Spacewagon52

It is surprising how uneven tyre pressures can alter the feel of the steering.

Was that an NSU Prinz at 1:14? Those Beetles were well made!

Basically John I went off condition. I am going to get parking sensors fitted as recommended by Rayaans. I have a camera in my Mitsubishi but tend to use the reversing sensors more. If I could have got one with a camera, in such good condition, I would have gone for it. This one was exceptional, 53,000 miles. Time will tell but I am very pleased so far. I paid top dollar but I think it was worth it. As I said in the post, I am very impressed so far - did not expect it to drive so well for such a large 4x4. I understand why people on here like them so much. Very practical for lugging Ludo (Labrador) in - though he will be kept in a travelling cage! Being half Yorkshire, I did not want to pay more for a 400H but really fancied one. I hope this one is a good compromise - thanks for your comments.

Here are a few photos of my RX300 purchased this week. Impressions Dealer:- Very pleased with the dealer description of this Lexus, as I did not wish to travel 150 miles just to turn round and go home. I viewed an almost identical car locally and it was dire in comparison to this one. It has had only one owner from new and a full Toyota (Listers) service history – Lexus Hatfield before that. It appears to have been well looked after, possibly garaged. The owner sadly died. There was ¾ of a tank of fuel left in it! Only a couple of small things I can find. One remote key is broken and the other does not unlock the car. You can still use the seat settings by pressing buttons 1 or 2. I was told all this by the dealer before I travelled. Fingernail scratches on the passenger door handle. When I took the RX out today the main window controls would not work! Thanks to this wonderful site, I had read about re-programming them – AND it worked! That could have been a real downer. Initial Impressions:- I was pleased with the test drive and drove it the 150 miles home. Driving the RX 300 was an eye opener. I had expected it to wallow in the corners and be a bit sluggish compared to my LS 400. The gearbox seemed to change quite quickly and smoothly. I was also surprised how good the ride was, I was expecting it to be quite hard. It holds the road really well and the steering gives me a feeling of confidence. The high driving position adds to that feeling. I have tried not to compare it with my LS400, as they are very different vehicles, but to be honest it has the same feel of quality. I do not think I could be more pleased if I had bought a much newer RX. I would like to thank Rayaans, for his help in compiling a checklist. It is early days yet but my initial impressions are very positive. Just a quick tip when viewing cars on-line – make sure your computer screen is clean!

I thought it was just a badge?

That van is a classic!

When Mitsubishi brought out the Carisma (not one of their best models!) our local Taxi firm ran some. Mitsubishi bought them off the Taxi firm when they had 300,000 miles on, for evaluation. The guys were given a VERY good price I was led to believe.

I would go for the RX300 then! Good luck with your search George!

I will fill mine up and do a check, but I am only expecting to get about 22mpg average. If it is higher, then great. I am expecting my LS400 to be better on fuel overall. Again it just depends where and how hard you drive. Even with a very light right foot, I doubt you will get much more than high teens just around town.

Love when he had the cat in the back!

Must be honest, this is the first one I have seen in this country.

What have you already checked? Tyre pressures? Do you have uneven wear on the tyre treads?

Not a scarifice if you are driving a Lexus!

Another senior moment! I thought Haylands and bought that car! You were just suggesting it! Doh!

That looks a smashing car! I think you got a VERY good buy there - congratulations! You must have a big grin on your face today!

The outside style of a car bears no relationship to how it drives and feels inside. Yet we take the outside asthetics very much to heart when choosing a car, but unless we pass a mirror or shop window we never see ourselves driving it! The LS430 cabin is a nice place to be and possibly we should consider the interior and driving experience more than the body shape..

Today just picked up a RX 300 from Northampton and drove to Deal in Kent. Apart from a massive traffic jam, caused by the M1 being closed between junctions 14 and 15, the journey was a real eye opener. I will give my thoughts, with some photos, in another thread. I can well understand why you might wish to forgive the economy and run an RX. My first impressions on owning a car are usually quite negative but as time goes by I can begin to really appreciate a good vehicle. The RX has had the opposite effect. I am VERY impressed so far ........... time and experience will tell.

Depending on the reserve, that might be worth a punt for someone looking for an LS400.

Learner drivers AND experienced drivers could learn a lot from video footage like this. Thanks for sharing. Audio is just music - but good captions.

No ......... just misguided! LOL!

I think most gear sticks are sprung to one side. The old gear stick in a Mk2 Cortina, was not sprung I believe.

Here is a check list that I put together with the help of a fellow member (Rayaans). I may have missed something, others will add to it I am sure. Make sure you are happy with the MOT check AND the service history - preferably Lexus. Hope this helps - I took this list along when I viewed the car and ticked off each item as I tested it. RX300 Checklist Electrics Sunroof – fully opens and shuts. Water ingress – check carpets in foot wells and boot. Cup holder – make sure it opens! Keys – how many? Does remote work on all keys? Seat Adjustment:- Passenger seat 1 2 3 Drivers Seat 1 2 3 and squab Door Mirrors 1 2 + Folding Windows 1 2 3 4 Seat Memory settings 1 2 Steering adjustment motors work Air con - cold CD player Power Tailgate works and struts hold door open. 4 x doors shut with same sound – solid! Oil – check colour – should be clean if it has been serviced regularly. Auto Transmission fluid – red colour NOT BROWN! Wheels – are they tarnished badly? Check under car mats if fitted Bonnet struts

What were you running George, if I may ask? Your LS400 has gone/sold? What are you using at the moment? Advice would be NOT to go for the X5 due to reliability issues. John's (Sorcerer) cost calculation for running on LPG against a standard car and the hybrid is very informative. I am picking up an RX 300 tomorrow (photos to follow on a separate thread) but it will not necessarily be my main car, especially for town driving. From all I have read on here you would get better mpg from an LS 400. On a motorway run I can average nearly 30 mpg in my LS 400. I will consider converting the RX to LPG if it becomes the family's main car. The one I am buying is on an 04 plate so I am not sure whether it would be worth all the hassle and expense. You (and I!) need to do the maths to see the EXTRA it will cost you on fuel. I never mind spending a little more using the LS 400 for longer runs, as it is such a lovely car to drive. I can fully understand that when you are spending a lot of time in a car, you want the experience to be as pleasant as possible. Your 50 mile round trip, Perth to Dundee, would make me think twice about the cost. I would think a hybrid would not really suit the sort of commute you are doing on motorways. Diesel, unfortunately, would be your best option. Not sure if you would consider an IS 2.5 litre V6 or IS 220D as an alternative? To keep in the Lexus stable? You really do have a dilemma and I fully understand the pull of the RX - as I have bought one. Please keep us informed of what you decide. Good luck with the hunt!

I thought it was great how the teenagers terrified the neighbour as they moved the cars into position!

Brilliant! That is what I will say in future!