Shahpor

Well, it never rains but it pours...

Had the most awful screech come out of the rear (of the car! 🙂), so called Lexus assist to have a look.

Believe it or not, the AA man turned up 7 minutes later!

It actually turned out to be a stone trapped between the disc and stone guard that refused to dislodge itself when going forward and backwards.  A few taps with a crowbar got it removed.  Somewhat embarrassing really as that is something I should have checked myself, but I got tunnel vision and assumed it was the rear brakes based on how low they were.

Anyway, while he was under there, he noticed something hanging down:

So, the drivers side back box exhaust head shield is now in the boot as the bolt holes have completely rusted through.  Emailed the dealer and will wait to see what they say.

It looks like my car is finally starting to show its age...

1 hour ago, superatticman said:

This is the conundrum. Whatever you say about reliability, hidden costs etc ze Germans especially have a superb range of models. The 5 series and A6 come with frugal, low emission but punchy to fairly rapid diesel or 1.8T/2.0T petrol engines. They may frustrate with gremlins (a by product of tech overload) but for your average lease buyer this isn't a problem. They still also come with a genuine performance option too. And that's before you even get to the likes of the supercaresque M5 variant.

I'd be surprised if the ES isnt dropped in a year or two, comfortable, pleasant and appealing (to me anyway) car as it may be. 

Interesting points ES v Camry listed above too. I suppose Camry was always a bit more in competition with the Accord (remember them?). Another decent car that just didn't catch on here. 

 

 

It is true that, despite what you may think about them, there is usually a BMW model that will fit the bill no matter your requirements.  Don't get me wrong, I have had quite a few BMW's in my time and have loved them, but I can't help but think about the unreliability issues I keep hearing about and I cannot imagine that the customer service would be as good as I get from my Lexus dealer.  The regulars at Lexus Reading that I deal with (Sue, Michael, Alex and Andy) all know me by sight and always do their best to make the experience as painless as possible. I get the feeling that at a BMW dealer you would just be another number..

1 hour ago, Vlady said:

Also wait until Genesis (Fancy Huinday/Kia) arives to UK, looks like a good car!

This is a good point Vlad.  I have heard that the customer service at both isn't bad and the cars are well built.  I also like the look of this:

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general/genesis-reveals-g70-shooting-brake/44148

So I can't wait to see what they are going to release.

Interesting insights chaps, thanks for sharing 👍

Not seen a Camry but I would assume it is a downgrade in quality compared to the Lexus?

If things carry on like this, I might have to consider leaving the Lexus brand altogether ☹️

I do like the look of the Kia Stinger and Alfa Guilia though..

47 minutes ago, Pebisit said:

budgets not really an issue

Not often you hear that 🙂

As Linas says, good cars but a little off the beaten path for most people.  Resale probably won't be as easy as say a BMW, but someone will eventually recognise its value and buy it from you.

Again, as Linas mentioned, if I were in your position I would be seriously tempted by an LC500.

Good to have some insight, so thanks for sharing.

Being sluggish compared to an IS250 is somewhat worrying.  I wonder if anyone has tried it compared to an IS300h, which I can relate to having driven a few.

Of course, all of this is hypothetical at this point, but since I can't imagine the line up changing any time soon, it will probably still be a concern when I come to change mine.

It is a logical upgrade path for me as well, but like Linas says, it might not be as nice as my GS on the inside, so I would need to take a closer look.

I would also need a seriously extended test drive though to see if I could live with the drop in performance.  I admit that most days it probably wouldn't make much difference, but I do like the relaxed nature of my V6 and the effortless way it gains speed.

If only I could afford a GS-F, it would solve all of my problems 🙂

20 minutes ago, F.A. said:

I’ve had a UX, ES and NX the last few times our cars have been in to Bristol Lexus. 

An ES would be great, but I suspect I would have to suggest I was looking to buy one before they would lend it to me 🙂

31 minutes ago, Linas.P said:

It may as well be dependant on a customer ... 😁

 

Perhaps it does 🙂

So far whenever I have needed a loan car I have asked what they have available and then request the one I wanted, which is how it usually works out.

Although, I have had to call the dealership directly as the main call centre for Jemca doesn't know what the dealers have at the time.

They did have an NX as I have had that as a loan car before, but they seem to chop and change depending on what they have for sale/sold recently.

42 minutes ago, Linas.P said:

Yes that is same everywhere. In terms of driving dynamics UX is certainly an upgrade over CT, but I just don't understand how did they make it even less practical?!

I know, I couldn't believe it when I opened the boot and saw how small it was!

Welcome Chris,

Always nice to see a fellow GS owner 🙂

We encourage pictures on this forum, so feel free to add some.

As far as I know (and I am sure someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly), there isn't a way to add the camera info.  I am not sure how much background you know about these cars, but their infotainment systems aren't the best.  In fact, I will say it is my single biggest annoyance of owning mine.

I don't think I will have mine by 2023, but who knows?

Funnily enough, Lexus Reading have CT, IS and UX's as their current loan fleet.  I borrowed a UX on Tuesday whilst mine was being serviced; I wasn't a fan...

I have requested an IS because it is the next best option, and yes, it is odd that they don't have an ES to lend.

17 hours ago, royoftherovers said:

Why not get a younger GS 450h Shahpor in early 2023 ?

It too will have a LEXUS EXTENDED WARRANTY and by the time that is nearly expiring there will be a raft of new Lexus vehicles available.

That is an option John, but it is still feels strange to me to get what is basically the same car two times in a row.  Perhaps I am being too picky, but I do like to try new things 🙂

17 hours ago, Linas.P said:

I am very familiar with this situation... what are they thinking?! For me wanting a coupe it is very very tight indeed!

At least if you looking for saloon, maybe LS500? It seems they have shrunk it a little bit - at least astatically it now looks sportier, more coupe like...and LS price falls like a rock after few years.

I would love something like this:

https://usedcars.lexus.co.uk/en/used-lexus/Lexus/Ls-Saloon/500h-35-Premier-4dr-CVT-Auto-jjckzg5

But, alas, I doubt I will be able to afford either buying or running it anytime soon.

Although, I did see a dark metallic RC300h on the motorway today and it looked good.  I am just not sure I can manage with the downgrade in performance.  I should be getting an IS as a loan car for 2 days in a couple of weeks whilst my repairs are being done, so it will be a good time to see how I like it day to day.

1 hour ago, Vlady said:

Thats a hefty bill to pay, luckily you have a warranty!

I think this is first time I hear that MK4 has leaking shocks! Any idea why? Just age, wear and tear?

Also, why would transmission oil pump fail? 

After issues like above you think rear discs and pads is just a drop in the ocean! 🙂

I need to call Lexus and find out when is mine Battery check, who knows what else they might find while at it! 😞

I'm sure everything will be fine Vlad 🙂  Yours has a lot less miles than mine.

No idea why the shocks are leaking, but the fact that 3 out of 4 are seems to suggest that they all will eventually.

The transmission oil pump is a strange one, so perhaps my car was just unlucky, just like with the seat.

Yep, I have never been so please to have to pay 'only' £295 🙂

I know, right?

I suppose this is another example of Lexus standing by the quality of their cars.

I agree that it's doubtful any other warranty would have agreed to change some of those parts considering the age and mileage of my car (8 years and 98000 miles).

As for most expensive part, I am not sure since labour was included, but if I had to guess then I would say that the transmission oil pump is probably more expensive than the shock.

You know, it is times like these that remind me why I want to stay with the brand for my next car, but sadly I am not sure I like any of the current ones...If they did a ES450h then that would certainly be an option.  The only other one I can think of at the moment is a GS-F, which I cannot afford ☹️

Since it has been a long time, I think this thread is due an update.

So, close to 3 years of ownership and rapidly approaching 100,000 miles, it is still with me and doing the daily grind well.

The update is that I had a minor service done on Tuesday and the result isn't good...

The things wrong that they have identified:

1. Leak from NSF tyre is from the valve (or tyre pressure monitor specifically).
2. Drivers heated seat not working properly.  Regardless of the setting used, the seat would heat up to max and then cut off.  This looks like the heating element in the drivers seat is faulty.
3. NSR shock absorber leaking.  Both fronts are also leaking but only very minor and are apparently still good for a while.
4. Transmission oil pump noisy.
5. Rear discs and pads need replacing.

As you can imagine, this lot is very expensive to fix ( £4k to £5k at an estimate).

However, good news!  In typical Lexus fashion, the extended warranty that I (thankfully!) have has agreed to cover most of it.

I am going to be paying for the rear brakes (fair enough), but the warranty company are going to fund the replacement of the tyre valve, heating element, shock absorber and oil pump.

As you can imagine, I am rather relieved and pleased by the outcome, and as usual, Lexus Reading have been superb throughout.

I do need to wait several weeks for the parts to arrive, but since the car is working fine in the meantime, that isn't a big deal. 

Can I just say well done to @Linas.P and @FTBBCVoodoo for pulling back from the brink and having some meaningful discussions. 👍

It looked like it was going the other way and would have ended up with one less person on the Linas Christmas card list 🙂

Ok, so I asked yesterday about it when I was at the dealer, and the unfortunate reply was that it was removed because Lexus UK are no longer going to be offering it! 😞

The chap from Jemca said their group was going to offer something similar called Value Servicing, but it would be a bit different with additional bolt on's and, importantly, no longer be available as a monthly plan.

This is frustrating and I can't see why Lexus would do it..

This sounds like a price increase is incoming....

Yeah, shame the film was so awful 🙂

Personally, I prefer the LC500 and GS-F from Black Panther:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lexus-introduces-two-new-vehicles-inspired-by-marvel-studios-black-panther-ahead-of-sema-2017-300542095.html

https://productplacementblog.com/movies/lexus-gs-f-car-in-black-panther-2018/

PS Why is this in the IS forum? 

17 hours ago, Las Palmas said:

Do not be so hard Linus,

Front wheel drive (luxury or not luxury) cars with normal power/weight rate is the best for most people.

Front wheel drive is not bad. Rear wheel drive is far better if: Car has a power/weight + weight balance front/rear rate that makes it possible to control the car with the speeder pedal and (very much of importance) has a driver that can handle rear wheel drive.

Rear wheel drive is wasted on most of the cars that have it. For these 4-wheel drive would be better.

Shhh, he might hear you!

Don't prod the sleeping giant otherwise he might wake up and drown you in a tidal wave of words!

🙂

Hmm, you are right, it only lists MOT and parts prices now.

I am actually due to have my car serviced on Tuesday, so I will ask.  I need to check anyway since my service plan is about to come to an end.

Wow, what a great, informative thread 👍

It operation still battles me, but the sheer engineering complexity that has gone into the eCVT system never ceases to amaze.

For day to day driving it is such a smooth system, so I wonder why more hybrid cars don't use it?

Have had extended warranties on both my cars.

My current GS is 2 and a half years into my ownership and hasn't had any claims (yet!).

My old IS had a few though:

• New dual mass flywheel (which was worn but wasn't causing the juddering) and heavily discounted engine mounts (that did fix the issue).
• 2 new wing mirrors.  The drivers side wouldn't dip in reverse so they replaced it.  Amazingly, they thought the passenger one would fail soon (there was no sign) and changed that at the same time.
• New drivers seat.  Was getting a popping sound on the backrest, which they thought was a broken spring.  Complete new seat frame and motors sent over from Japan and then it turns out there wasn't anything broken on the old one, so it was probably just worn out.  Horribly expensive but again, warranty covered it without fuss.
• 3 x new brake calipers.  Well know problem on 2nd gen IS's with their slide pins seizing.  Never were greased on mine, so they just replaced them instead.

All of these were done without quibble, and in most cases they had already had the work authorised by the warranty company before calling me to tell me about the issue.

Got my monies' worth out my IS warranty but not on the GS, however, regardless I still wouldn't own a Lexus without one.

If we are talking pet language peeves, then mine is the misuse of the work 'literally'.

For example, when someone says "I literally died when I heard that".

Now, I understand exaggeration or distortion, but in this case, it is the exact opposite of its meaning!

Usually I will give some sort of flippant response "so I am talking to a ghost then?", but people think I am being pedantic instead.

Ok, now that I have had my rant, you can continue talking about the con that is car insurance 🙂 

😮 sacrilege!

🙂

4 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

For the 300h yes, but the 450h F Sport has rear-wheel steering, variable ratio steering and adaptive suspension which all improve handling. 

Doesn't the facelift Premier also have the adaptive suspension?  My pre-facelift certainly does.