Spacewagon52

Welcome - what are your impressions of your steed?

Steve or Colin will know more than me but it is usually one cell that goes. There is a guy on here who will replace individual cells at a fraction of the cost of a new battery. So don't get too twitchy about the traction battery.

Pedantic or not I still enjoy your posts John!

My first Toyota was a Carina 1974 vintage! AND in this colour!

Are you being pedantic John? I will clarify, the RX 300 has a V6 engine, it is straightforward no hybrid battery or extra electronics associated with a hybrid. Sorry to confuse you, no it is NOT a straight 6 engine, it is a V6 engine - just that it is straightforward, no fancy bits!

Buying your FIRST Lexus is very scary ..... I remember! Your heart is in your mouth wondering what will go wrong with an older car. Yes, we can all buy a lemon, even a Lexus but overall they are more reliable than people realise. If they do go wrong, it is usually one thing. Yes, that can be expensive and there are some known issues on some models that remedial action can be taken to prevent catastrophic failure. Once an issue is sorted you rarely get others occurring straight away. If you want a premium brand then you must expect to pay premium prices for parts but a Lexus car is one that you can run successfully at modest cost. I would NEVER (have owned some) again buy an older BMW, VW, Volvo or consider a Merc. I am now on my fourth Lexus - I still have THREE on the drive - and yes we all get a bit twitchy with older cars. My advice would be to buy something that will not break the bank. If it turns out to be a lemon then you can get rid of it and not lose too much money. Unless you are very unlucky (and some members on here have been BUT still buy another one!) you will be bitten by the quality and engineering. You can always be safe and buy an older Avensis / Camry with a low mileage. Hybrids ARE scary, as the technology is amazing but also complicated. I have an RX 400h and an RX 300. The 300 is a straight V6 and is less likely to go wrong but fuel consumption is heavy compared with my 400h hybrid. You have your Merc baby and want something that stands out as well. A Lexus would be what I would go for and the GS 450h looks a cracking car. Dip your toe in, don't spend too much and have LOW expectations of your purchase ........... I hope you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck.

Out of interest what make is it? Travall?

My RX 400h had nylon screws but they were damaged. I filled the large hole with a rawl plug and just used screws to attach my own number plate. No metal to metal contact - or coat the screws and hole with Waxoyl = I LOVE Waxoyl! Which reminds me of a story............................................

Looks really good - must go out and clean mine!

I had reservations about the CVT box, but I find it excellent in the 400h. Yes the sound deadening must help, but the progress is so smooth. I do not dislike the RX 300 box but the acceleration is far more linear with the CVT. I can put up with the roar of the lion!

Martin!

I thought it was 83????? Probably why I tripped at the bottom!

The old Dungerness lighthouse is lovely BUT can we please have more photos of the car?

Good luck! But unicorns come to mind!

Trouble!

rain

Ordered some rubber ones for my RX 400h - Thanks Richard!

Good luck Richard!

You must be very pleased, it looks really good! You will appreciate it more the longer you have it

That is praise indeed from you John! I am blushing with pride!

Will try this - when safe - and see what the rear disc looks like afterwards. One rear disk was clean and shiny, Offside, it was just Nearside one that was rusty. I said the caliper would not fully retract - I think I mean the piston? I am NOT mechanical but I am prepared to learn and to have a go at keeping the pins greased if that's what it takes. I will do some research / reading about the caliper (though not in the handbook John!) and pins. I think my driving style will not be conducive to using the mechanical brakes to the full extent. I will try your suggestion Colin every few weeks. Thank you, your knowledge and advice guys is most welcome and reassuring.

Thank you Colin, I was somewhat surprised at what they said. Their argument was that the calliper would not retract enough to fit new brake shoes. I know very little about how they actually work so a post on here might save me a lot of money. Will get another garage, though I have faith in the garage I took it to, to have a look. Thank you once again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

The technology still blows me away Colin and Herbie!

Had the caliper pin sorted today ........ however the garage said that when I replace the brake pads I will need a NEW caliper (as the pin does not retract enough? I think that is what he said) Lexus calipers £250 each I believe? Will be saving up! LOL! I do understand the reasons for the caliper pins to seize - lack of use due to regenerative braking - but apart from servicing the rear brake caliper each year, how can I get the rear brakes to come on now and then? Reversing quickly (safely) and slamming on the brakes? Harder severe braking? Any suggestions ? Just to keep them working?

Very good short comparison. The ONLY negative thing I can say about my 2004 RX 300 is the fuel consumption. The rest of the car is great. Not sure still whether the extra I paid for the 400h is worth it? The jury is still out on that one! I don 't wince quite as loud when filling up the 400h and then looking at the mileage covered. If you are not doing mega mileage per year, then the RX 300 is still a cracking car. Look out! I might be selling mine!