GrahamG

I have read of owners finding that their valet key [smart key that is not the master] has in fact been programmed at some time as a master and works as such. So even if your key does not have all the buttons of a master key worth checking if will operate as such. Radiators have cracked [some plastic part] and been replaced irrespective of the ATF cooler function. So by way of preventative maintenance it might be a better option to replace the radiator rather than opting for a separate ATF radiator.

Raf, my blood boils just reading about your troubles with this car. If it had happened to me I would be incoherent with rage. What a pity Lexus has lost the reputation it had and deserved in the 1990s.

Chris, what a useful write up especially with the photos. Many thanks.

Could someone remind me of the source of OEM spare parts from Japan please.

When I asked this question of Lexus Guildford was told there is no national Lexus UK database of servicing history. If a car has been serviced by a dealer within a group that history may be available but the various Lexus groups do not share to a common database.

Any chance you might have flooded the engine with fuel? I did this for the first and only time after 10years of Mk III ownership. Simple blipped the throttle a little before cranking and was embarrassed when the AA man started the car by sustained cranking. Apologies if this is too simple a diagnosis

I have an '06 RX350SE, it is almost the perfect vehicle for me and I am completely happy with the non air ride. When I was buying I could not see much difference in price between the two engine sizes and I am happy to have the extra power of the 350. My wife has an 04 LS430 with air suspension; the costs of replacement are horrendous and there is no knowing when they might fail. In addition they can on occasion be the devil to diagnose [to isolate from other suspension components] when they have failed. Confident I am not alone in advising avoid the air suspension.

Nigel, There are two long [1 1/2inch ?] threaded studs each with a nut on them. One is immediately obvious when you open the hatch but to see the second you need to get your head down low and look upwards. After releasing the initial tightness I found it easy to spin the nuts off with my fingers. You then push/pull the whole unit off. My car had had some body work repair in the past to that rear quarter and the light fitting had been replaced with no sealing gasket at all. I am hoping that was the cause of the leak but I will continue to monitor the back of the car for as long as I have it because it does seem they are vulnerable to leaking from a number of points.

May I, albeit on limited experience, recommend the RX350SE. Bought a 2006 with 30000 miles two years ago from a main agent and have put 20k miles on it since then. The 350 is more powerful yet more efficient and afraid of hybrid tech it is the pick of the RX range for me. The SE version does not have air struts and that was essential when buying an old car. It compliments my wife's 04 LS430. It is not as refined but is used for different purposes. Would suggest the Navigator option with Sat Nav that doubles as reversing camera when reverse gear engaged. Amazes me so many purchasers did not opt for this extra. Tyre costs and wear are normal.

Try this on Youtube, Lexus RX330 Sunroof Drain Tube Clogged Go to Clublexus.com and search 'Rx moonroof leaks'

Looking at replacement radiators for sale in the USA there is a 'with towing' option. That amounts to a slightly thicker core of the radiator and nothing else I can see. When I asked on the USA owners site about the radiator failing in such a way as to allow contamination of the ATF there was no reaction to this danger. That does not of course establish there is no likelihood of it happening but I was surprised at such little response.

Peter, not sure if this helps but Lexus dealers cut new keys from the VIN number and do not need the key number.

After seeing various doubts expressed about the possible harm caused by 'cheap' screen washes decided to look at top end products. Have just bought 5 litres of Autoglym on Fleabay for £20 inc delivery which seems a bargain compared to £5 for 500ml.

Ambermarine, thanks for that correction. I thought I was safe to advise this because it came from the AA, albeit a long time ago. Must admit have not always bothered with the detergent because it frothed up too much and relied instead on the meths. Time to follow the advice of others on this forum.

Many years ago the AA recommended a squirt of washing up liquid and half a cup of methylated spirits as a screen wash. This mixture will not freeze and it cuts through any oil film on the glass. I have used it on all my cars. The only drawback is a strange smell of rotten apples if you overdo the meths, hic.

Yes, trim needs to be removed to expose the tube but perhaps not a daunting task. Have a look at the excellent photos and descriptions which may take as long as doing the actual fix.

On the US ClubLexus site there are many posts and excellent photos on this problem of front drain holes failing on the second generation RX. One problem is that the front drain tubes are not continuous all the way down to the outside of the vehicle. There is a break inside [adjacent to where your toes are when sitting in the front seat] and this joint comes apart, as if the upper tube has shrunk. A result is sodden carpets in the foot well. Hope this helps

Caracas, Venezuela is also interesting to drive in and is spiced up by the knowledge you are in the murder capital of the world. Everyone pushes in, and no one thanks you when you let them go ahead. It is interesting because despite the fiery latin temperament in 33deg C and pollution to peel the paint there is no road rage. Those in a hurry carve up the others while the rest calmly sit out the endless traffic chaos. The traffic police earn their Christmas bonus by pulling you over for an on the spot fine for any imaginary violation. My friend was driving down a country lane with the end of week wages on board for his workers when a car came alongside and he found himself looking down the barrel of a '44. Turned out to be the local police chief.

Chris, thanks for the reply. The differences between US and UK spec. are annoying because so much useful information is available on the US club web site given that they have so many more cars on the road. Your three RX350 faults are interesting because between 30,000 and 42,000 miles I have replaced two ignition coils and now at 50,000 miles have a timing chain cover oil leak. The latter Lexus Guildford have recommended I live with because it is only one drop per week. If anyone knows of the rubber engine oil cooler pipes failing I would appreciate a report.

Would be interested to know how many failures there have been of these engine oil cooler pipes in the UK. There is a major ongoing thread on this appalling piece of design on the USA Club Lexus site. From the numbers affected there I am surprised there is so little on our site. From the US it is apparent there was a recall to replace defective rubber pipes. When these also failed the design was changed to an all metal fitting and there is an excellent American Youtube video of a DIY change over. I am considering such a replacement for my '06 RX350 SE. Any thoughts?

Very interesting, thank you.

An expert opinion will be along shortly but in the meantime I am fairly confident the two pipes do not need to be joined i.e. looped. From the diagram I have seen the front and rear AC each have their own pair of pipes so they are not in series but in parallel. From the US ClubLexus site either crimp each pipe for a cheap and nasty fix or fit proper stop ends near the T fittings to allow possible reinstatement in the future. My advice comes solely from reading web sites because I will probably be going this route and not from expert knowledge.

Colin, I wish you well and do not want to be a prophet of doom but there have been a number of past reports on this forum about the appalling rusting of doors and boot lids on LS 430s. These panels have been replaced by Lexus but where there has not been at least a pin hole they have tried to walk away on the grounds of no perforation. There was a case where the rust was so bad it was conceded it was only a matter of time before perforation would have occurred and a remedy provided. I have had the door cards off my '04 LS 430 and if you have even one bubble on yours I would advise you do the same. Good luck on Friday and let us no how you get on.

My understanding is that it is a 12 year anti perforation guarantee, so no hole no claim.

Piers, I also have a good opinion of Michelin. Which tyre from their range did you go for?