterwards, wash away the residue with warm soapy water or water dosed with washing up liquid, and allow to dry before polishing and checking results.

I did add that depending on which part of Greater London you live in, it’s worth looking at the local paper as well.

It certainly does! The defects sound relatively minor, the mileage is low (too low, some might say, for a make that rewards being driven) and the service history is reassuring. I would be inclined to replace the punctured tyre (match the one on the same axle), replace the battery and do as much renovation work on the interior and exterior as you can. If you can do it yourself, then it’s mainly only time that you’re investing - and first impressions count! If you think it will pass, then get an MOT. You can check many obvious fails yourself - bulbs, washer level, blowing exhaust and such like. As for selling it, I’d follow Linas’ advice as above.

Have you tried the ultimate key fob check? Namely, press the foot brake and then press the start button with the key fob itself? If this works then it’s confirmation of a flat battery in the key fob. Have they ever actually been replaced? If they date from 2008 then you’ve done very well!

I suspect a mechanic might put it on a hoist and then jack up the chassis so that the suspension is no longer loaded. - which might reveal any source of movement or wear.

Have you eliminated the possibility that it might be related to the rear suspension? Does it appear to originate from the centre of the rear or favour one side?

But very entertaining! Yet another example that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is! Personally, I have either taken my cars to the Dealer from whom I bought it or a local garage with a good reputation to maintain. My Lexus has always been maintained by Lexus MK and therefore benefits from the warranty extension. I have no plans to change that. There are times when the cost of trying to save money can prove to be an expensive mistake!

Maybe it’s a family tradition. Like this one - handed over to his son, Prince Albert, on 13 March 2018, apparently? Well there is a Royal Motor Museum in Monaco, so perhaps it’s there? Unless he’s px’d it because of the increased insurance rate! https://twitter.com/Lexus_EU/status/973603607936425985/photo/1

Welcome Tom. I’m sure you’ll find the LOC not only a great source of knowledge - but also very entertaining. So….why did you choose an IS250? Many longtime Lexus owners consider it among the best of the Lexus range. Photos are always appreciated! My first suggestion, if you haven’t already done so, is go to lexus.co.uk and register it on the MyLexus site. If it’s been regularly serviced by Lexus dealers you may be able to find its past history. And if it didn’t come with them, you can also download the Owner Manuals. They’re almost as informative as many of the members here - but with fewer laughs! 😊 https://www.lexus.co.uk/customer/manuals

Bad news, Pete. I got an Exclusive, Confidential Invitation too! But I’m not impressed by such blandishment so there’s no way I’ll be going! Really? Well, maybe I was a bit hasty! I may just happen to be passing anyway….

Exactly right, Ian. It’s an aid to safe, careful driving - not a substitute for it! In fact I’m slightly surprised that you can even switch the system off. You can certainly adjust and reduce the sensitivity of the sensors, but I haven’t done that. I’m perfectly happy to have my attention drawn to the approaching pedestrian continuing to push a shopping trolley at my car despite it very obviously moving. And there have been times when reversing when BSM brought my attention to such items as very low walls that were impossible to see from the driver’s seat. Just to be clear Alan, are you saying that it isn’t?