New member to LOC

JamalK · June 28, 2018

Hi All

Just joined LOC having recently bought a 51 plate RX300 (private sale) - one owner from brand new, FLSH and 144k on the clock in Montrose blue. Unfortunately it was not the SE model so had to forgo my desire for cruise control and a sunroof but when I test drove it I was so impressed with the drive/ride and condition (both inside and out) for a nearly 18 year old car and it was within my budget from the insurance money I got from a write off that the decision to buy was easy having done all the necessary checks....HPI, Lexus history, recalls, mot certs etc. Was a bit concerned about the low MPG at about 21 but as I do a relatively low annual mileage, I worked out that the extra cost would be a few hundred pounds per year (I can live with that). My checks may seem OTT for an 18 year old car but I am a bookkeeper by profession and so 'detail' is my middle name. I've driven many prestige cars in my life but this one takes the biscuit...…….can't wait to upgrade to maybe a 2009/11 Hybrid model when funds permit and hopefully that will see me through my days (don't like the shape of the latest versions of the RX though).

Had the car for about a month now and I absolutely love driving it...……..if you want a used car of comfort and quality then my advise would be to seriously consider one of these.

Just one minor concern that I'd like help/advice on, is that in the last few days the VSC (Vehicel Stability Control) and engine warning lights have come on simultaneously, spoke to Lexus dealers and they say if it's amber then its ok to drive but a diagnostic check would cost £186 - yipes!! Is it worth paying Lexus prices for this or can someone point me to a Lexus specialist independent garage to get this sorted and could the warning light turn to red?

Meanwhile I continue to enjoy this car.

sorcerer · June 28, 2018

Hi Jamal and welcome to the club.

First thing you need to do is to get your hands on an OBD2 code reader. If you can borrow one, great, if not then there's plenty available here on eBay. Alternatively, if you have a laptop you could buy a miniVCI cable like this one from eBay and use that instead. Almost all of these cables will come with Techstream, which is the diagnostic software that Toyota/Lexus technicians use in their workshops. We can't condone the use of pirate software so it's a matter for your own conscience to decide to use it or not. The proper way would be to legitimately download Techstream from Toyota/Lexus free of charge and then pay for a block of time to use it, but you will still need that miniVCI cable to run Techstream anyway.

Once you know what codes are present you can come back here and let us know - hopefully someone will be able to help then.

Bluesman · June 28, 2018

Welcome to the LOC. Enjoy.

The-Acre · June 28, 2018

Welcome on board! When my VSC check light came on I just used a cheap £25 code reader that came supplied with a big list of generic codes and I found the problem in seconds. Lexus main dealers are very, very expensive!

steve2006 · June 28, 2018

Hello Jamal and welcome to the LOC.

£186.00 for a diagnostic check at Lexus, does that include a full valet and tank of petrol!

As other members have suggested get the lead and software and do it yourself, mine being an older model only requires a bent paper clip for diagnostics.