Gary H

I haven't driven an ES, so unfortunately I can't comment on them in comparison to the UX. 

In terms of comfort and road noise in the UX - I was impressed with mine, given the size of the car. I had an Audi Q5 before it and I found it equally as quiet thanks to the hybrid engine. It was only on rougher, surface-dressed surfaces did the run-flat tyres really make themselves known. It was fine at dual carriageway and motorway speeds.

My only complaint with regards to comfort, again, relates to it's run-flat tyres where the UX did have a habit of 'hopping/skipping' over bumps. Particularly if you were mid-turn or half way through a bend and come across, say, a filled trench going across the road. It did take a little bit to get used to. With regards to the seats - I'd say they're the best seats I've come across in that size of car to date. I tend to suffer from lower backache every so often and it only really made itself known (even then it was minimal) after around drive of about 240 miles. I've had cars in the past which I've only got to little over half that mileage before the back starts giving trouble - just to give you an idea!

I had three and a half years with my UX250h, before moving onto an NX350h last September. The main reasons for the change was pretty much for the reasons which don't matter to yourself - more boot space and easier access/headroom in the rear. For me, that's literally the only things which let the UX down. The boot space proved itself to be too small for practically anything beyond the daily commute to/from work and the aging parents were starting to struggle a little bit getting into the rear because of the relatively low roofline (they were mostly fine with the legroom). 

I agree with @Tickedon over the quality of materials used and sound deadening being a 'step up' on the NX over the UX - but you'd expect that at it's price point. The UX's interior door panels were a bit 'plastic-tastic' I will admit. 

It really is down to personal preference. I prefer the NX to the UX in most aspects - but I did enjoy my time with the UX. It's a thoroughly decent all-rounder if you can cope with the lack of boot space. I would have been tempted to get another rather than the NX if the boot had been about 25% bigger. It done almost everything else very well indeed. 

I'm now just over the four month mark into waiting for my second key (and locking wheel nuts). Typically I've not been kept updated by the dealer or anything so I do occasionally come back to this thread just to see where people are at. 

As I said last time, I'm going to wait until around March (then it'll be six months - which seems to be around 'average' judging from other people's experiences) before I'll pluck up the courage to get in touch with my dreaded dealer... 

Speaking of performance, I have to say I feel my NX350h is notably quicker than my previous UX250h was - something I wasn't really expecting given the increase in size and weight. I imagined it would be 'about the same'. I haven't truly pushed it yet as it's only done little over 2600 miles, but on the odd occasion I've briefly put it into sport and given the throttle a bit of a prod from from the likes of a standing start - I've been very impressed. 👍

Again though and indeed, it's not designed to be a sports car. It's designed to be a comfortable cruiser which it does very well indeed. However, she'll certainly get her skates on as and when required. It's not really my driving style though - which is why a CVT probably suits me because most of it's life so far has been spent comfortably in the 'eco' bar on the speedo! Even when I'm going to work and accelerate onto the dual carriageway, it just about breaks into the 'power' bar on my usual acceleration, before inevitably dropping back down again...then slipping down into 'charge' on the slightly downhill section! 😁 

I recall my father had a 2008 Audi A4 where something similar happened - but to the nearside fog light surround. The car was only about six/seven months old at the time and we went to the Grassington Christmas Market. 

Anyway, we had come through some snow and it was a bit of a trek to get into the makeshift car park - snow built up on road edges e.t.c... Anyway, we reversed into the bay, commented that we'd need to wash the car the following day (as it was clearly going to dry mucky) and went to the market, come back and drove home again. 

On the way back we did have to go up some of those snow banks to make way for oncoming traffic. Most people exiting were doing the same. Anyway - by the time we got home, we noticed the gaping bare hole in the front bumper and a rather 'marooned' looking (and undamaged) foglight in the middle. No damage to the bumper either. The foglight surround had just literally vanished somewhere between Grassington and home. 

We have no idea where the cover went and just presumed there must have been just about enough 'flex' in the bumper after the day's action of going through the snow and turning into/away from snow verges that it eventually 'popped out' on the way home. 

On 12/7/2023 at 5:59 PM, RXtoNX said:

Add to that the “bee in a bonnet” that car journalists have about the CVT gearbox. They just copy each others remarks because they don’t know how to drive a hybrid car with this type of box.

Agreed. I do take issue with many mainstream car journalists because over the decades I've seen articles of them slating cars which I've personally found decent and indeed, would recommend to others. For car journalists, it's just a case of the manufacturer giving them a quick loan of a car which they have for a short time - rather than actually owning and living with the car, getting to know it properly, over a period of time. Then of course their own egos have to get in the way of actual facts on the car. Unfortunately, you'll find some of them over on YouTube these days... 

Anyway, with regards to CVT gearbox, I generally have no issue with them. What car journalists don't appear to like about them is that they're not really designed for race tracks in mind - rather than public roads which is where 99.5% of the time, you'll find yourself on. Whilst they'll certainly 'crack on' in terms of acceleration, car journalists also have a habit of having an incredibly heavy right foot. All of the time. Therefore any 'downside' of a CVT gearbox will be regularly highlighted to them. 

Meanwhile, a sensible driver who knows what they're like will just drive normally. Cruise along gently. Feather the throttle. Allow the car to pick up it's own speed without the need to make the engine 'roar' high up the rpm gauge. Do this and they'd find CVT gearboxes are actually incredibly refined and silky smooth for everyday use. Match it up to a hybrid and I've had both my UX and NX run on the electric motor for brief spells at dual carriageway speeds.

I don't think CVTs are the best automatic transmissions out there strictly from a personal perspective - but I'm mechanically minded and fully aware that different cars need different driving styles to get the best from them. I'm perfectly happy with it. Sadly, many car journalists seem to lack this ability or just want to 'prove a point'. 

I pretty much had my heart set on the NX - so I knew even before I ordered it, I knew it was going to be the likeliest option. I had a UX at the time and was happy with the car and the service I had. 

I did briefly consider a Volvo XC60 and Mazda CX90 as 'back ups' in case anything went wrong with my NX order. After a grueling 16 month wait, I can say there we're a few occasions where I come very close to cancelling the NX simply down to frustration. Close to the point where I did actually pick up the phone to call the dealer at one point to tell them I'm on my way down to get my deposit back, but put it back down again before I dialed the number. I know the situation isn't as chronic now, but as I've said before, it's something I've promised myself that I'll never go through again. 

Another option for me was an Audi Q5 - a car which I've had and adored in the past. However, I'm not overly keen on the current model and I don't think the interior is as nice as the original (I had one of the very last of the original models, on a '66' plate). One of the reasons I moved to Lexus after the Q5 is because I didn't like the direction Audi we're going with their designs afterwards - and I still don't. 

Another reason for the move to Lexus back in 2020 (well, the Toyota Group in general) is because of it's well developed self-charging hybrid systems. As diesel was starting to be demonised during the time I had the Q5, I wanted to go back to a petrol but I didn't fancy losing the MPG I was getting. A self-charging hybrid seemed like a sensible and no-fuss alternative to me. 

Anyway, during the three and a half years I had my UX, it proved to be just that little bit too small for me after having the Q5. In many circumstances, such as commuting to/from work, it was absolutely perfect. However, at the weekends and trips away - the lack of boot space was always an issue (which deep down I did suspect would happen...) and elderly parents getting in and out of the back was starting to become a bit of an issue with it's low roofline. A bit of a shame really, because otherwise it was a car I found difficult to fault. 

Happy New 2024 to all members. 

Fingers crossed it's a happy, successful and healthy year for us all. 🍻🥳

When I had my UX, the most I ever done was wipe them over with a clean, damp window leather every few months or so (mine was an F Sport with the red leather). I did use a proper leather cleaner on the front seats a couple of times but to be honest, I hardly noticed any dirt being collected... So the seats were either cleaner than I thought (I thought the drivers seat was slowly turning more maroon than remaining bright red...) or the cleaner I had was rubbish! 

On 12/25/2023 at 7:56 PM, NemesisUK said:

I'd take leather as I like the character it gains in usage, a patina if you like. My experience with alcantara, whilst being very comfortable, it shows signs of wear by the pile flattening and it can be difficult to keep clean.

Horses for courses, we are all different and there is no 'correct' choice!

I'm of the same opinion. I don't mind fair wear and tear. Even after three and a half years with my UX, it had only developed a few minor creases. Almost all of them on the offside bolsters of the driver's seat as you'd expect. 

I do like Alcantara when it's new and/or been well cared for. I recall once having a courtesy car many years ago with it. However, I'm all too aware it's flattens out, bobbles e.t.c... It's always put me off considering it.

For Christmas, I received a genuine Lexus boot liner for my NX350h. I kind-of knew about getting it anyway so it wasn't a real surprise - but an excellent and well received gift nevertheless. 

I should have got one with the car in September when I collected it, but idiot me decided against the idea at the time of ordering - and regretted it ever since...! 

Apologies for being late to this one, but I'd also like to wish you all a belated Merry Christmas and you got what you wanted from Father Christmas! 🎄🎅

I hope you all had a good (and hopefully) relaxing time!

On 12/15/2023 at 12:47 PM, zanderblue said:

Ha, I feel your pain.

The only remote functionality I have is for the hazard lights, error message for everything else.

It has been like this for months. Lexus tech support advised failure to communicate with car and recommended change out of DCM. I had this done a couple of months ago and it made not the slightest difference! 🤬

It's good to know I'm not on my own with this... I have to say yours sounds worse than mine. I know I can at least lock my car from the app - because it falsely told me my driver's door was open and unlocked when it clearly wasn't (🙄). I thought it had finally stopped telling me random doors were unlocked/open (or both) when the whole car was clearly locked - but it appears to be 'bubbling up' again in recent times. 

As it stands, the app is basically little more than a near-useless gimmick. I'd rather just delete the thing and forget about it at this point and not bother!

On 12/12/2023 at 3:54 PM, Lmafudd said:

What about the CD player. It's so well hidden that it's hardly there at all!

I'd forgotten about that - an excellent example there! I never did use the CD player when I had the UX. 

On 12/13/2023 at 1:46 PM, Spacewagon52 said:

I too would not like to go back to a manual gearbox. A few years ago I would never have considered an automatic, considering it took the fun out of driving. Now in my more mature years I have completely changed my opinion. The motoring world has changed and driving is not as relaxing, especially in built-up areas. 

The hybrid system on Lexus cars is incredibly clever - it never fails to amaze me. 

Battery to Wheels  /  Engine to Wheels  / Engine to Battery  / Wheels to Battery

Battery and Engine to Wheels!  Just so clever. 

Very much agreed. Go back to the mid 00's and I genuinely baulked at the idea of owning an automatic. However, automatics really have hugely improved over the last few decades where now many are not only quicker than their manual equivalent (if applicable), but also at least as economical too. Today, I'd only personally consider an automatic although I do believe those learning today should still take their tests in a manual car to cover all basis. 

There has been the odd occasion in recent years I've had to jump back into a manual. On two of those occasions it's been in vans. It's actually been refreshing and nice to get back to manual gearbox driving. I've enjoyed those occasions but it's still nice to get back into the convenience of an automatic. Especially in rush hour traffic. 

I do like the self-charging hybrid system that Lexus (and indeed Toyota, of course) have. Even more than three years on, I do enjoy the near-seamless transition and the ability to 'feather the throttle' to jump it into hybrid/battery mode. 

I've just taken a look at the clip of the accident (it's on The Independent's website) - he had the UX up on two wheels when he hit the other car...Crikey! All I'll say with regards to the shunt - if that's the length of three houses, then those houses must be very narrow!

Speaking of Terreane Khaki, whenever anyone asks me what colour my NX is - I always find myself saying it rather aggressively with a Japanese Accent! 😳😄 Maybe it's the colour that causes aggressiveness?! 😉

I can't even get my remote climate to work at the moment... Actually, tell a lie. I've managed to get it working twice this month. 😕 Here's just a brief selection of timed-out attempts:

It used to sporadically work before, but seems to be properly broken now... Logging out and back in doesn't make any difference. 

Occasionally, the screen in the car does come up with that 'Driver Profile' message but it doesn't seem to make any difference to whether I can get the remote climate to work or not. 

Very much relatable @warrken52. I had a sixteen month wait for my NX350h. If you take a look back at the 'NX 2023 delivery date' thread, you'll see the issues I had over a lack of basic information and communication from the dealer. Complaints to Lexus customer services to try and get information with regards to what was going on saw them merely pass on my e-mail back to the dealer... 🤦‍♂️ One of those e-mail I sent was overlooked completely. 

Like yourself, no second key (just the blade) without so much as an estimate when it'll arrive ("Could be up to a year..." with the shrug of the shoulders - is what I was told) and no locking wheel nuts/bolts. Again, I've no idea if or when they'll ever turn up. It does worry me - when it comes to resale. It was only because of fellow members of this forum here I was aware of these shortages before collection. If I didn't know about this place, I'd have been unaware until the day of collection... Speaking of which, my car wasn't even in the handover room when I collected it. It was just in the car park...! 

I'm waiting a few more months before contacting them to see if there's any news on the second key and bolts/nuts. I'm still in a rather 'apathetic' stage with the whole fiasco at the moment. I suspect not. The dealer won't know. Customer Services won't respond to my request and merely forward it back to the dealer - who'll respond with another "don't know". Place your bets now, folks... I just don't want to go through that rigmarole again.

On a happier note - my NX350h is a very good car indeed. I'm happy with it. There are a few minor issues I have, but overall I've enjoyed my three (and a bit) months with the car so far. However, my experience with Lexus as a company in general really has scarred me. Obviously my mood may change in the passage of time but beyond having this car, I honestly can't see me dealing with them again. I certainly won't be dealing with the supplying dealer again. It really is a shame. I'd never, ever thought I'd say that about Lexus but in the 20 years of new car purchases - this particular one has been by far and away the worst that'll live long in the memory. 

On 12/8/2023 at 11:52 AM, Jim1977 said:

Think I’m going to get a steering wheel lock, 1990’s style!

Keys already live in a faraday pouch, in a metal tin, in the hope this prevents a relay attack.

---

Disk lock or bar lock? thoughts?

That's exactly what I'm doing! Mine is an old-fashioned bar lock. It doesn't *quite* date back to the 90's, but is of about 2001/2 vintage! It still works as good as new. The only problem is that there's a knack on getting it put on and taking off without blasting the horn.    

Indeed, at the end of the day if a thief really wants a particular car, they'll just cut through the wheel. It just stalls them and makes it more awkward - and therefore hopefully less worthwhile when they see a big yellow bar across the steering wheel. From my understanding a Disk lock is the better option, but I've never personally had one or used one in order to comment. 

On one occasion when I visited my brother down in Suffolk, I forgot the Faraday pouch (I'd stupidly left it on the kitchen table at home as I left...), so the keys ended up in his microwave overnight...! 

Speaking of Faraday pouches, I'm hoping Father Christmas will be delivering me a new one... 😉

On 12/8/2023 at 4:21 PM, Spock66 said:

Test your Faraday cage by walking up to the car and see if the key is recognised (whilst in the tin / pouch).

I occasionally try that with mine every so often to make sure it still works. I know my Faraday pouch is getting pretty 'battered' now. As I've just said to Jim above, fingers crossed I'll have a new one in a few weeks... 

When I had my UX, I basically used the ASC once, wondering what it was. Figuring out what the 'Yamaha motorbike-like' sound was, laughing at it and turning it back off again. I think other than once showing it to family for a laugh, I never used it again in the three and a half years I had the car. 

I never really understood the point of the EV button. I tried my best to figure out how to use it, but it always ended in one of two ways: 1) It would just double-beep at me and said it couldn't work. 2) It worked, but the moment I put so much as a centimetre of pressure on the throttle, it double-beeped at me and deactivated. So basically, it worked for a matter of seconds. As a result, I'd pretty much given up with it after the first six months or so and never went back to pressing it again. It was basically a button that just activated bleeping sounds of disapproval. 😕

Indeed - the flappy paddles. I think it was approaching it's first MOT before I plucked up the courage to play with them. I done it once, didn't really like it and didn't use them again! 😬

Finally...and this is on any car I've owned where it's been fitted - Sat Nav. 

Back in October when I stayed over in a hotel for two nights, I had to park my NX a good 10/15 minute walk away from where I was staying. I have to admit, my heart was in my throat when I made my way back to the car - just hoping it was still there. It's not really something you should have to worry about.

I've recently reverted back to using an old-fashioned crook-lock. Fortunately, I kept hold of the one I had in my garage for a number of years. It's not something I thought I'd have to do with a Lexus, but here we are... I've just read too many horror stories now, of thefts and attempted thefts which has spurred me into taking some action. 

I'll be treating myself to a new Faraday pouch (probably at Christmas) too - as my existing one is over three and a half years old now and looking quite tired. 

I have to admit I'm not looking forward to insurance renewal time... 

I haven't stayed anywhere with valet parking. Indeed - I don't think I trust anyone else (beyond my father - who's now getting to an age where he's not really wanting to do that much driving any more) to drive my car. If I allowed it to happen, I'd imagine it would end up being squeezed into a narrow bay or similar. I can be quite fussy over how and where I park. 

21 hours ago, Linas.P said:

That is the point - I see car parking as a right, not a service. Unless it is secure car park which is liable for any damage to my car, then yes that is service. So I would not use hotel without free parking on principle. Besides I understand that parking can be restricted, even prohibited for outsiders, but if you staying in hotel then you are "guest" by definition and I assume that decent hotel must have guest parking, it is like part of the deal... no parking means not good enough service. 

And parking is not £1 either. I think in Sainsburys it is £5 (or maybe £4.80, something like that for 1 hour, then maybe ~£8 for 4 hours and ~£12 for a day). Asda car park is basically free if you shop for £10 or more, but it is all messed-up, so you get parking charge deducted from your shopping, but then you have to go an pay, card often does not work, no contactless payments and there were many (like literally 2 times LOL) times where I had to go withdraw £10, then go and beg for cashier to convert into coins so that I can pay £2.20 for parking... and after that I said "never again".

I'm of similar mindset. I'd feel rather annoyed if I had to pay for parking in a hotel car park, given the prices of rooms these days. I know it's something that does happen but I seem to be fortunate enough to avoid them. The hotel I was discussing in my last post (which I've stayed at quite a few times now) only has a very small car park. Six or seven spaces at most and it's tight in terms of space. It's literally a rectangular piece of land on a slope. I think there's about 14 rooms. It's free parking but I honestly prefer parking in an area (still free) which is about a 10/15 minute walk away for the safety of the car's bodywork/paintwork!  

Our local ASDA has a pay and display car park - as the car park is owned by the local council, rather than the supermarket. Needless to say, I can probably still count on both hands the amount of times I've used it since the current arrangement with the parking has been in place - which is getting on for 17 years. The local Sainsburys recently introduced a two-hour limit on their free parking, with a numberplate recognition system on entry. I can kind-of understand that because next door is a retail park, which also has free parking, but gets very busy. They've used Sainsburys as an 'unofficial overspill' for years.   

On a separate subject but still the definition of "service" - another newish charge I've always loathed is having to pay for a courtesy car. The clue is in the name... I had to do it once simply because I had literally no other option at the time, but out of principle I won't have a courtesy car if it's something you have to pay for. I completely understand the dealer wanting a copy of your driving licence. No issue at all. It's the business of paying for something which should (and has in the past) been automatically included as standard. I appreciate some may think that this is petty, but it's something that really gets under my skin. 

That's strange... The only piece I've seen was from the Toyota Europe newsroom from a few days ago, saying they were scaling up. 🤔 Well, here in Europe anyway.

https://newsroom.toyota.eu/toyota-hydrogen-factory-scaling-up-its-european-activities/

Hi there! As already mentioned, the most common issue I see from others is the frozen/cold weather door handle issue. It's not something I've witnessed on mine (yet) and the worst it's been was the offside rear - which the handle took a few squeezes of the pad to get working one morning. 

The only big complaint I have about mine is the remote climate/start only wants to work when it wants to. Sometimes the app will connect to the car to allow it to remote start and sometimes it just 'times out'. Unfortunately at the moment it's not worked for about four/five days in a row. I've closed and restated the app multiple times without any luck. It's something I'll get them to look at come service time. I don't really use the app and the only bit I want to work can best be described as 'sporadic' in terms of reliability at best. 

Other than that, no complains from me. It's a thoroughly competent car. It handles very well for what it is and indeed, it's a comfortable place to be. I've only had one chance to have a proper distance drive in it so far (basically a near-500 mile round trip with an overnight stay in the middle) and it took it all in it's stride. I didn't expect anything less from it to be honest! 

After a while I'd expect that (and worse), but after only 900 miles in? Hmm... 

Anyway, here's mine for your reference if it's of any assistance. Mine is up to 2100 miles now. The only thing I've noticed is the starting of a slight crease on the outer panel of the bolster - obviously where I get in and out the car, which I know I catch with my right leg when I get out. I started noticing this little crease at around the 1100/1200 mile mark. It doesn't bother me as such as I know it's inevitable with leather, but it does seem a little early for marks like that to appear, unless I'm just being overly fussy.

On 11/30/2023 at 9:15 AM, GMB said:

Recently found a pint of local ale in a lakeland hotel £9 per pint! 

'Ruddy hell! 😳 I sure hope that came with the glass! 

21 hours ago, Bluemarlin said:

Years ago, when I stayed in London hotels a lot, I used to use Lastminute.com. They had something callled secret hotels, where you could book unnamed 5 star hotels in the West End for around £100 a night. With a bit of google searching you could usually figure out what each hotel was from the pictures. Don't know if it's the same now.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but these days you can get much better value using Airbnb. For the cost of a hotel room you can often get a decent sized apartment, and either eat out at an inexpensive restaurant, or buy your own food and drink. Much better value, especially if more than one person, or a family.

I haven't been to London this year, but had to stay over there for a few nights at a time four or five times over the last seven years.

From experience, obviously the more central you stay, the more you end up paying. There did used to be the odd exception but it seems over the last few years these few hotels I knew are now more or less the same price as others I avoided because of the cost... 

The last place I stayed at was about a ten minute walk south of Victoria Station (which was just about the nearest tube station). The hotel was more or less bordering between Westminster and Pimlico. I think because it was a little out the way of a tube station, it was decent value. I'd stay there again when I inevitably end up back in London at some point - providing that won't shoot-up in price in the meantime. It was reasonably quiet there, too. 

I have to admit, I've never tried Airbnb because I don't really understand how it all works.