Got my first IS 300h with 3 worn tyres and a fairly new - please advise

[paulrnx]

21 hours ago, Linas.P said:

Indeed, thanks for updating us on outcome... but I agree with you. Lexus GB probably need to set clearer guidelines for dealerships - at the moment it seems like it is bit of lottery. I consider "Lexus Approved" should actually mean something. Remind me of another member who got GS fitted with some no name ditchfinders and was told by dealer they see no issue fitting sub-standard tyres as long as they are road legal. 

Again seems like buying used car from Lexus is no different than buying from any other dealer, not better and not worse, just need to be careful and don't fall for false sense of security.

I can’t disagree with this Linas. Lexus approved should stand for something in the marketplace and some dealers appear to be doing their best to de-value the brand. Agreed, definitely.

[doog442]

54 minutes ago, paulrnx said:

I can’t disagree with this Linas. Lexus approved should stand for something in the marketplace and some dealers appear to be doing their best to de-value the brand. Agreed, definitely.

I'm afraid Lexus approved has meant nothing for many years. One of the reasons I joined this forum in 2007 was the appalling service I received from Lexus Hedge End . Its the reason I blather on about a Lexus approved service history meaning absolutely nothing. In my case my service history was forged, previous accident damage denied, them telling me the notorious flywheel issue was a 'characteristic' of the car....

I treat all main dealers, no matter what make, as potential sharks. Its just a shame not much has changed and we still read stories like this. 

[paulrnx]

1 minute ago, doog442 said:

I'm afraid Lexus approved has meant nothing for many years. One of the reasons I joined this forum in 2007 was the appalling service I received from Lexus Hedge End . Its the reason I blather on about a Lexus approved service history meaning absolutely nothing. In my case my service history was forged, previous accident damage denied, them telling me the notorious flywheel issue was a 'characteristic' of the car....

I treat all main dealers, no matter what make, as potential sharks. Its just a shame not much has changed and we still read stories like this. 

Luckily I’ve had decent service and support from all the dealerships I’ve dealt with. Certainly looks like you had a very poor experience. I’d happily go down the independent route if I could find a decent one close by. I’ve previously used a decent local BMW specialist close by when owning BMWs.

[royoftherovers]

Unless I am mistaken Doog`s poor experience with Hedge End was 14 years ago?

I have yet to hear a bad report on Hedge End in the 8 years of my Membership of this Forum.

Linas is right re the need for a Lexus Standard to be applied uniformally across all Dealerships and this L.O.C Club is a useful source of support and advice for Members who feel aggrieved.

Mind you, the efforts that Lexus U.K. has gone to recently, to ensure that a Corporate Message has been transmitted about the new RELAX package, has been lamentable.

Still, we must all help each other and we all have a part to play.

[ColinBarber]

I've mentioned this before but standards have dropped over the years. When they had the independent RAC inspection it wouldn't pass if there was a single untouched stone chip, tyres needed at least 4 mm tread, unmarked glass etc.

Back in 2005:

Quote

We believe that owning and driving Approved Pre-Owned Only From Lexus car should be as worry free as possible. The information shown below describes the key features the Approved Pre-Owned Lexus programme.

COMPREHENSIVE LEXUS WARRANTY

The Lexus Warranty is designed to give you the reassurance that you would expect when buying an Approved Pre-Owned Lexus.

It is important to note that each Lexus Centre has to adhere to key guidelines to ensure you receive the best possible information when purchasing an Approved Pre-Owned Only From Lexus.

• All Approved Pre-Owned Lexus cars are supplied complete with one year's manufacturer's equivalent warranty with unlimited mileage cover. All vehicles with less than a full year of manufacturer's warranty remaining will require a Mandatory Warranty to be applied for. Vehicles under 60,000 miles and with a full year of manufacturer's warranty remaining do not require a Mandatory Warranty to be applied. Your local Lexus Centre will arrange all this for you. 
   
• The Lexus Warranty Office will only issue a warranty on an Approved Pre-Owned Lexus to the Lexus Centre if the RAC inspection pass certificate is attached to the warranty application form. 
   
• Any Lexus vehicles regardless of age or mileage qualify. 
   
• All Approved Pre-Owned Lexus Car Warranties have the same level of cover as the Lexus new vehicle warranty, with the exception of batteries, interior trim and corroded exhausts. The exact level of cover is detailed on the reverse of the warranty application form and also within your handover pack you receive when purchasing your vehicle. 
   
• All Approved Pre-Owned Lexus Car warranties include wear and tear cover for batteries, exhausts and wiper blades for three months or 3,000 miles. 
   

VEHICLE PREPARATION 

Before you take delivery of your Lexus, it has been subjected to a long and comprehensive vehicle preparation.

The vehicle preparation process encompasses five distinct stages:

• Independent vehicle history check 
   
• Independent vehicle mileage check 
   
• Service history check 
   
• Vehicle preparation and valeting (MOT if applicable) 
   
• Independent RAC Inspection 

 

LEXUS APPROVED SERVICE HISTORY 

All Approved Pre-Owned Lexus Cars must have a service history that is approved by the Lexus Centre retailing the vehicle. All Lexus Centre services will be completed by a Lexus qualified technician and have all the applicable stamps and signatures. Services for qualifying vehicles must be within 1,000 miles either side of the scheduled service mileage limit or within 2 months either side of the specified time period. Vehicles with an incomplete or non Lexus Centre service history can only qualify as an Approved Pre-Owned Lexus once the retailing Lexus Centre completes the most recent major service. The Centre must then update the service record book to then provide to you.

VEHICLE PREPARATION AND VALETING 

Once the history and mileage checks have been passed, the car is fully prepared to Lexus standards. We carefully inspect the car's overall condition - outside, inside and underneath.

OUTSIDE

• All vehicles must have a minimum of two keys and remotes
• Vehicles should meet the current MOT requirements. Brake efficiency tests are replaced by evaluating braking performance on road test, headlamp alignment is replaced by visual inspection 
• Audio System must be in full working order and good condition 
• Tyres must be of the correct size and rating, locking wheel nuts are acceptable providing they are in a serviceable condition and the correct locking key(s) supplied 
• Window glass must be in good condition and security etching must be correct      

INSIDE

• Any marks, tears or burns must be repaired 
• All controls and switches must operate to original specification 
• All warning lights and gauges must be fully functioning and accurate 
• Steering wheel and column condition/adjustment must be correct      

MECHANICAL

• All engine components must be in full working order 
• Steering, brakes and suspension must be in a condition representing good maintenance by previous owners      

VALETING YOUR LEXUS

Your Approved Pre-Owned Lexus will be thoroughly cleaned inside and out before it is presented for RAC inspection.

RAC VEHICLE INSPECTION - 0208 917 2682

• To reinforce your absolute confidence in Lexus standards and consistency, every Approved Pre-Owned Lexus must pass an independent vehicle inspection by the RAC before it can be retailed. Lexus are the only premium manufacturer to independently validate every vehicle.      

 

Now it is:

Quote

The SELECT programme offers Lexus Approved Pre-owned used cars that meet a comprehensive manufacturer quality criteria. Lexus SELECT reflects and complements what our brand stands for – premium quality, superior luxury, the future of driving, hybrid technology, amazing customer service, and complete reassurance for customers.

150 MULTIPOINT LEXUS QUALITY AND SAFETY 

Our SELECT cars have undergone an exhaustive 150-point quality and safety check. A specialist Lexus technician carefully inspects the car’s overall condition – outside, inside and underneath.  

APPROVED SERVICE HISTORY AND MILEAGE

All Lexus SELECT vehicles must have a service and mileage history that is approved by the Lexus Centre.     LEXUS RELAX   All Lexus SELECT used cars come with a standard 12 month Approved Used Lexus Warranty. Once this has expired, with Lexus Relax, every time you service your vehicle at a Lexus Centre, a 12 month warranty is included up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. T&Cs apply.  Find out more about Lexus Relax.  

 

[doog442]

2 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Unless I am mistaken Doog`s poor experience with Hedge End was 14 years ago?

I have yet to hear a bad report on Hedge End in the 8 years of my Membership of this Forum.

Linas is right re the need for a Lexus Standard to be applied uniformally across all Dealerships and this L.O.C Club is a useful source of support and advice for Members who feel aggrieved.

Mind you, the efforts that Lexus U.K. has gone to recently, to ensure that a Corporate Message has been transmitted about the new RELAX package, has been lamentable.

Still, we must all help each other and we all have a part to play.

It was a harsh lesson to me in ignoring the acres of glass and marble and concentrating on the metal. The link is 'Snows', same group, all of these years later. Glad to hear Hedge End are much improved, the dealer principal was a genuine chap although I suspect he's long since retired. I did get restitution however so can't fault him for that.