Spacewagon52

I have driven small engined autos and owned an automatic 1.6 Golf. They are a completely different experience to a large 3 litre or more engine mated to an auto box. In the past I would NEVER consider an automatic. After purchasing my first LS 400 I realised how good they could be. Grasshopper / Master is from an old TV series that you are probably too young to remember, called Kung Fu. It was said, tongue in cheek, for the benefit of older members on here. No offence intended, honestly. You admitted you are fairly new to driving, and are going through a youthful phase with your choice of cars. In a way you are very lucky, as new drivers tend to be so young that insurance on sporty cars is so expensive or impossible to get. Enjoy your enthusiasm for fast and loud but you may eventually find that quietness, smoothness and luxury will be more appealing in the future.

Had I known all this I would have run a mile! The possibilities for problems here are endless! Calm yourself David - YOU OWN A LEXUS!

I have always hated autos BUT a large engined car, with an auto box, is wonderful! A small 1.6 Golf in auto is no fun. You are now maturing young man! You will begin to enjoy luxury and silence as you grow wiser! Take care Grasshopper! Master!

I would drool over this one! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009053348638?make=LEXUS&radius=1500&model=IS 300&sort=relevance&postcode=cv358eu&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&fuel-type=Petrol&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

I do apologise dear boy! The IS300 must be getting quite rare now?

Not sure an IS 300h would suit you young man!

I don't think this will surprise you John ................ I went down the Betamax route! With the Sony C7! It WAS the superior format! Sadly it did not catch on here!

I would like to say I am excited for you ... BUT NO! You stole it from me! It should have been mine! Really hope you enjoy it Bart!

The car is from Northern Ireland (Black one) apart from the steering issue mentioned - but that was back at 35,000 - the MOT history looks fine. It seems a good price but I would want 12 months MOT not four months? Just my opinion. You will need to factor in the exhaust at some point in the future. If you like the colour go for it. That age of car - I have just bought same vintage - will have some issues that will need to be attended to. If it is under your max budget then you have a little money besides to sort any annoying issues that might pop up.

Just a bit of fun John! No offence!

A cage for people who don't read their manuals?

The braking feels very different from my RX 300

Sorry to but in, but you are talking about the 400H? Yes?

Please post some photos and comments on what you think of the car.

I don't think Autoglym will do any harm, it seems to nourish the rubber and soften it. Could be a simple fix. Then silicone spray? Please let us know anyone if you try it.

Thank you John! That is rare praise from you ................. unless I have read my owner's manual!

I am blown away with this technology! AND it is 15 year old technology at that! Your knowledge is amazing! Thank you both for sharing!

Ganzoom, on this Lexus forum, made a very strong case for buying electric, but specifically Tesla. He was honest enough to list all the faults with his car after purchase. What drives us (pun not intended) on here to LOVE Lexus cars? Quality is one factor but I think the most important element is reliability. It is NOT just about having to spend money on repairs. It is owning a vehicle that rarely has to go back to the garage apart from servicing and wear and tear items. Sadly, I can remember the days of my Dad's Mk II Cortina, which he gave me. It felt like it was ALWAYS in the garage for something - mainly tracking if I remember correctly. I did not abuse the car as my father taught me to drive and being an ex bus driver, explained that giving a smooth ride to your passengers should be your most important consideration, The other nugget of wisdom he passed on to me was, "View driving and your license as a privilege, NOT a right!" I have tried to follow his words and have, at times, failed - particularly when I was younger. Having owned a Mk3 LS 400 as my first Lexus and before that, a Toyota Carina (1974 vintage) I appreciate the superb engineering and build quality. A friend told me, "All makes of cars are now reliable!" Not as far as I am concwerned. I have been tempted by the "German Devil" and bought into it, only to be very disappointed. To expect Lexus cars to be perfect is obviously ridiculous, all cars have issues at some point. However, I have just put my trust in a 12 year old hybrid. Would I buy a 12 year old BMW, Mercedes or Audi? No, let others take that risk thank you. I have been stung more than once!

Just wondered if the problem might be the rubber seal hardening? Any thoughts on cleaning the rubber with Autoglym vinyl and rubber care? This stuff really softens hardened rubber door seals. Then afterwards spray with silicone spray. Just a thought if this problem persists and the dealer can't solve the issue. Very annoying on a new car.

No! Do tell sir!

Thank you Colin! I should be more observant as I now see the gearbox on an advert in AutoTrader. The gear.lever is just like my RX 300, where you can select semi-manual. Up and. Down gears. Does selecting “B” on the 400h help recharge the batteries more or does it make no difference?

I remember watching the original Thunderbirds ................. never thought I would see and speak to someone using a watch, like Brains did when the suspension bridge collapsed, can’t remember the name of the episode!

John, I am afraid you have now lost me! 1) I do not have a 450h owners manual 2) Not sure the Highway Code will give me the answer 3) So I asked on this forum I still don’t have the answer but I live in hope!

Yes I was really interested in that one. Good luck as you beat me to it! Let us know how you get on please.

For longer journeys - train - then hire a self-driving car for your stay. COVID has changed the way many people work and I think travelling / commuting will decrease in the future. The centre of towns and cities will become "car" free. Electric bikes will be more common for medium journeys in the summer months. I am travelling far less than pre-COVID. Great posts guys!