sami_remote

I am currently debating between buying a Lexus IS or a Toyota Prius for my wife. What do you think is better?

I was looking at the manual for Winter tips and the first tip was to check that the engine coolant used was anti-freeze. I would ideally like it to withstand temperatures of up to -20 degrees. Does anyone know if the default engine coolant is anti-freeze? Thanks, Sami

Ok thanks. Just out of interest, why do you think the insurrance companies bother to want such information?

No sorry I was not clear.... I am not expecting Lexus to warranty my new wheels. I am just asking if it will affect the warranty of other parts of the car. E.g. Brakes, suspension etc.... How about insurrance?

I am looking to replace my existing wheels with some sexier ones I found of the same size 18 inch, fitting same size tyres 235/55/18. I just wanted to know if this has any effect on my warranty as I am getting the wheels from a non-Lexus dealer. Thanks, Sami

Try from a different phone to see if this still happens. I doubt it will as all indications so far point to a phone related bug.

Hi James, Thanks for the tips. I actually ended up ordering wheels/tyres from an Austrian tyre seller as the shipping costs from US where too high. I ended up going for 235/55/18 with Bridgestone Blizak LM25 @ around 380 Euro for each combo. I will post my feedback once I have used them. Your cottage looks wicked! I will consider it for future visits! Regards, Sami

This is very strange... the +44 is the international format for dialing a number. It should be independent of Bluetooth as it is simply a transport layer. I have a feeling that it is a phone bug. What handset make/model r u using?

I made the mistake in buying a BMW 5 series (2004) and NEVER again will I do it again. The extras do really make a big difference, you need to add at least 8K worth of extras to take advantage of it's luxury. I bought the car for 34K and part-exchanged it one year later for a value of 24K Although the BMW might look good at first sight, they pay little attention to the fine usability details. It's SATNAV/computer really sucks compared to the Lexus's. Also small things such as CD memory being erased each time you turn off your car (i.e. your CD starts from the beginning). The list goes on.... GO FOR THE LEXUS BMW == :yack:

I have the SE V800 also known as SE V800. Any of the new SE phones with Bluetooth should be very similar so you can also try SE K600i, SE K750i, SE W800 if your network provider does not have the same one I have.

You should also consider the SE + NAV - these are very popular. You will also find that it's a couple grand cheaper. The main difference in the SE/SE-L is the suspension. SE-L has special suspension which is quite hitec but many people prefer the standard suspension. (Personally I could not tell the difference in my short test drive in London :P)

Find out which month for number 2. The updated SAT NAV which has Bluetooth phone kit only came recently. (I think post September 2004? Someone else will be able to confirm this)

If I recall correctly, there is a plastic cover which contains a couple of LCD screens.

R u also using a Nokia?

Hi Gas, The touchscreen you are referring to is the SAT NAV system which is an on-board computer that let's you do all sort of things. In new models, the SAT NAV also has a built-in Bluetooth car kit. It is not a standard item on all models but strongly recommended, it's worth every penny. There are three base models: RX300 RX300 SE RX300 SEL Only the RX300 SEL comes standard with the SAT NAV. You need to get it as an optional extra on the other 2 models. Sami

Hi Bob, I checked the Signal Strenth icons etc... and all are working fine on my car. I am using a Sony Ericsson but I doubt that has any relevance. You should probably visit to your Lexus dealer for a checkup. Sami

Hi Bob, Congrats on your new RX! You will love it! I am a bit surprised about your speaker problem, try this: 1. Have you tried increasing the volume (tap the + sign on the screen when a call is active) - this make a big difference 2. Make sure windows are closed when on speaker 3. Go to Lexus dealer and try the bluetooth voice free from a different car. Maybe there is a fault in your equipment. Sami

Hi James In Chamonix, Thanks for the link. This website is really good, it is the best one I've seen and has so much explanations on winter tyres. I called them up and they deliver to the internationally including the UK! Also, their prices are very reasonable. You can get a set of 4 tyres/wheels combo for around $900 start package! I had a look at the different options and the salesman recommended that I get a set of 5 as he mentioned that it is not suitable to use the summer spare I have. I have a question: the wheels/tyres recommended are meant for the US version, the RX330. Will these be ok on my RX300? These are the wheels tyres recommended: ASA JH3 (Silver Painted) Wheels Bridgestone Blizzak LM-18 tyres http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselecto...sproductid=1061 They also mentioned something about a 3mm plate they provide for the back wheels, I did not understand too well what this is for. He mentioned something about the suspension. Finally, I asked about chains and the salesman said that with these tyres as they are very special, chains are not needed unless I am doing some serious off-road activity. I guess I am ok without? (I will only be driving in main towns and highways) Thoughts? What do you think? Shall I go for it? Thanks, Sami

Maybe there is some security restriction for privacy concerns. Could you try connecting the Sony again and checking if you are then allowed to access the numbers? I guess useful function if you had multiple drivers of the same car?

Ok thanks. Is there any recommended standard size I should use in terms of width/height etc.... (e.g. 235/35/16?) Also, do I need to do anything with my suspension? Will it make my car unstable in any way on the highways? (I have a 600 miles to do on the highway before I get to the mountains)

Does anyone know if there what the main advantages/disadvantages in having smaller wheels (16 inch). I noticed an earlier posting (jameschamonix) saying that 16 inch are better for snow. Why does the size of the wheel matter? I thought it's only the rubber that matters? Also, does anyone know of any good places to buy 16 inch wheels for RX? Are wheels car dependent or are they generic? Thanks, Sami

BAD NEWS Lexus just informed me that there does not exist a snow tyre for my wheels as they are on unusual dimensions!!!!!!! 235/55/18 How could this be possible? How can Lexus sell a 4x4 car with wheels that cannot go on snow??? It was suggested that I get a complete new set of wheels and tyres and to keep my exising ones for summer. I can't believe this! Could it be that Lexus put the wrong wheels on my car when I purchased it? Does everyone have this size?

I'm still hunting around for the best solution for using my RX in winter conditions. I'm still a bit confused on which to go for Here are my current options: 1. Get a pair of winter tyres and put them on before I leave UK. So these will be 18 inch tyres which I'll put on my existing wheels. 2. Get a pair of new 16 inch wheels with winter tyres - one user suggested this option. I'm not sure of the full advantages in having an extra set of wheels other than the reduced cost of winter tyres? I guess this will also prevent my summer tyres becoming damaged when swapping? 3. Get a set of chains to use on my summer tyres. I'll only put these once off the highway? 4. Get a pair of all season tyres (M+S) and use these all year round. Can anyone recommend some winter tyre makes which will fit my wheel size? (235/55/18) I searched on all the obvious sites, but could not find a tyre that will fit I never realised that this was going to be such a complicated operation

Ok thanks, so maybe I never got the light cos I was never on the limit. I have filled 60 litres most in one go.

Does anyone know if the RX has a low fuel indicator? I've never seen it go on. I nearly went out of fuel today without noticing On a related subject, does anyone know the full capacity of the tank? Thanks, Sami