John Adams

Thanks for all the info Bob. I've been a Lexus customer for many years and this is the first time I've been hesitant in buying a new car from them. I've wanted an EV for some time and have patiently waited for the RZ but there seems too many niggly issues which has made me think. Particularly the video from "Car nut expert" who says it's a good bad car. The fact that remote parking is not available because they haven't installed the necessary hardware is a disappointment. I'm also peeved because there is only one key and the second won't be available for some months according to my dealer. Also, the locking wheel nuts will apparently be fitted in July if I buy the car. I assume Lexus will pay up if anyone should nick the wheels? I also think the bonnet stay rather than struts is out of keeping with a 74k car. As you say, what else is there to buy. Tesla obviously have the best charging network going but after being with Lexus -and Toyota before that- for over 35 years I couldn't live with the lack of quality, panel fits, paintwork etc. If I didn't buy the RZ I would just keep the NX for another year or two which obviously is a very good car albeit with a few niggles also. One other thing that concerns me is that given all the Lexus cars I have bought, I have never known any dealer offer so many incentives to buy. Every time I call expressing doubts they come back with a better offer Including a massive increase in the part exchange for my NK. Now you might say it is because I have been a loyal customer and they want to keep me. Equally it could be they are not selling many and they want to get rid of them Hard to know which one. However given the final offer they have given is superb, and after a lot of thought and discussion with the boss, I have decided to confirm my order. Just keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes ok and I don't regret the decision. I will keep you posted with how I get on when I take delivery next week.

Bob, have you had any response from Lexus yet about the remote parking? Also, any more info on range in every day driving? Just to say, I have to make a decision by tomorrow to cancel or confirm the order. I am genuinely in two minds mainly about the range. I would hate to buy it and then find they put a bigger battery in later down the line

Bob, do you happen to know what the miles/kwh is? I find this a more reliable indicator of range for me

Thanks for the report Bob. I've just returned the demo car after 3 days and mine is due end of the month if I proceed with purchase. With regards remote parking, Is this on the app? I saw a button for parking on the dash board as in my NX but didn't try it. Incidentally I drove 370 miles on the test and averaged 3miles/kwh. Also, did you receive the locking wheel nuts with the car? My demo card didn't have any fitted and the dealer said they were in short supply and mine may have to be supplied after delivery

I've just checked at it was set to max as per the default setting. So disappointing that I only got 50kwh on a 150kwh charger

To be honest, I didn't know you could pre condition the battery. Probably need to read the manual. I was just trying it to see how easy it was as well. This was a bank of new Gridserve chargers with some at 350kw. No one was plugged in next to me

Just a quick comment. I managed to use a 150kw charger today. I went on at 25% state of charge and watched it ramp up to 50kw and there it stayed. Very disappointed as I expected more. I will be writing a full report at the end of my 3 day demo

I must have been having a senior moment. There it is in front of me and I didn't notice. I won't tell you what my wife just said!

I've just picked one up on a 3 day extended test. Just putting the fan on to demist the window lost 25 miles, a/c on went down another 20 miles. Driven about 80 miles so far in poring rain and I've averaged 2.8 m/kwh at an average speed of 28 mph. Car drives beautifully but not impressed with the range. One thing it didn't have -or at least I can't find it- is a gauge showing how much charge is in the car. All it does is tell you estimated range which goes up and down like crazy when you switch something on or off. knowing the percent state of charge would be useful. Early days but lets see how it goes

Good review but I think the range would be the killer for me at that price. Disappointed that the there is just a bonnet stay for an expensive premium car. Also, did you notice the charge flap? I have read reports that this is also very flimsy. Did you dim the pano roof and did it work well? I have the Takumi on order and currently on a ship. But I am having serious doubts particularly with the range

Any more thoughts on whether you will buy or not? Although I am looking forward to eventually getting a test drive I'm pretty sure I will cancel unless I can get a really good deal.

Wish I could have one. Nothing until at least the end of May according to my dealer

Spot on. I've wanted an ev for a long time and was patiently waiting for this new Lexus as I assumed it would be good. One of the benefits of an EV to me was no road tax/luxury car tax but that goes from 2025 which has made me rethink my plans. I've no doubt that the RZ will be a well built reliable car but the range is now the potential issue for me. There are many cars you can buy with a better range for 72k so I think Lexus have messed up here. I am waiting for a test drive to make my mind up. If I like it, I will have to get an exceptional deal to buy it. I will not pay 72k and although I will buy on PCP I certainly don't want to pay 10% plus interest rate. I really think I will be staying with the plug in NX which is the best of both worlds. Local driving on electric and petrol for the long journeys. Like you, I think I will be asking for my £500 back. Incidentally, my car is built and on a boat yet my dealer still hasn't got a demo car for me to try and not expecting one until next month.

Review of the RZ in the Telegraph. Not sure if you can read as it's behind a paywall https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/hybrid-electric-cars/lexus-rz-review-luxurious-but-ordinary-electric-car/

I don't think he has had the boot from Millionaire, he has been up in Manchester recently filming the new series. I happen to like Clarkson, especially his farm series but he does say a few daft things when reviewing cars -usually Lexus

I think he also said at one time that the LFA was the best car he had every driven

Not sure if anyone has read this in the Sunday Times but he made a lot of comments about how hard it was to open the door both inside and outside because there was no proper handle. Also, whilst loading the car with luggage he went back and found the doors had locked even though he had left the keys in the ignition. Not sure how he managed to do that with no ignition to leave the key in. Must admit I've never had a problem with the door locks

If yours is on its way, can you let me know when you ordered it? I ordered mine last May and it hasn't even started production yet. I am also losing interest. There are a lot of cars out there with a bigger range and currently bigger discounts available. I really don't want to buy at 72k and then see the price drop or the residuals after 2/3 years.

As a matter of interest, when did you actually order yours? I ordered mine last may and still no sign of them starting the build.

Interesting. When I picked up my car last March, having ordered and paid for the protection pack there was none fitted when I took delivery as they hadn't received them and didn't bother to tell me. The rubber mats were delivered to my home 3 weeks later. The mudflaps arrived and were fitted a month later. I still haven't had the bumper protector fitted because they have to send it away to a body shop to be fitted and they want to keep the car 2 days to get it done. I really haven't got the time to faff around taking the car back again what with the recalls and everything else. I really think Lexus have lost the plot and customer service has steadily gone downhill in the last 3 years. Only my opinion but based on poor experience after previous impeccable customer service.

Saga wouldn't insure it? They have been insuring my Lexus cars for the last 6 years. Strangen

It's unbelievable that some Lexus dealers don't know what's going on. Mine was adamant that no demo cars will be in the UK until May.

For info, I had my first service on the NX 450+ yesterday and spoke to the dealer about test drive and delivery of the RZ. He tells me they don't expect to get a demo car until early May but is still expecting delivery of mine to be in June. He has said I can have the demo car for a day to test what the range will be. I must admit I'm getting slightly impatient now waiting to try one

Well that gets my vote for the best quote of the day. I never thought of that. Buy a Tesla and a UX for when the tesla breaks down. Priceless

I really hope -but doubt- Lexus will cut the price. 72k for the Takumi I've ordered now seems overpriced considering the perceived range albeit the quality and standard equipment might give it the edge. We shall see