rich1068

It's that luck thing I keep having with this car. Ron's 20p under the carpet as far as I'm concerned. It does sound much, much better. Not quite CD quality as the source (Spotify) is compressed but far better that the FM transmitter. I also have the option to store WAV etc files on my phone to play via the aux cable. When using the FM transmitter the source is already compressed, it's compressed further when it's transmitted via BT from the phone to the dongle and then again as an FM signal picked up by the radio. However, I will miss the little samples of everyone else's music you get when you're sat in traffic

Yesterday I finally got fed up of the FM transmitter doo-daa that I normally use to stream Spotify. They're OK and I've used them in various motors but since changing the speakers their failings are a little more obvious. I remembered that I'd still got my GROM aux unit from when I ran the IS and wondered if the supplied cable (TOY1) was the same for both cars. As the GS has the factory nav I expected all sorts of connection oddness and even if it did fit I assumed I'd lose the glovebox autochanger. So out with the pry tool and 10mm socket and within 5 minutes the whole head unit is out. Ashtray first, air vents next, 4x 10mm bolts and a little plastic clip. Easy peasy. Love working on these cars! Anyhoo, TOY1 cable fitted so I plugged in the aux unit and everything works. Pressed the DISC button again and I've still got my autochanger. Result! So, looks a little messy and I've still got to route the 3.5mm cable properly but job done. When funds allow I might treat myself to the BT unit but for now this is perfect.

Good for you Jason.

Check and double check. I was getting codes indicating the cats were bad but a fiddle with the sensor and the codes haven't come back.

I've stuck with the Lexus (AA) cover since I bought my second hand IS and received my first year free back in 2017. I did once do a comparison with AA themselves and Lexus was a touch cheaper. The cover is extremely comprehensive so quite pricey but I drive old bangers so it's worth it imo. Called them out three times, not once for a Lexus

Not a problem

Touchy much? I was referring to disconnecting the battery. Later cars have adaptive ECUs that can benefit from a reset occasionally. Disconnecting the battery does this but I'm not sure if the '96 LS has such an ECU. Hence my uncertainty. I'd already mentioned my preference for V Power.

Filthy/Gorgeous

V Power is definitely a drop of the good stuff. I try to run it whenever I can and at roughly £6 or £7 more per fill up I can live with that. Not sure about the '96 LS but might be worth disconnecting the battery for a little while too.

Agreed.

But at least you know about the cupboard

I've got a weird deja vu feeling about this conversation and it's possible the cover doesn't fit under in the third or fourth gen RX. Might have imagined that though.

lol If memory serves, on my 400h there was a cupboard under the boot floor. Two hinged doors and you can store the parcel shelf thing under there. Press the buttons.

Probably was me. I had the IS, RX and both 9-5s all done by them. There are some excellent firms within 5 minutes walk of my office that I use regularly and most are also used by Lexus Sheffield for non warranty work. CBF currently have a brand new IS in (the transport tape is still on the body panels) which is getting its wheels done in black, Sean at Xavier Motors does an excellent job on body repairs and paint and Wayne at ADS works wonders on small dents and cosmetic work. I also use Steel City MX5 / SG Motors for tracking and balancing and who I can also thoroughly recommend. If Dave could move a bit closer it would be perfect!

It's an odd one. I've had such luck with this car, everything turns out to be nothing. Long may it continue! I use a company round the corner from me, CBF Powder Coating. A bit slow this time round but I know he's busy and short staffed. But this will be my 5th set of wheels in the last 2.5 years and they always look great.

A bit of an update. Not too interesting because this car just works and requires little or no upkeep. I had been getting the P0430 code for a while. Usually after a motorway run. It would go away on its own or if I was being impatient I'd use Techstream but then that would pose its own problems re: C1336. So I thought I'd try sensor spacers. Yay! No more P0430. Instead I got P0156 Decided to give the whole spacer idea up as a bad job and removed it and yes you've guessed it, I've not had P0430 back either. This car is like a reverse Christine. Head scratching stuff and I can only imagine that if the code does stay away it was possibly an issue with the sensor not the cats and the remove and refit process in some way "fixed" it. Should be getting the refurb'd wheels on any day now too.

What an excellent post! Thank you Nigel.

I think those IS200 wheels look OK. Better than the 16s on my GS by quite a margin. And apologies for the snow this week guys. It's because I told everyone who'd listen that the winters were coming off and the OZ were going on. In the end they weren't ready so expect more of the white stuff this week.

Hey ringdigger. Why not introduce yourself? It's the polite thing to do

My wife has her suspicions that I'm seeing someone else. She doesn't know it's Dave.

You should have popped in for a cuppa!

Very odd. Road tax on a 400h is now £290ish. Did they alter bandings for hybrids?

Obviously this prompted me to spend yet more time on AT and I found an absolutely mint low mileage 300. Looked lovely but it must have been one of the last and was registered in '06 so £570 tax!!

Road tax on a 350 is pretty eye watering though.

I fear change.