Phooey

That is interesting. Thanks Thackeray. As you said, the car is a delight apart from those points.

I tend to keep it in ECO to be honest mate. 🙂

Ok, so I promised that I would give my feedback on what I thought of my new IS300h 2017 Executive It is fair to say that I am enjoying her immensely. First pull off from the dealer I forgot to release the brake! Never did that again! One embarrassed new Lexus owner - a bit of a clunk! It took a few miles to become accustomed to the automatic; I've not driven an automatic for many year but once I settled in I forgot all about the gears. She performed smoothly and quietly on the trip home of about 60 miles. I took it really steady and focused on becoming familiar with all the dials and controls. I have had her about 8 weeks now and covered about 1500 miles. She is beautifully smooth, quiet and comfortable. I find the steering very smooth and positive, no hint of under-steer or over-steer that I had in my Volvo S60. Point her to where you want to go and she goes there. Power is sufficient and in sport mode and foot planted it moves more than quick enough for me. If I wanted a '**** off of a shovel' car I'd have considered something else entirely. I read and saw many reviews saying the car is noisy when accelerated hard. I can't agree; or at least I've been lucky because I heard nothing more than an acceleration compatible with flooring any motor and it is about the only time I do hear the engine. She is definitely responsive and quick enough for me. The added button for simulated digital engine noise is switched off all the time. If I wanted to hear the engine I would not have chosen a Lexus. The rear camera is surprisingly useful despite many reviews I have heard to the contrary. It has helped in and out of one or two tight spaces already and although my driving experience would have still gotten me in and out safely, this addition assists and helps lower anxiety and fear of scratching my little baby. 🙂 Fuel economy is coming in at an average 55 mpg. Disappointing that I can't actually see this number in the info panel so I am having to 'guestimate' an average from the row of bars that I can see. I am still trying to become familiar with all the info available so it might be there somewhere. Generally I find the controls easy to operate and conveniently places once the initial space shuttle feeling wore off. Added extras like Lane assist might be useful on those long tiring journeys but the vibration through the steering wheel is so gentle I doubt it would alert anyone who is less than fully coherent. Adaptive cruise control is handy though. It responds very well to slower traffic ahead and even when the odd 2@ cuts in front. My only criticism with this system is that I think the acceleration phase once traffic has cleared could be a little gentler. It rather feels like I am flooring it and would not be doing that if I were in control of the accelerator. Road sign recognition system is a useful tool, although sometimes miss-reads ... it once told me that the speed limit was 120 mph. As far as I can tell though, it only reads speed limits! The radio, six speaker standard, is more than adequate for my needs. I tend to listen mostly to Radio 4 and music is supplied by CD's - Yes I am an old git still using CD's. I remember my Dad using 8-Track and cassettes so I have progressed a bit! DAB doesn't seem to want to tune though. It wouldn't at the dealers, he said there may be too much interference, and it won't outside my house either. Not a major problem but there you go. I've had a Ghost Immobiliser fitted since, for added piece of mind, and although nothing to do with Lexus, a quick getaway is not possible anymore. It takes between 20 - 30 seconds to start now as the code has to be entered quite slowly or it doesn't register. And, the fitter strongly recommended that I did not change the code he set! Almost insisted! Of course, 5 seconds after he left it was changed and I've made it as complicated as possible - which probably causes the inability to make a quick getaway! lol - I wonder why he didn't want me to change the code? All in all a magnificent car. If you want a lovely smooth, comfortable ride with some class, it's the car to get. If you want a bit more poke, power and sporty drive, maybe the IS Sport? Or maybe Porsche or similar! (Insert your own alternative here - other manufacturers available ... lol)

To be honest, I didn't expect a discount Colin but surprised about not required to inform them. I declared car with no additions or mods. I am sure if I had a prang the additional immobiliser would be of interest to them then!

No system is infallible, John. I would rather make the effort or we may as well just leave the door open for them!

Just rang them and was told I need not inform them! A bloody mind field with what different companies require.

Just had the little baby fitted. That should aid security along with the Faraday box I bought for the keys. God, do I sound paranoid? So, the Ghost is TASSA approved, should I be contacting my insurance company?

I was just going to say that it is almost identical to Swindon!

Thanks for the confirmation Herbie. This is the pic out of the manual but I couldn't find the meaning in the User Guide. 🙂

If it's definitely phone battery, I'm not worried. Cheers.

Sorry guys another query. That battery symbol in the top right corner of the screen, what battery does this refer to? Mine looks like its virtually empty. Is this going to be a problem soon? Thanks

Wow, that looks like an excellent piece of kit. My job for this weekend is to find someone local who can do this. Thanks for link. EDIT: Apparantly the latest model is also TASSA approved. Extra £50 though. Still, £445 isn't so bad if it does what it says on the tin.

Box ordered. Looking at the Ghost II now. £400 is cheap money if it works that well. Thanks for the info.

I thought all businesses that traded and gained financially did. So Dr reception may not have to but insurance would. Especially since insurance advice is also legally standing. Of course, I could be talking out of my arse! lol

I believe they have to be kept for 5 years isn't it? Or am I totally wrong? Because they are dealing with financial trading I thought it was a minimum of 5 years!

If only it worked that way Colin. A few years ago I did IAM advanced driving course and then followed it up with RoSPA and managed a Gold pass. I told my insurance company and my premiums increased slightly. The reason they told me was that I was more likely to be out driving now so I was a higher risk! They are a law unto themselves.

I live in a quiet Cul-de-Sac but no garage or carport I'm afraid! lol

So I got my little baby home and unless I choose to take her out somewhere I would prefer her to stay home. Having never used trackers before I know nothing about the types or options. Your thoughts and ideas? Are they worth the cost? Steering lock I am going to buy! … Sorted, but anything to avoid?. I assume it already has some sort of Lexus immobiliser fitted from factory so is there anything I can fit to enhance or improve security? After I've enjoyed her for a few miles I'll put on a review of my findings, thoughts.

Thanks. I have time and date so if they deny saying it they have the recording to deliver what was actually said. As for not having the authority, I believe that the law is on my side here since I made every effort to clarify the situation and her response was clear and unambiguous.

Thanks Roger. I got her name and I'll not forget the day or time. As they make a big deal about ALL of their calls being recorded for training purposes, they'll find it difficult to change their minds. If the call suddenly disappears they'll be in trouble. I once worked for a company who claimed all of their calls were recorded. They weren't and when someone asked for a copy of a particular call they found themselves in court.

OK, I just rang the company concerned and directly asked the question. After she stopped laughing, she gave a resounding NO! I have not been refused insurance and I do not have to declare such. They have just not been able to offer cover based on my circumstances. A huge relief. She said her little laugh was because I sounded so worried about nothing. It does show how confusing the entire field is though.

That is what I am going to do. I'd rather know for certain than risk having my insurance cancelled and not renewed which a definite refusal.

I thought if you opted for the course then you did not need to declare it because your license has not been endorsed! What I intend to do is call the company who 'refused' to ask if this is a refusal or just unable to quote.

They couldn't quote me due to the size of the payout from my motorcycle accident. So I am thinking, if that were the case you would have every serious accident victim essentially feeling criminalised by refusing to insure! I am going to call them in the morning just to clarify. Piece of mind and all that!

Thanks, Peter. I eventually managed to get hold of my ex-wife's brother who works for LV and has done for some 12 years. He says that I have not been refused insurance just that they have not been able to provide a quote which is not the same thing! Sounds like the same as you are saying! I hope! lol