Bluemarlin

I probably need to do similar and am contemplating my options. The problem with axle stands is that they go where the scissor jack goes, and so it would mean getting a trolley jack too. I'm not really going to be getting my head under the car, as will only be removing the wheels to get the arch liners off, clean behind them and spray some rustproofing. Neverless, I'd rather the car didn't fall off the jack and scare the **** out of me. I had thought of getting another scissor jack and lifting front and rear together, removing both wheels, and putting the wheels under the sill. Before I do that, can anyone see any flaws in this approach that I might have overlooked?

No, a/c is fine, but someone has stolen my ashtray 😀

Yeah, I didn't get all the invoices either, apart from the last two that were with the car. As for the hybrid health check, you only need the last one, as that's the one that gives you the additional 1yr/10k miles warranty. If you don''t have the certificate it's no big deal as it would have automatically been done at the last service with Lexus, and so should be on record.

Thanks David/Phil So, as I understand it, it replaces the continued acceleration/rise in revs, with a momentary drop in revs as it shifts gear, and so is for aesthetic reasons? I hadn't really noticed it too much to be honest, especially with the windows closed, but I can see how it might bother some people. I'm probably the odd one out, but prefer the feel of the continuous acceleration over the slight dip as the gear changes.

Pardon my ignorance, but what would be the purpose of a stepped false gear?

I think the Lexus ones are stuck on with double side tape. A hairdryer (or a day like Tuesday) and dental floss or fishing line might do it.

I was thinking about getting a set of Heko wind deflectors. Has anyone tried these and have any experience of whether they make much noise, or potentially bugger up the rubber trim with the fixing clips? Thanks.

I think you may be right about washing at 60 degrees, as I wash all my clothes at that temperature and have never had jeans stain my seats. I wear jeans all the time and last four cars have had very light coloured seats.

I agree, and think there's nothing wrong with using the power available, and also like to join motorways and overtake as quickly as possible. That said, whilst silence might be nice, I haven't noticed my eCVT to be particularly noisy. Certainly no more so than an ICE car accelerating briskly. I imagine though that you'd quickly get used to the quiet of an EV and thus become more aware of any noise in other cars.

Not sure if you're up to date on the Ivermectin issue, but it's been pretty much debunked. With the so called successsful results in India, it transpired that the largest area that reported no Covid deaths over a 3 month period, also reported no deaths from any other cause over the same period. So, either Ivermectin saves people from hearts attacks, road accidents, cancer, murders and all forms of death, or the results were false. I'm hoping the former, but not holding my breath. A number of other seemingly successful trials have been subsequently withdrawn, either due to flawed sampling, small test groups, or fraudulent claims. Unsurprisingly, two of the larger evangelists for Ivermectin turned out to be highly paid consultants for companies who make...wait for it...Ivermectin. Seems you can't always trust the unregulated and noncomformist media either. Who'd have thought it. I guess you're right though. It is good to ask questions before taking things as gospel 😉

Regardless of who's liable, I'd get it seen to as quickly as possible. As said earlier, a smart repair might be a relatively inexpensive fix as it stands now, but sometimes these things can spread quickly.

The Moto G has a memory card slot, but I stream mine from my home media centre, so storage isn't a problem for me. I guess there's also things like Spotify if you're connecting it to your phone's hotspot.

There is an extended warranty for 10yr plus which cover up to 15yrs and 150k miles. Not all dealers are aware of it, I had to call Lexus UK to email my dealer before they could set me up on it. It requires Lexus to service it to remain valid and they will usually do a pre approval inspection if they didn't service it last. It also includes UK and European breakdown cover (AA). Costs around £500 a year, depending on model.

Although I had the stamped service book when I bought mine, I wanted a bit more detail, and so I phoned the original supplying dealer, who'd carried out the previous services, and they emailed me a full printout of the service records. It's useful as you can see what scheduled maintenance was done beyond the usual checks and oil and filter change. You can also buy a replacement service book, and they'll stamp it with past services to match the records on file.

I leave my A/C on all the time, so have no comparison, but I'd guess that turning it off and having the windows open instead would result in me trying to drive faster to keep cool, rather than just cruising gently in comfort, so any gain from having no A/C would be lost by a heavier right foot. I also make sure it's in recirculation mode so that it's not having to cool hot air from the outside.

Might be worth looking at cheap used phone instead of just an MP3 player. I bought a second hand Moto G with a large screen (6.7") for under £100, that I can not only use as a media player, but also doubles up as a bigger screen than my phone to use Google Maps/Waze. I have a cheap monthly sim in it for sat nav, and I can stream my music from my home media centre, but you could alternatively use your existing phone as a wireless hotspot for the maps or any other apps you might want to use.

Possibly because garages/service centres will need to be able to bypass it, which means that thieves will ultimately get hold of the bypass methods. If sophisticated locks, alarms and immobilisers don't work, then it's hard to see how adding more technology will solve the problem. Not sure how good PIN entry is, that's provided on some cars, but again it's another inconvenience for the driver/owner.

I would suggest having a look at the Furniture Clinic website. They do a leather repair paint/colourant. They will colour match if they have the required colour in stock, or can match from a sample. It's a simple application, just wipe on with a sponge and allow to dry, and will likely cover the stain. Will also cover small creases. I've used it on a previous car with ivory seats, and my current one with pale grey, and been very happy with the results.

Prior to getting the included AA cover with the extended warranty, I previously used GEM for several years. I called them out several times, mainly for flat batteries, once when I needed a loader to take the car to the garage. They were always fairly prompt and efficient, and reasonably priced. Also, always worth checking if the manufacturer offers breakdown cover, as this often includes European cover, which can be an expensive add on these days.

Don't know him well enough to know whether it's deliberate discrimination or unintended consequence 😉

Having just done a trip to France, I would agree that there's a noticeable difference in fuel economy between cruising along at 60ish and 70ish. At around 60 on the way out I got 40mpg, but 70+ on the way back was nearer 30mpg. I also shared your experience of Bosch wipers, which I was a big fan of, but changed them to OEM because of noise and judder.

I was not aware of that Malcolm, but it does sound somewhat draconian. The Mayor of London does appear to be a bit of a zealot. I've just had a read of some the restrictions in the City of London, and it appears confusing but, as you say doesn't seem to take into account the needs of the disabled or those unable to walk or cycle. Many of the restrictions appear to be trials, so hopefully they'll get ditched, or at least allow provision for certain vehicles or types of access.

I do grasp it, and it hasn't alarmed me at all. On the contrary, what's more alarming is that until now people have been forced to drive around in 19th century technology. Imagine people bemoaning the lack of valves in televisions, coal fires instead of central heating, or outside toilets. The fact it's been around since the 1800's isn't a plus point and, if any questions need to be asked, it's why it's taken so long to move forward to something better. Regarding technology, automation, and integration with net. That can, and is happening, regardless of the method of propulsion. Clinging on desperately to 19th century propulsion technology won't change that. As for lay people repairing their own cars, in the UK at least, most don't even change their own oil, so will be happy to have that cost removed too. Even those who do basic maintenance themselves find it increasingly harder with modern ICE cars, impossible to reach components, and the ever increasing reliance on electronics. The majority just want to drive a car and pay someone else if it goes wrong. So, the potentially lower maintenance requirements of an EV are another benefit. I wouldn't get hung up on the emissions aspect either, as it's largely irrelevant with lower emission petrol cars, as you rightly point out. For many people it's about the potential for newer technology to provide not only a better and more efficient product, but one that's cheaper and easier to maintain and run. I can see a 4th winner...consumers. I know you talk of the current high purchase or lease costs, but that's assuming the car sits on the drive. Take someone who currently does around 12k miles a year at between 30-40 mpg, that's around £300 a month in petrol. The saving from going electric makes a significant dent in any lease cost or loan repayment. Certainly enough to put it on a par with an equivalent ICE car. By all means be happy with what you have, but don't try convincing others that they're sheep, or are being forced, or duped, when they're equally happy to enjoy the benefits of newer technology.

And the realist would say it's just a revenue generator, as most petrol cars up to 15 years old are not affected, and so their owners are not being driven to electric at all.

For me it was the economy of a luxury SUV against the hassles of diesel. I also needed to change cars because of ULEZ, and so the RX was the most appropriate choice. I've had it a year and get between 30 and 40 mpg, depending on type of journey. The driving experience is very smooth and comfortable too, and the reliability reputation is backed by long warranties and extensions, which gives added peace of mind.