LenT

All very valid questions, to which I would add: Do you keep switching off the engine and leaving the lights on? Is it even a Lexus? And possibly most intriguing of all: On what keyboard is the ‘h’ next to the ‘k’?

Well each to his own! It’s worth bearing in mind that auto bulbs are among the most widely counterfeited of all car parts. Personally I would be extremely dubious that a £10 Xenon HID off, say, eBay, is simply a cheaper version of a more expensive Philips or Osram equivalent - especially if it even comes packaged with the same brand name! If Philips and Osram could profitably market their bulbs at £10 each, I suspect they might well do so. They don’t because the development costs, the materials they use and the manufacturing technology demanded by the precision assembly of the finished item, puts it into a different price category. The counterfeiters are not troubled by such considerations. It is not difficult to assemble a bulb that appears to produce the same level of ‘brightness’, but that’s not the major factor. There’s also the precision control of the light output, and the quality of assembly and materials that will ensure the bulb doesn’t dangerously overheat, with extremely damaging results. Personally, auto bulbs - as with brake pads, which also attract counterfeiters - are not components on which I would seek to make savings. I got my Osram D4S bulbs from autobulbsdirect because they are one of Osram’s authorised dealers and the bulbs come in certified packs. I believe Philips operate a similar system. I suggest that a few moments spent researching the subject of counterfeit auto bulbs might well prove…illuminating.

One of the best cars I ever owned. I had the earlier version in red, with the one piece sunroof. It was my company car at the time and it did 90k miles in three years with nothing more than regular servicing. And a couple of sets of new Michelins. A total pleasure to own and drive, leaving it behind was the one thing I regretted about leaving that Company! Funnily enough, my then neighbour - and still a friend - was so taken with it that shortly after I got mine, he got one too!

Brakes most likely candidate. But I’d also check n/s/f wheel for tracking problem. Look for uneven wear on tyre tread as a possible indication.

From my, admittedly limited, experience of automotive voice command systems, I suggest you consider the possibility that it doesn’t work! 🙂 When I paired my phone up to my new Honda Accord, I thought that, like ET, I’d ask it to Phone Home. The resulting conversation between Man and Machine was like a Monty Python sketch. I didn’t bother again.

This is quite a complex legal issue. The law covering the operation of cameras to collect images (ie data) of people without their knowledge or consent comes within the Data Protection Act. It could be that advisory notices might have to be prominently displayed in the vehicle - as is the case with a taxi. The system for collecting and storing such images may.be controlled and the responsibility of authorised individuals. However, a mechanic recorded damaging a customer’s car or driving it recklessly is unlikely to find the DPA an effective defence - as numerous examples on the internet will testify. Of course, some Service operations actually have viewing areas so that customers can watch their car being worked on. So if a garage objects, you could ask what they want to hide - and take your business elsewhere. I used to silence the camera in the early days in other cars. But now I leave it to announce its operation and so far my Lexus dealer hasn’t even remarked on it. You could argue, perhaps, that this is actually giving the kind of warning announcement that might be covered by the DPA. In any case, it then puts the onus on the dealer to explain why they don’t want you to record what’s going on!

I looked at the GHOST immobiliser and anti-hijack system and was very impressed with it. The ability to program a code based on buttons and pedals, and to change it at will, seemed to me to be a brilliant and highly secure system. A professional thief would possibly recognise it the first time the engine died on them. The opportunist amateur might well keep trying to crank it over and thus increase their chances of being caught. So why didn’t I get one installed? Well, on balance I didn’t think there was much demand for stolen 2015 IS250s. But if I was buying new, then I would go for it. Of course, some folk will say that a visible deterrent, such as a big steering wheel lock, will discourage a break in in the first place - and be much cheaper. I suppose you could have both!

No, it’s probably the car! If it’s like mine, then if you touch the sensor spot on the handle about two or three seconds after the first touch, then you activate the deadlocks - which is the second sound you hear. This ensures that if someone smashes a window to gain entry to the car, the door locks still cannot be operated from inside the vehicle. Having said that, I haven’t actually tested it myself! So this is simply something I have read and it may not apply to all models.

I suspect that issues - if any - are likely to appear in extreme and emergency situations when performance differences are likely to be magnified. At which point the discovery may be academic. It’s probably an age thing. I think of my driving style as ‘brisk’. However I chose an automatic Lexus for a relaxed driving environment and not to explore the limits of understeer/oversteer on public roads. I live in a rural environment and such behaviour can prove rather terminal if you encounter a six tonne John Deere coming the other way. Other than for track use, I wonder in what way the OEM pads are considered inadequate for regular use on public roads? Just asking….

I would have thought, as a general principle, that it is unwise to mix different brake materials on different wheels. You would be setting up different performance characteristics on the front and rear axles and that surely may lead to different reactions under braking. I would have thought that the brake pads should behave in an identical and predictable way on all the wheels, I would - and indeed do - apply the same reasoning to tyres. If you’re convinced you need a non-standard brake material, then surely it’s best to fit the same all round.

Thanks for this Philip but as I made clear, I’m not a statistician. I therefore employ ‘exponentially’ in the more common usage of ‘something growing at a rapid rate’. This is something we were all made aware of with the introduction of the R Rate. As it happens I didn’t introduce either 0.4% or 5% into this debate, so I can’t say either excites me. But your point about ‘contrasting attitudes to risk’ is an interesting one. I can understand your irritation over the differing reactions, but I suggest this has to do with familiarity. As drivers we accept a level of risk, perhaps because we feel we also have a level of control. But a pandemic was a totally new experience. No doubt some people were ‘scared witless’ but for the majority it all served to focus the mind. And finally, another correction! For ‘minutes’ read ‘miles’! 😟 Probably time for a nap….

I’m no statistician, as many can attest, but what I queried was the validity of trying to compare a road accident with a viral infection. As I understand it, you were relating your 5% figure to Malcolm’s 0.4% figure and suggesting that therefore the former posed the greater risk, statistically. My apologies if I’ve got that wrong! My point was that while statistically small, 0.4% of asymptomatic Covid carriers would be large in numbers - with each individual having the ability to spread the infection exponentially. This is not a characteristic of a road accident. It is I who should have been more specific! ‘Within 15 minutes of home’ was the information I was trying to convey! But I see it could be read as ‘more than 15 miles from home’. Oh the shame! 😦

I think a possible flaw in this analogy is that road accidents are not contagious. A fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individual is still capable of spreading this virus. Incidentally, RoSPA claims that annually around 6K people have fatal accidents in their own homes and a further 2.7 million have to attend A&E departments. So once you’ve driven further than 15 miles from your home - where the majority of driving accidents happen - you may well be safer than staying at home!

Sounds like a win/win situation! A ‘no charge’ installation of a system you’re familiar with - and you can easily upgrade later if you feel the need. And you can look forward to picking it up with all the benefits of a dashcam and just concentrate on enjoying the new car experience. What’s not to like?!

Possibly my fault Sam if I didn't make myself clear. My statement that : An added attraction of the Lexus option is that any future problem with the system becomes entirely the dealer’s. ", was meant to refer to the purchase and installation of the complete system from the dealer. Your point about the immediate availability of an auto electrician at the dealership - or even a replacement camera - is very valid. So now the question gets to be: Would I let a lad at Halfords loose on my brand new Lexus to install two cameras, wiring and a switched power supply. Personally, I would be inclined to say NO! In which case would your advice be to Eddie to buy a better camera from Halfords and have it installed by Lexus, especially as they currently have it in for prepping for sale? Of course this wasn't the question he actually asked. But it might be the best of both options!

I have no disagreement with anything you say, Herbs. And I think it's the thinking I might apply to myself in the same situation. But I know nothing about Eddie. He may not even own a multimeter or have the inclination to sort out any problems that arise himself. Perhaps he will return to enlighten us! 🙂 But the impression I got from his OP - possibly in error - was that he was looking for the simplest way to get a dashcam installed and wondered if the latest Lexus supplied version was worth having. On the basis that it's a perfectly satisfactory front/rear camera setup that someone else will install and be responsible for, I would suggest it's a yes. The only regret he could possibly have is finding himself in a situation when he rues the day he didn't get one! But here's another thought - as it's a new vehicle. If he has the cash to spare, I would be inclined to take it to a good local Detailer and have it ceramic coated and possibly even 'wrapped' at the front. That could prove to be another worthwhile investment...just a thought!

I can’t imagine that installing a self-supplied camera would be a problem and, as you say, it provides the opportunity to choose a superior product. As I understand it, the 512GW is a few years old now and the 622GW is a significant upgrade. And as I suggested - and not knowing Eddie’s personal situation - I see no point in trying to economise on the cost of the camera considering the purchase cost of the car. However, there might be one aspect to take into consideration. If Eddie supplies the camera and the dealer fits it, there is one possible area of conflict. If the system develops a fault, the dealer may say it’s down to Eddie to go back to whoever supplied it. The retailer may say it’s a fault introduced by the installer. And of course this situation can apply in any case in which the car owner supplies the item to be fitted. Modern cameras from reputable makers are very reliable, and provided they’re matched to a properly sourced SD Card - ideally the largest capacity it will take - and regularly reformatted, this need not be a concern. But another factor is that maybe Eddie just wants to take the simplest possible route to dashcam heaven ie the Lexus option. I expect you’re right in suggesting that he might not get the best deal now as opposed to specifying it with the new car, but again I can’t see the cost difference being significant. So again I would suggest that he goes to the Nextbase website and compares the specs, of the newer camera. An added attraction of the Lexus option is that any future problem with the system becomes entirely the dealer’s.

Normally I would agree that these are both excellent points. Across different cars I’ve purchased three cameras, two hands-free systems and two sets of parking sensors and had them fitted by the same local auto electrician, with excellent results. And he has the great advantage that he conveniently comes to me, so not having a big workshop to maintain is one reason why he can offer a better price. However…in Eddie’s case I can see a benefit in getting the dealer to do the install. It’s a new car he’s buying off them, so it’s already sitting in the workshop. The dealer now becomes responsible for its efficient operation, as with every other part of the car. As for cost, he’s in a good position to negotiate an improvement on the list price and lose it in the overall purchase price. In terms of camera performance I would suggest going to the Nextbase website which might help identify performance differences. One essential feature is the quality of its ‘Parked’ performance with the ignition off - as you, Eddie, with your experience of a Nextbase camera will be well aware.

I'm somewhat puzzled by this problem involving excess fuel in a tank. Unless I am much mistaken, it's a problem that can be resolved with the aid of a length of rubber tubing and a fuel can - or two. Or am I missing something obvious?

You are right to be cautious Chris. I had the same dilemma with my IS250 Premier and bought two bulbs for each side - main and dip - for fitting by the dealer. In fact not only was the Manual ambiguous about the number of bulbs, it said nothing about fitting other than referring back to the dealer. It turns out that only one bulb per side was required. Apparently a mechanical switching system utilised the one bulb for both main and dip. So I can only suggest a call to the Service Manager of your local Lexus dealer. Fortunately, I got my Osram xenons from autobulbs direct and had no problem getting a refund on the unused double pack.

Ian, if you go to Lexus.co.uk and ‘My Lexus’ then, when registered, you should be able to see the Service History of the car if it’s been done by Lexus. I would expect a replacement screen to be listed, unless it bypassed a dealer completely.

I say....steady on! What 's going to happen to some of us posters if Owners' start referring to the car's manuals for an answer? It doesn't bear thinking about! 😟

What a good idea! Now why have I never thought of that? Having said that, it was the excellent Lexus dealer in Milton Keynes (!) who sent me a video tour of the car before I bought it. At least that might provide a record of the more obvious faults, if not rather more subtle paint defects.

You're right of course. And that was the rational for my camera client not printing a dozen different language manuals. Yes, that can work. Years ago a married couple of friends went touring in Europe in their elderly Mini. They were both automotively totally illiterate. To augment the tyre changing tools, they included a hammer and a large screwdriver. They reasoned, if anything stopped working, that if it couldn't be fixed by hitting it or poking it, then it was irreparable! I actually bought a cheap Lenovo tablet for that very purpose. Loaded up the Manual and other useful aids (ie the AA app) and when I actually went to use it, the cold of the 'glove box' caused the screen to distort! Of course someone will now suggest I should have it all on my Smart Phone. But sadly that's one technological leap too far for me.

How likely is it, Steve, that it's a bird lime stain? Is it a problem that you have anyway where you park it? Has it expanded since you first noticed it? Because that isn't going to happen with bird lime. It's as likely to be a problem with the clear top coat and as that is a warranty matter I'd be inclined to take action against the Dealer. For example, send a Registered letter to the CEO/ Owner of the dealership with your photos, challenging their decision and diagnosis. Suggest that this was actually an inherent fault when they sold the car. You could suggest that you will take it to an independent car paint specialist - or any motoring organisation of which you are a member - for examination. Or rectification. And you will expect them to cover any additional costs if it proves to be warrantable claim.