ColinBarber

A firmware update is highly unlikely because the system as a whole, and the multiple ECUs involved, aren't designed for signed communication and would likely require hardware replacements, not just software. Going full encryption will never happen on these old models - Toyota/Lexus isn't even using that on current models).

Fuel pump failure leading to cut out of the engine whilst being driven which is seen as a safety issue, hence an official recall. Owners would have been contacted if their vehicle was in-scope, but you can double check here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/owners/about-my-lexus/vehicle-recall

The RX series IV should be less prone because it has both direct injection and port injection to keep the valves clean - the IS250 engine was only direct injection so valves never get washed and cleaned by petrol and its detergents.

Lexus likes to have its cake and eat it with leather options. It costs £ 1,900 to take a Premium Plus grade from Tahara plastic to Semi-Aniline leather, but you get £ 0 back if you downgrade a Takumi grade from Semi-Aniline leather to Tahara plastic.

That was for the series I NX which had three audio grades. The current NX only has two grades, both good quality with separate amps and a sub.

So you can disarm the alarm and unlock the doors.

If in a garage then you potentially could directly connect to the battery and not fully close the tailgate (turn off the interior boot light). In the engine bay I believe Lexus suggest the left hand side of the engine - I'd imagine any of the bolts that hold brackets against the metalwork would be just as good as long as you can get a good mechanical connection to your charger lead. I wouldn't use the three bolts from the suspension strut as those will be insulated underneath and may not have a good earth on top because of the paint.

I would connect the charger to the terminals in the engine bay as it's easier to pass the cables out through the bonnet/grill than the boot. Not sure I'd bother with a smart plug, if it's an intelligent charger that backs off when the battery is fully charged these can be left on indefinitely. I'd imagine that your battery would be okay if you just left the vehicle but you would be discharging it unnecessarily (and shortening its life) if you have the means to keep it charged up. If you did this then I'd recommend turning off smart entry to help save a bit of power.

Cheaper to buy this and park it right up against the ES so it cannot get out 😀 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403087368973

That doesn’t stop someone damaging the vehicle when trying to steal it because there is no visual deterrent.

Are the drains at the bottom of the door blocked?

Possibly sounds like the headlight relay playing up - common for intermittent issues if the vehicle hasn't been used for a while as the contacts may oxidise and the mechanical switch can start to seize. Not sure if the auto levelling only works when the lights are on with the SC430 but I would assume it does it all the time so they are correctly levelled if you suddenly turn on the lights. Certainly on more modern vehicles the headlights will initialise when you first power on the vehicle and do a little dance as the movement is tested/calibrated.

That's the same a UX pricing. The LBX is the same size as the Yaris Cross, not the C-HR which is UX sized.

All Lexus RWD vehicles need to have their oil changed regularly - every 20k miles. It is part of the standard major service schedule. The RX450h is a FWD vehicle with an electrically driven RWD using a transaxle system that uses Automatic Transmission Fluid, not gear oil - this isn't regularly changed.

There were issues with the earlier RAV4 PHEVs with one of the systems not shutting down correctly and causes an excessive power drain. It would be worth asking your dealer to check all firmware is up to date. Otherwise there is some other issue - this isn't the normal problem that most hybrid owners suffer from.

I'm not really talking about individual dealer standards, more about Lexus as a brand and head office policies that the dealerships need to follow. I think it was back in 2001 when I first purchased an approved used Lexus. Back then an independent RAC inspection had to be performed which found every stone chip and mark that had to be correctly before it could be sold, alloys refurbs, the next service carried out, tyres with minimum of 4mm or possibly 6mm of thread, full Lexus service history etc. Now an official used vehicle may not have full Lexus service history, it won't have the next service carried out unless it is due within 2,000 miles, bodywork damage is down to private negotiation with the typical attitude that it's a used car so there will be some stone chips, scratches and wheel scuffs. Recalls once came with a bottle of Champagne as a sorry for inconvenience, now you might get some fuel if the dealer doesn't pocket that money (several people have posted here they have not received any fuel). The move to centralised PDIs where cars are now handed over with over inflated tyres due to a lack of attention to detail. Used warranties that over the years cover less and less, and owners having to fight harder to get things replaced - now with the attitude of having to wait for something that is clearly failing to get so severe that it causes a breakdown or MOT failure. The Relax warranty might be 'free' but in reality the servicing costs have increased substantially above inflation over years and the warranty dumbed down that you are paying for it, and with no advanced warranty available for people who want the additional cover. Dealers reluctant to perform warranty work because head office won't pay them enough - the dealer is more profitable doing customer work and therefore prioritises it. Major security vulnerabilities across multiple vehicles but with a very slow, inadequate response that only address a fraction of the vehicles affected. GS F delaminating interior carbon trim pieces that Lexus in the UK blame on the owners and pretend it isn't a common issue, rather than acknowledging there is an issue affecting one of their most expensive vehicles - and where Lexus in the US replace them under warranty.

If you mean the vehicle was under 3 years old then yes the battery would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. I’m just not so sure when a battery is purchased as a replacement though.

They aren't CAN bus controlled, hopefully the three segments in the light are controlled by the three signal wires.

Unfortunately this is on Toyota GB - they won't authorise the warranty repair, and therefore pay the dealer, unless it is a failed part. There has been a steady decline in service for years/decades. I received excellent service over 20 years ago but these days it's a fight and disappointment to get anything done and their service prices make you feel ripped off. The positive is the cars are reliable so you don't have to experience poor dealer service very often.

Just checked Direct Line and Admiral - both still don't list the LBX as an option when trying to select the vehicle online.

The policies are underwritten by Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance who is part of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings with Toyota being the largest single shareholder - so they do somewhat carry the risk but it's very much removed from the UK business.

Typically Lexus only provide 12 month warranty on parts. Hopefully the battery is longer but you will need to check with your supplying dealer, although I doubt it is 5 years unfortunately.

Not really any common faults with the RC to look out for. If it's a 300h you are viewing then as with all hybrids check the state of the brakes, especially the rear, for corrosion through lack of use. You want the 12v battery to be strong - with the vehicle switched off, flash and hold the headlights on for 20 seconds to make sure they don't dim. Then just check for normal things as with any vehicle - even tyre wear, body panels in alignment, no visible crash damage within the engine bay/boot well etc.

It's a combination of both wheel size and heavier tyres is the cause. Don't expect to get 5 mpg back just from changing the tyres.

Hopefully ones that thieves cannot bypass unlike the old design.