DanD

I will be replacing my current RX400h some time over the next year with another Lexus, but not necessarily another RX. If you carry rear passengers on a regular basis, could you tell me if they find the rear seats comfortable and have enough space for their legs over long distances? Can two six footers sit comfortably behind each other? Any issues with headroom? Thanks in advance!

Not aware that you can control the intensity, but I know that it changes automatically to a brighter setting when the lights are on and you put the gearbox into "P". I guess that, if the intensity cannot be changed, you might be able to change the bulbs to brighter, LED ones... but good luck with that one!...

Both mirrors within 3 months of each other, as they stopped dipping when going into reverse.

The Editor is correct. Providing the car was serviced within the Lexus network. Whether you get charged or not will depend on how friendly your dealer is!

FYI I drove from Southampton to Hull and back over the week end. 80% motorway, with some stretches of roadworks and some local traffic. Had the cruise control set at either 75 or 80mph whenever possible. 3 people with luggage on the way up, 4 coming back. I reset the trip computer leaving. Read out when I got home was 28.4 mpg, which was better than I was expecting considering the cold weather. Did the same trip back in September and averaged 29.6.

Hmmm... worth trying, but this won't help with the rear view camera. Also, you cannot switch off the dimming of the side mirrors... or can you? Does the switch on the rear view mirror also disable the dimming of the side mirrors?... Will try tonight.

Gen II from the rear. Love those tail lights. Face lifted gen III from the front, in particular the models with the twin LED headlights.

I thought the battery problem only affected some RX400h, and was resolved with the RX450h. In all cases, whether it is the 400 or 450, you must leave the car in READY mode, and the gearbox in Park in order to run climate control, demister, radio etc. In Park, the petrol engine will kick in automatically to top up the battery. This will not happen if you leave the gearbox in Neutral. You will find confirmation of this - and probably a better explanation than mine in the owner's manual.

I am sure I read somewhere that the CT200h is in the top 5 most reliable cars sold on the UK market... although I can't remember where. Same components as the Prius and also the Auris Hybrid.

I feel responsible, but not guilty for having started this argument with my original response. It was bound to polarise opinions and shows how passionate people feel about this topic. Yes tailgating is wrong, but equally please leave the law enforcement to the police. No-one should pride themselves on being part of the "never had an accident, but caused plenty" brigade! What next? Middle lane hoggers? People who drive with their fog lights on? ... Seriously though, I agree with Colin and suggest that this whole thread be closed (or moved to a general discussion platform) as it has no place in this forum and certainly does not fit with the Lexus driver's image. We're going to put new members off! Let's remember this forum is for CT200h owners and prospective buyers who are seeking help in the resolution of issues or problems, and advice on potential buys and upgrades. I believe that the Lexus forum is one of the best of its kind. Contributors and moderators always go out of their way to help each other with friendly and useful advice. Let's keep it that way! Dan

Another approach is to drive at the speed limit whenever possible, rather than below it, so as to not unnecessarily frustrate the drivers behind you.

Interesting post... I have been having the same issue. I have been putting it down to the fact that my wife mainly uses the car for short journeys that are not long enough for the inside of the car to dry out fully. Having said this, I don't remember having a similar problem in previous years. Like you, I cannot find any leaks or dampness anywhere...

Could it simply be that the batteries take up the space that would normally accomodate the additional 2 seats?

From my own experience they can be a little more expensive than other dealers, but on the other hand, they offer excellent service, and the quality of the cars that they sell is top notch. They seem to only select the very best for their showroom. I still think you should be able to negotiate a better price. I would also try and negotiate a service plan: they may not be able / willing to budge on the price, but may be able to help with the service plan. Try talking to Dan Palmer.

The only time I have ever had an issue with locked brakes - and it was not with a Lexus - was after driving through slushy snow one evening. The temperature dropped to -22 celsius overnight (no, it was not in the UK!), and the rear brakes froze. Solution, as recommended by the locals, pack as many people as possible in the boot to add weight over the rear wheels, and slowly rock the car back and forth. Easier to do with an automatic by switching alternately from D to R. It did work!

Do you know where these were taken? Does not seem big enough to accomodate 7 seats. Also I would expect a 7 seater to have a more upright tailgate. I wonder if the tailpipes are dummy ones as in other Lexus Hybrid models...

Thank you both for your input. I think I might just live with it as is! - There are things that are best left undisturbed! (I am a Risk Management specialist... can you tell!? ;-)))

Can someone confirm whether or not the gear symbols (P/R/D/B) on the gear lever surround plate should be illuminated when headlights are switched on? I used the car for the first time in the past week last night - my wife normally drives it - and noticed the letters were not illuminated... although I could swear that they used to be... Unfortunately, my wife is not sure... If they are indeed supposed to light up, is this a quick fix? - how are they lit up? Is it just 1 bulb? What type? - How do you remove the surround plate? Are special tools required? thanks in advance!

Have you checked all fuses are OK? - Just a thought...

Where did you go Charlie? So'ton Lexus in Hedge End?

How old is the car? What model is it? SE will have the standard suspension, but SE-L will have air suspension What do you mean by "part service history"... when was it last serviced? Are you buying from a dealer or privately? In other words are you getting any kind of warranty? RXs, whatever the model, are pretty much indestructible, but I would still stay away from a high mileage car that you do not know the history of and that is not covered by a comprehensive warranty... even more so if it has air suspension as this can be costly to fix.

Steve, your space saver is most likely fine on the basis that: - it has not been exposed to external elements, weather, dirt etc - it is only meant to be used for a limited period of time at up to 50/55/60 mph (I think the limit varies on the dimension and manufacturer)

The screens mounted in the back of the headrests suggest that this is a SE-L model, and not a SE... Unless these are after market. A petrol SE-L will have air suspension, as opposed to the traditional set up found in the hybrid RX400h. I would suggest that you search this forum for information about the air suspension and what to look for in a second hand car, as it is known to be (occasionally) troublesome and (always) expensive to fix. Good luck.

I also recommend the Osram night breakers.

Please accept my apologies if my comment sounds patronising, but - based on my own mother's experience! - are you sure that the lights were indeed switched on and that you were not driving around with just the DRLs? Have you checked that the headlight stalk is in the AUTO position?