Spacewagon52

"Damn! I forgot to post Vanessa's card! Hope she gets it in time if I post it?" exclaimed my wife today. "How much is it to post?" I asked. "76p first class." "We will deliver it ourselves!" "But that is a 15 mile round trip! That will cost........... over 76p!" "Yes dear, but we will be going in a Lexus!" AND SO WE WILL!

One thing I would add generally about reliability and things going wrong. It is less of a hassle IF the fault CAN be repaired and you don't get a series of issues. The new VW ID3 is one example I am thinking about!

If you are keeping it for a long time then Lexus should be your choice. Also I would be very surprised, if in a year's ownership of your Lexus, if you will be disappointed. The opposite usually occurs, they grow on you even more when you begin to appreciate how good they are. Take out the extended warranty for peace of mind and enjoy driving again. I would be more than happy to buy you a pint of beer if I am wrong! Hear from you in a year then?

Sorry, not familiar with the specs of newer cars ........ is the engine in the RAV4 Hybrid the 2.0 litre petrol like the Corolla to get these figures?

Excellent post - hits the nail on the head! I am fascinated by what car people choose. From what I have read Ali, you are spending your own money? That makes the priorities very different in my mind. If you are choosing a company car, then for me the options would be much wider. I would not have to worry about running costs, repairs or breakdowns. If I buy a lemon, the garage will supply me with a replacement until my company car is repaired (please shoot me down in flames if I am incorrect). I do not need to worry as my unreliable and costly steed will be replaced after 2/3 years but not at my expense!. Another factor would be the tax BIK - that is why so many people are choosing Tesla. If I am spending MY money then that is a completely different ball game. The car we can afford is usually our second biggest purchase after the house! Many questions come into play. How much can I afford to spend? When will I be able to afford to replace the car? How long do I intend to keep the car? What is the warranty length? What are the running costs? Mpg, tax, fuel, insurance. servicing. I wonder how many of you younger (less than 45 years old) drivers have sat on the side of a road waiting for the AA to come to your assistance? And I am NOT talking about once! I had a Mk1 and Mk 2 Ford Cortina and I became very friendly with the AA recovery team! So depending on your age and experience, something I call the BIG "E", reliability, comfort, luxury, overall running costs are my priorities (in that order) if I am spending my money. What car fits this description? Lexus, simples! That is owning any age of Lexus! I have had a new car and young cars. The Lexi I now own are the oldest cars I have ever owned, but they are by far the BEST. They may not smell new, but after a sprinkle of Autofresh you can not tell the difference! Others may wish to differ!

Great story!

Brave man!

Something for the weekend sir?

Why?

An interesting report, thanks for posting.

I fully agree with this statement. You have to have actually owned a Lexus to fully appreciate how good they are.

A few photos would be welcome by members.

I understand your frustration.

The SUV vs Saloon debate has many facets. We all have our prejudices, particularly when we are passionate about motoring. For many years I was a rock solid 3 box saloon man. I would NEVER consider buying an estate or a hatchback. Style was more important to me than practicality. My father suggested I buy a Mitsubishi Space Wagon (the original model). I was appalled and said NEVER! While looking to replace my 4 door 3 box saloon (with another one) my wife sat in a Space Wagon which was on the forecourt. She came across and said, "This is the car we should be getting!" Her reasons were sound and very practical, we bought one. It was a very good decision on my part! Would I go back to a saloon? Possibly not, as there is always a time you need that extra space for moving something or storage for holidays. If it was just me and the wife, no kids or dog, I would look at saloons again. SUV's / MPV's make practical sense. They are NOT that economical or possibly fun to drive if you are a frustrated Lewis Hamilton! Vehicle choice is like life ............. there has to be compromise unless you can afford to run a fleet of vehicles. Imagine you could blow £1,000,000 on a selection of vehicles. Your stable would probably reflect a variety of designs, not all one type. So we all have to compromise between practical needs and money. It is your choice (and the wife!) that counts. I love the idea of having an IS 300h but it is just not that practical for an everyday car for me. Would I swap my LS400 for an IS 300h? No, for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with practicality or common sense!

You will only be shocked if you use them!

Did not mean to be rude! Yes mine is a later version. The most important thing is the ride and that wonderful engine!

Welcome and enjoy your new steed! Bedtime reading .......... the handbook!

There is a point where you can enjoy an older car without getting hung-up on using it or parking it. Having said that, I am still careful where I park my LS 400. They are very special cars. The design is a classic 3 box. The engine is so smooth, quiet and powerful. The instrumentation is not fussy or complicated. Probably my favourite bit of the car is the dashboard. It is so clear and uncomplicated with a minimum of information displayed. A touch of some buttons on the steering wheel, allows you to scroll effortlessly through the menu. That dash is a thing of beauty. I wish they had put it in the RX.

Will give that a go with my RX 300! Thanks!

Cheap

Looking for another James? In my wedding speech I said "My first wife and I ............. just to keep her on her toes!" Did not go down well with the in-laws!

Wow! Brilliant! I will not ask about reliability!

I don't know for sure but that was the title on the clip. Surprised at the ferocity of the fire.

I presume the van moved because the parking brake failed. A possible problem when overcharging electric cars3.mp4

Do you have the registration number so someone else can check?