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I collected by Model Year '25 ES300h base spec (slightly oddly entitled "Premium") earlier this month, after the end of my lease on a '20 ES300h F-Sport. Clearly, this is a lower spec; the main highlights of what I lost are probably the memory seats (including the seat moving back on exit), auto-tilt/closing mirrors and the climate concierge. On the other hand, it is a newer car - complete with the new nav (and remote app functions), added safety (blind spot light, etc) and general improvements. I've also switched from dark grey to navy blue (my terminology!) - you take your pick on those, but I think I'm veering towards preferring the latter, as it looks particularly good from behind. My early instinct is that the balance is considerably in favour of the newer car - so if you are switching, consider the base spec. You don't really lose out on much. Cabin Improvements are most obvious in the centre lower cabin; here there are now two regular cup holders and more storage as the "mouse pad" has been removed (given the infotainment is now via touchscreen). (In my case, the colour has changed too - I'm now "forest brown" rather than black!) Navigation Of course the general nav and infotainment are completely different. It is well known that there is now a large touch screen, which incorporates a new on-board navigation system (which frankly looks huge, as much as anything) and a series of settings controlled now on what looks more like a tablet. The system has also expanded voice commands, so you can say "Play Radio 1" and it will turn that on. But there are quite a few limitations to that, I have found. There are some notable improvements that are not really mentioned in the literature: - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless (this matters to me, as my iPhone is so old it cannot be connected by wire); - Using the Apple Maps app, you still get the turns presented on the dashboard (i.e. as if you were using the car's own system); and - Once you have set "home" in the nav, the dashboard will tell you how far away you are once you are close by regardless of whether you have set it in your nav. The remote functions work well, but are limited. You can lock the car (you will only do this if you receive a notification that you forgot to do so, as locking it from the app does not trigger the alarm); and you can turn on the climate system for 20 minutes. However, you cannot adjust the climate controls; so this may work as a defroster but it is unlikely to help, for example, with getting those heated seats on full blast when the rain suddenly starts. Safety The safety system on board is now expanded to include cross alerts of various kinds, blind spot info, curve assist and a modified road-sign assist. Lane-keep assist also adds a "lane centring" option (also known as "lane trace"), which I find useful on expressways/motorways but less so otherwise. There are some negatives here: if you turn road-sign assist off, no speed limit is displayed on the dashboard (in my previous car, the speed limit was still displayed, taken from the nav); audible alarms for breaching the speed limit and veering out of lane are now compulsory (in the sense you have to turn them off every time you start the car if you don't want them), which is a particular annoyance if you go past a temporary limit not actually in force (e.g. a 20mph sign at a school which only applies during school hours); there is no immediately evident way to turn lane-keep assist off (though actually if you hold the lane-keep button on the steering wheel for five seconds, that'll do it). That said, the audible warning is not particularly intrusive and I have to say I have already become used to it. The key was to get all the other alerts turned off, such as the one for change of speed limit! Driving There is no doubt the driving experience is different; steering seems more direct (and therefore, in my view, much improved). There's an outside chance this is because it's no longer an F-Sport, but I think the passage of time is much likelier as I do not think it is all to do with the suspension. Boot Now, here is a funny thing. Firstly, on the negative side, the "convenience pack" no longer exists - so if you have a cargo net and sports mats from your previous car, keep and transfer them. Secondly, the single most positive thing I have noticed about the newer car: the boot lid. Of course, you have to close this manually. On the 2020 version, this caused a truly horrible, mucky, tinny crash sound totally at odds with the rest of the car (I actually developed a technique to close it slowly to avoid it). On this version, this is much improved; I suspect there are a few extra springs in there so that it now closes with a much more satisfying cling. This is of course barely a difference, and some may not notice it at all, but it is now much more aligned to the quality finish of the rest of the car! Three bad things With regards to buying an ES, some things are still just less than optimal versus rivals in the same bracket: - there is no trial zone climate control; - although the spec is great, the removal of the climate concierge and reverse tilt just seems odd and out of character (the former is available on my wife's base spec 2020 UX); - there is no all-electric version. Three outstanding things For all that, if you are in the market for an executive saloon (and I accept ever fewer people seem to be, unfortunately), personally I wouldn't even look at the competition. Here are just three reasons: - the reliability is second to none; - the build and ride quality, inside and out, is simply unparalleled; and - for the spec and adding in the fact it is an automatic hybrid, the value is not even remotely matched elsewhere in the sector. I'd add one other thing: I like the fact there are so few options. It is much clearer what you are getting and, to me, it gives me faith that Lexus is so confident about the quality of its product it can essentially say "Here it is: you take it or you leave it". I'd go with the former...

The trouble with USB flash drives is that they were never intended as permanent storage and they often fail without any warning or indication that it's happening, and they very rarely fail to a 'safe' condition where files can be recovered. Because of this it's more likely to be the drive at fault rather than anything to do with the car itself, so as Pete above suggests, I'd be trying a new drive first.

My driving days are coming to a close owing to increased co-morbidities and I will probably be selling my Lexus Cabrio in the not too distant future. I have two GENUINE TOYOTA unused Rear Arm Assmbly Upper Control Arms which have sat in the Garage for eight? year. They are parts number 48770-50010 and 48790-50010 for the Mk 2 1989-1994 LS400. You won't find them anywhere else. Not Rock Auto or Amayama and so if you want to keep your early Lexus on the road, then these are essential in case the MOT fails your car because of them. These cost me just under £600 to purchase and I am selling them for this sum. They came from Amayama but are now "discontinued parts". PM me if you want to buy them. Stuart ps I have lots of other new parts but haven't the time to list them.

Depends on how far you can open the door. In the UK, many parking spaces are the width of the smallest car ever made plus a gnats... which can make it tricksy.

Congratulations on what sounds like a beautiful car.....pictures..?....and a very comprehensive write-up

If it were me, I'd try another USB flash drive before going to a Lexus dealer. Buy a reputable make; format it with FAT32, and copy over some sample MP3 files. There are few other posts on the site concerning problems with flash drives, including file formats, folders, ID tag issues, etc.

I'd love to follow another LC. I'd love to see another LC in my mirrors. I'd love to hear some LCs drive past. Before the Summer is over, I'm going to organise an LC / F drive out. Where: Wales Format: A proper drive through Wales. Drive - coffee - drive - repeat. Possibly stay overnight if enough interest I'm going to open up this invitation to our friends in the F forum..... and anyone else that loves Top Gear style touring. Prove me wrong and show me that Lexus owners are incredibly sociable beasts.......... If interested, reply below. Mods - can this be a sticky please?

Don't use super glue! Your dash is pliable, super glue isn't and is only ok to use when bonding to hard surfaces like metal or wood. Use something like this https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/leather-repair-kit Instructors are pretty straight forward

I'm getting pretty much the same as Xez, +50 miles is a pipe-dream for me. I wonder if the particular model you have is significant?

I regularly get 50/51 miles range in EV with A/C off David. Tom

It's 288v nominal (6 cells x 20 modules x 1.2v). Might want to paint the complete picture - something about the previous owner having experienced the same or very similar thing - and why you were told that it'd be a good idea to change the 12v. Also the fact that the car'd been parked for 2 weeks. It's a different board 😉 It's extremely weird for such a car to fail like this out of a sudden. Also weird that it isn't throwing a battery code given the voltage difference between the blocks (1 block = 2 modules = 12*1.2v = 14.4v nominal, if >1.2v delta is detected = p0a80 is set).

Well having been a Volvo XC60 owner for nearly three years I feel inclined to suggest one. Sadly the later ones don't have the tried and tested D5 engine but generally owners seem very happy.

Now at. 312,284 AGE UK. Petition 👍👍 WINTER FUEL PAYMENT Malc

An update on Waze not working, old men should not be allowed near tech. Saying my IOS was up to date was correct but I am using IOS 18 beta and was about to go back to 17 when Apple released an update. And now all is working again.

A Swiss skip

Hitting that nice big, fat , round number of 1/2 a million would be nice. Be even nicer if they all turned up on Sat morning in Downing Street. However, subtracting those out cutting fire wood, and those camped outside Waitrose with their bowls and 3 legged dog, that just leaves me.

Hi Gabriel. Colin could well be right regarding carbon build up. UK cars don't usually build up carbon unlike the American ones do. If your mechanic has an endoscope (small camera on a flexible lead) then simply remove an easily accessible spark plug and poke the endoscope down the hole and see what is down there. Carbon build up would be very obvious. Apart from that wait to see if Linas pops on to give his opinion, he's very knowledgeable about the is250.

At the recycling bins...

On numerous occasions I had pull out of the space before my passenger could get in, simply because the doors on the RC are so wide. One of the reasons I sold the RC was because I couldn't limbo out/in the slim gap the door offered!

There is a huge lack of LC 500 available to buy. Patiently waiting on some to come up. The wait is a struggle.

I remember reading that car parking spaces in general are likely to be the “ standard minimum” required by Planning Officers as those instigated in the 1930’s Mercedes and a few others overcame this issue with the Gullwing effect …….. megabucks eh ! 😄 owners of more spacious valuable cars with wide doors often just park sensibly away from the general hoipolioy if possible 😂🤣 or have a chauffeur to take care of the parking 🤞 Malc

Sorry Steve! : o )

The EBC brakes seem to be OE quality although I did get a very faint squeal from them after 1000 Miles when coming to a complete stop. I have since removed the shim plate that was fitted to the pad & used the original Lexus shims now it's nice & quiet. Performance wise haven't had a chance put it through a hard session where they get a chance to heat up. Must admit the initial brake bite is noticeable stronger especially from cold. No issues with the install as long as you do not open the brake bleeder nut when pushing the caliper piston in can't see you having a problem. Just remember to push the brake pedal a few times to build up pressure before you set off on your initial drive after a pad change. Keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir when pushing the caliper piston in if the fluid was overfilled it can pour out it shouldn't go past the max line. Easily corrected with a suction pump or srynge.

Peter has beaten me to it because, being retired, there's only one 6:25 in my day and it isn't that one Unfortunately no, there's no way other than getting it to a dealer or other hybrid specialist. The traction battery stands at somewhere in the region of 300V so this isn't something you can DIY or even get the AA/RAC/Green Flag out to.

There are quite a few videos on youtube. Step 1 - Ensure ignition & lights are OFF (V important) DRIVER SIDE 10mm socket & long extension remove the 10mm bolts on the air box, and the clamp that joins the rubber pipe to the air box. Disconnect the MAF Sensor. You should now be able to remove the housing gently maneuvering the box out away from the duct. Disconnect the plug to the ballast, & twist the cover off anti-clock turn. Now you will have access to the ignitor twist that & place the ballast in a safe place. Remove the clip holding the bulb & remove the bulb. Insert new bulb only goes in one way put the clip back on. Reattach the ignitor to the plug twist back on & the ballast remember to attach the plug & test it before you put the air filter box back in (NOTE this step is not necessary) but if you have big hands you will struggle just makes it so much easier & gives you access to see what your doing. Passenger side Is the same but miles easier by just removing the windscreen washer bottle neck it pulls out. As for brakes there are loads of guides on youtube the principle is the same. Rust proofing requires preparation invest in ramps & axle stands. Really depends on how far you want to go with buying the tools etc. I do an undercarriage wash post winter it slows down the corrosion suspension & chassis still looks fairly fresh.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and I've had saloon cars that were harder to live with but one feature I use constantly is the memory seat positions. There are three settings and when I get out I use no 3 which I have programmed to retreat as far as possible and this definitely helps given the width of the doors and how far you need to open them to exit. Once back in the car then I press seat position 2 programmed to put me into a relaxed driving mode and when the time is right position 1 to get me closer to the wheel. Obviously as well as the seat location you can adjust for height and rake and if I were you I would try (before you buy) the various settings and reserve one of the memory choices for making your exit/entrance as easy as is possible. Given that the car is a GT rather than an out-and-out sports car this is in no small part reflected in the seats. BTW, I'm fortunate my wife will not drive the car, so all 3 seat positions are for my sole use!

Paul.. I like The Milenco Steering Wheel Lock Over the Stoplock Pro Although A Lot of people go for the Stoplock..The Milenco lock I Position Vertically over Two of the Three Struts which makes it Much More difficult to Remove In My Opinion It also looks a lot Better if I Can Throw that in....!!!! The CCTV I know Is limited in Detecting Criminals But I Have Mine set To Give an Audible Alarm if anybody Comes near the Car Thats why i suggested CCTV... It Gives you Time to Let Croccy The Crocodile And The Mother-in-Law loose If you see what i Mean..!! Cheers !!!!

No, only the dealer or specialist can recharge the traction battery. The car cannot be run at all if the hybrid system fails to start, there is no starter motor and no alternator.

Have some time on my hands, so had a read of this thread and then looked up a few other similar threads, as resonance in rotating systems is a bit of an interest of mine 🙂 There are several recurring themes in the threads... vibration at specific engine speeds or road speeds, vibration at low engine speeds (ca 1300 rpm), changing tyres usually has no effect, dealership reluctance to acknowledge that there is a "fixable" problem etc. The IS300h uses the 2AR-FSE 2.5 lire 4-cylinder inline engine that has two counter-rotating balance shafts to smooth the inherent out of balance forces of a 4-cylinder IL engine. The 2AR-FSE engine design and management prioritises emission and fuel economy over performance. Thus the engine is required to operate very efficiently at low rpm resulting in a low power stroke count versus 6 or 8-cylinder engines at similar rpm. A flexible rubber disc coupling (guibo) is provided in the propeller shaft to smooth out the engine pulsations, and in a manual transmission car this would be the first place I would look when trouble shooting vibrations at specific engine/road speeds. However, with an auto trans the torque converter should de-couple the drive train unless it is locked up. Lockup is controlled by the ECU, and given the design objectives for this engine, it would not surprise me if the trans was locking up at low speed/low load operation. If a slight nudge of the throttle results in an increase in engine speed and a reduction in vibration, with no appreciable change in road speed, that would indicate that the engine had been lugging (trans locked up) at low rpm. Vibration at higher speeds is likely to be torsional resonance in the drive train when two rotating components start fighting each other via the flexibility of the guibo (sorry, can't think of the correct terminology just now... something to do with harmonics). Adding mass to a structural member was/is an interesting way of addressing this problem, but if the differential is bolted to the chassis, and the vibration is being transferred into the body of the car by this route, then someone a lot smarter than me had a think about it 😄 Cheers...

Update purchased the Osram night breaker laser & fitted them today 20 min job at the most, access is good once the air filter housing Box was removed & for the left side just remove the windscreen bottle pipe. Should it help anybody else in the future. Dipped beam & full beam on a darker quiet road. This is on a slightly wet road we had rain earlier. What's evident is the way the lamp distributes the light on the side certainly helps with being able to see kerbs & pot holes to avoid on our lovely British roads. The colour seems white with a hint of yellow, although I do prefer the cool white look maybe next time. Seem quite expensive for what you get is it worth it? Will decide that on how long the bulbs last.

The lead time depends on whether they happen to have what you want in stock at the main distribution depot. In my case (Sonic Grey Takumi) they had one and I got it in less than 2 weeks.... If you don't add any options apart from paint the list price is under £40000 (unless they have hiked the price recently....) So far done around 400 miles and overall average mpg is 66.2 - can't complain about that !

Or any that happens to be open.

I used to design low cost alcohol filters. My favourite was to be the last to the bar when it came to paying for a round.

I'm no expert on the traction battery but I reckon that is at fault in some way. First of all there is too much variation between battery blocks with the lowest being 10.28V and the highest 14.83V. I think the traction battery may need charging, which means taking it (flat-bed recovery truck maybe?) to either your local Lexus dealer or an independent hybrid specialist for them to sort out.

I believe there's a problem with Mazda CX 5 diesels and oil contamination. I know my brother had one, and had this problem. It might be worth a google. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/174938/mazda-cx-5---mazda

DUMB! DUMB! I have now figured out what I was doing wrong! The lock was in the wrong position! The lock must be horizontal then the key turned clockwise to lock! A whole hour putting on and taking off the roof bars! Relief!

IIRC it used to be Norwich Union with their tag line “Quote me Happy” Now Aviva who’s tag line along with all the others should be “Quote me Wappy” Always makes me smile when insurance companies offer “no loss of NCB if you are hit by an uninsured driver” They fail to mention of course that the premium will probably quadruple and even with your protected NCB you will still be paying at least double!

Update When: Weekend of Saturday 28th of Sept 20224 Where: Wales Format: A proper drive through Wales. Drive - coffee - drive - repeat. Possibly stay overnight if enough interest I'm going to open up this invitation to our friends in the F forum..... and anyone that loves Top Gear style touring. Prove me wrong and show me that Lexus owners are incredibly sociable beasts..........

Talking to a human on the insurance quote phone is often most challenging too …….. it’s all just a lottery ……. a rigged lottery in favour of the insurer …… but even the human broker you eventually get to talk to is surprised at the ridiculous prices he’s having to offer you Well done getting it down to £1707 Malc

If your dash cams have parking mode and are not of the type that also monitor battery level with an auto cut off then that is likely to be the culprit.

That is a classy colour combination.

Looking good and with a very nice shine!

Scrap my last post. Woke up to an email from PF Jones this morning saying that they were obsolete and Thule were being vague about a replacement. Damn. Not happy. When we bought this car a few weeks ago the dealer offered to give me a discount on a roof rack. Looks like the discount was 100% !!!