LenT

12 minutes ago, First_Lexus said:

^^ I’ve decided to try the GT Radial Savero SUV at £80 each from Asda Tyres. Not a brand I’ve ever used before.

Reviews are fine, they are usually summarised as a perfectly acceptable mid-market tyre, representing good value. We will see! 

If the reviews are good, then at £80 a corner that's pretty good value.  All you have to hope for now is that there's not another Covid-19 lockdown and you can get some serious mileage in and really make the most of being back on the road!

All the best with them.🙂

On 3/13/2021 at 9:46 PM, Las Palmas said:

The MR2 cars were fun...

No question of that!  I had a Mk11 - with the single sunroof - for three years and 90K miles and nothing but regular servicing.  Utterly reliable and a joy to drive.

Not really comparable with any Lexus, I guess.  Indeed, possibly still one of a kind.  But that was nearly 40 years ago and the Lexus suits me far better now.

But it did make my day! 😊

1 hour ago, Marlinleg said:

The first I time I drove the Prius hybrid I turned the ignition key on  silence turn it off then back on silence 

Strange I thought still wouldn't start. Then a bolt of lighting 

Er Phillip the car is ready to go ( you get a green light on the dash saying "READY) 😊 just press the Accelerator, 

I had a similar experience when the Lexus dealer provided a loan hybrid when my non-hybrid was in for a service.

Suffice it to say that I thought I’d stalled at traffic lights.  As has been pointed out to me elsewhere, all I had to do was press the go faster pedal.

Luckily the drivers behind me never noticed a thing.  Probably.😊

42 minutes ago, Linas.P said:

I thought I was able to compensate for 1 missing wheel, not 1 remaining... it would be interesting to see how that looked like 😁

Yes, these days there would probably be smart phones out all along the Route to Orly Airport. As you say, the Citroen was known for compensating for one missing wheel but de Gaulle’s car still had all its wheels.

So you could also say this was an early demonstration of the Michelin run flat tyre.

20 minutes ago, Las Palmas said:

Did not say I liked the ride quality. It was soft and comfortable, but kind of: go fall asleep.

Yes, that was sometimes the case.  Luckily just for my passengers. Mind you, if Charles de Gaulle was dozing off in the Presidential DS in 1962, he would have had a rude awakening when assassins riddled it with 162 bullets, blowing out three of the (Michelin) tyres in the process.  Thanks to its unique suspension the Citroen was still able to accelerate smoothly out of danger.

I was living in north London when I had mine.  Fortunately this special Citroen ability was hardly ever needed.

2 hours ago, Las Palmas said:

Softest ride I have ever been in was a Citroën DS something...

I had a DS for a while.  Amazing cars with a ride quality many modern cars still cannot match.  Which is why Rolls Royce use the same hydropneumatic system.

The Citroen tyres, to get back on topic, were always Michelin: partly because they were designed to match the suspension, and mainly because the Michelin brothers had bought Citroen in the 1930s and saved it from bankruptcy.

1 hour ago, Marlinleg said:

LenT the Rav 4 had 2 manuals . Ref getting used to sat-nav ect . I sit in my car on the drive and my iPad can pick up the house WiFi then if I can't figure anything out I google it YouTube will have the answer . Lexus how to web page is good link below

 

https://www.lexus.co.uk/multimedia/onboarding/cy17/enter-a-new-destination

Many thanks, Philip.  I had no idea this section existed.  Having just gone through the steps, I must admit, however, that I still prefer my Garmin, which I’m tempted to observe is still streets ahead. It’s much simpler and I get four updates a year - not all of them very useful, of course, but at least free.

I believe updating the Lexus system is a substantial cost.

Much more useful to me, I think, will be the previous page, starting with the set-up of a Customer Portal and covering several other applications that I can now explore. There may currently be fewer places to drive it to, but you’ve given me more excuses to sit in it!

2 hours ago, royoftherovers said:

Do take time to read through the Owners Manual as your vehicle is full of many of the items that were not even thought of when we both bought our first vehicles !

Very good advice and time well spent.  I don’t know what your NX is like, but my IS250 was the first time I’d encountered an Owner’s Manual in two volumes totalling about 1100 pages!

And some of the really critical info seems to be tucked away in the more challenging columns of smaller print.

(Sadly, I still haven’t mastered the Sat/Nav system and use my old Garmin instead.)

Talking of manuals, the Lexus was also the first auto that I’d actually bought, having always preferred to change my own gears, thank you very much.  But I have discovered, being of a similar age, that I rather appreciate having the gear changed for me.  

Another sign of Lexus ownership, I discovered, is inventing reasons to ‘just pop out to the shops’ for the sheer pleasure of driving the thing.  Still, if you can’t indulge yourself at our age, what was the point of getting to our age?

29 minutes ago, Malc said:

... and they say us oldies have underspent / over saved....

Malc

Personally, saving was no problem until interest rates disappeared up their own fundament. Great if you had a mortgage to repay.  Otherwise, if you are retired, then not so much!

Tank wise, I try to keep them half full. (Or is it no less than half empty?)

Partially due to considerations regarding condensation and evaporation of the volatiles - especially in current low mileage situation - but more to do with vague concerns about ever running out or picking up water and residues in the tank.

21 minutes ago, First_Lexus said:

I may just buy something cheaper that I’ve never had before as an experiment!

Spoken like a true pioneer! 👍

12 hours ago, First_Lexus said:

... in the review of what was tested, Falken were in his top 3.

They certainly were and it was an excellent review for the Falken Ziex.  (Mind you, I also note his positive remarks about the longevity of Michelins!)

It appears to be a comprehensive and well run test that confirms the choice of your preferred tyre.  So, no problem then.

Except...in addition to the tyrereview test I mentioned earlier, I also came across the annual Auto Express tyre review, no less, called Best car tyres of 2020/2021 and dated just last month.

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/features/91856/tyre-reviews-best-car-tyres-20202021

Now if this was the first, or only, tyre test you read, then you’d may be not so keen.

So, having gently lifted the skirts of the murky world of Tyre Testing, and glimpsed the delights that are revealed, my conclusion is that once you find a positive review of a tyre you like....stop reading tyre tests!

I’m also grateful that at our current rate of mileage the tyres on both of our cars will probably outlast us.  Faced now with the problem of choosing replacements, I too would probably go with the same again.  

1 hour ago, Malc said:

on my Ls400s over the ( 20 ) years and about 250k miles I've used Falkens these past many years when I can get them .......  in my size 225/60/16 sometimes challenging to get hold of it seems 

AND on my 2006 Honda Legend now too .........  blimey, so much quieter and more comfy a drive than the Pirellis they replaced 

Malc

Now that’s the kind of testimonial Falken needs!  You should be on commission, Malc. 😊

1 hour ago, First_Lexus said:

Plenty of reviews - this one is one of the most comprehensive. It wasn’t really the Falken I wanted opinions on - my experience is positive - it was more the other brands in my original post. 

As I said, other reviews are available. 😊

However I don’t quite see how the review you’ve provided helps your decision making.  You originally named nine brands, of which five appear in this test of twelve.  And your preferred brand, Falken, comes an overall eighth.  As one who has no experience of Falken, it wouldn’t get it on to my list.

Also I wonder how old this test is, judging from the prices.  I note that neither Michelin CCs or Goodyear Asy 5s are tested.  Were they not considered appropriate?  Or just not available?

The test I cited from the same source was just last year and specifically about the Summer type you were seeking.  But in the end, as you have already decided, go with the brand In which you have confidence.

Tyre choice is such a minefield that perhaps it’s just as well that car makers make the initial decision for us.  And interesting that so many of us change them at the first opportunity!

On 3/12/2021 at 8:30 AM, First_Lexus said:

Falken - as my usual brand of choice ever since - have always given excellent service, so I’ll probably stick with them.

You might as well, if you’ve been happy with them.  It doesn’t look a though anyone with experience of Falkens has commented.  If you’ve decided then probably no point in looking at tyre reviews.

Out of interest, and not knowing anything about Falken, I did.  At tyrereviews.com they had a 2020 AMS 18” Summer Tyre Test of 11 brands.   Falken Azensis came 8th overall and they summarised it as: Good - affordable product with reduced levels of performance, but no serious defects.

No doubt other reviews are available.

Obviously a very subjective choice!

I originally was going to replace the Yokohamas with Michelin CrossClimates, which we have on our other car.  As has already been mentioned, they are highly rated - especially as an all-season choice.  But I ended up with Goodyear Asymmetric 5s because:

a) Michelin only did one of the sizes I needed.

b) The Goodyears were newer and topped some of the comparative tests in competition with  the CCs.

In fact they have proved to be quiet, comfortable, refined, precise and suit my now-relaxed driving style.  But my recommendation would be to read through as many of the tyre tests as you can - Auto Express, What Car, tyretests, tyrereviews and so on - and look for a consensus that suits your criteria. 

What ever tyre you choose, someone else will prefer another!

3 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

We are speculating how this particular vehicle was stolen but I don't imagine it was done by breaking a window and opening the door from the inside which the deadlocks prevent.

Neither do I.  I should have made it clearer that I was commenting on general security on my Lexus.

3 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

One thing to check is whether your mechanical key will operate the deadlocks - on some Lexus vehicles that is possible, on others not. You don't want to deadlock and then find you have no way into the vehicle if the battery goes flat.

Good point.  So I thought I’d check it out.  The good news is that it does operate the deadlocks.

However in the copious small print additional notes in the manual, I came across the warning that if the alarm happens to be set, it could cause it to sound.

It does!

Note to self: Must ask neighbours why they didn’t rush out to check on my car when alarm sounded. 😊

As an additional irritant to would-be thieves I do make a practice of dead locking my IS250 every time I leave it.

Obviously I ensure there’s no-one inside at the time!  No doubt there are ways to simply defeat deadlocks, if not for purely safety reasons.  But it buys a little time, I imagine.  And no thief likes to encounter unexpected problems.

To borrow a phrase from elsewhere: Every little helps.

On 3/9/2021 at 5:52 PM, First_Lexus said:

...and Michelin (poor durability)...

Just to comment that it’s interesting how experiences differ. I had Michelin Xs on a Lotus Elan and did 90K miles in three years.  I was just on the third set at the end, so roughly 40K each for the first two sets.

I thought that was quite good.  In fact the Michelin reputation at the time was that the compound mix sacrificed some degree of outright performance for longevity.  We’re currently running CrossClimates on a Suzuki 4x4 but it’s too early to talk about mileage, although they have proved to be excellent in other respects - but probably not the specialist Summer performers you’re looking for.

Mind you, I wouldn’t rule out the chance of rain in the summer!

57 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

The Yellow Lock in the Range Rover was lying on the floor by the rear seats.

Was there any evidence that it had been fitted to the STEERING WHEEL ?

That often was the problem.  It took a certain degree of commitment to not only fit the lock, if you were just popping into a nearby shop, say, but also to accept that your get away was going to take a bit of time too.

1 hour ago, Herbie said:

True. You have to think that people still manage to rob banks, so if they are very determined they'll manage it. However, as with other things, not all "yellow locks" are equal.

This took more than five minutes to defeat in tests. That's five minutes of hammering, sawing, chiselling and noise - in other words, five minutes of hassle that the criminals don't want.

Here's just one review https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/tips-and-advice/158469/best-steering-wheel-locks-to-buy

I used to have a couple of the cover style of steering wheel lock.

if I remember correctly, they often defeated criminal attack in comparative tests.  The advantage they had over the bar type is that the wheel was sufficiently covered to ensure that simply cutting or breaking the wheel itself still wouldn’t free the lock.

https://www.barriersdirect.co.uk/parking-posts-residential-c1087/car-trailer-van-hitch-locks-and-posts-c1228/steering-wheel-lock-deterrent-for-electronic-thieves-tested-by-experts-low-low-price-p23262?shopping&ppc_keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnKeCBhDPARIsAFDTLTLi57Lk1q2_IUMiO3AsyaBb1OING7b03eq4qHVYjALqFhbu2v2wbRIaAveVEALw_wcB

My experience is with a BlackVue system.  This has a voltage regulator connected to the Battery to keep the camera live with the ignition off.

The regulator is set to a minimum Battery voltage level so that the camera switches off if that level is exceeded.  That way the camera can never flatten the Battery.

I would be surprised if NextBase didn’t have a similar system.  If not, then I’m sure the BlackVue system would be suitable.

On 3/8/2021 at 10:45 PM, Barry14UK said:

I have had 2 cars where there was a hidden switch which to cut out the ignition but don't know whether more sophisticated electrical systems in modern cars would allow this to be easily achieved.  In the past there were also gear lever locks and even manual locks to cut off fuel supply from within the cabin.  Yes, a number of devices available in the past,  supposedly replaced by modern more convenient locking systems. 

Commiserations to Lukas, who I hope gets his car back soon and undamaged. 

Ah yes!  The advantages of modern technological advances!  As a previous poster mentioned, in the old days (!) it was up with the bonnet, release the two clips holding down the distributor cap and pull off the rotor arm.  To steal that car you either had to have a spare rotor arm on you or a tow truck.

I had a Lotus Elan which I fitted with an immobiliser.  It was simply a threaded screw which went into a holder and completed a circuit to the low tension supply to the distributor.  Without it, the engine would just churn over.  But superior engine advances have put paid to such simple measures.

I would suggest that the problem is fuelled by the increasing reliance on electronic deterrence.  Using such technology always invites the development of similar technology to defeat it - which ultimately it always will.  It may be that the way to defeat an escalating technological problem is not greater complexity but the return to simplicity.

PS: I see this is my 100th post!  Doesn't time fly when you're having fun.

So how did the viewing go, Hugh?  I think we’re all agog to know.

In the great scheme of things I wouldn’t let your purchase decision rest on the wheel size.  As I think many of us have said, tyre choice may be a more significant factor than wheel size - and the easiest to change.

Meanwhile, as I’m sure you’re well aware, there are plenty of other possible problem areas to worry about!

Good luck.  They’re great cars!

35 minutes ago, F.A. said:

I would recommend getting some PPF coverage for at least the front end if possible and especially for the carbon fibre piece at the front, after the correction has been carried out. Helps to keep the stone chips and bird etching away. 👍🏾

A good thought.  I didn’t have it done on mine because I felt I’d spent quite enough and the paint correction dealt with what very minimal marks there were.  Also I do very little mileage these days so the risk is very limited.  However the results are very impressive.

My guy’s next client was having the entire car wrapped!

I too have 18” wheels on my IS250 which was about 2 years old when I bought it.  They too require different sizes.  Given the choice I would have gone for the 17” wheels, which are the same size fore and aft on my model.

The bigger wheels are supposed to give better handling at speed because the lower profile tyres have less sidewall to flex when cornering.  The compromise is that the general ride is firmer.

 But, like Vladimir, I concluded that the cost of changing both the wheels AND the tyres did not justify any marginal gains.  Instead I changed the tyres, when due, to Goodyear Asymmetric 5 which greatly improved the handling, especially in the wet, reduced the noise levels and improved the ride quality.  (Other tyres are available).

I don’t think you mention whether this is a private sale or from a dealer.  If from a Lexus dealer, I suppose you could always suggest a wheel swap to clinch the deal.

PS Remember to check the spare.  Is it missing or a Space Saver in good condition.