What's made you grumpy today?

[PuntoHowTo]

I think the first time I remember hearing about these ruining someones day was in Max Power magazine.

This dates it to a period when I wasn't actually old enough to own a car...so they've been crap for a very long time.

And yet knowing this people still buy them and them blame the government of another country when it all goes wrong in a very predictable way.

 

[StevenRB45]

And yet knowing this people still buy them and them blame the government of another country when it all goes wrong in a very predictable way.

It was the Era of removing and smoothing every single handle and badge from your car...then having removed all distinguishing features you got some massive Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroën badge vinyl in case anyone didn't know what it it is.

Obviously this required matching branded mats, dust caps, kick plates and if at all possible a sunstrip.

Why they are still made now god knows...perhaps they aren't and it's all left over stock.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

It was the Era of removing and smoothing every single handle and badge from your car...then having removed all distinguishing features you got some massive Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroën badge vinyl in case anyone didn't know what it it is.

Obviously this required matching branded mats, dust caps, kick plates and if at all possible a sunstrip.

Why they are still made now god knows...perhaps they aren't and it's all left over stock.

You’re forgetting “Lexus Lights” cut springs and body kits.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I did recently see a Lexus 200 running along. The springs must just have been removed. All 4 whels had been maasively camber altered by around half an inch. The windows were black, the lights were black, the exhausts were at least 4 inch pipes and you could still hear the tyres rubbing on the bodywork over that... How in heavens namw did it have MOT or valid insurance.
Edit.

Im thought the whole point of Lexus was peace, quiet,understated class and a little sophistication. Clearly I got it wrong....

 

[SB1500]

I did recently see a Lexus 200 running along. The springs must just have been remove. All 4 whels had been maasively camber altered by aroun half an inch. The windows were black, the lights were black, the exhausts were at least 4 inch pipes and you could still hear the tyres rubbing on the bodywork... Hoe in heavens namw did it have MOT or valid insurance.

there are no shortages of embarrasing Lexus's (Lexi?) around here... usually older ones but I'm starting to see the more modern ones get the abuse treatment now. Sort of hoped all that complex electrification crap would have scared that crowd away, but I think quite a few came with proper engine only options.

No idea how half of the cars on the road have MOTs... on the mainland I would have thought being able to get them done at most garages would mean a lot of folks putting their mates car through etc, but over here is all government [over]run MOT centres and it's no better. Seeing a lot of non compliant things like number plates, tinted windscreens, plate lights so bright that the glare makes the plate unreadable.

The irony of it is these guys will spend sometimes thousands on plastic painted to look like carbon fibre (adding weight?) but they will cheap out on the nastiest, low end production tyres (if not part worns) and they wonder why they end up around a lamp post

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Im thought the whole point of Lexus was peace, quiet,understated class and a little sophistication. Clearly I got it wrong....

Maybe back in the 90s with the LS and the GS, but more recently it’s all SUV hybrids for eco conscious mums on the school run and cars to cater to people who who think it gives them status and don’t want to drive a Toyota, even though the Toyota is probably the better car

 

[bugsymike]

Maybe back in the 90s with the LS and the GS, but more recently it’s all SUV hybrids for eco conscious mums on the school run and cars to cater to people who who think it gives them status and don’t want to drive a Toyota, even though the Toyota is probably the better car

Many years ago my accountant had a grey import Lexus Saurer LS400, looked good, went well, quiet sophistication in pearlesent white.

 

[SB1500]

Many years ago my accountant had a grey import Lexus Saurer LS400, looked good, went well, quiet sophistication in pearlesent white.

There are some beautiful ones on the road, classy / elegant and not overly aggressive like most of the competing cars in their classes.. However. I stare far more at any Panda / 500, hell, even 500L's which have gotten rarer around here in recent years. Much more interesting to look at, and usually in more exciting colours!

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Many years ago my accountant had a grey import Lexus Saurer LS400, looked good, went well, quiet sophistication in pearlesent white.

The early ones were something else, especially when compared to other cars on the road back then. When the LS first came out, I think my dad was driving a Vauxhall Calton at that time with no electric windows, no aicon no luxuries at all I don't think it even had central locking? in contrast to the LS400 which used to automatically adjust the aerial to ensure the best signal for the radio, that's the level of detail they went to.

I always loved the late 90s GS, that came with the much coveted straight 6 2JZ turbo found in the Supra, but also had a V8 option, but again the levels of luxury were unmatched.
I went to a motor show in the 90s on my bike with mates to go and see all these cars when they were brand new and was blown away.

Then the IS came out and while it wasn't a bad car it was basically equivalent to a Mondeo or Vectra of the same era. The interior was a sea of plastic and the quality was typically Toyota,. Unless you want to drop big money on a high end Lexus then I would recommend just sticking to Toyota.

That all being said another youtuber who bought an RCF ended up rejecting the car because of serious mechanical issues, so I don't buy into the whole "toyotas are reliable",and if you look into it, they have their fair share of breakdowns, In my opinion most Toyota's tend to be owned by old people who don't drive anywhere, and therefore have no opportunity to break, or taxi drivers who abuse them way to much to ever worry about the warranty.

 

[bugsymike]

The early ones were something else, especially when compared to other cars on the road back then. When the LS first came out, I think my dad was driving a Vauxhall Calton at that time with no electric windows, no aicon no luxuries at all I don't think it even had central locking? in contrast to the LS400 which used to automatically adjust the aerial to ensure the best signal for the radio, that's the level of detail they went to.

I always loved the late 90s GS, that came with the much coveted straight 6 2JZ turbo found in the Supra, but also had a V8 option, but again the levels of luxury were unmatched.
I went to a motor show in the 90s on my bike with mates to go and see all these cars when they were brand new and was blown away.

Then the IS came out and while it wasn't a bad car it was basically equivalent to a Mondeo or Vectra of the same era. The interior was a sea of plastic and the quality was typically Toyota,. Unless you want to drop big money on a high end Lexus then I would recommend just sticking to Toyota.

That all being said another youtuber who bought an RCF ended up rejecting the car because of serious mechanical issues, so I don't buy into the whole "toyotas are reliable",and if you look into it, they have their fair share of breakdowns, In my opinion most Toyota's tend to be owned by old people who don't drive anywhere, and therefore have no opportunity to break, or taxi drivers who abuse them way to much to ever worry about the warranty.

As I recall he had issues with the air suspension, apart from that he had a warning message on the dash in Japanese and in the end paid a student to translate......washer bottle empty!!!

 

[The Panda Nut]

There are some beautiful ones on the road, classy / elegant and not overly aggressive like most of the competing cars in their classes.. However. I stare far more at any Panda / 500, hell, even 500L's which have gotten rarer around here in recent years. Much more interesting to look at, and usually in more exciting colours!

Pandas on the top!!

 

[The Panda Nut]

The early ones were something else, especially when compared to other cars on the road back then. When the LS first came out, I think my dad was driving a Vauxhall Calton at that time with no electric windows, no aicon no luxuries at all I don't think it even had central locking? in contrast to the LS400 which used to automatically adjust the aerial to ensure the best signal for the radio, that's the level of detail they went to.

I always loved the late 90s GS, that came with the much coveted straight 6 2JZ turbo found in the Supra, but also had a V8 option, but again the levels of luxury were unmatched.
I went to a motor show in the 90s on my bike with mates to go and see all these cars when they were brand new and was blown away.

Then the IS came out and while it wasn't a bad car it was basically equivalent to a Mondeo or Vectra of the same era. The interior was a sea of plastic and the quality was typically Toyota,. Unless you want to drop big money on a high end Lexus then I would recommend just sticking to Toyota.

That all being said another youtuber who bought an RCF ended up rejecting the car because of serious mechanical issues, so I don't buy into the whole "toyotas are reliable",and if you look into it, they have their fair share of breakdowns, In my opinion most Toyota's tend to be owned by old people who don't drive anywhere, and therefore have no opportunity to break, or taxi drivers who abuse them way to much to ever worry about the warranty.

I so nearly had a GS in the 90's I just couldnt bring myself to spend the extra and ended up with a top spec Laguna instead. Now I just think of the extra fuel costs and wince. My brother has an LS400 which was understated but pretty impressive. The potential repair costs would give me sleepless nights although his never missed a singel beat.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Toby carvery and the 450 year old english oak. I worked in parks and managed arboiculture for nearly 25 years. From what I can see this action was totally unecessary. The tree was old but highly unlikely to have posed any safety risk. Oaks are very deep rooted and immensly strong, dead or alive. Seeing an oak fall is exceptionally rare. Toby Carveries wont be seeing me again. Its to say the least an act of utter stupidity and extraordinarily insensitive to the environment. Enfield council need investigation for not having tree preservation orders on a tree of this age and importance in the first place. One can only wonder what they have been doing all these years.

 

[SB1500]

and ended up with a top spec Laguna instead

Our family childhood car was a Laguna, exactly like this estate - same colour and all. Had two seats in the boot we used to love… looking back, not too sure how an accident would have went!

 

[SB1500]

Pandas on the top!!

Definitely, shame that 4x4 was missing 3/5 of its oil changes or I’d be back in one. CT has a creaky brake pedal this week… like our famous friend, I don’t buy the Toyota reliable ‘legend’ either. All I could think during my tyre issue on Saturday was how much better the Panda sensor-less system did the same job with less hassle… we will see how the future pans out. Always looking!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Our family childhood car was a Laguna, exactly like this estate - same colour and all. Had two seats in the boot we used to love… looking back, not too sure how an accident would have went! View attachment 464991

I liked mine a lot it was a 2.2dtrRXE. Boy did that car go. A continent crusher. Back then SIr did not want air con thankyou. (what a pillock). AT the time I ordered it it was the most powerful mainstream diesel available but quickly eclipsed by various Mercs.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Definitely, shame that 4x4 was missing 3/5 of its oil changes or I’d be back in one. CT has a creaky brake pedal this week… like our famous friend, I don’t buy the Toyota reliable ‘legend’ either. All I could think during my tyre issue on Saturday was how much better the Panda sensor-less system did the same job with less hassle… we will see how the future pans out. Always looking!

Ive added secondary door seal on two of ours now, so the doors shut with a solid thunk and they are quieter too so long journeys are less irksome. Indeed I wouldnt hesitate to drive the TA on 500 mile trips. It made light work of Norfolk to Alnwick Northumberland. Im over 6 feet and found even in the back it was quite comfy. I don't need a Lexus! LOL
With a family though space would be as they say, at a premium. We had a pair of 7 seat Renault Savannah estates when my tribe was growing up. The rear end collision was always on my mind though.

 

[The Panda Nut]

As I recall he had issues with the air suspension, apart from that he had a warning message on the dash in Japanese and in the end paid a student to translate......washer bottle empty!!!

Just been talking of my Laguna a bit lower down the thread. It had voice messages for many things. I was pushing on a little returning to work after a home to lunch trip and it decided to announce the washer bottle was empty just as we were cornering rather hard at some speed. I wont say how fast but it was enough to frightem me half to death with its Bing Bong announcement chime. At that particular time I didnt want that particular message much. I think a plain warning light may have a value but nothing more than that for the washer bottle thank you!

 

[SB1500]

Northumberland. Im over 6 feet and found even in the back it was quite comfy. I don't need a Lexus! LOL

Good, because there’s no room in the back of a CT similar to the 500 really, but with less excuse. The doors also don’t open wide enough. We’re all quite short here though so it’s not big hassle. The 500 (as a courtesy car) was the last time I remember thinking “wow, they deliberately CUT off space in pursuit of style”.

My Pandas though, were tardis like. People I’d give lifts to would comment how much room (head room) it had in total (positive) shock. They complain about the CT but it’s that or my mates 4 series coupe or A5 coupes which are far worse and vomit inducing with the being stuck in, no openable windows and a stupid plastic tray where the middle seat could be.

I also miss the visibility of the Panda. Nothing beats it!!!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Good, because there’s no room in the back of a CT similar to the 500 really, but with less excuse. The doors also don’t open wide enough. We’re all quite short here though so it’s not big hassle. The 500 (as a courtesy car) was the last time I remember thinking “wow, they deliberately CUT off space in pursuit of style”.

My Pandas though, were tardis like. People I’d give lifts to would comment how much room (head room) it had in total (positive) shock. They complain about the CT but it’s that or my mates 4 series coupe or A5 coupes which are far worse and vomit inducing with the being stuck in, no openable windows and a stupid plastic tray where the middle seat could be.

I also miss the visibility of the Panda. Nothing beats it!!!

Thats a sick tray. But make sure you eat nice acidic things before trying it!