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I've felt a bit sorry for the GSF recently, it consistently gets 7 or 8/10 reviews from the motoring press and every youtube video I've seen is positive or very positive. Something along the lines of "not as fast as an M5 but it's special to be inside". However, they're not seeming to sell in good numbers at all. The one in the dealer garage near me is dropping around £1000 a month and it remains on the forecourt. It's a 65 plate and now just about £20,000 off list price. It goes without saying that I've never seen one on the road. I saw it in the dealers in the summer and convinced myself I didn't like the look of it. However after the recent price drop (and a very generous bonus from work) I called Lexus Cambridge up and asked for a test drive. It turned into a 24 hour test drive while they have a look at the '62 plate IS-F and what it might be worth in trade-in. After my mistake in buying the IS-F (drive first, then start negotiating after I'd told the dealer I loved it... he didn't budge on price), I was very clear with the guy this time that I knew I'd like it, but this was a practicality test more than a driving test - right now I have to bag up my road bike in a padded bike bag, put a tarp down in the back seats, and rest the bike on them, because it doesn't fit in the boot at all. Only 2 seats in the back as well. Here's my thoughts so far: Practicality The soft bike bag now does fit in the boot, and there is a 3rd seat in the back, although I'm 5'7" and wasn't comfortable on it. Compared to the IS-F, the other 2 back seats are a bit less cramped and the boot is a lot bigger. This is very positive and has me worried I might actually buy it... Shame that the back seats still don't fold. However, living on a street of detached houses, with the car on the driveway, it's embarrassingly loud on startup. If you thought the stock IS-F growl on startup before the cats have warmed up is loud, this is way more aggressive, although less boomy. Luckily I don't drive to work so it's not everyday, and I live in a town of boy racers so it isn't the only loud thing on the block. In every way, it feels like it's moved on from the IS-F, everything seems about 30% better. I love the wing mirrors flashing orange when a cyclist gets too close (or vice versa), the lane departure warning (only for long slow roads, it's just annoying when going at 7 10ths on a B road). The perforated leather seats are more bucket-y but still as comfy, and not just heated, they're ventilated, with I think 4 or 5 settings, not 3. The Heads Up Display is very useful indeed and displays the known speed limit on the stretch of road I'm on. This would make me update the maps every year because of the move to 20mph zones here that are still marked as 30. In Sport S mode, the exhaust is "always on", and even in eco mode, it's not as quiet as the IS-F. My wife in the passenger seat said the GS-F feels, looks and sounds faster and more "butch". The default-on but easily turned off Active Sound Control isn't as ridiculous as the reviewers make out, and can add to the experience when pushing on, but this is better for the driver and worse for the passenger. The comfort, tech and luxury make this by far the nicest car I've ever driven. It feels nearly 10 years newer than the IS-F and a class above in every respect when I sit inside it. Whether I buy it or not, seriously, well done Lexus, this is a fabulous car. Driving Going into this, I knew it was heavier but more powerful, with the halo features being the torque differential and switching to the atkinson cycle when in eco mode (very Japanese - cramming extra tech in that has varying degrees of usefulness). First impressions are that it's much more grown up, and what I'd expect a Lexus to be like. Sound isolation is better and the low speed ride is life-changingly better - I can have my head on the headrest for maybe 95% of the time, compared to 5% in the IS-F, where the back of my head gets smacked constantly, even at 60mph on the M11. Driving is smoother and the wheel is lighter in the gentle modes.Throttle response is better in the faster modes. It only feels faster than the IS-F at the very top end: 4.4s vs 4.8s for the 0-100kph is only really noticable in manual and sport-S mode, and the speed seems to come from the higher gearing - it feels the same time that I get to the redline in 2nd, but now it's 70mph, not 60. 3rd is over 100mph, not 90, and so on. The auto gear changes seem similar, but the unexpected lurch from 3rd to 2nd in M mode is much smoother. Braking is not as grabby and I'm not yet used to the weight transfer in the corners, but it feels like it is better balanced than the IS-F but subsequently I need to turn in properly and get the braking sorted out... it's more demanding than the IS-F. It passes the all-important "boot it out of a roundabout onto a dual carriageway" test very well. I'm no race driver, but with the TVD in "slalom" I managed the IS-F style hooligan 4 wheel drift out of a roundabout, despite the Pilot Super Sport tyres. I switched the IS-F fronts from Contis to Super Sports and back tyres from Yokohamas to Pilot Sport 4s after a couple of tankslappers in the wet and it's now impeccably behaved and I've not been brave enough to slide with the extra grip in the IS-F, so this was a welcome surprise. Point to point on a B road, I think this would slowly pull away from an IS-F despite the extra weight, but it needs a better driver than me to understand and utilise the different TVD settings. As far as I can work out, "track" means tidy turns, "slalom" gives a bit of oversteer and both make me feel like I've got it noticeably wrong in corners when I brake too late or don't balance the throttle, whereas the IS-F seems to be a bit more forgiving, especially on late braking. Overall: Yeah, it's really nice. I thought Lexus had abandoned the IS-F but no, this is the spiritual successor for me. The increase in tech (driving modes but also things like auto-opening boot) all works and it's very inward focused on the driver, rather than extrovert. Would I mind if a new M3 pulled up alongside and then beat me in a drag race? I'd get over it, because this is no supercar; it's about comfort and enjoyment, it's way better at low speeds than the IS-F and there's more going on at high speeds... and yes my bike does fit into the boot. I'd highly recommend a test drive. The thing I'm worried about is the way the price is dropping on 2nd hand models... and I'm still 50:50 about whether I should upgrade. However, it's a fabulous car that shows Lexus have forgotten nothing from the IS-F and have moved on. Disclaimer - I've only driven old M3s, and an M4 only on track at Bedford so I don't know much about it's direct competitors. I'm going to buy my wife a very nice lunch and make her tea all day to sweeten her up for the conversation tomorrow!

And here's a photo of the first ever IS I bought 17 years ago. I spotted it still on the roads last year so had to take a quick pic. It used to turn heads back then and still looks good now.

Great car. I'd be living in it me. :-) Congrats.

Check that the control links on the front and rear suspension are not broken. The ball joints seize then bend and brake the rods made of a zink material. The system still thinks it is OK in this situation, and does the headlamp dance. These rods cannot be bought separately and are considered part of the complete adjuster assembly at a bit shy of £300, but can be repaired with a little thought. If the rods are OK a cheating way to adjust the height of the lights is to alter the position of one of these rods in the slot adjustment on them where they fasten to the electrical variable resistor. The front one on the near side is the easiest to get at as it can be reached with the steering on a full left hand lock. The ball joint fastens to the resistor with a 10 mm nut facing outwards. Slacken the nut turn the resistor till the headlamps are at the required setting, and tighten the nut. John.

KentIS300 Does this help https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6207313/2006_GS_Headlight_Adjustment.PDF Don't know where I got it and I have not used it so I don't know if it is valid. Please report! John

Very interesting report Olli, There are so many things that you say that make it seem like a 4 door RC-F. If it wasn't a size up I'd be very tempted. With my IS-F I used a dog hammock to put my road bike on the back seat; it worked perfectly and was very quick to fit. Now I use a seasucker minibomber which uses suction caps to fit on the roof of the RC-F

And here's our other one.

Hi Mike We had a similar problem earlier this year. (See my previous post started 15th March - RX450h didn't start). The first two times it happened Lexus MK checked the car and could find nothing untoward. After the third time it happened they agreed it was probably the 12V battery not holding its charge and replaced it under warranty. Since then, touchwood, it has been OK. Good luck JBP

Hi Colin The single beep and traction control light is it working. You then have about 2 seconds to move your foot over to the accelerator while the car holds the brakes for you. It will only hold a for a short time, the double beep is it warning it is now releasing the brakes.

Nice car. I guess 24hrs is not long enough to get a good impression of the car. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I find it hard to believe that lots in this forum think Lexus/Toyota will get left behind on EV technology. Bearing in mind what they spend on R&D each year and how they were first to the party with Hybrids and how they stayed away from diesel. They don't look so silly now with dieselgate. I'd be shocked if they have not secretly been working on EV vehicles or a much better hybrid system. Give it 3-5 years and see what they launch. The next generation IS and GS will tell a lot. If Lexus launched a full EV vehicle now I don't believe they could make money on it as the market is still too small.

Did you buy from a dealer you can take it back to? Or a quick visit to Lexus, maybe?

I'm certain that only a MK4 key will do it. The numbers have to be the same, as in your photo, but there are also a few subtle differences with the buttons. If I remember correctly there are some with a triangle on one of the buttons and some without, just make sure it's identical. They do come up on eBay which is where I got mine for £25. Have you tried reprogramming your existing key just in case it's been corrupted in some way. And remember you can't unprogramme your car by trying the sequence many times so it's safe to keep trying.

I have it, my wife on her RX not. I think they are both great. Air maybe better on motorways?

Hi I can confirms that 235/55/19 crossclimate tyres are available for the Lexus. i had a full set fitt d three weeks ago in Doncaster. They were ordered by Kwikfit on Monday and fitted Thursday. total price was £650 for all four. They are very quiet compared to normal Michelin sport3 They drive ok no difference seein in wet or dry will wait until winter comes to see how they go. I have four michelins with 5/6mm for sale cheap

Lol, tinfoil hats people, tinfoil hats!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When in the RAF we used to test high output aircraft radios inside a Faraday Cage - so no transmissions would be picked up. One idiot transmitted "MayDay MayDay" without checking the cage and a large enough hole had previously been made which caused a ship in the Atlantic ocean to pick up the emergency call. A Shackleton aircraft was launched and spent hours looking for the non existing MayDay aircraft. Why don't Lexus make radio proof key bags so no crooks can detect the dormant keys in the owners home. Nullifying any piggyback key info to third party car thieves? I keep my debit/credit swipe cards in little mylar wallets to stop any cloning whilst in public places. Should stop the majority of thefts...... Lexus needs to step up and offer a solution to RX450h keyless go car snatchings. Better still make the Apple thumbprint security on the drivers door available......

I did one recently. Piece of cake to get it to start the car. Bit harder to programme it to unlock the car. Cost me 3 for the blank. 15 to have it cut. And 20 for the secondhand key

I've done it myself on a MK4, it's fairly simple but you MUST get the same key, one close to it won't work, neither will one from the US, and it has to be a master key. Try someone breaking a MK4

The report has come in a it's very positive so I'll be pulling the trigger tomorrow if the price is right. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve!

Just to wet your apetite, this is my old RX8 231 :) Gutted I sold it, but at least it made the new owner very happy.

for me to buy an EV it would have to have the range of the tesla but i dont think i could afford one any other EV just isn't worth having because of the range

The R3 edition (came out I think 2008 onwards?) has an extra oil injection in the engine burning chamber to improve lubrication and supposingly reliability of the rotors. It has nicer seats inside and LED rear lights, 2 stage rev-counter (cold and warm .. .different rev bands) however the R3 has the less reliable 6 speed gearbox same as used in the MX-5. The good things with the RX-8 is should the engine go wrong rebuilding them by a reputable specialist costs on average about £1500 ... which is not much. Taken in consideration a cambelt and a dmf clutch can cost up to £2K ... lol The key with those cars is ... make sure you get it compression tested by the a good specialist.. (do not trust that Mazda would exactly know how to do one... and they charge a lot of money.) A specialist would charge maybe £30-£40 for a compression check. This will show the health of the rotor tips. Also the way they are started up ... warmed up and never switch off when cold... etc, this is what makes the longevity of the engine. Unfortunately it is not a car that you get in start the engine and go straight away. You have to follow "the sequense" But I really liked that, as it made it special. And the way you cherish them matters. They do like to be thrushed once every 2 weeks... get the revs to red, as this clears carbon deposits on the rotor tips. They do not like to be driven slow. lol.

Got this very very nice RX450h F-Sport on an extended 24hr test drive.... I do love it... but not as fast as the GS450h... Have to give it back tomorrow ... and pick back my GS450h ... lol :)

The lexus route is a new programmed key, I guess £200+ or more. Maybe worth trying this ebay Key repair have thought have using one of these services for one of the keys on missus jag, just never got off my backside and sorted.

And switching your rear fog lights too. There are a few endless threads discussing reversing lights on the RX... do a search and sit comfortably...

Thanks Monte. I'm considering a used RX450h sometime next year and this guide will be invaluable.

Here we are Lexus RX Series III.pdf

Hello Andrew and welcome to the LOC. I understand that Lexus UK provide a 12 year corrosion warranty but certain conditions have to be met for this to apply, I would either check these in your warranty booklet if provided or contact your local dealer. Regarding recalls again your local Lexus dealer would be able to provide this informatIon, bear in mind they may ask for proof of ownership so take the V5C and some photo ID with you. Also check the price of the cambelt replacement, Lexus offer a discounted service arrangement for cars over 5 years old and are quoting £295.00 for your cambelt change. http://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/servicing-and-maintenance/#ServicingYourLexus

Whatever the media makes you believe, its not exactly easy to crack these things. The guys who do this have been doing it for years, steal to order and only deal with high end motors. The keys run on a rolling code system with an algorithm changing the code each time. You cant just copy a code and then use it to open the car as the code is constantly changing. The RX also has an immobiliser so technically the car shouldn't have started even if they got into it in the first place.

My 400h has now done 175000 miles from new and coming up 10 years old. Apart from regular service and tyres nothing major went wrong...well, 5 years ago the hybrid ECU packed up ( fixed under warranty ) and the small start up battery changed at 80000 miles.

Nice one Paul, and like the sneaky pic too 😉 I find the IS one the easiest cars to clean might be because of the waterless wash stuff ☺️ Not sure here it is again

Here's Mine this morning.

Quick update I had the gear knob trimmed to match.

Had the vsc and engine light come on out of the blue on start up. Found that it was the petrol filler cap had not been tightened enough. Tightened it until it clicked, started the car and lights have gone out. Please try this before anything else if you have these lights come on.

Was it as long ago as that. I bought the car last September and checked then and it showed nothing on Lexus recall page you put your details on, don't know what made me check again, but did it again around June and it came up. As I said I was fobbed off by local dealer but am getting the recall done now after being put through by Lexus UK. Thanks for letting me know it was as long ago as that, something to ask next week when I drop the car off why the delay.

Lexus Customer Service have now provided me with possible causes of the problem and their advice was spot on. It turned out to be the tethering option on the phone was off due an android update defaulting the service to off and I had not twigged it had happened. Full marks Lexus.

It works fine on my iPhone 6. Can play music and skip tracks using steering controls, it also cuts off if you get an incoming call then starts track again where it stopped.

Not that Ive heard of in the UK to be honest. Generally they are extremely reliable and if something does happen, apart from the things mentioned in my previous post, then its very very unlucky

Yes, thank you. All sorted with minimum fuss. The only hardship is that I had to drive a new RX450h Premier for two days. :-)

Have just fixed this problem also. My rear nearside caliper slide pin was rusted so the caliper was stiff as a board, so I took to it with a hammer and some penetrating spray. Took a bit of persuasion but it managed to come off, to which I cleaned the slide pin up with some wet and dry paper, along with the inner bore where the slide pin goes in the caliper. Checked all the seals and re-seated with some red rubber grease, lubed the slide pin and bore up with some caliper grease and fitted all back together. Works perfectly now, worth doing the other side also just as a preventative. Lexus also quoted me the £325 for a replacement caliper