MadJam250

This is all very underhanded in my opinion. I've been bombarded with calls from a call centre to book my service yet they won't budge on price. It's a significant increase in cost and I don't want to pay for the 'free' warranty. Lexus thrive on customer satisfaction yet they are refusing to offer a loyalty discount too. Ultimately this, for me, could be an ownership game changer. Insurance premiums have risen due to the cat-theft situation/risk and now servicing costs (especially considering when a Prius in the same workshop is serviced for far less).

Now replaced with the new Relax servicing scheme. Servicing costs considerably more but that includes a 12m warranty thereafter up to 100k miles/10 years of age. Not so appealing to the older car owners. Disappointed.

This is fine if you have a newer car and out of standard warranty but for those with cars aged 5 years plus who don't want a warranty it's so much more costly than the previous Essential Care servicing, and only goes up to 10 years/100k miles.

It's such a shame the Essential Care system/schedule has now ceased.

Just PMd you

Indeed, Illogan. Intrigued by your username. Are you from there?

Just wondered how many use this mode? I rarely have until now but have realised that when timed correctly I can reduce the amount of foot braking needed thus saving wear and tear on the discs and pads and still regenerating electricity too. My father was taught (in the 60s) to brake with the engine where possible (changing down in a manual to reduce speed without applying the brake pedal for long durations) so I guess this is the same principle albeit done differentially via the CVT gearbox instead. Is it though wise and/or detrimental to engine brake often in the CT?

That figure is still more expensive than the Essential Care scheme (that was) though?

If this is indeed a national policy/change it may be a game changer for me/others now. Part of the attraction for me was reduced servicing costs for my car which is now almost 7 years old. I can't justify, to myself, paying full price servicing so will have to take my custom elsewhere and pay for the annual hybrid health check only from now on. Or, even consider changing brands if this is the way forward (especially re the cat-theft concerns/risk and the consequential and significantly increased insurance premiums). This is unless, maybe, a negotiation in reduced servicing prices can be maintained or facilitated and considered as a goodwill or customer loyalty gesture. I've looked at servicing plans and the calculations don't add up as a financial benefit in my eyes. £1000 over 3 years is far more than I'd pay for the Essential Care servicing (2x minor services, 1x major service plus 3x MoTs = circa £750, as was). If I too hear anymore I will feedback.

Has anyone on here had an Essentials service within the last few weeks and if so, was it the same cost as normal/before? The website is still not showing a cost.

Seems there is a new servicing pricing structure to be announced soon.

Thank you. In the meantime I have emailed my local dealer to enquire.

Checking the UK website for Essential Care servicing costs and unable to see any prices for the minor and major services anymore?

It's a very sad reflection of society. And as it would be seen as non serious/petty and combined with a depleted police force, plus insurance companies using any excuse to hike premiums, nothing will be done until we all drive PEVs. And even then there will be a new target for something else of demand to steal and sell on. Sad world really.

Hearing of stories that Catlocks are now easy to remove too?

Surely though if you're able to apply for and buy the warranty and it's accepted, you're covered?

.. at Cheltenham (Listers) Lexus, as always. For my late 2014 CT Advance Sport: 1x new 12v battery plus 2x new Yokohama 17" tyres fitted, full wheel alignment, safety inspection, wash and vac, cup of coffee for £400.

Is it only the CT and SUVs that are affected? Anyone know if the IS is a popular target too?

Yeah, although their were flickering and when I tried the interior lights they were dim. Turning everything off and waiting 5 mins allowed it to go to Ready and it started OK. Done this twice this week when sat for 8 hours outside in near zero temperatures. I'll keep an eye on things. I see there are some YouTube clips to this effect too, again when the temperature is cold.

That's interesting. Thank you. Mine has been OK today. I shall ensure when it is cold to keep all peripherals off before hitting the start button. Being so cold I think I should have run the engine first, which is what I would have done in any type of car ordinarilly.

The overall reliability is indeed quite amazing.

Thanks everyone. Yeah. I'm pretty sure it's the battery too. I seem to recall reading somewhere that they aren't really fit for purpose for? I assume too that it won't be covered under the extended warranty?

For a couple of evenings recently my CTvhas not started in the cold in the evenings. Does anyone else have similar issues? It takes about 10 minutes of nothing happening when I press the start button, other than the dashboard lights coming on, but no Ready light.

Or none at all, obviously This is seriously concerning.

I'm somewhat disappointed that Toyota/Lexus haven't recalled their vehicles to have a Catlock fitted to all older hybrids. I know this ordinarily applies to safety related matters but it is now expected that each owner need to shell out approx £300 to have a lock fitted which may or may not work, judging by the stories I am reading of thieves still removing the cat with a lock in place. Where there's a will, there's a way. Hearing such stories of repeat thefts, hiked insurance (and some no longer being insurable) and therefore affected values (reduced demand) I'm seriously wondering about selling mine now. I know this whole issue isn't Toyota/Lexus's fault but some aid/empathy from the manufacturer would be appreciated. I park my car on my drive that has a slight incline towards my garage door. Would it a slight deterrant to park reversed in with the rear bumper up close to the garage door to prevent access from there, or do the thieves can access from the side? Thanks