Hellespont

Hmm, agree...disagree. Having to have owned and still own our Lexus since almost new, I bought it because it was part of a small list of SUVs, it was going to be that or the VW Touarag 150, Audi Q5 3.0L TDI or a RX 350. To have owned a Ford Territory at the time before we traded in next to nothing (not happy)... but walked into a Lexus dealership in the city at about 10am and walked out at 5pm the same day. We made our choice quite quickly and made one phone call to a car mechanic mate of mine and he gave me the run-down if so to speak. Since August 2012 till now, I've had nothing wrong with it other than wear and tear. We bought a second car, shame it wasn't another Lexus, but we only have one car port and another space not-covered; so in the end we didn't want to spend that much. October 2014, we bought a Fiat 500 and lets just say that we've had a few things wrong with it; e.g. wipers, dash, parking sensors. And this was brand new, though it really annoyed me when they told me that they had to drive it to VicRoads to get it registered??? So by all accounts, we bought an ex-demo not brand new. Recently, my mum bought after I did the research for her; since she wanted the colours to be red or green... lucky colours... and based on price of around 35 or so, the list narrowed down from an Audi A1, Lexus IS250, Chrysler 300c, and Mazda 3 / 6. The latter 3 models were relatively new with very low kays. In the end, she ended up with a Mazda 3 XD Astina in a Soul Red with 23 kays on the clock, but a 2014. Being, practically the top of the line 3 series Mazda, she tried to compare it to our Lexus. Hmm.... I think not; granted its got some toys that I wish I had on my Lexus; but apart from a significant price difference and especially build quality... no way nearly close to a proper comparison. Recently, I was looking at a diesel such as an Audi SQ5, Audi Q7 (new face-lift version), Volvo XC90 (new face-lift version)... but realised that there is a lot of kerfuffle going on with the diesel issue saga across many brand names. So have since decided to hold off. We need to consolidate may be around Christmas or into the new year because of the in-laws coming in and since we're a family of 4 already, we don't have a great deal of space; so I'm thinking now on perhaps the NX200T F-Sport.... test drove one and was quite impressed with it.

Not sure what the relevance of having this video; but the GX is only available to my knowledge in the United States and Canada? Looking at Youtube: The Fast Lane Car channel had a review of this vehicle in addition to the 4Runner, but not a direct comparison. Its like comparing an LX and a Landcruiser if so to speak?

My RX had Version 17 I think, I went to the dealership where I bought our RX from and paid $325 for the disc... I think it was V20 or V21. But the idiots at the dealership didn't tell me where the DVD unit was for the GPS.... took a long time to figure it out since every generation and model, its always located at different points. So if you have a third generation 2009 to 2012, it'll be in the storage rack at the centre console's foot well.

Hmm, I didn't think there was a lot of space in the engine bay to fit a super charger? Hmm, well my perception is from a third generation 2012 RX; but I know that the RX second generation do have a bit more space. I am and have been looking to have more power in mine, just haven't found any around other than visiting CAPA Performance (http://www.capa.com.au), but I've only used that site for some light modifications and not with Lexus cars in the past.

Hmm, depending how you see it? The new one (fourth generation) that supposedly coming at the end of 2015, has an 8 speed auto and with slightly more power; but the overall aim is better fuel consumption over its previous generation. I own the 3rd generation and fuel economy could be better, with PULP 95+, I tend to get around 460 to 480 depending on the fuel. With E10 around 410 to 440. As some will say weight is everything, I don't have any thing in the boot other than a pram and a child seat in the rear. But still the figures should hamper it that much? There are times I wish there was more power with the car, being a 2012 build, and so far still not much of any thing wrong with it other than wear and tear where I'll need to change the tyres.

I've heard some where that if you have a nudge bar at the front of the vehicle, it renders the front parking sensors practically useless?

When I picked up my RX 350 in August last year (2012), I had the balance of the 4 year warranty, plus a further 3 year extended warranty tied to the dealership. This was a special they were doing at the time; and furthermore, I have yet to do my first service yet and it also comes with up to 60,000 KM FREE servicing. I had to at one point sign an insurance form when they had to reprogram a second key to the vehicle at their own cost and expense as they were the ones' that lost the second key in the first place.

Despite this thread being rather 3 years old, I'd like to ask if I may; whether it is possible to unlock more command features from the voice guidance system? My 2012 RX which unfortunately is the Prestige model, only has voice recognition for the bluetooth phone system; apart from that, there's nothing else?

I'm presently using Meguiar's products using a mixture of a car shampoo and a wax along with several microfibre towels. Been pretty happy about it so far, but because its a Dark Mercury Grey colour.

My list is probably not as long as others, but here goes nothing then. The following list of cars is according to first car of ownership to present in chronological order. Year: 1995 Make: Nissan Model: Micra Series: SLX Colour: White Version: 5 Door Hatchback Gearbox: CVT Transmission Mods: 13" Rims with Low Profile Michelin Tyres, Tinting, Aftermarket Pioneer Stereo System, Powerchip Year: 1976 Make: Datsun Model: 260Z Series: 2+2 Colour: Bronze Version: 2 Door Coupe Gearbox: 3 Speed Jacks Transmission Mods: None, all original. Loved the default exhaust system Year: 1999 Make: Ford Model: Falcon Series: AU I Colour: Silhouette Jet Black Version: 4 Door Sedan Gearbox: 4 Speed Auto Mods: ALSA Mystic Violet Dreams upon Tribal Stickered flames onto Bonnet, Pioneer Stereo System, Very Dark Tint (Legal questionable), 14 or 15" Rims with Low Profiles, Lowered Pedders Suspension. Year: 2000 Make: Ford Model: Falcon Series: AU II Colour: Silver Version: 4 Door Sedan Gearbox: 4 Speed Auto Mods: Tickford Rims & Tyres, Tinting, Ezy-Gas LPG System Year: 2005 Make: Ford Model: Territory Series: TX SX RWD Colour: Lightning Silver Version: 5 Door SUV Gearbox: 4 Speed Sports Auto Mods: Tinting Year: 2012 Make: Lexus Model: RX 350 Series: Prestige Colour: Metallic Grey Version: 5 Door SUV Gearbox: 6 Speed Sports Auto Mods: Tinting (Front)

I'm looking to change the current revised suspension system on my RX 350, even with design changes made and claimed by Lexus; I have noticed that it is not as comfortable to drive over rough bumpy surfaces and every time I go over speed humps, I feel like something is going to fall off. I have previously owned a Ford Territory which was and made entirely in Australia and therefore is made to ride very comfortably over rough terrain and handle speed humps as if they weren't there. I am not looking at lowering the height of the suspension at all, but I am looking at more driving response, especially less boat like as it is already a huge step in front of a Toyota Kluger which is based on the same chassis platform. I am also not looking at changing the rims and/or tyres at this stage, as by stock; they are riding on 18's as pictured from this provided link: http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11349

I understand that there has been a previous thread mentioned with regards to the topic title, but since the search found one dated back in 2003, I thought something newer was needed (http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=311&hl=cleaning#entry1896) In the past in regards to washing my pride and joy probably now more so than before, am to a certain degree more conscious about what to use to clean the exterior. Rather than going to an expensive detailer as I have only used twice though not with my recent Lexus purchase. I have also found automated car wash places to be rather dangerous to the bodywork, even though these places are convenient and supposedly time-saving. I have owned my present purchase for approximately 4.5 weeks; and I have been using a dry cloth to wipe finger prints, smudges and dust from the exterior without using water to keep it moderately clean. This is for a car that is parked underneath a huge carport that is unfortunately exposed to the elements. The reason for this thread, is to determine what owners use for their pride and joy; just so that I can try to follow by example to avoid making any expensive mistakes that I may incur. Whilst at work, I am somewhat lucky to be exposed to many automotive car care products all to my heart's content. I can look at the manufacturer websites to obtain a spiel of desirable information as well as the perchance for gimmicks from marketing that entices the consumer into buying their highly acclaimed products leaving the consumer thrilled yet uncertain to the product's overall effectiveness on your car. I have managed to find out that my boss who owns several expensive cars, uses a product called Auto Klene Wash & Shine; I am hopeful to try to acquire this product somewhere as I have just found out that the workplace does not sell this item. Therefore if I can't find acquire it, I would have to consider something else. What's your experiences? Any one?

I have yet to do my first service, there is another just under 10,000 km left that of which I would care to predict some time next year for the servicing as I hardly drive the car. Hmm, is that the same Jamie at the very same Melbourne City Lexus? If so, I hope he gives me a call tomorrow and give me some good news about my second key replacement, because its been 4.5 weeks since I bought an ex-demonstrator from that dealership. I was told that some one who drove it last at their dealership as a company vehicle lost the second key. Blackburn is the closest dealership, but since I bought it from Melbourne City Lexus, I would probably assume that I would have to bring it back there?

I know this is an old post, but I would like to share a current issue I have with my somewhat recent purchase, even though first Lexus, a 2012 RX 350 Prestige, the last production vehicle before the new facelift that has launched just recently in conjunction with the RX 270. The vehicle was purchased as an ex-demonstrator and who ever drove it as a Lexus company vehicle, lost the second key. Hence I was only given one key and it has been presently 4.5 weeks since my pick up date of the 10th August and I am still waiting for a replacement to be sent from Japan as far as I have been told by the service department. Luckily I don't have to pay for the second key's replacement, but frankly I am not one bit amused that in the event should the second key appear at the dealership, I was advised to drive into the city just to waste half of my day out of the office just for them to reprogram the key with the vehicle. Unfortunately, Lexus despite being a franchise like McDonalds; operate independently and do not have any affiliations with each other. Which is why I would have expected Lexus, since they have an after care service program which I have been told is second to none; would at least given me another car to drive; or given me other options other than waste time and petrol just to redo the key. $700 for one smart FOB key???? Is that right?

Why thank you, good to be here; and yes it is the Prestige model; which just so happens that I just missed out on the new facelift. We did have our minds set on the new RX 270, but something in the back of my mind just thought it was going to be rather weak in the performance aspect. I would have loved to have gotten the Sports Luxury version, especially with the heated seats, parking sensors, heads up display, sunroof and I believe the side mirror cameras. However, the significant other of which is an Account by profession made some convincing arguments to twist my arms and also the substantial cost difference as we had two choices at the time, it was either this or a 2010 RX 450H (Black Exterior with a Creamy Beige Interior). I wasn't all that convinced with the warranty on the Hybrid battery system as well as the significant other that disliked the colour of the Hybrid. It was the first dealership we walked into, especially for Lexus, especially into the heart of the city, while I did pop into a couple of other European dealerships prior to this visitation. As the odometer has just creeped over 5000 km of which 4.5 weeks of driving covering only just over 1200 of our own coverage, I feel that this RX is quite forgiving. I don't really like the suspension of the prestige version, its too jiggly; but when it behaves on even roads, it treats you like well. Something special in that category that I have yet to put words into it. I think I'm going to have to look some where around Melbourne to see if I can get some sort of adjustments made to this car, especially the suspension system; may be the brakes (still thinking about it) and performance (its definitely quicker than the Territory, but it needs to be pushed a bit on the pedal to hear it). Which is where I hope to see some threads here at this forum for some much needed medication to purge the dull driving experiences I've been getting as of late. Thank you. Its my new mistress, I tell my significant other and she's jealous...lol. However I think from her perspective it'll be my Christmas Present, Birthday Present, Valentines and any other special occasion every year that this vehicle will serve as a constant reminder of ownership.