Newbie777

Guys bad news not a good start for me.

The Bentley steering wheel is locked, will not budge and on the main road blocking my neighbours drive!

As Lexus owners you do not face the following..

Will not go into ignition, so cannot check faults, checked the two Sreering module fuses, ok.Main Battery replaced last week. Starter Battery us also fine.

To me it sounds like the steering lock module which is a logic board is faulty, waiting for RAC to come out!!

4 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Interesting question.

My daily driver RX replaced an Avensis estate. The latter was a 1.8 petrol and just didn't feel special enough to justify its cost, that really hit home when travelling 4-up around France on holiday. The RX fully met my expectations and I've now had it for almost five years, with plans to keep it for at least that long again. Unfortunately the theft/insurance issues with the 4th gen RX have meant that isn't something I'm keen to move onto as a replacement, and the new model is somewhat out of my price range at present (the money is better going into my pension that to Lexus). I like big, Japanese estates and there is sadly very little choice nowadays - I considered Mazda 6 and Subaru Outback, but I doubt either would have the feel of the RX and I wouldn't have kept them for so long.

Both of the LS400s were cheap, opportune purchases that didn't replace anything, they ended up being additions to my fleet. The second, current one I kept when I did a downsize a couple of years back and I let my beloved Toyota Camry estate go instead, so it could be said it replaced that.

In my motoring past I've had the likes of V6 Nissan 300Cs and straight-six Datsun/Nissan Laurels* plus various examples of Toyota/Honda/Mazda, and my preference is always for something Japanese and usually on the larger side for the relaxed feel.

 

*Still have one now.

You have had quite a few Japanese cars. All the ones I have had always been reliable. But not kept them long as I always wanted something German, not wise thinking at all

2 hours ago, Mincey said:

Back in 1999 before buying my first IS200, I was also considering an Accord Type R and an Impreza Turbo. Common sense prevailed and I've not been outside Lexus since.

Good thinking, you must saved quite a money and stress by making the right choice.

1 hour ago, KentColin said:

I had  4 Skodas before my current UX. 1st was a basic 1.2 Fabia,  next was a Fabia Vrs diesel which was a fantastic car, followed by a petrol Vrs which was really quick but used a fair bit of oil. Lastly was a  2017 Yeti with all the extras on it. That was a great car. They still hold their value really well 

My son has a Skoda Superb, Brill car very spacious and just like any other VW/Audi.

I think the Yeti is fantastic too, at one time there was a huge waiting list.

34 minutes ago, Spock66 said:

The Continental Flying Spur would be a more direct comparison.

Practicality is another factor where Lexus wins I imagine the rear is pretty cramped in the Bentley, but Bentley Continental certainly wins on the looks.

I was looking at the Spur before I bought the Lexus. The Spur has a softer ride and is only slightly slower than the GT.

Other bits I did not mention in the Bentley is the interior. All leather, metal or wood, onlu plastic on speaker grills.

Mine had the massage and heated seats in the front too. Otherwise everything is outdated.

Not much room in the back either. only suitable for kids.

29 minutes ago, Jgtcracer said:

I can imagine everything will become low displacement petrol turbo hybrids in the future….

 Never driven a Continental but they have certainly grown on me. I’d consider owning one if I wasn’t terrified of it breaking down. Particularly like the facelifts and newer shaped ones….

 How has reliability been??

No been as expected really. New rear caliper, one front suspension strut, leather roof lining was sagging now done. 3rd brake light disabled. Window actuator replaced. Tpms disabled, Large Battery replaced. Owned last 2 years done 5k miles. It has 625nhp. 850 NM torque etc done for smooth running. Driven every few days so no warning light etc.

18 minutes ago, RadicalCoupe-Fuji said:

w12 ftw, they are endangered species, I imagine at some point in the near future the government will find ways to make it very difficult to own such a thing. 

I think the engines will be made up on tables.lol

12 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

That must be the gross weight not the kerb weight?

Not sure which one. but read it somewhere

46 minutes ago, GMB said:

That's a surprise. I would have thought the Bentley would be heavier. But then again - the batteries.

I was shocked when I found out it was 2.8 tonnes and slightly dissapointed that it was not planted on the motorway with all that weight.

I hate 0 to 60 times anyway. Who really cares? 

Hello,

I am not an expert and so this my opinion only...

As I own both the Ls600hl and a Bentley Continrntal Gt, just tthought I would do a quick comparison  (yes I agree it is a bit unfair as the Bentley has two turbos).

So we are looking at the Lexus v8 (438bhp) and the Bentley W12 (550 bhp)

Weight the Lexus is 2.8 tonnes and the Bentley is 2.5 tonnes.

00-60 for the Lexus I would say 6.0s and Bentley 4.8s.

Torque I don't have at hand, but think the Bentley has more.

So performance the Bentley is the clear winner? NO, if we take the two turbos off the Bentley I would say it would be a draw, so Lexus are right by saying the LS600 can compete directly with a v12.

Also I would like to talk about real feel. Both cars are heavy barges and for me you don't feel you are doing fast speeds as they are so well insulated, especially the Lexus.

However. At 69mph or slightly above the Lexus feels floaty (even in sport mode) and the Bentley is very stable indeed.

Overtaking wise but cars are very very fast especially 50mph upwards.

Stopping, the Bentley has huge brakes and they feel much better than the regenerative ones on the Lexus.

Mpg the Lexus is 17 to 30 mpg and Bentley is 7 to 20mpg, so a big difference in town and motorway (and going to Europe and back).

So both cars are super luxury cars. One is made to tour Europe and back elegantly and the other is to take on the worlds finest luxury cars.

So what do I like.. In the Bentley  I love the power.  sound of the W12 and the tiptronic gearbox. In the Lexus I like the drive (lower speeds) and effortless acceleration.

They are two completely different cars,in the sense that the  Lexus is discrete and dependable. The Bentley is louder and has more presence and occasion 

I am a petrol head and love the W12, silky smooth but potent. The V8 aldo snarls but rarely.

But if it is one car and I want to  smie every time. then would have to be the Lexus! Can't stand waiting with a broken down car.

Hello,

Before you purchased your Lexus. What other car/s did you choose from and what was the reason/s they were no good

Mine were Rbage Rover Vogue SW (SDV8) reliability, running costs, security.

Bentley Flying Spur (w12) reliability, running costs, depreciation.

Audi A8L(4.2 tdi), purchase cost, hard to find one with good spec.

So I chose (wisely) and bought the Lexus LS600hl which also cost me only half my budget!! Happy days.

2 minutes ago, Boomer54 said:

🙂

And to you and yours also may your engines purr with good health and be free of advisories ensuring your prosperity. 🙂

Thank you Boomer54

Had to laugh, never had one for a car before. Thanks

My goodness. Not easy at all.I think it is clearly passion that comes first.

The issue with parts is a difficult one. Even for Lexus some parts I asked the dealer and thry said back order, which basically means they can't get it!

However, this is a risk, but there is an ever increasing supply of parts from the Middle East.

BTW I had the Legacy estate with the boxer engine, Brill car especially in the winter. 

Worked in Horsham, West Sussex and lived on a farm, sadly the field mice took a liking to the engine so much so they started chewing away some of the wires!

Hello,

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

I also wish 2024 is a year of peace, good health and prosperity.

Best wishes 

Niaz

Hello,

I am not sure if this is still true.

I don't have an issue with anyone who has bought or owns a Japaneses imported car.

A few years back Japanese imports were low mileage cars and were sold at good price. The problem was higher insurance and sourcing of parts, which were not always available in the UK.

Just seeing adverts of some Japanese imports, with some of these not being mentioned as imports.

So what is the advice on buying Japanese imports regarding parts and insurance?Is it still true?

Also when I look at say the Ls600hl. I look for the  square rear number plate, mileage in km. and the spec list which sometimes can be LESS than the UK cars etc.

23 minutes ago, Boomer54 said:

The old adage capital rich income poor comes to mind. You don't actually have to even be income poor not to be able to support running a Bentley. Although looking at cars in the market including Bentleys it's a very frequent sight to see cars that have been owned by people who could obviously afford to buy them, but basically could not afford to maintain them properly. Autotrader is teeming with them.

I agree.. everything  becomes clear after purchase, the servicing,...12 spark plugs. 12 litres of 0w40 oil. Then tyres 275 35 20. Fuel etc, But by far the worst part is the reliability and getting  the parts, if you can source them for the older cars. finally no garage will help you if you mention the Bentley.

If you okay with all this, can drive the car on a regular basis throughout the yea. then chill and  enjoy the hand stitched leather, sublime performance and great driving  experience.

Hi Malc.

I have checked and Riken don't do the size am after ..245 45 19 xl 102y

On 12/27/2023 at 10:02 AM, Malc1 said:

most certainly not  ......  only the Bentleys around here and you don't have to be rich to buy one, just a bit mad and have lots of dosh for maintenance and petrol at 8 mpg maybe 🤣

Malc

Yes I would agree. You don't need to be rich to buy a Bentley. Running the damn thing is another matter and the 8mpg, well that is the last of ypur concerns

2 hours ago, DavidCM said:

Following RCF's video above,I was parked in the local supermarket car park a few months ago.A guy pulled up near me in a F430,got out and had great difficulty getting the car to lock from his key fob.After a short while he started swearing at it and eventually it locked.As he walked past me,I suggested he learned to swear in Italian and the car may understand him.

Some people have no sense of humour as he stomped off in disgust.(He was wearing a Richard Mille watch which,if genuine,was worth more than his car).

Yes it is true some people are arrogant and think they are better than others just because they own a flashy car.

I regular have people looking at my other car (Bentley) I have had father's with kids and happily invited them to take pictures sat in the car and some of them have been surprised (don't know why).

Also I believe true rich people don't show off

1 hour ago, Malc1 said:

On a prior Post here somewhere DJT has Riken tyres and these seem to be a Michelin product ! 

might be worth a check-out 🤔

Malc 

Hi Malc,

Cool will look at these too, thank you

I think if you can afford to buy the Ferrari, then  set aside money not just for maintenance and wear and tear, but other issues.

I don't think mpg is a factor, but depreciation maybe.

Parking - these cars are wide, also not forgetting how low they are, speed bumps  are a no go.

Nor trying to put you off, but possibly most ferrari drivers only drive their cars in the dry and in spring & summer, so not an all year round car.

So it comes down to.. is the Ferrari special and makes you feel good and if answer is yes, go for it and enjoy... Something that most of us can only dream of.

11 minutes ago, Boomer54 said:

I loves it, i really do, every micro piece of dust be gone I say, and never darken my sill again! I literally wash, polish after every trip. Even to the shop down the road.

Unfortunately as I rack up my biblical three score and ten I can't really convince my knees , hands ,back (I could keep going), that the joy goes further than the neurons between my ears.

Excellent and well done for persevering.

I have all the kit, the brushes, clay bars waxes polishes. But love using my hands rather than the polisher I have.

After a hard day working in IT (yeah right!!) I love cleaning and weather permitting washing and polishing my car.

I have owned over 50 cars (never made a profit) so am a creature of habit, it has been said more than once by my wife I love my car more than her....oops.

7 minutes ago, Boomer54 said:

Mate, you really cannot know how happy I am to have not just a SC 430 ,but this particular one. Every time I read a new owner fixing something ,or other on their new toy I go how lucky am I , buy , drive and only a new battery required which I had been informed about beforehand. There really is no substitute for buying from a real, straight up enthusiast who has not been afraid to spend the money to do the necessary. Save me from one's that basically cannot really afford to run what they bought, because for sure as a buyer you will end up paying for everything they did not do.

Excellent. I understand really, I have had my LS600hl  for 3 months and was determined to see faults, nope. A 13 year old car and everything works.

The Bentley is a money pit just spent £300 on a new Battery, list goes on an on. The previous also spent money on the car including £1600 for major service. The only good bit is if you run these cars daily then they are more reliable.

2 hours ago, Boomer54 said:

"For me it is not about a mirror or shiny finish, but the overall effort and enjoying the finished result." Hmm, call me in about 20 years time to discuss.

Sorry please explain, I do not understand, do you like detailing cars like I do?

1 hour ago, LenT said:

You make that sound expensive, Niaz.  😊

But to be fair, you do get two 200ml tubs of carnuba wax, a nicely rolled bit of paper tied with a red ribbon, and an acrylic case with an engraved 900 silver plaque.

Unfortunatly, it doesn’t quite stretch to an applicator or polishing cloth.

https://swissvax.co.uk/collections/autowachs/products/divine-carnauba-wachs-62-vol

For people who do these things on the cheap, SWISSVAX does offer a single tub of Carnuba Wax at the everyday price of £1400.

https://swissvax.co.uk/products/carat-81-vol-carnaubawachs-mit-ptfe

Makes a few days of professional Detailing with ceramic products look like quite a bargain!

Oh, the one I was referring too was possibly more than £5k and came in a special wood box, going back 15 years or so.

It was for Concours cars.