GSLV6

Yes, just been told the 2021 model I'm about to buy is over £800 to tax but I think they got this wrong. After 6 years it drops (presumably to £180 that I'm paying on my RX3) based on the basic petrol rate minus a £10 discount for a hybrid. Daylight robbery. It's called the "wealth tax" and applies to all new cars after a April 2017 valued at (correct me if wrong) over approx £40K new. It's not exactly straightforward but goes something like this. From new, you pay the first year based on CO2 emissions, then on year 2 you pay( from 2 to 6 years) independent of CO2 and calculated purely on the car's new cost. So years 2 to 6 you pay a £410 supplementary charge on top of the basic charge (£190) for a car costing over £40K new plus, so £590 for the 2 to 6 years before it drops to £180. It's not as if we're not fleeced by vat rates on fuel, this is quite a hike for anyone buying any RX made after April 2017.

I'm on my 3rd deep cycle 12v battery in 45K miles. They get replaced every 3 years as that's all I get out of them and they're not cheap! My last one was fitted 2 years ago and is still going strong. I've learned from the past so invested in a better charger/conditioner which keeps it in better health. If there's the odd week I don't use the car, I hook it up to the charger (a Cetek charger) and it seems to be the only way to get them to last. If you run them dead flat a few times, it doesn't do them much good so better keeping them in a healthy state to avoid issues.

Depends on what you want to spend. At one end of the spectrum you could fit a Thule aluminium rear entry cage (around £600 though) and at the other there's ones like this for just under £80: https://gallop-store.co.uk/72128-dog-carrier-nobby-pet-skudo-5-iata-grey-79x58-5x65-cm We used a similar but slightly large one ike this when we had our GWP and he was happy enough in it. I'd advise against the cheap steel mesh crates. Bases are cheap plastic and crack as soon as look at them and they're uncomfortable for the dog is it needs support on corners etc

It would, as I understand it, be treated as a recall (so FOC) with a nominal sum for fitting (a bit like the plates) but as a recall is technically for safety reasons and this isn't safety related, there's no statutory pressure on them to speed things up. I agree about the NDA. I guess they're late with their planned roll out which seems to indicate either procurement or design is late. The dealer announcement was meant to be from April 2024 and we're a month past that now.

Well, there may be light at the end of the (long) tunnel...I spoke to Lexus last week and dealerships have been informed there's a software/hardware fix due to be rolled out to all RX4 owners this summer sometime. It's likely to involve a piggyback retrofit which detects when the CanBus system's been interrupted and a hack attempted, such as disconnecting the headlamp CanBus connector and attempting a hack. This would initiate a security lockdown unless the key is used, thereby preventing CanBus type thefts. Time will tell but I get the feeling dealerships know more than they're letting on. My local one's sales people claimed to know nothing about the CanBus thefts, to which my response was "I find that very hard to believe!" only to be met with a blank stare. The techs knew all about it. Trust has been broken but might be restored if the fix details have a shred of truth and are rolled out. Too much guesswork presently, so "wait and see" is the byword. Meantime, offers on trade ins are derisory and used RX4 prices are being held high except at non franchised dealerships. I would have gone to a non franchised dealership had one got the variant in stock that I wanted. As it is, the only variant I want is found at a Lexus dealership who offered me £2,5K less for mine in part-ex than an indy did (I turned down their Takumi as it wasn't what I wanted). I get the feeling that Lexus are not living in the real world presently.

Yes, mine has a sunroof. the reason they didn't fit the full panoramic roof was weight. Apparently it was a shipping restriction. Cars could be spec'd with panoramic room (domestic market) and active stabilisers (which mine has got) but it took the car over the shipping weight limit based on contracted shipping costs. That restriction's now lifted so ironically you could spec both now and get it. Not a technical reason which I initially thought it might have been.

Insurer was NFU Mutual in the end. Not the cheapest but the best cover and best claims handling service overall. One thing I liked was there's not year on year hikes as no shareholders to keep affluent.

With the road tax thing in mind, my choice would be the GS300 (V6). One of the best cars I ever owned from a comfort and driving POV. Whilst not as peppy as the 450h it's still quicker than an RX450h, economical on a longer run (we used to get mid 40's mpg on motorway trips from our) and every bit as luxurious. I always considered is as an "LS-Fastback"! Trouble of course is that now, finding a good example is getting tougher. They exist but all will need some sort of work, so you may be better off sticking with what you have and investing in a hybrid health check from elsewhere or paying Lexus to do it. It doesn't cost much or take long and there are independents that supply and fit new batteries. Contrary to popular believe, it's actually quite a simple system (service wise) and batteries not horrendously expensive, but plan to spend around £1500-£2K from and independent. Inverters can be serviced and are also pretty simple affairs with few parts in them which aren't short lived. The most important thing for inverters for lifespan is keeping them well ventilated. If a few £K seems steep, think of the life of newer LiIon battery packs. A typical 70KW pack like the RZ uses is currently around £5.5K-£6K to renew and has an estimated lifespan based on nr of typical recharge cycles of around 6 to 10 years! The hybrid system is the less expensive service item providing motors and inverter are healthy.

Worth checking track rod bushings. They tend to split due to weight of vehicle from surprisingly low mileages (my first one was done at 30K miles and another is due shortly at 45K miles). Check underside, especially rear sub-frame for corrosion. Many aren't treated and really ought to be. A wire brushing and clean up followed by liberally spraying in lanoguard is a good idea (goes for all the chassis metalwork). Rubber seals around door openings can crack or perish with age unless kept clean. Best cleaned with mild soapy water then using a finger, run some silicon grease around them all which keeps them nice and supple. Check water pump for leaks as this could be an issue on earlier ones, and check variable valve (timing) oil feed pipe as some can weep from the joint. Other than that, very little goes wrong. It's one of the most reliable engines going. Lexus can offer a hybrid health check for a minimal sum or it's included if you have the car serviced with them. Check tyre wear for uneven wear which may point to a wheel alignment issue as sometimes owners don't bother with periodic alignment checks and adjustments. Check all electrics work properly and front/rear lights for signs of condensation. Great cars, hope you enjoy yours.

Insurance sorted and after a test drive today, have decided to risk changing my RX3 to the newer model RX4. One piece of reassuring information from a Lexus Tech today was that Lexus are soon (next month or two) to announce the release of new software fixes for the canbus vulnerability. As it was explained to me, this will be a sort of piggy back software installation which will add a new layer of security which can detect any canbus disconnect and trigger an immobiliser without that being able to be bypassed by the current hack. Effectively this will make it as secure as newer models and will be carried out FOC from what I was told as part of a security recall available to all RX4 owners.

Having driven the new RZ a few weeks ago, I took out the RX4 I am interested in buying today. It was interesting to make the comparisons with my RX3 F-Sport, and surprisingly, the RX4 didn't have it all its own way! Summary (for those not wanting the detail): RX4 good points: Exceptional ride quality; quieter cabin and smoother, more refined ride than RX3 Far less steering feel and definitely LESS of a driver's car. Refinement over driving pleasure was my takeaway thought; Better appointed and more luxurious cabin; Timeless design will look as fresh in 10 years inside and out as it does now; Interior quality a step above RX3 and instrument/button layout offers more choice with touch screen and option to use dials and buttons which is very refreshing in a modern car. I detest touch screens only for everything and that's done purely for manufacturing cost savings. This model had the expensive optional adaptive suspension (two types of adaptive suspension offered...the standard one as used in F Sport and Takumi, and the F-Sport only option of the more advanced adaptive suspension, as it was explained to me). The best adaptive suspension I've so far tried, all but eliminating small bumps, even in Sport+ mode and almost eliminating body roll. Sport+ removes any lag between pressing the right boot on the pedal and acceleration. It's almost instant Both heated and ventilated front seats and this one also gets heated rear seats and window shades Better cup holders (yay!) phone holder as well as inductive charger More advanced lighting (albeit the triple LEDs of the RX3 are still superb) The not so good bits: Surprisingly reduced visibility over the RX3, due mainly to the increased rake of front and back screens giving less vertical viewing height Seats a touch firm compared with RX3 F-Sport which I find more comfortable but less supportive (take your pick which you prefer) More plastic everywhere from wheel arch trims, to under bonnet Reduced effective load space despite the quoted figures, due to increased rake of rear screen Less grip (tested on dry roundabout where I provoked all 4 wheels of the RX4 to squeal in protest, yet lacking in any feel through the steering wheel. The RX3 definitely gripped better and felt like a limpet when tackling the same challenge without tyres giving up grip and with plenty of feel through the wheel as to what the front tyres were doing, but admittedly with slight body roll, not much, but just noticeable. Under the bonnet, to save costs, gone is the whole engine cover of the RX3 which included the inverter coolant viewing cover now missing entirely on the RX4 On the whole I have to say I much prefer the RX3 as a drivers car as it is more engaging to drive. The performance of both is pretty decent and nothing to chose between them although the RX4 in Sport+ mode eliminates the lag you still get with the RX3 in sport mode. The latter is a bit like turbo lag by comparison (without the turbo). It's been a difficult decision to make, whether to keep my RX3 or buy the RX4 as both have their good points. The biggest disappointment with the newer car was the complete lack of driver involvement or feel. It's as if they've deliberately engineered the car to cocoon the driver, to experience the most refined drive yet at the expense of driving pleasure which requires a switch in your head to be flicked and treat the car as something to be wafted along in, in more luxury than previous models, almost "tut-tutting" if you try to drive it with enthusiasm. I've little doubt that a small part of this is the OEM tyres themselves which lack grip compared to my favoured Avon ZX7 tyres, so pushing on you're left with less confidence in just where that "let go" point is which could be off putting depending on driving conditions. Overall, I feel that it is still worth trading up as you soon adapt to the vagaries of something new and different, because for much of the time, the RX does well what it's best at, giving a refined cruising experience over long distances. The slight loss of rear luggage space is not really an issue with the option to drop one or both rear seats should you need the space, and the loss of some visibility is made up for with a far superior 360 birds eye camera set up. One thing is very apparent though and that's the new 12 inch screen is dimmer in bright light because it is not shrouded like the older one. That's an oversight I wish they hadn't made. The list of advanced safety features is also a big plus, and I like the newer adaptive cruise control and was very impressed with the ride quality of the adaptive suspension. It gives back something of the compliance with control of my older GS300 which had a magic carpet ride, much welcomed over the more thumpy and stiff passive set up of the older RX3 F Sport. If only they'd paid as much attention to the steering feel! On the whole, I came away mightily impressed with this 3yr old example, which on the whole takes the good bits from the RX3 and makes them better, and loses some of the not so good bits. It also had the steel plate mods done which was a plus. Picking the car up next week and waving goodbye to my trusty RX3 which I shall miss in many ways, but this is my last chance to pick up a low miles example the last of the Vee 6 lumps, which to my mind, are the finest engines ever to come out from the Toyota group.

NFU have come in at £850 with a pledge not to increase premiums year to year as they don't have shareholders to please. Their cover includes national breakdown/assist, window replacement and very reasonable excesses (zero to £350 depending on what it is). They fall in between first Call and Lexus but offer more comprehensive cover than the cheaper one, so may go with NFU.

I agree. That's been my experience. Listers Lexus don't charge any extra for fitting or disposal of old tyres, so you do get tyres at a reasonable cost to start with. They'll also give discount on parts. Was recently quoted a cheaper price from lexus to supply and fit tyres than I did from my local tyre fitting garage based on the same tyre make and model.

Same here...largest quotes I've ever received. There is always the choice for me to hold onto my RX3 and avoid them but from what I've read, Lexus have got some sort of software fix in the pipeline. We don't know anything about it yet but I expect their world wide reputation might suffer if they don't do anything other than offer sticking plaster steel plates. It's a risk but it's the same for every ES, NX and Rav4 owner affected out there too as well as for other manufacturers.

Yes, NFU were a little more than Lexus. I've heard very mixed reviews on Tescos Pete...good cover but terrible customer service if you need to make a claim seemed to be the consensus. I'd always pick a company which has a reputation for swift, easy to access customer service, especially claims! It may be worth you trying Lexus insurance as having dealt with them before, I can't speak highly enough of the customer service they gave.

Lexus Insurance was just over £1000, RAC was closer to 1100 and One Call was £548 (not £545...typo) hence my three shortlisted were Lexus/RAC/One Call. Having dealt with Lexus before, they are great at customer service with UK based operators, easy to get hold of and pleasant to deal with. Can't speak for the others. One Call I understand are web only, no tel number shown. I've since received a quote from Churchill. Their Essentials policy was £620 and about the same as Lexus for their top cover For interest, I shopped around for an alternative car, which was a 2023 Mazda CX60. It was the only other SUV I'd have considered. By comparison, average quote for that based on the same levels of cover was £450 annually fully comp, so I think I'd rather pay a few hundred extra for insuring the Lexus. I checked and the Lexus I'm after has the steel plate mods done, a Thatcham approved alarm and I'l be moving my dashcam across to it.

For comparison (in case others are also currently shopping around for a 4th Gen policy), Lexus insurance have quoted me just over £1000 for a comprehensive package including European travel, full breakdown insurance, zero voluntary excess and £250 compulsory. Adrian Flux quoted almost double that at just shy of £2,000. May be worth others trying RAC/Lexus/One Call as they seemed to give me the best quotes for the best policies overall.

That's a 5th generation though so won't be loaded with the theft risk as are 2016-2022 cars. Still not bad for a new car though.

Well done, you're doing exceptionally well to achieve those figures but check your trip computer against topping the tank up, then brimming it after a long run to see how the computer compares with actual. Mine usually is a little optimistic.

I've put up many thousands of miles on my RX3 and MPG is no-where near as stated, which is based upon flat, uninterrupted motoring. My long term average from a 2014 car has been 28mpg and I do drive to get the best I can from it. A lot depends on topology of where you live and drive. If you're in a hilly area, you will get less, as it's a heavy vehicle. It makes a huge difference on economy. For example, one of my runs is cross country, mainly flat, 90 odd miles each way and if driving carefully but up to the posted speed limits, I can get 34 to 36mpg on that run (no motorways, all A roads). For motorway driving between 30 and 32mpg is about right at a steady 70mph but will hit mid 30's if you drive a bit slower at 60 to 65mph. You get no benefit from the hybrid system at motorway speeds. For short trips where the engine has only just gone through a warm up cycle (say a few miles each way) you're looking at nearer to low to mid 20's. In town, it's much better if you can be gentle on the throttle and keep it in electric mode where it will impress with far better economy up until it needs to recharge the battery (usually a mile to a mile and a half), but even then, you should be in low to mid 30's overall over a few miles. Basically, they like to be at a constant speed and load with the needle in the economy/charge section of the dial. Any increase in load (even gentle hills) will see it into the power section where for peak torque and response, the revs will pick up and you'll drink more fuel. Overall, 28mpg is a reasonable long term average for a 2.2t vehicle with a 3.5 litre engine. By comparison, my old S60T4 petrol volvo averaged 22mpg, and my E46 BMW 2.5 petrol averaged mid 20's. The older petrol only V6 3 litre GS cars woud get considerably more (up to 45pmg) on a motorway run and less (26 to 27mpg combined) when on combined cycle. If you have to worry about fuel efficiency as part of factoring in running costs, I'd say it's better to look at something smaller and lighter and slippier through the air. You won't better the above figures by much longer term.

Even better, this morning I was offered £548 on fully comp for an RX4 from an award winning insurance company who's awards were for customer service, with excellent reviews. Deals are still out there.

It may well have for certain cars Sara, but for my bikes it actually came down last year, and for my Lexus, they wanted twice what I paid the previous year and told me that shopping around wouldn't land me a better deal (£680 fully comp). Five minutes later, I found that the RAC offered a better policy (I read the small print and the reviews) for £280 plus a little for a few extras. So, I've gone from £280 and a few months later, the same company now want over £1100 for me to change to an RX4, almost 4 times what I'm currently paying. Shopping around I ended up finding only some smaller brokers without the bells and whistles UK call centres were wiling to offer half that amount so the choice is buy a cheaper legal policy that covers you or pay twice that for a bells and whistles policy from one of the better known companies (which is what I used to do). I'm now minded to just get the cheapest insurance for the legal cover and trust that I'll remain accident free so I don't have the bother of dealing with poor customer service. It's money for old rope unless you need to claim, which is when the value kicks in.....sometimes.

Just checked with my current insurers. They refused to quote for the 7 months remaining on the current policy and quoted £1200 for a new policy to change to an RX4 so advised me to shop around (which I'd already done for the £640 quote) then cancel current insurance.

Simpler tends to be more reliable as there's less to go wrong in the first place, but it's with a provision on keeping them serviceable. "Better" is subjective, as in "better in what way"? More economical? Many later models are a little more economical today so older cars were not better in that regard. More reliable? I'd argue older models had greater longevity but reliability is dependant upon keeping a vehicle serviceable, and older ones required as regular attention for that plus parts costs have always been steep for Lexus cars (very few aftermarket parts). Cost of ownership was probably on parity with today in real terms so possibly not a great deal of difference. "Better" as in performance? No. Newer models have better performance. "Better ride quality?". Personally I think older non hybrid versions had better ride quality as they were lighter, so another tick in the box, plus when comparing (for argument's sake) my older V6 GS300, it did handle better than later GS450h models as it was lighter and suspension more compliant for a less thumpy ride. I hated the GS450h I tried. It was overly firm, not very compliant and no better in the corners as it was heavier. The earlier GS300 was as good as or better than German exec saloons of the day, as it remained more compliant for a better quality of ride whilst cornering on rails. LS models today handle better than older models but are arguably less reliable (lots does go wrong with those as they are hugely complex cars) and cost a fortune to run. They heyday I reckon was the LS430 for durability, dependability and build quality. Where Lexus shines is that I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good used 15 year old car that was well looked after and be confident to get another ten years out of it. I can't say the same for the competition.

I used to be with Hastings but several years ago, they hiked my premiums with no explanation so I left them. I have no loyalty towards any company or broker. It pays to shop around and read the small print.