Barry14UK

If you are looking for genuine Lexus Cross Bars, you could ask a Lexus Dealer about compatibility but I suspect there is a difference between the earlier cars and the cars from 2009 onwards. I bought these for my 2015 RX450h and the fitting instructions manual shows 2009 Part number PZ403-K0622-00. Manual reference AIM 001 259-1 also includes the RX350 but no mention of RX400. However, if you are happy with aftermarket ones, you could check with Thule who seem to be the most widely used make as example Richard showed.

Mercedes were an exception if you go back a long way with countless taxis doing mega miles and a reputation for standing up to punishing roads, (if you could call them that) in West Africa better than anything else as I remember from experience. However, the cars were very expensive and they went downhill when they cut costs to compete with other makes and the challenge from Japan. One aspect of this was that some parts were being bought in from other countries. The only problem on my tank-like W124 320 Coupe was the failed under bonnet wiring loom which I was told came from a former eastern block country. After that model the quality dipped. and Mercedes had more problems. Mercedes have never since re-established that former superiority, competing more with BMW, Porsche, and Audi and in some areas some VW's nowadays. Good reputation is one reason why I moved on to Lexus.

Agree. You can't have heavy acceleration without the engine kicking in. When on electric power only at relatively low speed and with light acceleration it's very quiet. So it really comes down to the CVT gearbox that gives an impression of over revving due to clutch slip. I tolerate it but prefer a normal auto box which has been improved to provide pretty seamless changes even with more change points nowadays.

Quality and looks in very nice condition. I love the interior, class that's often lacking some more recent cars.

Sorry Herbs, but it seems unlikely that you know the reason why the annual and total mileage was so low. I can think of a number of reasons why this might apply and believe it unreasonable to expect an owner to drive a certain number of miles, (how many miles?) to justify ownership. I don't think there is anything unique about this model and anybody who really wanted one could have bought one new or used. The owner paid for it and should not be criticized for the way s/he used it, even if just to polish it or keep it as part of a collection or whatever. My father only did about 400 miles a year for the last few years of his driving period, using his BMW for a weekly visit to get groceries, getting to his local Golf course collecting his partner on the way, and to visit my sister who was not far away. It would undoubtedly have been less expensive to have got a cab. But he enjoyed his car, so good for him. My mileage has greatly reduced nowadays, quite apart from Covid restrictions, but I would not take kindly to anybody suggesting how I spent my money on whatever vehicle I chose or the way I use it!

Apparently the little rubber seals can perish over time but I would think judicious placement of some good silicone might serve the purpose. Good luck with your tailgate problem Steve. I understand how frustrating it can be getting to the cause of electrical malfunctions.

I tried Lexus Birmingham and as I reported on another thread on this subject, the special offer they were doing on the supply of new rails was ended so no joy there. Incidentally, I had to ask Birmingham 3 times before I got a reply. Eventually, I bought my long rails and the cross bars from Lexus Spares Direct ie, Lexus Swindon. They too have now advised some members, including me, that they have now reduced discount they are giving for non trade. The ref given on invoice was L08301-48800 for the long rails. The long rails supplied came with the longer bolts needed along with other trim parts and new gaskets. This is a known source of leaks into the cabin so retrofitting should be done with care. Fitting instructions were in diagrammatic form. Unfortunately, I can't find my instructions but I recall they were for post 2008. The cross bars were for model year 2009 RX450h and RX350 and the reference given LPZ403-K0622-00 which also appears on the diagrammatic instruction manual ref number AIM 001 259-1 The safety note with the cross bars states that the maximum rack load is 80KG/176 lbs, dead weight of the roof rack, approx 5KG. The maximum rack load is made up of the dead weight of the roof rack, the accessories and the load. There is also a warning about retightening bolts and straps at regular intervals.

As my dear Mum and her Mum used to say. "I am as old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth".

I think some models/marques are definitely better with air suspension. This would include comparable models from Mercedes Benz I have tried/owned. Some journalists have also said it gives a much more comfortable ride in the Audi 5 suv as another example. However, from various reports on the RX450h at least and possibly other Lexus models, there seems to be little difference with it or with springs/shocks. One has to wonder why air suspension was not offered on the 4th Generation if it would have made significant difference.

There is a lot of technology in the EQA, fine if all works well for the long term. https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/passengercars/mercedes-benz-cars/models/eqa/explore/design.module.html?csref=mc_sem_cn-GBR_RG_MBC_Product_EQC_Exact_ci-Google_si-g_pi-kwd-545667128293_cri-496363224233_ai-ppc1907080136&kpid=go_cmp-11912134474_adg-119250222607_ad-496363224233_kwd-545667128293_dev-c_ext-# A big determining factor in considering an electric vehicle is the type of journeys you make and at what speed. On genuine road tests have invariably shown that electric cars fall short of the distance advertised by manufacturers which is made worse if the car is used for long distances at 70mph. Also with the passing of time the traction battery decreases its ability to provide propulsion for as long a distance. https://arstechnica.com/cars/2020/08/teslas-model-3-beats-competitors-in-70mph-range-test/ . Advances with battery technology providing greater distances on a charge and faster chargers will clearly make BEV more attractive to drivers but is it a good time to buy yet? Maybe worth staying with Lexus Hybrid for awhile.

Hi Kay, I assume you mean 235/55/19 Tyres and genuine Lexus rims so it could depend on which rims you have in mind. A Lexus dealership should be able to advise on the suitability of the bolt pattern and wheel offset on the particular Lexus rims you have in mind, enabling you to do this appropriately or not. I am intrigued why you wish to fit lower profile tyres. These might look a little more appealing and provide slightly sharper steering but come with a less comfortable ride and most probably at greater expense. Lower profile tyres also increase the likely damage of kerb rash.

As regards car tyres, although the Dunlops that were on my car as purchased still had a lot of tread, this was stepped on the rears. It gave a wine and slight resonance like a worn bearing but not what I would say amounted to vibration, although this can be subjective and may have got worse with more wear. I can truly say that the Cross Climates stopped this completely among other benefits. However, I don't think the Lexus V6 engine is as smooth as my BMW straight 6, especially at low revs. Maybe this of this at least is due to working with the pretty unique type of transmission. My old 2.5 Camry V6 with more conventional autobox was very smooth.

Now seen your post Colin so will note it and check it out. Thank you.

I would be interested in learning the answer to this as well like for my BMW where you can look up parts and approximate prices. These are numbered and narrated on group diagrams and you can even put in the vin number of your particular car. This is on RealOEM.com and is very useful.

Banged a backplate in process?

But that is a 4th Gen car which is slightly more economical but OP is looking for an earlier Gen. My 3rd Gen returns similar figures to those Radu posted. The RX450h is more refined in some areas than the RX400. Worth trying several models if possible. Some find the sports rather to stiffly sprung whereas some prefer it. Premier versions have air suspensions which can become expensive to repair/replace in time. Some models come with a Pan roof instead of the smaller moon roof.

Being old fashioned, I love the wood trim which you don't see so much of these days.

What a great result! Certainly a supplier to note in your 'Go to book'.

Not easy to find using search facility but I think you will find this thread with replies interesting and leave you to decide, but I found the original ones by Denso work very well but retrospectively might have done better buying them from Lexus Parts Direct, although they are now reducing the amount of their discount to non trade. The Denso ref on the boxes for the wipers I fitted on my 2015 RX450h were DUR-055R 22" for the short one and DUR-065R for the 26" long one. However, the listing on the boxes shows RX (06-09) on both boxes so I assume Lexus just carried on using these wipers up to 3rd Generation cars.

I think it is because it's thought the RX is not the sort of car that people will drive like a sports car and is about the minimum they could fit thereby reducing cost and weight. Seems to me to work quite well! Very marginal but wider wheel'tyre set up adversely affects aerodynamics slightly, so would make a miniscule difference to fuel consumption. Also, larger width tyres will create greater rolling resistance. Would you wish to fit unnecessarily larger width tyres at even greater cost?

That is a good tip for removing small stones and the like which I have used on my BMW where the back plate design leads to stones lodging. Another way to do this is a blast of compressed air which I have also used. If this does not work and you neither have the time nor inclination to take the wheel off and investigate further, I suggest you get a reputable garage to do this, and report their findings. If called for, you could get them to do the job. If a disc is damaged as well as pads worn, I would get a complete set for both front brakes from Lexus direct. (Having tried various aftermarket disc/pad combinations, I have found OE most likely to be satisfactory.) Sometimes you can get an alternative wheel bearing but when needed replacement on my Camry I bought one from Toyota and pressed it in myself but again if needed perhaps something you would want a garage to do for you.

I think in some respects electrical appliances can be like cars, you can be unlucky and just get the occasional very poor one or the particular model of a range that is known to be less reliable. Our first gas boiler, a Vokera, needed replacement quite soon after purchase and the Ideal needed some replacement parts and quite a bit of servicing too. When we moved to Devon I did quite a bit of research before deciding on a new heating system and got the boiler selection down to two viz Worcester and Viessman. The 100 model Viessman at the time had been known to have had problems but the 200 model was highly rated an recommended in the 'Which' tests. Unlike the Worcester, it had a stainless steel heat exchanger with a 10 year warranty. I opted for the 200 along with a Viessman high pressure water cylinder. There were only two listed installers listed in North Devon at the time who had done the Viessman training course and I used one of these but I suppose most boiler installers could do an install. I am very happy with my choice. The boiler has been serviced once in the 9 or so years since it was installed and has just been left to do it's thing. A device is incorporated that senses external temperature changes and adjusts the boiler appropriately in preparation. Viessman boilers for the UK are made in Germany where they have won a number of awards. This illustrates my point about considering not just a make but a specific model that might suit your needs. Of course models have subsequently been upgraded and you can now control boiler remotely with your phone etc. I didn't use these people to install but they give a useful brief run down for anybody that may be interested. https://heatingforce.co.uk/blog/where-viessmann-boilers-made/ Also some interesting information here https://www.boilerguide.co.uk/articles/worst-boilers-reviews-prices-warranty Again, as with cars some boiler manufacturers make changes that do not work out well in practice. My daughter had a boiler with a model that 'Which?' made a best buy quite some years back and it served her well. However, plastic was substituted for metal components in later versions causing leaks and failure giving it a bad name. I don't see the make now, although it may have been taken over by another company. So past experience is not always something you can set store by. Attempts to cut costs don't always benefit the consumer - just look at the enviable regard Mercedes Benz once enjoyed and it's reliability standing nowadays.

Assume you have asked this of a main dealer? I wouldn't recommend Halfords even if they had it which I doubt they do bearing in mind two previous mismatches. There is also the problem that the original colour may have faded so a new can of paint of the correct colour may not now be a good match. Your best bet may be to go to a paint shop if matching is important to you. I don't know if 'Chips Away' or similar outfits are good as matching paint when doing small jobs but maybe worth investigating in need. It seems several places do it in the States but not so much here. There are places in the UK that advertise custom making and forwarding in spray can but a bit pot luck, so no recommendation but link for investigation. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153199463527?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=153199463527&targetid=1139674280547&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1007170&poi=&campaignid=12125451035&mkgroupid=118098821498&rlsatarget=pla-1139674280547&abcId=9300480&merchantid=101726761&gclid=CjwKCAjwr_uCBhAFEiwAX8YJgfDAF2ZJpCl-_9R5pjfyN1uc9MbnAmF2QGeYVgR6-CzwHKBfRo99qBoCvv0QAvD_BwE

We originally bought a Hoover Junior which only needed replacement rubber bands that turned the brush and a new brush. I remember being told by somebody in the business to hang onto this solid little machine. However, we were seduced by the increasingly popular and 'must have' Dyson which did have more suction power and and better contained dust container. That lasted a few years before breaking and we bought our German made SEBO about 12 years ago and it is still going strong. It was a recommended model by 'Which' at the time and was also recommended by a neighbour. The only drawback it that is as an upright model the suction hose for attachments is near the top of the machine. Care needs to be exercised not to pull it over when using the extended hose. When using just as an upright this situation does not apply of course. My experience is that electrical appliances have more clever functions nowadays (many of which you never use) but lack the reliability of those of years ago. I discussed this with a neighbour about 13 years ago as he was an area manager for an electrical appliance company and he agreed saying 7 years life was about average at the time. Our first washing machine was a cheap Indesit front loader. From memory, the only control was for half load, the capacity was quite small and the single speed spin very low by present standards. However, that machine lasted 17 years serving my wife and me and our two children well with the only cost being 2 replacement rubber gaskets that seal the outer drum to the body. I replaced these gaskets myself so no other cost involved. Well if you think that was good, our second one a Zanussi lasted 21 years and on the original outer drum to body seal too! After about 18 months the bracket holding the motor broke. This was before I had welding gear so I fashioned a part bracket and secured with three high tensile nuts and bolts. Other than that, I replaced the on/off switch once and another control twice where the plastic grips had become brittle and sheared and also a worn drive belt). Eventually, a small hole developed in the outer drum causing water to short out the very good AEG motor. My daughter had a later model Zanussi (I think it was called 'Jet Stream') and this lasted for an even more amazing 23 years by which time the central bearing was on it's way out. Since then her replacement machines have only lasted a much shorter time as others have experienced. I doubt my more recently purchased AEG and Siemens appliances will do as well. Incidentally, I did look at the Neff cooker with the neat inward folding door but read some people were having problems with that model so avoided it. So there you are, more sophistication at a comparatively reasonable price compared to electrical white appliances of years ago but lacking durability. Not quite white appliances but TV's seem to be a bit of an exception, needing less repair or perhaps I have just been lucky mainly with Panasonic (say I with fingers crossed and tempting providence). .

I suppose like so much else in the life people find some certain things work better for them than others but it makes sense to look at options. I will look into the suggestions made. I find there is a fairly short period around twilight when conventional sun glasses are not suitable. I bought some very pale yellow glasses at a trucker's service station in the USA many years ago and these help until it becomes too dark. I don't use any tinted glasses after that and if an approaching vehicle has a beam likely to temporarily blind you, do what we were told to do in the Army, ie, close one eye until all is dark again so you have immediate focus when you open your closed eye. Sorry Herbie, digressed on a detail that was raised. Enjoy your lovely car.