2014 Lexus LX 570 Sport Titanium DA Plus 5.7L V8 petrol
Summary:
Despite its flaws, I love it
Faults:
Theft alarm sensor malfunctioned at 60,000km. Car alarm would go off every night for hours and hours and my neighbours were complaining daily. It was a nightmare, and that alarm noise is still stuck in my head, and I feel sick every time I hear an alarm now, and I fear that it's my car again. Had to go to the dealer 8 or 9 times over several months to have it fixed as they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. Finally they had to send it to the specialists, who apparently replaced some sensor and that finally stopped.
As soon as the warranty ran out, I got a coolant leak at 100,000km, even though the car was only serviced at the dealer from day 1 and coolant was replaced. Dealer said it was a "water jacket" and it needed "regasketing". They charged me $1000 for the repair out of warranty. I checked with another garage and they couldn't find the leak but changed the radiator cap anyway. A few days later I found the coolant level dropped so I sucked up and just took it to the dealer. After the repair, I checked the coolant level and the reservoir was basically empty. Thank god I checked. They filled it the next day and now it's fine. I feel like the dealer pulled a fast one on me here.
Leather is soft and supple but wears terribly. Driver seat bolster has holes, peels, and cracks from just 45,000km. Front passenger seat also beginning to crack.
I have been experiencing some belt squeal since 100,000km and squeaking noises from the suspension as I go over bumps, but the dealer told me there's no problems there. I'll take it to a garage and have them double check.
Besides that, changed the brake pads and skimmed the rotors at 125,000km, drained and filled the transmission fluid at 100,000km, changed the battery at 50,000km, changed the rear tires at 70,000km (had a crack on the side walls) and the front tires at 80,000km (it apparently had an unrepairable leak). Should have changed it to Michelins, but Dunlops were way cheaper, and they gave me a good deal on it. I'll be trying Michelins when these wear out.
General Comments:
Daily driven for nearly 4 years. In general, I am happy with the car. Some of the problems with this car probably could've been avoided if the dealer in my country was more transparent and ethical, but even despite the problems, it's been a good experience.
The fuel tank is indeed too small. My range is only 550-600km on a full tank. Toyota should have increased the fuel tank size given how thirsty this truck is.
It is a body on frame SUV, so it rides like a truck on-road. There is still a lot of body roll, even though they have tried to minimize it, so don't expect it to drive like a Porsche.
The steering is really heavy at slow speeds, almost like there's no power steering. It is slightly better if you put it in comfort mode, but even then you're going to have a workout every time you park your car. At higher speeds, it's decent.
Braking can feel scary when you first drive it. There's about an inch or two of travel before there's any bite, and you have to really hold your foot down when you're stopped or the car rolls. I would've hoped the brakes would've been calibrated a little tighter for such a big truck to inspire more confidence, but you get used to it after a while.
Overall ride is good. A little floaty, but you can expect that from a full sized body on frame SUV. It's got the feel of a boat the way it leans back when you accelerate and leans forward when you brake. Personally, I like that. Real smooth.
Power is plenty. I've got a heavy foot and always go as fast as I legally can. Never had any problems with overtaking or accelerating. This thing cruises at 140km/h with no problems. The paddle shifters are there if you need them, but shifts are really slow (and sometimes seems to not upshift when I ask it to). You'll be alright using just automatic as if you put your foot down, it'll drop 2 gears and take off fast.
I plan to take this thing to at least 250,000km. Wish me luck.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st June, 2021
1st Jul 2021, 12:16
Thank you. I have to make a small correction. The fuel tank only gets me 580km with eco driving. Also, I recently spoke to a guy who took his 2008 LX570 to 700,000km with basic maintenance. Even his hydraulic suspension still works (he had to replace a small part of it for just $300). Original engine and transmission. It seems if you take care of these things, they really go on and on.
22nd Jun 2021, 08:21
Nicely written review, these are good cars, keep us updated.