Farqui

This one? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912195471861 No mention or photo of the licence plate makes me suspicious it's a part time dealer, can't check the MOT history either 😞

Oh gawd Stuart, I can imagine how bad you feel 😮

Hi Ninz, I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues and paid top dollar for a new 12v auxiliary battery that didn't resolve the warning lights. Have you have any error codes retrieved from the vehicle? For instance, whilst at the dealer? Reduced braking would be a serious concern for me and I would be very reluctant to drive the vehicle until the issue was understood and not deemed dangerous. Has the vehicle been serviced regularly? By a Lexus dealer or independent? Have you had a recent hybrid/traction battery health check? - they are standard during a Lexus service but can be requested independently. On the US forum I do see numerous reports of the brake booster failing, I hope this isn't your issue as it seems expensive to repair. Cheers, Lee

Hey Andy, it's such a shame to see that much damage especially after you had reworked it to your liking. Thankfully it's well built and saved the occupants from any injuries, which was good to hear. Good luck sourcing a replacement. Cheers, Lee

Here's an interesting IS-F project; https://www.motortrend.com/news/1969-toyota-corolla-lexus-is-f-v-8-first-test-review A bit pricey for me tho.

An AC regas has boosted the heat on the passenger side significantly although it is still lower than the drivers output. I don't understand how a regas improved cabin heat out but as it's improved, I'll take it. Vent output temps steadily reduce from the drivers to passenger side and the passenger foot well gets 0 heat...so mrsF has blue toes!. I've since flushed the heater matrix a more couple times and passenger temps are improving a little with the exception of the passenger foot well. As temps continue to improve I'll continue flushing and back flushing. I really don't fancy taking the dash out especially as now it's cold/wet outside now. Particles are still coming out of the matrix, they now look black. I'm now using Forte coolant flush which needs much more flushing vs other products, post soaking the first few flushes are foamy - presumably due to it's degreaser content.

Sure, take a look here https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum/117-buyers-and-sellers-corner/

Gutted for you John, I hope you get it sorted with minimal fuss and agro from the insurers.

Wishful thinking, there are numerous forum reports of cat thefts on RX's.

Yes, the GS is a really solid feeling vehicle. The exhaust corrosion is easy to miss, my box was holed and the Y split but it still sounded earily quiet.

Hi Lazar, welcome to the forum. The GS 450h is a great car to be hunting for, I've had mine almost 3 years now (bought at 92k miles). Any older vehicle is likely to have some issues but Lexus warranty the hybrid system up to 15 years now, you just need an annual hybrid check circa £60. Not all components are covered but many alternatives are available (hybrid pump bearing/etc) so don't fret too much. As with any older vehicle, have a war chest ready but you're unlikely to need to anywhere near often as a BMW/Merc. The 3rd gen GS suffer from exhaust corrosion, which you have no doubt seen from other threads. Rear braked are prone to seize unless lubed annually, so not a big issue there. The dampers are allegedly prone to fail (if you listen to dealers) but mine are still doing fine almost 3 years after (my former) Lexus dealer told me there were leaking (they weren't and still aren't). Also consider that the hybrid system and combustion engine help each other out and being powerful are rarely stressed. Which has surely got to help with longevity right? Are you aware of the relatively small boot? Have you test driven or viewed any yet? Happy hunting.

Agreed, especially on older vehicles.

https://www.lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/what-is-a-catalytic-converter-and-why-it-is-a-common-target-for-thefts/ Example thread https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/118934-rx450h-catalytic-converter-theft/ Good luck getting this sorted.

Welcome to the forum but I'm sorry to hear that you've suffered a cat-astrophy! Sorry, but i couldnt resist [emoji1787] Unfortunately this is/has become all too common with numerous reports of the same thefts by other forum members. So much so, that yes there is now a supply issue [emoji3525] Lexus Parts Direct recently posted some info about it, let me find it for you...

That's shocking 😂

Wow, I wasn't expecting that reply after 5hrs!

Hi Barry, thanks for the initial comparison as I've often considered changing my GS for a fruity v8 Lexus. So I'll be very interested to hear your long term thoughts. Regarding the harsh suspension...are the tyres low on tread, are the tyres rated with a firm sidewall/runflats, wearing unevenly (feathering) or just plain old tyres? I found my GS was getting horrid on the rough UK roads but changing the tyres (had plenty of tread left) made a big difference to the ride.

Gawd, variable heat at this time of year is bad. Have you recently had the coolant changed? If so, then maybe you have an air lock? Is your engine temperature gauge stable and in it's usual position? Are you able to hook up an OBD reader to check the engine temp and confirm the thermostat is okay? Aren't water pumps prone to need replacing every 100k miles? Has yours ever been changed? Can you check both the the heater lines are warm/hot on the firewall? Once you are sure the cooling system is okay, then I'd look at the heater servos but they're fiddly to work on. But do you hear any odd noises from the center console/heater?

Hmmm is space is that tight, then can it not be cut out? I suspect it will be quite a fiddly job and care needed not to damage the hub. I've found some garages prefer cutting out old bushes vs pressing them out.

Instead of a puller look at bush press kits, which are plentiful and relatively cheap on the likes of Amazon/eBay - they work surprisingly well too. As you know the diameter of the bush then just order a bush kit that has inserts on/around that size. Heck even a few old sockets and a threaded bar would work. In fact I'm surprised your garage hasn't already done this but maybe they are all fitters rather than mechanics?

Great news, hopefully the errors stay away now.

@IanA2, is this any good? They're based in Washington 😲...Tyne & Wear 😂 https://www.adrad.co.uk/prices/prices.php?type=radiator&id=LE309&model=GS&make=LEXUS I like the schematic so that you can check hose outlets and dimensions.

Fair enough. It's annoying that Lexus parts are difficult to source at a reasonable price on this isle.

Hmmm Rockauto, Fedex 1 week delivery to the Midlands is showing as <£150 all in for me, so £100 saving over your estimate. Duty is paid up front here unlike orders I've had from Japan.

Ian @IanA2, rad's aren't available - really? Have you checked Rockauto, for the GS340 circa 2001 (as per your profile) they are coming up less than £100 https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/lexus,2001,gs430,4.3l+v8,1373846,cooling+system,radiator,2172 Similar prices for LS rad's too.