Lexusjohn

Recently bought an LS400 which at some point in its past had an LPG conversion but the tank at least has since been removed.

Have any of you had good or bad experiences with LS LPG conversions and if so which system did you use.

Searching through the forum there seems to be mixed views and experiences

I would be asking some questions.

1 why has it been removed?

2 Has it been "clocked" because LPG usually means BIG miles

3 Has the engine been damaged due to NOT fitting the uper lub system?

:winky:

Well my mate just got back from europe after test driving the new 460SE priced at wait for it £65K Ouch bsaic start price £57K, long wheel base around £100K ( mental).

Drives very similar to the LS430, more go and smoother (better gearbox), same "floaty" (his words not mine) feel around the twisty bits . 0-60 around 5.5secs does not feel that quick though, economy when pushing on 17ish, he did however see 27MPG at a UK cruise limit.

Needs access to the sat-nav and other systems on the move though, fit and finish well up to standards of lexus, but nothing special for that kind of money.

I will get a go this month so make up my mind then.

I'm still on my first 1000 miles, so I realise everything needs to bed-in and loosen up before I can get a true mpg, but I'm currently looking at 28-29, which is OK, but I'm having to drive like a total obsessive to get that.

One of the techniques I am having to use is totally opposite to a "normal" car, in that I accellerate relatively swiftly up to my desired speed and then ease off slightly (or switch to cruise control) so that the hybrid system can take care of economy management. I am reasoning that the "hit" the fuel economy takes during aceeleration is offset by being on either full (or partial) electric drive for longer.

I am hoping that 32+mpg (without having to concentrate on the fuel meter all the time) is going to be achievable once the car is fully run in, so does anybody have any tips on how to get the best economy out of this car whilst still driving normally?

Hybridrex. sorry mate it's just now going to work, just think you are now trying to drive to achieve fuel figures which are total BULL, no pleasure in "wet-nursing" this car, just drive in normally and asee what you get!.

I tried all this "wet-nursing crap", got shot of lexus bought Audi diesels drove them how I wanted and got more power, more performance, more pleasure. :winky:

I now have the 2007 model A8 4.2 TDI Sport and I get 36MPG ( car has covered 1200 miles) on a 30 mile run and drive it how I like!. Around town I am getting 30/32MPG constant and thats from the first day!. :winky:

Please don't misread my post - I have got the car I wanted.

If mpg was my primary concern I could have bought a car that would give me 60+, or if I would be satisfied with a saloon car I could have bought some really good ones (I was using an A8 while I was between cars). However, I wanted an SUV and, after checking all the ones I could find, the Lexus was among the best (and most unique) that satisfied my own personal criteria.

When all is said and done, if someone is spending £40,000+ on a car and basing their decision on 2 or 3 mpg, then I respectfully suggest they may not have got their priorities quite right.

All I was asking was if there were techniques and tips out there that would help me get to my target of 33mpg. If I don't achieve it during regular use then so be it it. It will not detract from what is for me is a very good, highly enjoyable car.

;) Fair comment, post miss read. :winky:

I'm still on my first 1000 miles, so I realise everything needs to bed-in and loosen up before I can get a true mpg, but I'm currently looking at 28-29, which is OK, but I'm having to drive like a total obsessive to get that.

One of the techniques I am having to use is totally opposite to a "normal" car, in that I accellerate relatively swiftly up to my desired speed and then ease off slightly (or switch to cruise control) so that the hybrid system can take care of economy management. I am reasoning that the "hit" the fuel economy takes during aceeleration is offset by being on either full (or partial) electric drive for longer.

I am hoping that 32+mpg (without having to concentrate on the fuel meter all the time) is going to be achievable once the car is fully run in, so does anybody have any tips on how to get the best economy out of this car whilst still driving normally?

Hybridrex. sorry mate it's just now going to work, just think you are now trying to drive to achieve fuel figures which are total BULL, no pleasure in "wet-nursing" this car, just drive in normally and asee what you get!.

I tried all this "wet-nursing crap", got shot of lexus bought Audi diesels drove them how I wanted and got more power, more performance, more pleasure. :winky:

I now have the 2007 model A8 4.2 TDI Sport and I get 36MPG ( car has covered 1200 miles) on a 30 mile run and drive it how I like!. Around town I am getting 30/32MPG constant and thats from the first day!. :winky:

That is shocking.

They may have it up for that money, but they wont sell it. :winky:

dmi, I myself do as you do "brim" the tank each time to get an accurate MPG figure. There is however ( if you wait a min or so) an expansion area on top of the tank, this sould not be filled unless you are going to emmediately drive 10 miles or more.

So it can apear that the tank is larger than specified, and can mislead into thinking the car has done more or less to the gallon.

I use this method, I fill the tank slowly using the trigger half pulled in, on the first click I note the fuel used, there after i dont count but fill all the same.

Next time I do the same and at the first click I note the fuel used and calculate from there. Complicated mabe but thats me,

I'm also VERY concenrned with the residuals on the RX300's... new model probably will hurt the re-sale even more, as will high petrol prices etc etc.

Funnily enough when I bought mine I saw a few guides saying they had good residuals.... how things have changed...

Go to www.networkq.co.uk and look under "buyers checklists"..... you will then find a "value my car" link that will give you the glass's guide prices... all very depressing reading.

RX300 has taken a hit in residuals because of the 350 launch and a stock pile of 300's left to sell with heavier than usual discounts. HOWEVER they are gone and suprisingly the guide prices have actually INCREASED for October (upto £1100) which is rareand probably will next month too.

One thing I will add is that if you want 7.5% discount, you've got to be prepared to lose some cash. You all want the deal at the begginning and then the deal at the end, and unfortunately it doesn't work like that. If someone is knocking 7.5% then someone will beat that with 8%. then the dealer has to sell the demonstrator models, and they have to be cheaper than the 8% discounted price you can get a new one for. then the 9 month old cars get hit because they need to be cheaper than the demo's and then the 18mth old cars need to be cheaper still and so on and so on.........

Also you people have to realise what you are being offered. 18k is harsh for that age car and I would probably offer more, but its subject to mileage, condition, colour trends, however £26k?? its not worth that in a million years, but Audi are offering that against a Q7, hmmmmmm they will be standing the car in at its TTV (True trade value) of approx £19k and then lopping off 6-7k off the new Q7,,,,,,,,,,,,,, doesn't leave me with much confidence in the Q7 if they have to slice that much off a few months after launch..... look what happened with the VW Tuareg. All i'd say is check what you are being offered, many dealers (Audi ) will dress it up, I would be honest, show a discount and offer a trade price for the PX and be HONEST with the customer, after all, its them that pay my mortgage!

I'm not begrudging anyone a deal, but you cant have your cake and eat it. Sorry. :shutit:

Also look at ML and X5 Residuals as a percentage they are not too dissimilar and get the wrong spec/colour and you are going to have to take a very BIG pill!!

Audi would only quote a figure that they had had underwritten, so someone will be taking it off there hands they dont want either. :winky:

I've just been looking at changing my 14 month old RX 300SE navigator, mint condition 9,218 miles on the clock (cost just a tad over 38k) for a 400h.

Best price the Lexus will give me is 18k as a trade in!

Think this will be my last Lexus, previous IS300 sportcross plummented as well, but not as much 50% when just over a year old - Looks like I'll be going Audi Q7 for next car as they offered 26k

:tsktsk: Thats lexus for you, go for your Q7 you wont look back. :winky:

Hybred Rex, the 400h is far better than the 300, so stick that, and the economy is very much better also, good luck with your purchase and push for a large discount as dealers are scrambling for trade at the moment.

Play one off against the other and you will get a discount, if you dont you, will get stung with the phrase "LEXUS dont do discount" well I know they DO. :winky:

On a recent trip to Birmingham, my 3 month old RX300 averaged 32.5mpg, and I was stuck for 1 hr in a jam , am I pleased? :D my Jeep Cherokee 3.7 would not to more than 20mpg no matter how it was driven

Are you sure?, Mine would not do more than 20MPG in ANY conditions or speeds, Try brimming it doing 200 miles and brim it again, I think you will be SHOCKED as the computer tells lies BIG lies. :winky:

Hi and wecome to this forum, I am only qualified to answer on your "protection of paintwork.

The paint on Lexus cars is very soft and stone chips very easy, NO paint protection will stop this so save your money. :winky:

Good luck with your new car.

What was your main reason for choosing this vehicle?. ;)

PS) wood trim I think is NOT an option.

I am sorry to say "lexus" is losing it's appeal in my neck of the woods.

I moved last year to Audi after trouble with two new lexus cars ( RX300SE and the new GS300SE ) both of which I only kept some 3/4months each.

I bought the A8 TDI 3.0 and got 20% discount drove it for a year (11K) trouble free, I got a great deal of 20% discount on the new (56 plate) AudiA8 4.2TDI V8 Sport, and I must say it's the best car by far I have EVER driven. NO more lexus for me :shutit:

I whent to the motor show with lexus and them group of lexus fans I was with were very keen to see the new 460, BUT the price was barmy, £100K+ for the long wheel base, those guys openly said to lexus uk that in NO WAY would they be interested in one. B)

Best regards

:winky: Stear well clear they are not the best buy for the money by far.

I was informed by LGB that the highbred would cost in the region of 100K+ in LWBase

That does seem a lot, have they decided they no longer want to undercut their rivals?

I would think they have shot themselves in the foot, most dealerships are offering discounts of up to ( If you push) 20%, Lexus dont and that new 460 really does not look much for that kind of money, HYbreds need to be diesels to get real term economy benefits. :winky:

I chose this as it was recommended as best buy on the Autoexpress website in a product test, which also included Autoglym.

Where did Autoglym finish in the product test

:) About 5th, so not so good. :winky:

:winky: Like I said in my thread, It dont look much for £70K does it. :P

Had a look at the New LS460 at the motor show yesterday, I was informed by LGB that the highbred would cost in the region of 100K+ in LWBase form. This put the group I was with ( LGB party) right off.

The standard car has a body shape change but interior looks much unchanged from the LS430.

TBH I was not impressed with the new look, It still looks "old man" and Padillo siver is a bit dated now.

I have been biding my time waiting for Lexus Brighton to contact me.As ,of course, this did not happen I phoned last week.

They seemed to have only the vaguest notion of what I was talking about and suggested I phone LGB.I spoke to a lady there who treated me in the most off hand manner and seemed to object to the fact that I knew anything about a "fix" She said there was something on the website but it was for internal use only.

She suggested that if I had not complained to the dealer then nothing could be done. I said I had just done so before speaking to her!

I went back to Lexus Brighton who said they would undertake research and come back to me.They did not ,as always when I call and when I followed up they said they had to have more time but had spoken to other dealers who knew nothing about the problem. I am awating another call but I get the impression I should not hold my breath.

I did tell them to look at this site but I got the feeling that that would not be an option.

They should know very well about the problem...to be frank they are telling mistruths!

This is a commmon line that LGB and many the dealers take, its almost as if they hope we will all buy an XC90 or X5 etecetera and then just go away.

Our car has been changed, with a small additional payment because of the problem,

At LGB 's request I gathered a database of info for their use to contact all of those that reported the problem on this forum - they could not manage it themselves.

This has been sent to a Mr Hinshelwood in customer care (!) but he seems to have forgotten he has it as I know he is telling people that there is no problem and no fix that they, LGB, are aware of.

There is a fix - it is next to useless and has made our car far worse.

My advise is to tell your dealers to get of their backside and if they cannot get an answer from LGB then talk to Brussels (see our previous posts for contact and addresses)

Incidentally, the USA Forum seems to have a similar thread about 'weird' gearbox behaviour.

LGB also told me that he fix had been installed in the USA and had ben well received.

I think it is all a 'towing the party line' speach and in fact they all know this car is a problem.

Hence the newer 350 but interestingly that appears to have the same gearbox but with a different management system again.

Let us all know how you get on.

We are due a conversation with the senior customer service man in Brussels later today so we will post later and keep all interested parties up to date.

Michael.

:shutit: It would apear Lexus UK, are not really interested in "existing customer satisfaction" more in recrutment of NEW customers, I found when "joining the club" they bent over backwards, after the honeymoon things went down hill fast, in my area Lexus are fast becoming a poor seller many guys in sales are already gone to new jobs, only a couple of desperados are still there.

If the trend of ignoring customers concerns (as Mercs have done) carries on sales will drop further, someone in marketing needs to wake-up and start to pass on the message WE WANT GOOD SERVICE. ;)

Hi John,

Whats that you say, good service -yes, thats all we want.

Still its only a £40k car what do you expect!

Our car has a definite list to starboard at the moment.

My wife went to drive it yesterday and found it had died in the front offside corner.

it has jsut been recovered and is on its way to the dealer to have a hip replecemnt or whatever it needs now.

Am due a call from Brussels later so it will be an interesting one as the dealer who refused to accept the cars return under the sale of goods act effectively now has the car!

Maybe I should just leave it with them and get a cheque instead?

Now theres a thoufght.......

Have a good day.

Michael.

:D I hope this smile helps today Michael, one problem after another, I have had the Audi 3.0TDI 11 months now, NO problems, good economy, I have been offered a 20% discount on the new 4.2TDI A8 and have gone ahead and ordered one for september, I do hope you get sorted or just get rid. Best regards J :winky:

:shutit: It would apear Lexus UK, are not really interested in "existing customer satisfaction" more in recrutment of NEW customers, I found when "joining the club" they bent over backwards, after the honeymoon things went down hill fast, in my area Lexus are fast becoming a poor seller many guys in sales are already gone to new jobs, only a couple of desperados are still there.

If the trend of ignoring customers concerns (as Mercs have done) carries on sales will drop further, someone in marketing needs to wake-up and start to pass on the message WE WANT GOOD SERVICE. ;)

LS430 I was offered this car top of the range adaptive criuse ect for the sum of 45K, thats a 57K car ( at least) for 45K, New model on it's way (460) I turned it down though, got 20% off a new (in september) audi 4.2 A8 TDI fully speced up with full sports options, + pax system run flat 19" wheels ect, ect,retail 64K my price £51200 and thats on order for september.

Lexus do not like discounting and consequently dont sell many cars. :D

Got my brand new unregistered 06 plate RX400SE in my preferred colours with dealer extras last Friday. Total on the road should have been £43,800, signed up for a cash deal at £39,300 !!

So the discounts are there you just have to get the right time, patience is key!!

:winky: Nice one, they must be having a change of heart. :winky:

Well, I've finally given up.

I have traded in my RX for a Mondeo ST Tdci. I can hear you laughing now but I don't care. It drives like a dream, goes round corners without falling over and best of all I can change gear without slipping a disc!

I fill it up at the garage and it says 520 miles to empty, not 320! No more driving like a vicar in the hope of getting 28 mpg.

I cannot believe how fast the RX is depreciating, the last two months 'glass's guide' have seen it drop £600 each month!!

I know I'll probably lose more on the Mondeo but at least I'll enjoy driving again.

Would just like to say thanks to the two Mikes (RxMike and M'ladys husband) for all there efforts in trying to get a nice car to drive properly and I sincerly hope that the "fix" works for you.

I will still drop in and see how your getting on,

Thanks again and goodbye

Roger

Roger if its any consolation mate, we who drive "executive/luxury cars" ALWAYS loose £500/600 a month its a fact and we have to live with the costs. You will not loose as much with the choise you have made, best of luck J :winky:

Thanks RX Mike at least some positives!

I am due to test drive it on Saturday would be earlier but work and the world cup get in the way. I am not expecting a sports car want I want is something with a bit of "status" to carry me and my family around in comfort. I have looked at others Volvo X90 - practical but dull, X5 very dull interior, Range Rover just too big for what I really need (plus sister has new super charged V8).

I'll let you know how I get on.

looks like you have done your homework and came to the same conclusion as I did ,but 9 months on and many problems to long to list it in my view my RX was not a good buy .If you get it for the right price and bear in mind the new rx350 being introduced it has to be a great price you should buy it and enjoy it .Make sure you get all the problems with it sorted if you have any before your warrenty runs out .

cheers

swager

Try and get an extended warranty if it's close to expiry :winky: and a LONG test drive, best of luck

I am about to buy a 2004 RX 300 SEL. Not test driven that particular car but not noticed the "lurch" in other RX's I have test driven. What should I be looking out for exactley? Does it effect every single single RX or just the unfortunate few?

PS Most of my driving is a short 5 mile commute in stop start traffic mixed in with weeking motorway trip of say 100 miles or so.

Thanks.

If you buy one of these cars after reading these pages you deserve everything you get , good luck and look for something else, these depreciate quicker that driving over a cliff and there is a new updated model to assist in its decline. :winky:

Hi everyone,

We have had the car ECU remapped this morning.

It took about an hour and a half to do.

So far nothing to report other than the car is different.

We have both driven it and each think it feels different - is it better? - not sure yet.

I will wait until we have done a few hundred miles in it and see if anything shows up.

We are planning to go to Scotland in the next few days so will probably take the Lexus rather than the DB7 so as to give it a good long run and therefore a thorough testing in all conditions.

I was asked by the two chaps from LGB who came to do the remap to let them have my feedback in a week or so's time.

In the meantime, should we experience any of the usual happenings I will post again.

Best regards.

Michael.

I hope this will be an end to it for you michael, but I have reservations, best regards J.