Lexus Nerd

Do let us know how the conversation goes tomorrow.

Welcome, Te Ahu Anaru. The New Members Introductions forums is for introducing yourself. I've moved your query to the 1st Gen IS Club forum.

Anyone know when Enform is going to be released? When I bought mine it was due early 4th quarter, and the website now says Coming Soon. Which may indicate not available this year at all.

Now there's no mention of "Enform" on lexus.com.au. (You can still see it on dealer Websites, but they're usually out of date anyway.)

Never mind this year - will it be offered at all?

After reading these posts i will be making sure i have windscreen coverage for my beloved F sport.

Here's something to note before everyone goes rushing to add "windscreen coverage" ...

The mere fact that insurers have a "windscreen option" on their motor insurance policies gives the initial impression that:

• If your windscreen is damaged, and:
  • you choose the windscreen option on your policy, the insurer will cover the costs of replacement.
  • you didn't chose the windscreen option on your policy, the insurer won't cover any costs of windscreen replacement, regardless of who or what caused the damage.

I've read a number of policies, and this just isn't true. This is what I found:

• If your windscreen is damaged, and you're not claiming damage on any other part of the car, and:
  • you chose the windscreen option on your policy, the insurer will cover the full costs of replacement.
  • you didn't choose the windscreen option on your policy, you will be subject to the normal rules of paying an excess, i.e.:
    • If you can identify a person or company that caused the damage, the insurer will cover the full costs of replacement.
    • Otherwise, you may need to pay an excess; the insurer will pay for the remainder of the windscreen replacement costs.

So, the "windscreen option" only saves you: Your excess amount

And only if:

• You damage your windscreen, and nothing else and
• The insurer can't recoup costs from another insurer

And - as discussed earlier - unless you can convince your insurer that you should really get a genuine Lexus windscreen, you will probably end up paying the full amount for a genuine windscreen yourself. I note that even those insurance policies that guarantee genuine parts for a certain age of vehicle may exclude the windscreen from that guarantee.

Insurance is all about peace of mind, so make your decision based on what the insurer is truly offering and your appetite for risk. But, based on the probability of this event happening, and the full cost of that event to you (the excess amount plus changes to your No Claim Discount over the next two years), and the likelihood that your insurer will limit their payout to the cost of a cheap windscreen, is it worth paying about $60 a year?

Hi AGV, and welcome to the Club.

I'm not surprised by your local dealer's reaction, although it would have been nice if they could have practised omotenashi and at least directed you to a service centre that would have been willing to service your vehicle.

Arguably, the biggest factor to affect your resale value is the fact that you have a JDM. There might not be much difference between the Japanese and Australian variants (unlike the Korean spec, the parts lists for these two RHD vehicles seem almost identical), but that's not the way the typical buyer would see it. Any value differential due to where you got it serviced may pale in comparison, but servicing according to the logbook requirements - regardless of who does it - is still valued by buyers.

Based on previous posts on this forum, I would recommend looking in the following order:

• Your local Toyota dealer (if it's not adjacent to Lexus of Southport).
• Ultra Tune
• A mechanic who specialises in JDMs/imports/exotic vehicles but who is willing to stamp the logbook

I had the same problem and was told by Lexus of Parramatta that there are two variants of pads they use. A US and European one. I had mine replaced to the non-stock ones (might be the US ones) and the squealing has since stopped.

Hmm. Have you noticed any difference with brake dust? The US Lexus IS brakes are also supposed to produce less dust, but I didn't know that any of our dealers imported them.

Hi Tony1234,

Welcome to the Club! Looking forward to seeing you on the 7th.

Welcome, Elis, and congrats on your purchase!

It certainly seems delayed.

It appears that Lexus is using a certain local software company as the developer of the Enform apps for Australia. This company has a well-proven product when it comes to mobile navigation; but, with respect, I don't think they are a proven provider of the entire software stack (mobile app, Web platform and in-car application) for in-vehicle online applications.

My guess is that development and testing of the software is behind schedule.

Hi Initial_G, and welcome!

What made you choose the IS? What other vehicles did you consider?

That's the spirit, marvin!

There's plenty of free under-cover parking on site.

ALL Club members and their guests welcomed, Gorilla!

I can understand if you don't want to replace your sat nav unit with an aftermarket non-genuine unit, but I think ilv1004s is offering a genuine Lexus sat nav unit - even though it's from a used vehicle.

Are you saying you prefer to have your screen replaced on your existing unit, rather than replace the entire unit with another genuine - albeit used - unit? I'd prefer the latter.

There's no official information provided on an RC F. There are also rumours of an RC 200t ("t" for turbo), but it seems that Lexus is deferring that release, too.

As with the GS and IS, it's clear that the focus is on getting the new body shape on the market first. Models with new engines would presumably follow later. Then there's the multi-marque tradition of releasing the luxury models first, before the high-performance models (e.g. IS250/350 vs IS F; BMW regular models vs M edition).

My uneducated guess is we'll have to wait ... hmmm ... another 12 months? Then we'll get the usual controlled leaks, followed by a motor show unveiling, journo test drive day and production details of the RC F.

The images are protected by copyright and other intellectual property protection by Lexus. Licensed to Lexus Nerd for review or discussion of the Lexus RC in this forum.

Lexus will reveal the much-anticipated Lexus RC at the Tokyo Motor Show on 20 November.

The all-new RC will feature two models: an RC 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, and an RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-litre engine. Both models measure 4695 mm (length) x 1395 mm (height) x 1840 mm (width), with 2730 mm wheelbase.

The RC Line furthers the Lexus focus on "emotional appeal through a dynamic and alluring two-door coupe." Lexus says that it's their 'first use of "sexy" as a design catchphrase'. Lexus is attempting to do this while maintaining the "Lexus DNA" of build quality, refinement and reliability.

It seems that Lexus has given in to the trend of sharp contour lines on body panels, while still maintaining a strong Lexus identity. The most prominent spindle grille yet found on a production Lexus is teamed up with LF-LC style triangular headlamps and a three-lamp LED design. The lamps adopt an L-shaped pattern at low beam. As one would now expect, the sharp, thin design of the rear combination lamps also adopt the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif.

There are two available RC aluminium wheel combinations - "a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch wheel or a muscular five-spoke 18-inch version, each precision-machined and finished with black and platinum centre caps."

Lexus is marketing a bright, deeply contrasting shade of red as the "hero colour", which uses a new Lexus painting process that uses multiple layers of clear and deeper-coloured coating.

The interior features highly contrasted colours, materials and lighting. The lighting is another Lexus first, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin. The high contrast interior trim includes a new tone called Clove which reportedly "emphasises design lines and accentuates the elegant cabin." Real wood trim (shimamoku) is also used to highlight the surrounding trim. The driver's cockpit adopts the recent Lexus design concept of "operational" and "display" zones, and features a seven-inch navigation screen and a new incarnation of Remote Touch. Finally, the seats utilise an integrated foaming construction method, much like the moulding of racing seats, and previously seen in the 3IS F Sport.

What do you think?

FrankyX,

Earlier 2IS models could have the key fob operation of windows configured by the owner. Later 2IS models could only have this feature configured by the dealer:

http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/10872-auto-lift-windows-after-lock/

And so it is with the 3IS

It's for safety reasons, of course. I vaguely recall reading a story about an incident (an RX in the US?) where a child's head got caught in a window when the key fob was operated without the operator actually looking at the car at the time. By needing to take your car to a dealer to have this configured, you will presumably be made to think twice about implementing the feature.

On the decision between grades, see above.

On colours:

plankton007 is basically right, although Starfire Pearl (077) is known in Australia as White Pearl or, more formally White Pearl Crystal Shine - not to be confused with Crystal White (062).

I have personally seen differences between examples of White Pearl. Differences could come from age and length of exposure to the sun, the angle you're looking at it, lighting conditions (if you're not looking at two at the same time) and the wax being used. But the pearlescent effects of White Pearl don't really come up well in photos anyway, so it would be ideal to look at each car in different light conditions (including bright sunlight and fluorescent light) and see which car's finish you prefer ... Assuming you can't make your decision on other factors!

Interesting ... The IS250 Owners Manual suggests that 5W-30 should only be used if the ambient temperature isn't expected to exceed 10 degrees Celsius. This doesn't apply to the IS350, where 5W-30 is recommended for all temperature ranges.

Eric, Do you drive within a few kilometres of the TV towers or radio masts in Melbourne? I know that used to cause resets of the audio systems of my last two cars. (The good news is that it might stop, once analogue TV is switched off at the end of the year!)

Welcome to the club, wrxhoon, and congratulations!

What was the biggest influence in going for a test drive? For example, were you due to replace your 335i, and you read online comparison reviews? Or recommendations from friends or ...?

Hi Eric, and welcome!

You're the first member to have reported their purchase of a MY14 IS 250. That said, you're not the first to have reported vibrations/rattles or a resetting audio system on a new vehicle. These symptoms affected the second generation IS, and audio problems were reported on very early releases of the CT 200h.

In our experience, if you take your car to your Lexus dealer (no appointment necessary), the vibrations are sure to be addressed - particularly if they're reproducible.

The MY14 IS audio/nav system can be manually rebooted if you push and hold the volume dial for a few seconds. Assuming the reboots occurred without you touching anything, Lexus will attempt to resolve the reboot problem as well. You may have to be a little patient as they try to reproduce the problem - they may also need to source a replacement system if all else fails.

Congratulations Russ!

We'd love to see the photos once you've picked it up.

There are a number of factors that affect the price. One of the major factors is market forces: Lexus Australia would need to set the features and prices of its cars having regard to the those of its direct competitors. But each of these luxury marques, in turn, incur additional costs when selling in Australia. Many in the blogosphere will quote US car prices and marvel at the difference to Australian prices, but the following considerations should be made to ensure you're comparing oranges with oranges:

• The base price of Lexus vehicles in many other countries exclude numerous items that are found as standard on Australian Lexus vehicles. For example, the US spec excludes heated and ventilated front seats, the navigation system, reverse monitor and Lexus Park Assist.
• Prices quoted in the US exclude state sales tax. In California, for example, this is 9% of the sale price. Dealer prices advertised in Australia include 10% GST and Luxury Car Tax (30% of every dollar above $60,316 in the GST-inclusive sale price).
• Australia has a 5% tariff (on the ex-GST retail price) on imported cars. Other countries may have less: in USA, it's 2.5%.

Other reasons have been given in the past for the price differential, such as higher transport costs from Japan, the need to hedge the Australian currency, the relatively smaller market (higher unit costs) and the need to recoup R&D costs involved in compliance with Australian Design Rules.

But on the basis of the three aforementioned bullet points alone, Lexus Australia's and the dealer's premium on vehicle prices, like-for-like, is much less than you may initially think.

Topic moved from General Lexus Discussions to the forum for second- and third-generation IS models.