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Everything posted by First_Lexus
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Totally agree @DanD I had this issue on my first NX Sport. The main beam was 'ok' but in comparison to the bright white light from the LED it was terrible. Luckily no such issues with my current NX Luxury - LEDs for both. Lexus really shouldn't penny-pinch on this imho. LED should be standard across the whole range.
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...but a pencil must be lead. One for those of a certain age! Having had a couple of IS300h as courtesy cars, I just can't imagine why so many people stick with the German equivalents. Like every Lexus I've driven, the smoothness and comfort are exceptional. The 'enlightened minority' indeed...
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Over the c10,500 miles I've so far covered in my NX, I have an indicated mpg of 41.5 from the trip computer. The majority of my driving is on B-Roads and below, at speeds at or below 50 mph - any faster on most of the single track lanes around where I live is impossible. As an aside, a couple of weeks ago I had an interesting head-to-head on a blind corner with a tractor pulling a trailer full of grain. We both managed to stop. Just. If I'd have been going (say) 30mph rather than just over 20mph I'd guess we would have collided. A good reminder of the risks every so often is quite useful... Anyway, yesterday I was visiting relatives about forty miles away. The trip involved a few miles of B-Roads and lanes at either end, and about 25 miles on the M4. As I wasn't in a hurry, I decided to see how high I could get the mpg on the trip (based on the in-car computer). This involved concentrating (hard!) on driving smoothly before the M4, and then setting the cruise control to 66mph on the M4 and staying in the left-hand lane for most of the journey. The motorway wasn't especially busy (Eastbound), and on the couple of occasions I came across slower moving vehicles I allowed the cruise to drop me to their speed - 55-60mph typically - for as long as I could bear it, waiting for a long empty stretch behind so I could pull out and overtake gently. The result was an indicated 51.4 mpg, which I thought was pretty impressive. On the return journey, I set cruise to my usual 70mph and managed 41.5mpg. I was startled by the difference just a few mph can make. As I said in the title, this was entirely un-scientific. I guess the 'real' figures would be a couple of mpg lower than the computer indicated but even so, it entertained me for a couple of hours. Can anybody do better?
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Tyre warning light
First_Lexus replied to bluenose1940's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
When mine went off I assumed it was an error and re-set it. A few days later it went off again so I had the tyres checked. There was a nail in one of them... -
luxury 2018 NX Luxury
First_Lexus replied to First_Lexus's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
To be fair, I have another car in the garage for 'fun' albeit I hardly ever use it. As I've got older I care more about comfort and refinement. I just want to get where I want to get with as little stress as possible. Audi do make a nice interior. Pity about the DSG gearboxes, which is why I'd never own (another) one. -
luxury 2018 NX Luxury
First_Lexus replied to First_Lexus's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
An update after 14 months and almost 10k miles with my NX. I still really like the car. It is very comfortable and quiet - I'd describe it as a relaxing driving experience. Yes, with the eCVT, flooring the accelerator will cause the revs to rise as pointed out in so many reviews, but I have never had a situation where I've felt the need to accelerate in such an 'agricultural' manner. Maybe just me, but life is too short to drive aggressively. The minor rattles that had started were traced to the passenger seatbelt buckle against the seat/pillar and the locking wheel nut box in the glovebox! Both easily resolved, and despite the terrible rural roads I drive on no other rattles have emerged which is impressive. Paintwork chips continue to irritate on the front bumper, but they are relatively minor. Personally I don't have an issue with the infotainment, not that I use it much. With use it is simple enough, and the navigation has worked on the few times I've used it. Sound quality from the stereo is good too, even when streaming via Bluetooth from Spotify. Discussions with many of my peers (mainly over 45 years old) show that infotainment in cars has a couple of consistent themes. None of us like the 'i-Drive' wheel type systems, including drivers of 3 and 5 series BMWs. Most would prefer buttons or touchscreens. Also, there is a lot of focus in reviews about the functionalities of such systems, but my peer group aren't bothered about most of it. All we want is a navigation system that works and the ability to listen to music. All the other stuff is largely irrelevant and never used. Economy - with hardly any motorway miles - is as expected. My daily 15 mile commute on country lanes and a short section of B-Road, I guess at an average speed of 40-45mph, gives me c45mpg. Overall the computer is showing 41.4mpg over the total mileage of the car, so probably about 40mpg in reality. Good enough, and about the same as previous diesel / auto SUVs owned from VW. I don't have any real negatives. This is a stress free car to own and drive, which is exactly what I was looking for. Service from Lexus Swindon is excellent, and the car feels very well made. Passengers often remark on how much they like the interior, how comfortable the seats are and how quiet it is. I'm fortunate that I get pretty regular access to all sorts of cars (business policy is to hire cars for business travel) and I've yet to find a comparable car that I'd rather own at this stage of my life. One last point. I do rather like the fact that you don't see many NXs (or indeed Lexus in general) on the roads. It wasn't something I'd really thought about when I first got the car, but as time has gone on I find the exclusivity appeals to me. Whenever I see a BMW 3-Series or an A4 I tend to think of David Brent type characters, who are likely to be regional sales managers for a photocopier company or similar...whereas with Lexus I'm of an age where I still think Partridge...😂 -
Parking sensors
First_Lexus replied to Eggie's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
No issue for me in two years with two NXs and lots of heavy rain, but had similar issue with two previous Hondas and a VW. Techs just told me it was common to Bosch (I think) sensors and that it would go away on its own, which it always did. -
A couple of things to add to this topic. First, I read that BMW are making Apple Car Play an extra cost, through subscription, after the first year. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/107492/bmw-makes-apple-carplay-a-subscription-service Second, I note that BMW don't offer Android Auto. Clearly it isn't just Lexus with some unsatisfied customers...
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Alternative to Lexus
First_Lexus replied to Casa1862's topic in Lexus IS 300h / IS 250 / IS 200t Club
Totally agree about Lexus customer service, although Honda ran them pretty close in my experience. I've owned new MINIs since 2001 - my current one from new since 2004 - and have always found the service good. Not exceptional, but solid, with no cause for complaint. They don't go the extra mile, and that's what makes Lexus different from my experience. I've not had a single quality issue with either of my MINIs, and I've only ever had advisories on MOTs for a nail in a tyre and wiper blades. No rattles either, and the best paintwork I've ever had on a car, including my current NX. Amazing on a (now) 14 year old car... ...anyway, I guess we all have different experiences and expectations. While I am an advocate for MINI, Honda and now Lexus, my (and my family) have had dreadful experiences with VW, Audi and Skoda - and I mean new engines, new gearboxes, failed interior trim, poor paintwork, breakdowns...really really awful, and on new and nearly new cars too. I'd rather have my eyes gouged out with a rusty spoon than to ever buy or recommend one, except to somebody I didn't like. 😈 -
Alternative to Lexus
First_Lexus replied to Casa1862's topic in Lexus IS 300h / IS 250 / IS 200t Club
If a saloon is in order the deals on pre-reg Alfa Giulia are excellent. A good spec diesel should leave plenty of change from £30k, petrols more expensive but still should be within budget with a bit of haggling. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201906108868959?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&maximum-mileage=500&make=ALFA ROMEO&advertising-location=at_cars&model=GIULIA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=nw16jl&page=2 A Mustang might be an interesting choice too. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201907270518259?advertising-location=at_cars&sort=price-asc&radius=1500&make=FORD&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&maximum-mileage=5000&model=MUSTANG&postcode=nw16jl&page=1 -
NX300h inbound...
First_Lexus replied to hockeyedwards's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
^^ Excellent news. Enjoy the NX. -
NX300h inbound...
First_Lexus replied to hockeyedwards's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
It's a good point regardless of the vehicle @olliesgrandad @andybyou'll find that the vast majority of NX owners find it very comfortable, but seats can be a very sensitive issue, especially if you have any existing problems. I find it hard to be sympathetic with owners who will buy a car - let's not forget a very significant purchase - without a thorough test drive, and then complain it isn't what they expected! If it helps, I have a disability affecting both legs, including my hips and lower back. I've had surgeries, and have various nuts, bolts and rods holding my legs together! The NX is one of the few cars I've been able to select because of the seat design, and in two years I've had no issues at all. It's the most comfortable car I've owned. Generally I know which manufacturers seats cause me issues because of their design. BMW - bad. Mercedes - good. Honda - excellent. Lexus - excellent. All with the proviso that I also need height in the car for access, but not too much...so the UX is slightly too low, and the RX slightly too high! It certainly makes choosing the right car pretty important... -
I can't find the review on the AutoExpress website. Is there a link or was this in the hard copy edition only? The new CarWow review really irritated me. Yet again we have the 'floor the throttle and listen to the drone' lazy journalism. I've owned Lexus eCVT cars for over two years and have NEVER had to accelerate like that. Surely done for effect - which is just an example of poor journalistic standards. Mind you, I consider myself to be a civilised driver...you know, obey speed limits, read the road, don't drive like a plonker. Maybe I'm the one who is wrong?! CarWow Lexus UX
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I love the latest Land Rover / Range Rovers from a drive and style perspective (although they have gone a bit 'new money' recently) but they're ruined by shoddy build and poor reliability. Such a shame. Had a work colleague who went to work for them - some of his stories of build and design issues were incredible!
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The new Volvos are nice, no doubt about that - but I've got a close friend with a new XC40 and she's had lots of minor niggles - poorly fitting doors, failed tailgate strut, poor fit of rear bumper, fuel filler recall and plenty of little cabin rattles. The dealer has sorted it all (almost) first time, but she is a bit disappointed despite loving the drive. Other members here have reported that build quality may not be all it should be too, with rattles in the interior. Mind you, new discounts are massive and given the price I'll definitely consider one next time! Always rather liked Volvos...
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Sold my Is200t and had a new Nx300h
First_Lexus replied to Chris.S's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
Very nice - and in the best colour (when the sun shines anyway!) -
Where I used to live, the authorities raided a (quite well used) hand car wash. Aside from the reporting in the local press about abuses of employees there - paid below minimum wage, no pension provision, unpaid NI etc, the usual stuff - it was also reported that they'd been using (wait for it) industrial concrete cleaner to 'valet' the cars... 😳😳😳
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Another Bilt-Hamber clay fan here. I use CarPro TRIX as a fallout and tar remover and it works very well. I've never needed to use a separate tar remover after using TRIX as part of my wash routine (snow foam, rinse, TRIX, rinse, mitt wash, rinse, occasionally use Gyeon Wet Coat through the Winter months, dry, protect).
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NX300h inbound...
First_Lexus replied to hockeyedwards's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
I owned a 2017 NX Sport, and now own a 2018 (facelift) NX Luxury. There isn't really between them imho. Yes, the ride is slightly better in the 2018 model but I'm not sure how much of that is down to suspension changes and how much down to tyres. The new infotainment with the touchpad and larger screen looks nicer, but doesn't actually do that much more. In fact, the older version was simpler to use, albeit I'm a self-confessed technophobe... My advice is simple. If the £2k saving is important, drive the pre and post-facelift and see if the difference is worth the money. I think you'll be happy with either as the NX is a very nice thing - quiet, refined and comfortable - as long as you like to waft about and aren't a speed demon! -
^^ That may well be the answer, although I may also decide just to keep what I have. Thanks @rayaansI'll certainly be interested to see a new NX when it is available.
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A sign of things to come methinks. Affecting short stretches of the motorway now, but as time goes on I can see this being extended along with the clean air zones that will stop (non-electric) vehicles from entering towns and cities. So, while many drivers and driving organisations have been softly campaigning for an increase to motorway speed limits, actually it is more likely they will decrease to help limit pollution... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48723302
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I didn't know that. An EV might actually suit me - I only commute 15 miles each way four times a week - but the Soul has disappeared entirely from the Kia website whether EV or not. As I've got older and less mobile, my issue is that most cars with the height and seat configuration that I need have got larger. Cars with large side seat bolsters are out, as are those too short in the seat (which is my issue with BMW seats). A few miles and I'm crippled by them. Mercedes seats seem to suit, as do Honda, Mazda and Lexus of those I have experience of. I may end up deciding to upsize whether I need such a large vehicle or not! I'll worry about that when the time comes. Keeping the NX may be the most practical solution - it is very comfortable and well made, so I guess I should ask why shouldn't I keep it. Plenty of time to decide yet...
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I had a UX for the day while my NX was serviced. I'll be looking to downsize next time so I specially requested the UX as my loan car. Generally my impressions were positive. I found it drove very well, with decent performance. It was a bit noisier than I expected, but that was almost certainly down to the Bridgestone tyres fitted. I liked the dashboard layout and thought boot space was more than adequate considering the size of the car. Rear space is poor, but I'd hardly ever use it so no issue for me. Negatives were few. I think some of the interior finishes are disappointing, especially the door cards which are just too plain and plasticky given the price. And while I'm talking about price, I'm afraid I think it is just too expensive (before discounts). Yes, the Takumi spec has every bell and whistle, but lots I simply wouldn't use. However, lower spec models don't have everything I'd really want. For the Takumi to be almost £4K more (before 4WD) than my NX Luxury (with 4WD) when new just doesn't make sense to me. It won't be a car I'll choose when the time comes, but that isn't down to the price. I have a disability and for ease of access the UX was just too low. The dealer tells me that a few customers have given similar feedback, which is a bit of a shame for a car I'd have thought would appeal to those looking for a bit more height than a standard hatchback. The Mercedes GLA is about the same, so it isn't a Lexus specific design choice. My options are becoming clearer. Either keep the NX, which - size apart - suits me very well, or move to something smaller with a higher driving position. The KIA Soul (don't laugh!) may be a contender, as may the Mazda CX-3 or Honda HR-V, all of which are slightly higher and thus meet my requirements. BMW are out (the seat design has always been a major issue for me with not enough support for the hips - I don't like the brand image either) as are Volvo having seen the variable quality of their latest XC40. I've got over a year to decide - but I know I won't be choosing a UX, which is a pity.
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Bye bye Lexus
First_Lexus replied to Quietlife's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
I don’t think it’s bizarre. It’s been discussed many times - broadly, if you drive smoothly and don’t rush, you won’t experience it. Drive with a heavy right foot - as reviewers do and others -and you will. As with most things it depends on the individual, style and preference. Car choice is the same - people like and value different things. Hopefully you’ll be happy with your choice this time. There’s a BMW forum somewhere waiting for you... -
Bye bye Lexus
First_Lexus replied to Quietlife's topic in Lexus NX300h / NX200t / NX350h / NX450h+ Club
It is interesting reading different opinions. I’ve never had any issue with the noise of accelerating or swiftness of progress. I’ll admit I drive in a relaxed and smooth manner, but reading some of the comments about the NX it’s like I’m driving a different car. I’ve got another friend with a new Discovery Sport. I’m convinced it is the quietest SUV I’ve been in - and I’ve been in a lot. Weirdly, he thinks the NX is quieter...as they say, ‘perception is reality.’ I’ve also done a few thousand miles in two versions of the new RX. Sacrilege to say I know, but I wasn’t that impressed, and said so at the time... I’ve also gone on record about my loathing for the BMW i-Drive system. I find it awful, very counter intuitive, as do a few of my colleagues with BMW company cars. The VAG system and - whisper it - the Citroen system, are far better from my perspective. Played with the latest Mazda too, also pretty good. And all better than Lexus.