Leaderboard

Personally I’d go back to Honda having had a few, all of which were excellent. Lexus tempted me away, and I’ve been very happy with my NX and RX, but this specific issue and the seeming lack of urgency from Lexus is making me think twice about another one.

Hi One month into ownership, and my only real issue has been an annoying rattle coming from the drivers side seatbelt housing. As soon as the car is moving on an uneven surface it starts. Having read of a similar issue on an RX350, I did a bit of research, and found the offending part! The black plastic latch cover is not seated properly, and is moving about. I have taped this down, given the metal catch a couple of shots of electrical tape, and now the problem has gone away (just done a 10mile test drive). Will drop it into my dealer when time allows for a more permanent solution, but hope this might help a few people…It’s probably not an isolated incident!

Terrane Khaki is what I have on order... It's one of my favourite colours I've seen in any car in recent years. It's stunning. It’s good to hear the NX is easier to drive. It’s not that I have an issue with the UX I have. In terms of driveability, the only issue I have is there’s a notable blind spot right by the 'B' pillar for me. My only slight reservation with changing from the UX to the NX is that before I had the UX, I had an Audi Q5 and that was quite a tight fit down my driveway. I managed it, but I know there was very little in the way of room spare. Our driveway gets narrower the further off the pavement and if I ended up being the 'first in', I did have to literally go up to the side of the house on the passenger side. There’s a few reasons why I've been wanting to go to an NX from a UX. Firstly – the boot space. That's always been the biggest issue I've had with the UX right from day one. There’s just no depth to it. Secondly, whilst it’s absolutely fine for me, it can be a little tricky for the aging parents to get in and out of, compared to the Q5 I had. If the UX was a little 'taller' and the boot had another five/six inches or so of depth to it, I’d have probably have just changed it for another UX. For most of the time (going back and forth to work and ‘daytripping’), it suits me perfectly. Just a word of warning if you’re going for an NX though, Chris. Do you know how long left you have to run (in terms of contract) on your UXe? The reason I ask is that I'm now about a week away from the ‘first anniversary’ of my NX order – and neither the dealer or Customer Relations can supply me with a build date. Without any imminent news on this front, I’m going to have to extend the contract on my existing UX which runs out in September.

Spot on Phil

The reason for the advice is to let the oil drain back down all the passageways and into the sump after the engine has been running to get an accurate reading based on how the dip stick was calibrated. It shouldn't be checked with the engine hot as if it looks low one may overfill the engine with oil which is not good. Checking cold is generally ok though - so long as the oil is somewhere between max and mid way between min and max then all would be fine. If below the mid point probably worth checking it again when the engine has warmed a bit and then decide then whether any oil is needed.

You used to be able to go in a store and buy a 3 piece suit for no more that a weeks delivery , now you have to wait at least 3/4 months, unfortunately the same now applies to cars, we are not used to having to plan a long way ahead for cars, i don't see things changing for some time, in September i am going to put in a order for a NX, I don't want it till April 2025, I have been assured that once ordered if change my mind, or my circumstances change i don't have to take the car and my deposit will be returned.

I know this forum is a heavily biased statistical sample 🤔 but something tells me the Lexus marketing people didn't do their homework before they decided not to bring the new IS300 to the UK.... You read around the internet and there are many of us that aren't much into SUVs.

I have recently noticed an increase in the frequency of friendly waves from other Lexus drivers encountered on the road. Such greetings were an almost automatic reflex in days gone by when encounters were rare, but, apart from natural exchanges of civilities between same-model owners, the custom had seemed to be disappearing apace with cumulative increases in total Lexus numbers. I don’t know if my observation of a mini-revival is purely accidental or if it evidences a more generalised rediscovery of pride of ownership. As an incurable optimist I like to think it might be the latter.

It was about 45 and 195 with only the ‘concierge’ aircon on. I think a lot of the reviews are inaccurate as the reviewers rarely delve into the owners manual and so miss what Lexus have done to minimise the effects of the aircon & heating. You can set the aircon to only cool front occupied seats - no passenger then it senses that and only the driver is heated / cooled. The seats heating / ventilating doesn’t seem to effect the range and there is the Climate Concierge which heats / cools to reflect the interior and outside temperatures rather than setting a temperature - I think all the reviews that say 150 miles range have the aircon / heating on full blast which does definitely reduce the range by about 40 miles - as other EV’s. The temperature today was about 17C and the ‘concierge’ seemed to keep it reasonably cool without dragging the range down too much.

I managed to get a full tank and set of front mats. And a key ring!

It’s quite some time since I updated this thread but today I added a new modification to the car, a Takada intake. Fitment was a breeze, taking approximately 30mins and quality seems fine. Principle driver for the purchase was an increase in induction noise from within the car. Please see a couple of points below Not sure if I’m keen on the plastic ‘carbon’ box that comes with the kit. Either do it in carbon or plastic, fake carbon is worse than no carbon! The MAF sensor position could be a little better, cables are very close to other wiring and I’m worried they will rub over time. Induction noise is much improved and for all of the talk about how much actual power these add, it looks good and sounds better. At the minute I may get rid of the inlet box entirely at some point but only if I can maintain cool air in the area.

Do not understand why they did not add a mark on the dipstick for checking when cold. Too many variables is the engine warm or hot, has it all drained back? This A25 engine warms up very fast, all far too subjective the content in the owners manual for checking.

And how long does a 0W16 oil take to drain? That stuff has about the same viscosity as water at 20°C

It is good to be happy with what we have.

I’d also recommend channeling your inner Miami Vice and going for white jeans if possible. Slip on loafers optional. My last car was cream, almost white and blue jeans were a nightmare..

I feel that we should get a delivery date that is "sort of accurate". Plus or minus a month would be acceptable to me. People have trade in cars and finance etc. to organise.

Is this too big to rebadge to LS700? Not a problem, something will come that will fit you with the right fuel Malcolm. Now that heavy land transport is going in the right direction, sea- and air-transport will be next. We poor ones with private cars will wait patiently till it is our turn to be lucky. Just read that this is one of many projects from Toyota with H2 fuel. Toyota and VDL Groep to convert heavy-duty vehicles into hydrogen fuel cell trucks By ALICIA MOORE https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/author/alicia-2-2-2-2/ The companies have partnered to speed up the decarbonization of the road logistics sector. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Dutch VDL Groep have teamed up to covert VDL’s existing heavy-duty trucks into hydrogen fuel cell trucks using Toyota’s fuel cell modules, with a goal to accelerate decarbonizing the road logistics sector while also breaking into Europe’s zero-emission heavy duty H2 trucks market. Toyota sees significant potential in using H2 trucks to decarbonize its logistic routes. Toyota Motor Europe seeks to achieve its full carbon-neutral strategy by 2040, and speeding up the decarbonization of the road logistics sector with hydrogen fuel cell trucks is an important factor in achieving this goal. H2 trucks can be quickly refuelled – as fast as diesel – and hydrogen systems have a lower mass, which allows for a heavier payload. This can make them essential for transport with high utilization and key contributors in evolving sustainable infrastructures around key routes in Europe. “We are excited to begin this project with VDL Groep, as it will allow us to further decarbonise the long-haul transport of our components, vehicles and service parts,” said Leon Van Der Merwe, VP Supply Chain Toyota Motor Europe, in a recent TME news release. The first of the hydrogen fuel cell trucks will be ready by summer 2023. VDL Special Vehicles (a part of VDL Groep), a specialist in the field of battery electric and hydrogen solutions for on- and off-road vehicles, will build the first hydrogen truck by this summer. Following this first fuel cell truck, the companies will produce and assess more hydrogen fuel cell trucks on TME logistics routes in the fall. The project will combine knowledge on how to deploy fuel cell trucks. This will further support the company’s long-term goal of lowering Toyota’s carbon footprint and decarbonizing logistics with vehicles other than passenger EVs. “Heavy-duty trucks will remain an important pillar within our multimodal strategy, and the introduction of zero-emission trucks, equipped with our Toyota fuel cell modules, will have a strong impact on the overall carbon reduction of our logistics,” added Van Der Merwe. This new truck project is one among many H2 projects for Toyota. The hydrogen fuel cell trucks project Toyota has in partnership with VDL Groep is only one of many H2 projects that the automaker has put into place with multiple partners. Other projects Toyota has in the works for the purpose of speeding up the transition toward a hydrogen economy include those for light commercial vehicles, buses, trains, and boats. Toyota believes that fuel cell trucks have a key role to play in the growth of the wider European H2 ecosystem. These trucks can strongly support the decarbonization of transport as well as an ecological energy transition.

I used to notice it back in '99 when the IS first came out - a cheery wave or a cheeky flash was quite common. Now I often find that if I'm parked near another Lexus and we come back to our cars at the same time, a conversation usually strikes up about one aspect of ownership or another. I guess if BMW/Mercedes/Audi owners do the same, it's about how many bits have fallen off so far that week.

It would be cheaper to just buy an IS250 than trying to swap the engine. Standalone engine is £600 + all the other parts you mentioned.. could easily be another grand and at that point you're £1500 deep before you even started any work and for £1500 you can buy a whole car.. Prices will be different in other countries though I'm sure

That is ridiculous. If Lexus insurance will not insure a Lexus, then the car is not fit for purpose. Did they say why?

Thanks, I was wondering whether I cut them or reuse as unsure how easily they'll break. I have hog ring pliers to use to put them back so happy on that front. Will see how fiddly and may result to just cutting and buying new ones! No pressure then! 😛

The speed limit in my residential cul-de-sac with no pavement is 30 MPH, but I would neve dream of driving at 30 mph down it. Far to many cars reversing into/out of driveways, people walking, kids playing, cats and dogs roaming and I wouldn't want to damage my nice Lexus by hitting someone/thing. We have to remember speed limits are limits not a target. How about we abolish all speed limits and make the driver responsible for travelling at a safe speed so they can stop in the distance they can see to be clear.

That’s a good deal, mine is £34,480 this time and 18 months ago my current one was £32,300. incidentally, I am getting £30k back on my old one against the new one in my new deal. Less than 10% depreciation in 18 months is amazing

If you are talking about the Bosch AeroTwin wipers, you don't need to get the wiper arms to 90° (I don't think you can with the driver side). You just lift the clip/cover on the wiper, lift the arm a little, slide the arm through the cover and then back onto the U-shaped clip and push until it clicks. On the drivers side wiper, you do need to cut away one side of the cover to clear the wiper arm because that side uses a cantilevered system, but the cover still clicks into place and holds well.

Today's charge indicating 51.4/49.8.

It could be easier to understand the need for having a man walking in front of the noiseless electric powered cars to warn that something is coming, than in front of a probably not noiseless combustion engine car in 1965.

I started to do exactly that but changed my mind, I figured this is more of an ‘information’ thing. I will create a How-to guide for the EEPROM chip removal, not soldering, and programming though.

Had fun trying to fit bosch flat wipers as my old ones where useless and wrong size (too small). Couldn't work out how to get wiper arms 90 degrees to windscreen. Must be an easier way than i did them. They are now fitted and work fantastically.

In theory yes... but not easily. It is not a simple swap where you can just put the core 4GR-FSE in place of 2AD-FHV. Basically you will need a lot of parts, all the engine, with all accessories (like alternator, AC compressor) and all related ECUs, ABS pump, all the engine wiring, including fuse boxes, exhaust. Many other less important cosmetic parts like undertrays, rear bumper will be different. You will as well ideally need new fuel tank, pump and all the lines. I guess you could flush the tank, but pump will be different and the lines on engine side will be different. As well I am assuming you swapping manual to manual... in which case you need to get specifically manual donor, there are some other minor differences in other part numbers as well between manual diesel and petrol. I guess conversion to auto is possible as well, but then you will need host of other parts, pedals, dash, interior wiring, other interior parts etc. Gearbox between petrol and diesel are different, but I believe they are compatible, maybe not straight swap, but could be made to work. So the most realistic would be get whole wrecked IS250 and transfer all the parts related to engine and drivetrain. Note - if you get UK wreck (which is most likely what you can get for decent price), then there will be further complications as there are some minor differences in wiring between RHD/LHD, again possible to overcome and requires harness modification. So again - it is possible, but this is major project. I wanted to do this project for a while, because in UK we have a lot of dead IS220ds selling for £500 with blown engines, I will probably do it one day (not 4GR swap, but maybe 3GR from GS, or 3UZ or even 1UR from LS would be interesting), but I need large garage with lift, because theoretically it is not difficult if you have all parts - remove from your car, take from another car and install it. It is just tedious, requires 100s of parts and loads of space.

With the RR it seems the thieves have to actually cut a hole in the body work to perform the attack. Not sure where the access point is on the X5 or Audis and mercs. I just read that Alpha's can be stolen by accessing the CAN through the front radar sensor. Perhaps it is prudent now to wait for the automakers to add a security layer to CAN, or move to another comms architecture, before purchasing a new vehicle. Paul

I think you are all right. There are connected services (battery status, where’s my car, hybrid coach etc) which is for 10yrs/car life. And there are Smart Services (Cloud Nav, Cloud Voice control and Traffic) which is says on my app are active for 4 years.

This is a useful app if you are looking to see if your car will fit in your garage. https://www.automobiledimension.com/parking-dimensions-simulator.php

Yes, I think that's the common thing. But the onus is on them to get it right. If I do it myself, and run into trouble, I need to resolve it myself. If you're a car guy and don't mind spending time on researching and fiddling, that's fine, but I'm not, I simply don't have the time and mental reserves for this, and happy to part with money just to make it someone else's responsibility.

Have a look on eBay, there’s one for £250 BUT I’ve just been offered it for £200 BUT I don’t have a RX yet 😢. The one I traveled for 3 hours today was miss advertised 😢……. About £80 on train down the drain.

Just seen them and the car looks fantastic!

I promised I would come back once (most) of the work was done. So here we are…engine pretty much rebuilt. Suspension bushes all done. Ecu and Maf recalibrated. Wheels refurbed. Spoiler replaced. Bodywork done(ish). It runs beautifully and is IMMENSE to drive. A real event. Will be at RetroRides at Goodwood a week tomorrow if anyone’s planning on going. We’ll be in the ‘White Room’.

You're looking in the wrong place: https://lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/product/lexus-0w16-engine-oil-1l/ discounted form £33.20 to £19.92 for a litre https://lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/product/lexus-0w16-engine-oil-5l/ special offer £67.90 for 5L Ignore the images the text and part numbers are correct I've driven from here in Lancashire all the way to Germany, twice. It's now at ~19k. I haven't had to top up. As long as you observe/have observed the break in period (no full throttles, vary engine speed...etc.) you should be fine.

Does It Not tell you in The Car Manual Tony ? And Why would you want to top up Oil On Such a New car..Just let the Dealership Service Check that when in for its annual Service ..If its not in the manual just give lexus a ring and they will tell you the exact type of oil for your Car.!!!! you could try Google..!!

I always liked mazda to drive they are excellent. But diesel was and is a time bomb in them and if you listen carefully you can hear them rust. A petrol with waxoil added might be a good choice

That was some bargin at 18k euro !

I suppose the question that will always go unanswered is would the refreshed IS have sold in greater numbers than the ES. I for one would have bought the refreshed IS but have have no intention of buying an ES - I am now running my IS 300h for the foreseeable future until I see how the whole industry starts to shake out or it become uneconomical to keep on the road.

SUVs are exactly what the market wants in the UK. It is very clear that people like the practicality, high driving position etc of an SUV and therefore the manufacturers are catering for that need. A car for the vast majority is transportation, to get somewhere in comfort - there are very few people that go out for a drive just for the pleasure of driving with no end destination. Manufacturers price their vehicles based on what people will pay. They can sell an SUV for £10k more because people want them - if people didn't want them they wouldn't purchase them. If in the future saloons become desirable then manufacturers will start to sell them for a premium over SUVs - cost of production is irrelevant.

I am hoping that the used price for an IS300h remains 'high' as I will be selling my fully loaded IS300h Premier when my new NX350h arrives. Sorry purchasers, just my situation. I have noticed that the guide price on parkers.co.uk for my car is only about 500 pounds less than what it was in February last year, so second-hand value that are holding up very well at present.

If the new model IS was available in the uk, i would buy one in a heart beat.Im not a fan of SUVs.I have mentioned this to my local dealer and the standard response is " we have the ES if you would like a saloon car . The forcourt was full of used ES models , and i must say the second hand prices were holding up very well. Steve

That's the thing.... for me the ES isn't an alternative because it's too large to handle it through the narrow streets of where we live, plus my driveway and garage are a bit tight. I like the interior of the ES but the wheels Lexus sells it with are way oversized for the engine and he type or car it is (most cars do nowadays).

If the IS 300h was available now, with the refinement of the ES 300h, I would have one. Iconic, ageless styling. Love my ES, but the size and manoeuvrability of the IS suited us two oldies very well.

Same here. The newest version of the IS300h is super cool. I want to keep mine for a long time (partly because they don't sell the new one) but I admit that if they were to have it available in the UK, I would be looking forward to upgrading in a couple of years or less (fortunately my car can't read this so she won't be offended).

Which is both their achievement and biggest loss. Sometimes being too far ahead in something is not great... and that was reflected in poor sales of Lexus hybrids. If they were PHEVs, it would have been different story, but Lexus somehow was way too late to that game. Likewise as Shahpor said, now they becoming more relevant and guess what - Lexus no longer sells IS in the UK. So the limited supply which was sold in very small numbers appreciates. As for prices, currently prices are all over the place, not only Lexus and not only IS300h... it may be temporary thing, it may be longer term, I think it is much more to do with external factors than some sort of Lexus 4D strategy (like car supply/demand/economic situation). It is ridiculous to think in 2016 I bought 2008 IS250 SEL (which would be now equivalent to 2017 IS300h F-Sport/Premier) for £4000... what is what used to be 6-years old Lexus price. Now you can't get one for £8000, not even £12,000. Well and I guess it is possible to argue 2016 was good time to buy mk2, as last of them were coming out of leases, first mk3 started coming out of leases and everyone just wanted to dump them. But 2008 IS250 will still cost you £4000 today... after 7 years! I has mine crashed, written-off, got £3800 from insurance and still sold the car with Cat-N for £2500... this is just not how used car market suppose to work, so I would argue this is temporary phenomenon. That said I have heard pure EVs are sinking like a rocks in value, there is no demand for them, no dealers want to PX them, no dealers want to take them and people taking massive price cuts privately. I wonder why that is?! So if you have where to charge one, this may be time to look for BEV. But Lexus prices are ridiculous at the moment.

Holding their value at the moment a couple of factors. - The used car market after Covid went crazy due to lack of supply - EV/Hybrid now trending in comparison to diesels - Londons ULEZ expansion charge driving out old diesels - Low road Tax What I find interesting is Lexus/Toyota were well ahead of their time the IS300H if i'm not mistaken was initially in released 2013 production up until 2020 7 years is a long time yes their were upgrades & facelift version. It does show they it may not have been so popular 10 years ago because they were deemed as boring to drive now with the used car market alot of people are taking an interest & all of a sudden they are in demand. Well done to Lexus they were leading the 'Green' environment game way back. Same could also be said for Honda.