Sundance

The word best describes the noise. It's not the actual wiper arm or the rubber blade as it's coming from the spindle that holds the wiper arm base to the rear screen. Never heard anything like it before. It's recently started, very occasionally desists, and 'screeches' in both directions. I've not yet removed the nut that secures the arm having only applied WD40 externally (which has made no difference), so nut removal will be the next option. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced such a noise.

Hey Charlie, it absolutely could be (cheap) tyre noise combined with Andrew's suggestion. See if balancing makes any difference (should cure the vibration) then treat yourself to some decent tyres 😉.

Whatever turns you on Gray ... I'm told it takes all sorts 😉 .

Hi Charlie, I replaced my rad just a few weeks ago with a proper Lexus product having been advised by my mechanic that other 'less expensive' options (eg. starline, even nissens) may not be a proper fit & sometimes have to be adapted, however slightly. There's also the ongoing warranty issue. Don't forget that old saying "if you buy cheap you buy twice" so if your car's a 'keeper' and worth looking after then I suggest it's also worth the extra spend on a quality rad. Your choice. 😉

The Avon factory at Melksham has indeed closed and the brand, mainly & historically associated with motorsport, is apparently being renamed Nova (name reversal) under new management. This might align with the racing fraternity but there's no mention that I can find of the consequences of the closure on the public market. I run on Avon AS7s (R18s) and am extremely happy with them. It is rumoured that there should be sufficient stock levels for most normal road requirements throughout 2024 but no info about what happens thereafter.

I would suggest that it much depends upon what you're used to driving. In the current warm ('ish) climate the 3.3L V6 that purrs under the bonnet should give way to battery both on start up and careful driving with little or no noise. But if you drive it hard and want to get somewhere double quick then the V6 will do its job ... but at a cost. This is my first hybrid and I've learnt to change my driving style. The 400h CVT takes a while to get used to if you want to get the most out of the power ratios available without it costing you on mpg.

Hi Dom, a topical point from Andy as I've just had a new rad fitted (due to a crack). Agree with others re service history, especially belt & water pump (every 60k miles is recommended I believe). Apparently sun roof seals & drain holes are worth a look as they can be suspect re water ingress ... so I'm told ... as I don't have a sun roof on my SR. MPG tends to depend upon how & where you drive ... but as David suggests, certainly way better than 22!! Good Luck.

By 'eck Andy, if only I was a 20 year old Lexus owner!! 🤭 ... 🙃

That's the one Andy, same place, same crack, same result. Being sorted today.

That's very impressive Ray. My '07 Lexbus has 12 out of 15 green MoTs, orange advisories on 3 pre-2017, all tyre related. Bought it privately in Dec '22 and am very happy. Cambelt & water pump replaced at 66k, new 12v battery @ 71k, now just tipped 89k and I'm wondering about spark plug replacement ... any thoughts?

Same here Ray, appreciate your post, making me feel much better about agreeing to a proper Lexus rad as opposed to EuroCar Parts cheaper lookalikes. I'd like this car to last, it gives such a great ride, quiet, roomy & economical so I too am opting not to cut corners on parts.

Thanks Andy, but upon more detailed inspection the crack in the rad is clearly visible ... sadly!

Update FYI. Further investigation finds exactly what Lloyd confirmed last October. The pipe that both Charlie & I highlighted fronts the a/c condenser and doesn't carry coolant. It is in fact a cracked radiator spraying coolant from behind. New radiator needed, as Lloyd found out ... now it's my turn! 😪

I now appear to have this problem. Not sure where the (down)pipe goes but shall investigate. There seems to be a plastic sleeve that looks very insecure. I'm thinking maybe tape it as a temporary measure and limit use of a/c ...

Unfortunately Ken, as is evident from previous posts, whatever positives that may have contributed towards reducing your premium 10 years ago seem to have absolutely no actuarial significance today ... even if you live in the wonderful Pictish stronghold that is The Kingdom of Fife 🧙‍♂️.

My comment about manuals was, as indicated, in jest. But if being serious then there does exist such a thing as 'common sense' ... unbeknown to many but appreciated by some 😉 .

Well, thanks for reading anyway, those that did, because of course it was a very localised question so I wasn't expecting a myriad of responses. 😊 Anyway, for anyone interested, I've been to see them and was very warmly welcomed and, I think, reasonably quoted so will be transferring my business to them when the time comes for my next full service & MoT in July. 👍

My IS came with a tow bar fitted when I bought it. I must admit that it didn't look right, even without reading p165 of the manual (didn't realise that men read manuals 😄). Anyway, I was never going to use the thing so took the whole assembly off and sold it. On here actually. That was a while ago so sorry Alan, no good to you now. I believe it was a Witter if that's any help 🤔.

Ahem ... (click to enlarge - ooops!)

Whatever the make, model, area or usage it is sad but true that NCD and 'clean driving' seems not to contribute to premium calculation as much as it used to. In fact Nick, as it appears you must be in or near your 70s, your age will have begun to influence your premium now ... and certainly not to your advantage!

I'm having to change from my highly qualified & trusted indy mechanic as he has sadly developed long term health issues and my obvious local choice are the guys at TOYOTEC. I've heard encouraging reports in the area but am fishing for more personal experiences, positive or otherwise, from fellow Forum Lexus owners. I realise the geography factor will limit comment but if anyone has anything to contribute I would very much welcome their input. Thanks in advance.

You'd need to ... to compensate for the depreciation the minute you drive it off the forecourt! 😉

I too agree with you Len, like many decisions we make such an action is purely subjective.

Hi Michael. Over the period of 16 months that I've owned my 400h I've noticed two stand-out factors that have a detrimental influence on mpg. One is use of E10 petrol (whilst I admit there is a cost argument involved, mpg is certainly higher when using E5) and two is constant use of A/C (turn off when not necessary to noticeably improve mpg). As for permanent AWD (which my 400h doesn't have) I believe 'yes', that will certainly have a negative effect on mpg. All that said, I only manage 26/27 mpg on local short-trip driving but that can rise to 30/32 on motorway long distance. Shall await with interest the response that you seek from Colin Barber 😉.