GSLV6

Welcome to Lexus ownership Sophie, I hope you enjoy your UX, they're great cars to drive. Try here for a suitable crate: https://cozypet.co.uk/t/car-dog-cages

Common fault with older models but rare on newer ones. Should be covered under warranty as Lexus TPMS sensors aren't cheap and few aftermarket ones work for long (as me how I know!). Likely a duff TPMS sensor or you have a slow.

Prices seem to be rising as dealer franchises labour rates are going up. My local one charges close on £120/hr now.

I tend to agree Colin. I think in a few years, perhaps the phev will be the only option based on the low sales of the previous 200t turbo options for NX and RX vehicles which always sold in much lower numbers than the hybrids. Given the choice of the 350h and 450h+, the only people perhaps being put off the h+ model may be those with on street parking and no practical means of charging.

Certainly, performance wise, the 450h+ is a better direct comparison with the V6, phev or not.... No. I have not suggested nor implied anywhere that the 500 is a direct replacement, despite your insistence Coin 😉 but it doesn't need to be to hold comparisons. Yes, it's going to be less fuel efficient, a smaller, turbocharged engine pulling a similar mass. The extra performance is not all that relevant on UK roads as the 450h V6 has more than enough for safe acceleration when overtaking for example. I sort of fail to see the point of it other than to keep up with the Jones' (in this case being other performance SUVs). Yes, I've read Lexus UK's statement on the 350h being the most direct replacement for the outgoing 450 but it fails to achieve that. It has less power and is noisier under acceleration. The 450h+ is more comparable on power, as stated above, being 304bhp so it is fair to draw the comparison there, phev or not. If I was in the market for a gen 5 (and I will never be in that market) the 450h+ seems to me, to be the sweet spot of the bunch. End of day, I'm not seeking agreement to any of these points, as it's all absolutely personal choice and opinion. The only opinion that really matters is the one of the person making the choice.

Absolutely spot on 👍 Couldn't agree more with your sentiments as I've had a very similar experience and my views are the same regarding new Lexus models and pricing. I won't be buying another after I've had value out of my gen 4 RX...the last of what I consider are the models with that "X" factor.

The 350h is not a good direct comparison with the older 4th gen 450h and is an all new model rather than a direct replacement. Having had a chance now to try one, it feels rather gutless by comparison. The 450h+ plug is probably closer as a comparison but due to larger battery/power available from the motors has more electrical power on tap. You can get an idea of comparisons looking at combined BHP and here the 450+ and v6 450h are very similar, with the older V6 just pipping the 450h+ with 308 bhp v's 304bhp. Yes, the 500 is not meant to be the replacement to the older one, and I didn't really suggest that it was...anywhere. I was commenting on comparisons on efficiency. Whist it's true that the 450h+ is more fuel efficient with fully charged batteries, does this remain the case once the battery charge has depleted? I can't think that could be the case as some of the car's motive power must then be diverted to maintain a minimum charge in the battery pack?

You're right....I was quoting information from sites other than Lexus which stated 6.5l/100Km. Just checked Lexus site and it is indeed 35mpg, so real world perhaps high 20's? Looks like it's less efficient than the Gen4 450h then.

My gen 4 achieves about 37mpg motorway, combined it's about 35 to 36mpg with a best achieved on a cross country trip of 44mpg. Claimed mpg (combined) for the 500h is around 42mpg or 6.5l/100Km. However, many owners are claiming that the 500h is nowhere near economical as the claims suggest, citing mpg (combined) figures of between 25 and 34mpg, so on that basis, the 4th gen are more economical. Some reports cite as tested, a combined of up to 34mpg so I guess it depends how heavy the right boot gets! If I drive like a saint, I can regularly achieve close on 40mpg combined in the Gen 4. I'd sacrifice the extra performance for the cabin quality and economy of the Gen 4.

tested figures (not claimed) between 450h+ and 500 are about the same, circa 6 to 6.5 (tested by whatcar) seconds for the RX450H+ and (depending on whose figures you believe) 5.6 to 5.8 secs for the 500h. Tested 1/4 mile also show the 450 h+ to be slower at 14.6s/95mph V's 14.2/97mph. Power output is greater in the 500h: 366bhp V's 304bhp for the 450h+ so I don't know where your data that the 500h was slower than the 450h+ came from? By comparison the gen4 RX450h has 0-60 time of around 6.6 to /7.5 seconds (fasted tested conditions quoted from zero to 60 website for 2021/2022 Fsport 450h)) depending where the test was done and other variables, and has a 1/4 mile test of 14.8s so really, there's very little performance difference even between the new 450h+ and outgoing gen4 V6.

Keep the Vee 6. One of the most reliable, tractable engines ever to grace an RX!

^^^^^ This CANBUS fix is still some way off. Some dealerships are fitting trackers but no geofence just yet. Post code lottery whether people have to wait for the geofence.

Regular short trips are not sufficient to keep the auxiliary battery sufficiently charged so what happens over time is if allowed to drain below 70% or so, even leisure types, eventually it'll lose charging capacity as it can damage the cells. The hybrid battery & inverter circuit contain the charger for the auxiliary battery and really need a minimum of a 30 minute run once weekly to keep the auxiliary battery sufficiently charged to prevent excessive drain down. A lexus tech told me that after I replaced mine for the second time in 5 years. Best thing is to hook up charging tail leads directly to the terminals and if only doing a few miles each day, to hook the charger up overnight for at least two days in the week. CTEK charges have a maintenance/desulphate cycle to recover deep discharged batteries and really do extend the life of a battery considerably if regularly used. Infrequent trickle charging won't much help a battery's health. My motorbikes are both hooked up to chargers 50% of the year (I switch use between them) and are pretty much maintenance charged one in two weeks throughout the year. It's the only way to make them last more than 3 or 4 years (they're only 12AH!)

DRL fuse is the daytime running light fuse which protects the circuit when the running lights are on once you switch the ignition on.

I prefer the Gen 4 looks, engine and interior. I've owned a 3rd gen which was great too. I just can't see the value/quality in the new model. I do like the UX and ES but as the ES is now end of line with no new model, I can't see my buying another. I may switch to Toyota next time. Far more bang for the buck.

But...not that much better on its own than the 3500cc V6 apparently (as compared with the RX350), added to the fact it delivers far less low down shove. I have been informed by two people who switched that they found a lack of low speed torque on the basic model (not the plug in hybrid) and as conceded above, in fairness I did say that the 450+ was the exception on economy. I do think that the very fact that quality issues and mixed comments are raising divisions within Lexus owners is very telling. I cannot remember a year, ever, when owners have been so divided over Lexus models and there's a reason underpinning that fact. I just don't think they're in the same league as previous models. Overall running costs may be similar. I never got the chance to drive the 450+ plug in hybrid as driving the straight 350 hybrid put me off the IL4. It just didn't seem to be as effortless nor relaxed as the RX3 or RX4 and to me, it was under powered. It was superb in the ES (which I really like and consider a worthy successor to the GS) as it suited that platform better. Most of all, the price hikes no longer make them attractive for those of us not interested in pcp deals. RX3/4 models were I think better vfm and better overall in finish/trim. I liked the ruggedness of the "3" which has somewhat been lost in later models too.

Biggest surprise to me is the poor mpg. The Gen5 models were touted as better but I'm bettering those figures with my RX4 which matches the 34mpg average and best was 44mpg. Software issues seem to plague some new models and cut backs to interior comfort and overall cabin quality would for me rule one out. The biggest issue for me is the engine though. A car that size using a N/A petrol engine needs a bigger motor. Really disappointed in the new models from the feedback I've read and from my own cursory look around a few. Was offered an ex-dem RZ but after driving it, knew it wasn't for me. It does nothing better than my ICE RX and lacks some of the features I currently have, but EVs are the present (current Li-Ion anyway), not the future.

I wouldn't be absolutely sure about economy being much improved given my real world 43mpg achieved on a cross country run in the 4th gen. Can't see the 5th gen giving much more than that other than on motorway cruising as it's still a heavy vehicle but it depends which model (plug in hybrid possibly being the exception but that's limited in range). As for the rest, I absolutely agree with your sentiments.

5th gen is of no interest to me. It's over priced for what it is and doesn't have the reason to buy (3.5l V6 motor and the better interior). Security issues can be fixed at a cost....it's cheaper to buy the 4th gen and just budget for fixing the bugs and be left with an arguably better vehicle than the 5th gen for a lot less. Insurance will depend on security measures so the sad truth is it's down to owners now to secure their cars as I don't believe Lexus will.

NF Mutual for me. £1100 fully comp for "proper" insurance. I could have got it for £700 elsewhere but internet only service, no human on a phone, dubious performance in the event of any claims. I seems that if you want decent insurance, the 4th gen models are almost impossible to insure for under £1K now. My RX3 premium was just £262 fully comp but to replace what needed doing on it (two trailing arms, wiper blades, brake pads, tyres) would have insured the RX4 for two years.

I'd advise you look at the highest spec, lowest miles RX3 which you should easily afford well under your budget. No canbus issues and despite claims at the time the RX4 came out (from new owners), there's precious little difference in performance either (I've owned both). Personally, I'd recommend the highest spec F Sport you can get and just change the oil regularly and it ought to last years. Things to watch for with RX3 (and 4) models are trailing arm bush wear (I had two replaced within 40K miles), auxiliary battery health (best kept on trickle charge of left unused for a few weeks, or a week of cold weather), rear power door failures (caused mainly where roof rails are fitted due to water migration to the separate power pack PCB for the door) but other than that, precious little else goes wrong. Make sure you inspect the underside, especially rear subframe, which is prone to rust unless treated (Lanoguard is recopmmended). Biggest advantage with the RX3 is security (no canbus issues) and it is imho built like a tank and more utilitarian than the RX4. Drawbacks are that it doesn't get the same fuel economy. I averaged 28mpg long term in my RX3 with a best trip recorded at 37mpg. RX4 so far over a few thousand miles has averaged close to 34mpg with a best (day trip) of 43mpg. RX4 has considerably better ride quality due to suspension improvements but is still susceptible to premature trailing arm bush wear. Avoid top premium spec RX3 using pneumatic suspension as if (when) that goes wrong, it'll cost you a fortune. Non f-sport rolls quite a bit and I found all the standard RX3's a little under damped and they had notable body roll in corners. RX3 F-Sport handles much better but at the expense of a slightly firmer ride, but it's still good. RX4 with active suspension (electric) is much better. Smoother, quieter, better handling. RX3 load spec is slightly better (despite the published specs) due to the RX4 having a much shallower rear door rake angle for improved aerodynamics and it has better all round visibility. RX4 has more updated ICE, a larger LED screen and mouse controls were replaced by the track pad, which journo's hate but just like the mouse control, it's actually perfectly fine when you get used to it. Neither are dynamic drivers cars but the FSport versions of both come close. It's surprising how fast you can hustle them in the corners. RX3 is a few inches narrower and shorter. The "4" feels significantly larger but that's perception down to the reduced visibility front and back due to the shallow rake angle of windscreens and smaller vertical height of front windscreen but they are big wide cars. "4" also in higher spec comes with all round cameras and all the bells and whistles including air con front seats as well as heated steering wheel, front and back seats, and electricaly reclining rear seats. "4" is more comfortable, quieter and smoother overall, with better rear passenger space. Mid range acceleration is slightly better, especially on cars spec'd with "S+" option which gives more instant power delivery. "4" also has slightly upspec'd electric motors and more powerful low down torque as a result of that and better battery spec. My choice of the "4" would be the F sport Takumi with all the bells and whistles. For the "3" it would have to be the F-Sport with options ticked including full LED lights (brilliant), Mark Levinson stereo, more supportive seats than standard, HUD and other extras. Expect to pay £18 to £22K for a high spec 2015 RX3 F-Sport with low miles (sub 45K) if you can find one. There are a few years to avoid for the "4" due to a few problems they had. I believe 2019-2021 models were the problem ones. Fuel pump issues, a few oil leaks reported, recalls for the low pressure fuel pumps and some electrical faults. 2021 was the facelift year where most of the reported faults were ironed out but they continue to have some software issues, specifically connected with the ICE (trip meters, Lexus connected app not working, some issues following firmware updates) but mechanically all 2021-2022 RX4s are mechanically sound. They switched part way through production (2021) to port and direct injection to meet more stringent EU emissions targets and this allowed some higher fuel economy too. 2009-2015 are widely reported to be the most reliable models. A good 2021/2022 spec RX4 will cost you between £35-£42K currently, whereas as hgih spec RX3 FSport would be around half that. For best comfort and toys, the Takumi spec 2021/2022 is the one to go for (you also get adaptive suspension). Pays your money and makes your choice. They're great cars. I came to my RX3 after a few years ownership of a GS300 V6 which I love4d but it had far too many electrical glitches and suffered with bad corrosion, premature suspension failure and other issues. The RX3 by comparison wasn't as comfortable or dynamic but was more powerful and more reliable by a long way. Main takeaways are buy the best and latest example you can get your hands on and if considering anything 2016-2020, ensure recall work has been done.

Trailing arms are very (unreasonably) expensive as there's no aftermarket suppliers for independents to use so all parts come from Lexus AFAIK. Mine had a cracked bushing and was flagged up on mot, but it ran perfectly for another 18 months before really needing replacement (torn). I argued, at the time, that is was unreasonable wear and tear (literally) as the car had only covered 40K miles and lexus replaced it FoC after querying with Lexus UK as they agreed it oughtn't to have perished and torn within 40K miles. That was done under the RELAX warranty. Given labour and parts costs they sometimes advise preventative replacement if they are doing something that might need the trailing arm to be removed, depending on mileage.

problem is they've been claiming similar for ages and keep kicking the can down the road every 6 months. Too little, too late for many. We've effectively paid for whatever they do in hiked insurance premiums and they know that. If they'd got off their backsides and acted quickly, there's every chance it could have been dealt with several years ago meaning insurance premiums now might be more reasonable.

Want to sell your LC500? you don't need two lexus cars, tell you what, I'll sell my 450h and buy your LC for what I get for it 😂

Listers Lexus at Cheltenham are offering the tracker now but not the geofence obd security (yet). I too don't believe they'll offer any more, or will take some convincing as they have moved the goal posts so many times now on a "fix" which they've had more than ample time to develop. They're not interested in last generation cars, just selling the down graded, cheaper to manufacture, lower luxury, less well screwed together mass market appeal cars now. I'm more likely to buy a good Toyota for a lot less money that does everything just as well. I won't buy another Lexus unless I see an LC500h come up at reasonable money, but am happy with my current car, security blunders aside.