Bill Dawes

Exciting news Darrell. Did you get a 'Left the factory' notification or was it a 'we are building your Lexus' to finding out it was almost here. Mine to was ordered on 6th Jan, I had the build email on 24the April but nothing further since then. Maybe mine is on the same ship as yours, he says more in hope than expectation to be honest. Regards Bill D.

Spoke to my dealer today, he suggested take what the app says with a pinch of salt as it is likely to be out of sync with what is actually happening. Mine showed in build over two weeks ago now, not moved to the left factory stage yet but it could well have done. Dealers still working on having car late June for early July handover. Bill D.

Tim just had a quick look, can you remember if the ship was described as a Ro Ro or general cargo ship, its obviously not tanker, bulk carrier or container ship. Bill D.

Hi Pawel, thanks for the encouraging news on yours, I can but hope. Tim, how did you know which was your ship from the marine tracker? Bill D.

Interesting Oz. My Takumi on order will miss out on this but I don't think I am too depressed, I was quite looking forward to having a CD player again (sad I know) Big change of course is doing away with the touch pad, I will just have to live with that. Bill D.

I agree up to a point but I would take issue with boot space for instance, it is smaller than some cars of a similar size, at the risk of upsetting Peter my Kia Niro is actually a slightly smaller car but has a better boot, packaging design is the culprit there. However I was fully aware of this (and poorer rear seat room) when I ordered my UX Takumi and like many people it is just for the two of us these days and so is not a problem. If we go on holiday we can drop the rear seats down and have all the space we need. The Kia is an excellent car but I wanted to move upmarket on quality and trim equipment level, the latter at least not being available from Kia. Looking forward to greeting my Lexus (July ish) Bill D.

Hi Robert, I placed my order on 6th Jan. If it is on ship in the next week or so should be in the UK towards end of June for July reg. Bill.

Well guys it's been 12 days since my car was being built and no sign that it's left the factory yet. Am I being too impatient, yes I guess is the answer. Bill D.

I am of course talking about a smart key. Bill D.

If the lexus is the same as my Niro then you can't lock the car if there is a key in there, I get a loud bleep and it doesn't lock. Brilliant technology. Bill D.

Thats interesting David, the only extra I am having is a dashcam which I understood was dealer fitted so maybe it will go straight to Bristol dealers. I see from ypur previous threads that you went for the white ash seats, how are you getting on with them, that's what I ordered on mine and concerned about them showing the dirt, too late now to be worried about it. Bill D.

I found a few videos of a Lexus on production line (NX) it seems to start with the completed painted body shell. Finished car then goes through final inspection. On that basis mine might be completed now, it is then despatched to docks and loaded onboard a roll on roll off ship. How long that takes depends on a ship being available etc. So being a bit optimistic mine might be at the dealers in Bristol in a couple of months. A bit frustrating that it has to go up to Derby first, Portbury probably only about half an hour or so from dealers. Still it's progress. Bill D.

I wonder what constitutes 'in build'. Ignoring manufacture of all the many thousands of bits that make up a modern car I guess it will either be when the body panels are pressed, welded and painted or when the body hits the assembly line to have all the trim, power train etc fitted. Bill D.

Hi Darrell, thanks for that but are you sure it was March in dealership, that is only between 10 to 17 days for sea passage and delivery from docks to dealers, surely sea passage alone is 5 to 6 weeks? Bill D.

WhooHoo, just had an email off Lexus to say mine is now in build. You guys that have theirs in transit, how long was yours in build mode? Bill D.

Every one of yours that goes through means mine is shuffling up nearer (hopefully) Bill D.

What site was this David when you say another site. Bill D.

Doesn't look pronmising for my May delivery then. Not gone into production yet so allowing for this, shipping, delivery from docks to dealer etc, is going to be at least mid to end July. I hope it's not an anticlimax when I finally get it. Bill D.

Yes in many aspects the UX is a poor design for any car of that size let alone a premium brand. My current car, a Kia Niro is actually slightly smaller than the UX but manages a larger boot and substantially more legroom in the back. Better economy than the UX I think as well, around 60 mpg on average. Despite this I have on order a UX Takumi, most of us buy cars on the basis of desire over ruling logic in some circumstances. I remember back in my youth I fell in love with a Wolseley , something like a 14/60 model I believe and why did I want it, because it had an illuminated badge in the grill. Sense prevailed in the end, it was a bit of a tatty old thing. I have bought several cars in the past that are legendary for the mirth they cause in the motoring press, Austin Allegro, Mini Metro. I have to say that the Allegro was a reliable comfy car, superb 1500cc Maxi engine. Metro gave me stirling service over many years, amazingly roomy for such a small car, took us with two grandparents and our baby son on holiday, pulled like a train towing a small camping trailer. So there we are, hope I enjoy the UX when it turns up. Bill D.

Hi Darrell, looking back on your posts am I correct in saying you ordered yours in early January and was in build mode last month. I ordered mine on 06 Jan but still no indication it's in build mode. Bill D.

Thanks for that Len, just had a look at their website. Only thing I wasn't too keen on was the joint looked a bit untidy, maybe that was just that video, how do yours look? Bill D.

When I finally get my new and first ever Lexus I know that I will be paranoid about kerbing my lovely new alloys. Came across stick on rim protectors today, didn't know such things existed, one type has a lip on it to ensure even fitting which looks a good idea. Anyone used them, are they any good or do they look naff. Bill D.

Well well, had an email off Lexus this morning saying my order is being processed and yes the orders tab is now back on the website. Still not yet in build apparently, based on original date of May it should be in build now but looks as if that has gone by the wayside. Bill D.

Well still no orders tab on Lexus website. Chased up Lexus UK a few days ago but still no response. Not impressed. Bil D.

Seats, mirrors and steering wheel setting on the Takumi, only thing missing is the interior mirror setting, there's the next challenge for you Lexus. Bill D.