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FrankyX

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FrankyX last won the day on September 22 2013

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    NW Sydney

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  • Gender
    Male
  • Lexus Model*
    3IS IS350 F Sport
  • Year of Lexus*
    2013
  • Location*
    New South Wales

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  1. Yes this is an issue. But one thing that you need to remember is that mobile technology and tech in general is progressing so fast and it appears that most of the motoring world is not keeping up, or so it would appear. The 3IS models with the Enform platform is 4-5 years old now, and while the idea of sending a location to your car and finding fuel was a nice idea 4 years ago, in today's world, it is an embarrassment to Lexus in comparison to today's tech. Toyota/Lexus have said for years that they are staying away from Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and it appears they are developing their own tech, which again is not the right way forward IMO. I was called by Lexus Australia earlier this year as a follow up on seeing how the car is going (and trying to get me into the new model), but the first comment I said was that the refreshed IS model technology was still miles behind and was a disappointment. I told them that I no longer use the SatNav in general as it is usually wrong and simply Google & Apple Maps is just so much faster and more accurate. I don't hold hope for the next generation IS (prob 2020/21) in this space, but I'm crossing my fingers I could be wrong. I personally haven't used Enform for well over 3 years.
  2. Does anyone know if and where you can buy the latest Micro SD nav? Currently running version 25-33-14 (2013-01-01). What is the latest version?
  3. I ended up going the Bridgestone RE003. A far superior tyre than the stock tyres and much more stable in the wet. I'd highly recommend! They were hard to find the stock and sizing, but I persevered. The wear has been pretty good the past 10-11 months. I'll be getting the same again next time around. Don't buy from Lexus, better off shopping around for a deal and you'll save around $500. I'd also suggest getting a 2nd opinion, sub 30000km seems light on considering I got 60000km
  4. I am now in my 9th year as a Lexus owner and have a difficult choice to make, my parents were Lexus owners for a long time also (RX300, IS200, IS300) which makes all the more difficult given the loyalty of the last 2 decades. I'll be looking to upgrade sometime in the next 12 months. In my time, I have had IS250X and now IS350 F Sport which are both great cars, but naturally, you always want or need 'more'! Power of course, in which the jump from 250 to 350 was great and good fun, it still is, but I'm starting to find that I need that next level. And this is where my problem lies. What are my options? 1 Step up to Lexus V8, 2 Turbo/Supercharge 350 or 3 change brand? 1. V8. Seems the logical choice right? The issue I have is that I am looking for a 4 door mid size saloon given I have 2 kids and need the room. This straight away puts the RC-F out of the question and I'm really not a fan anyway. I didn't like the way it drove on the track and it looks clunky and chunky and competing at that level seems out of place. It's like a short fat guy taking Lebron on in 1on1. Anyway, next is GSF? Too big for what I need and has an 'old man' stigma. Out. Next ISF? Perfect, this is an amazing car to drive and would suit my needs perfectly, but not in it's current shape. It looks old & tired and I feel would be a step backwards. I want to stay current and up to spec in my new cars. Which begs the question, will there be a next gen IS-F? I cannot find any solid information that leads to a definitive answer on if Lexus will bring this back? Sure there's a stack of rumours, articles and renderings, but nothing 'confirmed' or planned. Attn Lexus insiders (hint hint), will Lexus be bringing back the IS-F? 2. Turbo/Supercharge the 350. I've seriously thought about this and done the research and when it all comes down to it, I really don't want to be messing around too much with the internals when still in warranty etc. Plus I don't believe the gains will be what I'm after Still open for suggestions... 3. Change brand. If Lexus is not bringing back the IS-F, it will likely leave me with no choice but to look elsewhere and change brands. I have already started this process and driven the m4 (although I'd get the M3) and am looking at the C63 next week with RS4 to follow. I'll be leaning towards the Merc most likely but will do the full comparison. Unfortunately this takes away 2 decades of Lexus ownership in the family because they do not have a model that fits my needs. I really don't want to change brands. I'm probably sounding very picky, but at that budget, I'm allowed to be! So, where to from here? Let's hope there is something in the works, but in the meantime I'll keep doing my research on the Euro's.
  5. Due for replacement tyres after stock Bridgestone ER33, was a good tyre, lasted 60000km. Thinking either direct replacement of same or Bridgestone Potenza RE003, more of a performance tyre but concerned will wear quicker. Current 4th tyre free offer is enticing (around $900 for all fitted) What other options should I consider? I don't need a pure performance tyre but don't want an economy tyre either (mid-on range).
  6. I didn't notice the rear steer and couldn't compare cos I didn't drive my car on the track. Best comparison would be to do a normal road drive with the RC. I asked for one as loan car for service, no luck. After all, who really drives these cars on a track (other than Danny)? I'm not in the market for a 2 door car (2 kids) yet, maybe in 5 years or so, we'll see.
  7. I was one of the fortunate Lexus owners to attend the RC-F track day earlier this week (Tuesday / AM session). In summary, we were each presented with the opportunity to drive an ISF, RC350 F Sport & NX 300H (not sure about a Hybrid at a track day, but anyway). I personally haven't experienced a track drive before and was super excited. The NX was a waste of time, comfortable, but not suited for the track (obviously); the RC350 was a familiar ride to my IS350 FSport and was a pleasure to throw around the corners and hit 190km/h in the straight and the ISF, just wow. Next up... the RC-F. Only one lap, so had to make it count. However, in my mind, I had the words from Jeremy Clarkson in the latest episode of Top Gear shown only the day before: He says: It's really fat - weighs almost 2t A race against an M4 - the BMW just walks away. RC-F has 40 more HP, but was humiliated. Enormous weight, no good in the corners. Doesn't matter which drive mode selected, yards and yards of understeer and electronic interference "I really don't like this car, don't like the way it looks, goes, feels" What really annoys me is that I know Lexus can do SO MUCH BETTER... cue LFA So with these words in the back of my mind, I was a little weary of what to expect. Sure, I know Top Gear is heavily scripted and planned, but he does give an honest, no bulls**t approach. After all, his favourite car is a Lexus - the LFA. As mentioned, only one lap, not a huge opportunity, but from what I experienced, not a great deal of acceleration off the mark, yes a stack of understeer and felt like I was fighting the car to get it in the corner. I hit 215kph on the straight and was nice and stable at that speed. Brakes were impressive and otherwise very responsive. My verdict : Would I buy one? No, not yet. If I want a high performance V8 coupe now, i'd be shopping elsewhere. But... if Lexus was to create a lighter and more stable V8 coupe with a 'more modern' engine, then yes, I'd consider dropping $150k their way. Their competition right now is thinking about the future where Lexus more so seems to be dressing up the past.
  8. I doubt that to be the case in sports+ mode. I see the 2IS in between the 3IS normal and sports mode.
  9. Hi, nice choice on car. I get around 5-600km per tank, but totally depends on how I drive it. Also when do you fill up, completely empty, 1/4 or 1/2 empty? For the past 12 monhts I have averaged 10.5lt/100km, that's half freeway/city driving.
  10. Update: after opening the car with the key (remove from fob), i can hear a ticking noise behind the dash. It sounds as though it is coming from the sliding dial or that general area. Update 2: NRMA has just tested and replaced the battery. It turned out as a faulty battery and failed multiple tests.
  11. I have just had to call roadside assistance again for the 2nd time in the last 6 months due to a battery issue. The first time, about 1 month after having the car brand new, the battery was completely dead and was replaced. Luckily the doors were unlocked. The second time, I've gone to open the car with the remote and no response and the doors are locked. Has anyone else with the 3IS found a similar issue? What could be draining the battery so much?
  12. Dealers have now said not available until early next year. Which now means it has been pushed back originally from September to Q4 to now early next year, and gives me no confidence it will even happen early next year.
  13. It's all in the driving modes people. After driving my 3IS daily for the past 4 months, I found that it is all in the drive modes. When the Normal mode is selected, it's a standard car off the mark with a bit of lag, but that feels deliberate. Eco is even slower and on a freeway wants to hold 8th gear longer. But it's a beautiful mode cruising on the freeway. When Sports mode is selected it pounces off the line and, I think, blows the 2IS away. It's all in the driving modes people!!!
  14. Yep double sided tape and automotive grade adhesive. Just make sure you have still hands and line it up absolutely perfect, once its down, it will be near impossible to move. I had mine on for 3-4 years and never moved. Post ur pics when done
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