WipeOut

Thanks for the review. I spoke to my dealer about a test drive and he put me off saying the fuel economy was terrible. 33-34 mpg seems reasonable but I don’t know the driving style that achieved it. He said mid 20s!
 

Could you give me more of an idea of your experience and driving style?

Thank you

Sounds reasonable. Nearly four years ago and elderly drive with dementia drove in the side and hit two doors. One needed replacing, the other was repairable. Total bill back then was about £6k. I recall the insurance company of the third party wanted to reduce the bill and cut corners, and I had to stand my ground. 

4 minutes ago, kenvin100 said:

But have they marked your vehicle from having the plates I mean what's stopping a thief from vandalism

No marking on the vehicle.

Marking may cause them to come better prepared with power tools that may overcome the anti-theft plates, or try other methods to access the CAN bus and leave much more damage. I am willing to accept some broken clips and maybe a piece of trim.

So I've had the anti-theft plates fitted today. They're fitted to both sides. I don't want to say too much or post photographs for obvious reasons, but looking at the fix, the scrotes are going to have a much tougher time. 

It's taken time for Lexus to get there. But credit where it is due they've got a solution to this for an out of production car. They've collected the car, fitted the plates, and returned in clean. 

Let's hope this helps greatly reduce the number of RX450h thefts.

Over 4.5 years I’ve averaged 37mpg. 

Mine is booked in for next week for the security plate to be fitted FOC.

5 hours ago, rk1 said:

Since this post, I have contacted my local dealer and they have offered to fit the plate someone mentioned in the earlier post. At a cost of £209! Not happy about having to pay for this as it is a design issue with Lexus. 

Fitting the plate of course does not mean the thieves wont damage the car before finding out they cannot easily gain access to the car - probably costing me again! If it is the same thieves at least they won't probably try again.

Will contact Lexus to express my displeasure.

Talk to Lexus UK and complain. They've offered to fit if free of charge to my car, and collect return the car.

On 7/1/2023 at 11:59 AM, First_Lexus said:

I spoke with Lexus Reading about the issue last week and the proposed fix. They claimed to know nothing about the problem or the fix (!) but promised to speak with Lexus UK and call me back. I’m still waiting…

…so I wrote to Lexus UK as well. I received the same bland “…we’re aware, all cars are vulnerable to theft blah blah blah…” response that others have had. Not very impressive.

Lexus Reading do know about it, I've spoken to a few there about it. I suspect you spoke with Pinocchio!

Thanks for all the comments.
 

I am no expert but the auto electrician who came around seemed very knowledgeable about the CAN Bus attack. I’ve got an isolator / kill switch fitted on the Smart Entry system.  It’s not perfect but with Stop Lock Pro it’s one more level of defence. 

Consumers Act 2015; this letter I wrote seems to have got Lexus a bit more focused on the issue. I've now had an kill switch fitted and pledge to fit the prototype armour.  They've not agreed to a CAN bus immobiliser. 

 

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives me rights when I buy a product that it is fit for purpose, as described and in satisfactory quality. It has come to my attention through reliable media reports that my Lexus RX has an easily exploited security vulnerability due to a non-encrypted CAN bus network, which is easily accessed by hand prying open the bumper and wheel to expose a front headlight connector, overriding the immobilizer. My Lexus now has the unenviable boast of entering the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK, according to the Telegraph newspaper, with associated increased insurance costs and difficulties. The security evidently isn’t fit for purpose, as described or of a satisfactory quality.  I’ve discussed this with my local garage, and they mistakenly think this is my problem. I am temporarily using an additional steering wheel lock, and reducing use of my car, but this isn’t a proper resolution.

The way to resolve this issue would be to upgrade the CAN bus with encryption and protect the vulnerable access point. I’ve investigated myself and have recommended to me by a specialist an additional CAN bus immobilizer (Approx £500 for a Ghost system). I would like you to cover the costs of this additional security or advise on what other measures you are planning to take and the timescales. If I don’t get a satisfactory response, I may install the additional immobilizer myself with a protection / armor for the entry point, and additional out of pocket costs related to theft insurance, and pursue the costs through a small claims court.

I've fitted the Yokohama Geolander and there a good allround tyre, reassuring in snow and ice.

17 hours ago, Chunkyman2 said:

Apologies for typo error

The service report should have read

 “Requires both rear trailing arms with all securing bolts bushes worn and creaking”.

Apparently, just for info, in case your knowledge is as limited as mine, they are the pieces of the suspension system that connects the vehicle's axle to its chassis. The bushes are rubber or polyurethane components that act as cushions and reduce friction between the suspension parts.

Parts cost £697.01

 

Ouch, you would expect them to last longer than 5 years.

I reported when the car was two years old a creaking noise over speed ramps which they then thought was the tailgate and greased the latch. The creaking noise remained. The car has just had its four-year service. I asked them to inspect the rear suspension and was told I would have to pay £168 for an inspection on top of my service. I reminded them that checking the suspension was part of the service I was already paying for. After an email to principle of the dealership they agreed to waiving the £168. The rear trailing arm and bushes where lubricated at the service. Suprise, surprise the creaking has stopped. I wonder if this is a weakness of the car. I would expect this to be covered under the Lexus Relax warranty, else how can you relax.

20 hours ago, Chunkyman2 said:

Sunroof update. Just heard from Lexus Belfast that the total cost of the pan sunroof will be covered by Lexus (5k+). Thank you Paul. Unfortunately the suspension will not as they deem it to be wear and tear despite the recent MOT success. 

Well done on getting them to cover the panoramic sunroof, must be a relief for you. You would think the case for the suspension arms to be covered would be stronger than the sunroof!

19 hours ago, Chunkyman2 said:

Ref the suspension issue, my car 2017 RX450 F-Sport with 50,000+ miles passed the Government run MOT test 2 weeks ago so I was surprised to hear that both rear suspension arms required replacing.

I've just had my rear suspension greased on the service as they started creaking.

What happened with the sunroof?

6 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

No. Disabling smart entry will stop a relay attack, but it has no effect on a CAN bus attack.

Thanks.

Oh dear, better get a Stoplock / Disclok!

Excuse my ignorance on this sort of attack on the RX CAN Bus. Can disabling the smart entry access via the car's vehicle customisation menu stop this type of attack?

I've always had a concern about the panoramic roof much as I like it. Glass to shatter, rubber seals that perish, motors that burn out, switches etc. There is less to go wrong with solid steel roof!

Every year, I open up the roof and give it a good clean. Cleaning the rubbers and drain holes, deflector etc. I also use a rubber car product, that "cleans, conditions and protects weather seals". The product is Gummi Pflege Stift and recommended to me years ago by a BMW dealer to look after the seals on a fold roof BMW Z4. Those sunroof seals are particularly expose to UV and heat.

May not fix a seal that is damaged but may prevent damage in the first place. 😉

2 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

Rubber parts aren't covered by the warranty but if they are not separate replaceable parts then I'd argue it is part of the sunroof which is covered by Relax.

I've checked the T&C and sunroof is covered under the body section. It does exclude rubber. But as you say, I would argue it's a part of the roof if it's non replaceable.

A dealer will recommend replacement which isn't always necessary because they have "fitters". The don't have the expertise to repair themselves.

A quick search of google shows many companies which I would contact first to see if they can do a repair rather than replace the whole roof.

Isn't this covered by Lexus 10-year warranty, subject you getting the car serviced with Lexus?

Addendum - this isn't for a F-Sport, just a standard Premium.

Hi,

Possibly upgrading my Mk4 RX 450h (pre-face lift 2018) to a new 2022 model. Anybody got any experiences on if the changes to the shock absorbers and increased body rigidity made much difference to the ride, handling and noise levels?

Thank you.

I fitted mine myself and have no DAB interference. Perhaps, Lexus Technical could give me a call and I could advise them! 😁

My wife and I have both taken the Advanced Driving route and I would recommend it whatever car you drive. . But you don't need it to drive an RX. 

A bit harsh on the gear box, but otherwise a favorable review. What do you think?  I like Jay Emms!
 

Obvious mistake regarding the panoramic roof it does open and it also tows.