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Just adding my experience- I just ordered a model 3. I love Lexus but my current car is getting too old and I don’t like the whole SUV-heavy lineup Lexus is pushing. I would buy another IS, especially if it were electric or at least plug in. Closest I could find to it with proper range was the model 3. And I actually found that to have less wind noise than my 2013 is300h.

I have Thule roof bars with two Thule bike carriers. Works well but is a pain to install, unless you plan on leaving the racks on for an extended period of time (the bike carriers slide in/out of the grooves in the roof bars). There is a weight limit so not usable for e-bikes, but has worked well for my Mountainbike and road bike. Be extremely careful mounting the roof bars. It’s very easy to scratch/dent the roof of you drop them. I always make it a two-person job.

Yes see my post

Out of interest why did you solder audio ground cables? For me it was all plug and play. And what car (year, model, type of controller (joystick, rotary dial)? And yes the radio does need to go through a boot sequence (the beat sonic YT video mentions it too). I never listened to radio much so I don’t know whether it erased any stations. Could well be as it was unplugged like you said.

It’s true. I was also afraid of this at first. Having done it though, it wasn’t all that scary. It was actually a good opportunity to clean below the center console. I also didn’t disconnect the battery. Anyway, to each their own, just wanted to report back on this option to upgrade. I am really pleased with it and would do it again if I ever get another Lexus without CarPlay.

Wow 230K miles. Makes my 175k km(roughly 108 k mi) seem like nothing. If you know, I would be interested to hear when rotors/pads were done and whether you are still on the original shock absorbers. Also, your story sounds like another data point for the bonnet latch. For reference the part number for the latch is: For RHD cars: 53510-53090 For LHD cars: 53510-53100 Megazip.net is a good source. Replacement is pretty straightforward once you look under the bonnet. Remove plastic clips, undo sensor wiring (plug with clip), remove bonnet latch bolts. I can’t find the wiper relay part number unfortunately.

Can you note the part number for LHD/RHD vehicles here, if you have it?

Update on this: still going strong. There is a slight echo during phone calls that I need to fix. It is definitely a settings issue. Also the joystick controller is not optimal but definitely ok, I got used to it. For the rest, no issues.

I can add a further data point - my is300h is a little older than yours I think (first registered dec 2013). I bought it at 117k km in 2019, now at 175k km. I use it mostly privately but for some business trips too. All annual servicing has been done by Lexus themselves so I have full history. I am based in Switzerland and the car has been to various places in Europe incl Netherlands, Northern Poland, Sweden (up to Stockholm), Italy (down to apuglia and even Sicily) and France (incl Corsica). Also plenty of times to Germany and Austria. The failures known to me in these (almost) 9 years: - 12 v battery in march 2019. Likely died due to heat. I bought the car in southern Switzerland. I run it north of the alps now, where it is a bit cooler. I might change it in 2024 for peace of mind. - Wiper relay in summer 2020. Cheap part, changed it myself. - Bonnet latch. This is an annoying one. I got plenty of warnings where the bonnet would open on the motorway, esp during windy weather (of course there is a safety stop so it doesn’t open all the way). It’s especially likely to happen on the German autobahn at higher speeds. A new latch is about 60 USD on megazip. Easy fix, but my advice is to do it as soon as you start getting warnings. It only gets worse. First warning happened in 2019, I ended up changing the latch in 2021 only. Should have done it earlier for peace of mind. - AC refill in 2021. Was still working but after the recharge the effect was noticeable. I also need to get the system cleaned every year as it gets smelly otherwise. Not a big deal and very cheap to do. As far as I know I am still on original pads and rotors front and back. I am definitely on the originals shocks and I just had them checked out recently - no issues. Like you I just bring it in for maintenance at Lexus once a year. Fantastic car. The infotainment system got a bit old fashioned so I installed Chinese CarPlay (see my other thread) and now it’s up to date again. Have played with the thought of getting a model 3 or Volvo plug in hybrid, but this Lexus is just so cheap to run, I’d rather spend the money on other things 😄

Hi all, I am wondering if anyone happens to know whether it is possible to remove the built in satnav system as well as the “remote touch” joystick controller, and replace it with a non-nav system and knob controller. alternatively - would the knob controller work on the system with nav? It’s a 2013 is300h Reason I am considering this is because I installed a Chinese apple CarPlay system which works fantastically and made the car modern again- the only issue is the joystick controller. It is a bit of a pain to use. The knob controller would work way better with the CarPlay system.

This may have been just me - but when I did this in my old Honda I accidentally put the bulbs upside down which changed the light image on the road. So, that is a lesson learned from my side 😅. Had to take it apart once more to fix and then it was fine.

Yup and I’m past the mileage limit anyways at 170 k KM

I think it might be the same box, just need to connect/configure cables differently. Have a read through the US threads i sent. Lots of info on there…

You’re welcome! You might try Amazon or just write the seller directly, maybe they will have a solution. What car do you have? 2013 as well?

The instructions are in a Chinese form of English and it takes a bit of time to interpret them correctly; however not much can go wrong as the connectors only fit one particular slot on the back of the radio. If anyone has the exact same car as I do (2013 is300h w/ nav & joystick w/o mark levinson) I can provide detailed instructions. The difference with the knob controller (non nav) is that you need to install an extra cable (included in kit) Other screen sizes from later model years also require extra cables that are included in the kit and / or some adjustment to settings. From what I can find on the US forums a lot of people got it to work well though (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-3rd-gen-2014-present/946189-new-wireless-carplay-androidauto-for-oem-10-25-screen-14.html) Yes you do need to take apart center console and remove glove box to access everything. This takes about 30 min and the video to do it is here. It’s only a couple of screws and with the right precautions (panel removal kit + blankets against scratches) you will be fine. The roadtop kit comes with one box (not two like beat sonic) so the install is actually easier. This is good because the space behind the glove box is a little more cramped with our hybrids (there is some brake modulator there) Link to the roadtop kit: US $288.60 22％ Off | Wireless CarPlay for Lexus IS 2014-2019, with Android Auto Mirror Link AirPlay Car Play Functions https://a.aliexpress.com/_mt8igNM get this while you’re at it: US $2.24 40％ Off | Car Audio Disassembly Tools Door Clip Panel Trim Removal Tools Kits Car Interior Plastic Disassembly Seesaw Conversion Tool https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNis5MQ The responsiveness of the unit may depend a bit on your phone, I have the 13 pro and CarPlay is high res, smooth and fast like you would expect it to be. The only gripe is the joystick operation, but that too gets better after getting used to it. Also, that’s more of a Lexus problem rather than a roadtop problem. That joystick is the only thing I don’t like about this car. After starting the car the unit will boot automatically within 30 sec and show the CarPlay screen. You can also force start it by long pressing the menu or home button, then it takes like 5-10 sec. There is wireless and wired CarPlay though I prefer the latter as it charges my phone. Lastly I haven’t had the chance to test calling with CarPlay yet. There might be some issues with that and I will report back in a while once I have tested. What I did do was an 8-hour road-trip using Waze and Spotify, which worked flawlessly. Such an improvement, it really changes the whole car feel.