[Dr ST]

Dear Sir,
Congratulations. May I ask, how is the hybrid system holding on? any drop in mileage or battery efficiency.
Regards

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Dr ST

Dear Sir,
Congratulations. May I ask, how is the hybrid system holding on? any drop in mileage or battery efficiency.
Regards

Dear Dr ST, no drop in battery or mileage. Mileage within the city has remained at or around the 14 kms/litre mark since the beginning. Unlike an EV the battery here is merely a secondary source at starting, moving forward at red lights and low speed rolling. So, if there has been a decline it would be hard to detect. They check it in sone way in the servicing. Looks okay for now. Hope this helps.

[Hayek]

What a thread, what a car and what an owner! Do think that a sizeable chunk of the credit for the pristine condition of this car goes to you Mr Narayan - driving smoothly, maintaining good relationships with the service staff, and taking great care of the car with lots of love clearly makes a difference. We need to learn from you - even if it is easier said than done. Best wishes for many more delightful kilometres of ownership of this car.

[Arsenic]

Congratulations on 6 years!

Bagheera still looks almost factory-fresh after so many years! A result of a combination of an excellent owner and Japanese quality, I would say

More than anything, I’m impressed with the ‘subtle’ luxury that this car oozes. From the classy analog clock in the dash to the stately yet sharp looks, this car shows you don’t have to be incredibly ridiculous with design to exude luxury. The styling still looks fresh, and bits like the wooden trim in the dash and the lovely leather, thanks to Lexus’s QC, as you said, have truly aged wonderfully and will continue to age beautifully and gracefully.

Once again, congratulations, and here’s to many more miles and smiles with Bagheera for years to come!

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Hayek

What a thread, what a car and what an owner! Do think that a sizeable chunk of the credit for the pristine condition of this car goes to you Mr Narayan - driving smoothly, maintaining good relationships with the service staff, and taking great care of the car with lots of love clearly makes a difference. We need to earn from you - even if it is easier said than done. Best wishes for many more delightful kilometres of ownership of this car.

Dear @ Hayek, Thank you for your compliments. I am lapping them up gleefully. I think the state of maintenance is a function of all of the above plus the original quality engineering designed into the car and the materials used, be it the paint, or seat leather or more fundamental items like the engine. Of course, I spend a small fortune on her to keep her this way :-) You know we all have our sinful indulgences. Good relations with the service staff and dealer managers has a big role here. Being avuncular and greying helps.

[rahulskumar]

I got hold of 2023 NX350h in USA and comparing with ES, the build quality of the sedan is miles ahead then NX. I opted for NX just for AWD and ground clearance.

[yatesh.92]

Dear Mr. Narayan,

Many congratulations on the 6th year milestone of Bagheera. Really amazing pictures and a well detailed post describing your journey so far with the Lexus. 62,000 kms is nothing for this kind of engine that's built to last. Wishing you many more amazing memories with this vehicle!

[V.Narayan]

I try to maintain Bagheera in as close to showroom condition as I can afford to. It might not be incorrect to say that she looks almost as good as new. However, one fly in the ointment is the dirtying of the driver's seat. All my half hearted attempts to remove them have failed including making Lexus try out their solutions. Clearly this is caused by my driver's clothes, sweat and what have you as he is the primary driver of this car. And the Volvo which I usually self drive does not have it. He is a good man and wears a clean set of clothes so there is only so much I can say to him. In the Skoda Superb and Laura we also had a similar issue but to a lesser extent surprisingly. I wonder if this Lexus leather is too real and too soft and soaks in all the dirt and sweat.

So, in the end I bit the bullet. No make shift arrangements for my favourite cat. I've ordered new seat covers from Lexus Japan and in about a month they shall be stitched on. The local Lexus shop has fully trained workman to do the stitching or so I'm told. It will set me back by Rs 2.3L I've decided to (a) not inform my wife and (b) hiss and curse to high heaven and then get on with life.

Photos below. As readers can see the dirtiness is horrid. A flaw in an otherwise perfect car.





Further, I visited the Lexus showroom at Janpath, New Delhi. A UX was parked there for tests and some press meet. All electric. I wasn't permitted to click photos.

In about a year it will be time to purchase a small/medium vehicle with a high ground clearance. I've decided to stay with Lexus/Volvo. Their reliability and service standards have spoilt me. If a Lexus, it would be the NX or the UX. If a Volvo, I'd need to check out what will be on offer in mid-2024.

Representative photos of the UX below. The car at the showroom was this exact colour. Very eye catching. The UX is the baby Lexus. Its smaller size is what attracts me. Price unknown.

[Dead_Pedal]

Have you tried enquiring at any leather restoration studio? They definitely can get it done at reasonable rates unless Lexus fit and finish is what you want. There's one in Bangalore by the name refurbstudio and they work mainly on premium cars and I'm sure they'll have a solution for this. They have several before/after shots for reference on their Google page. There may be similar options in Delhi. But, sad to see that seat in such a state. :(

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Dead_Pedal

Have you tried enquiring at any leather restoration studio? They definitely can get it done at reasonable rates unless Lexus fit and finish is what you want. There may be similar options in Delhi. But, sad to see that seat in such a state. :(

Thank you for your suggestion. No, I don't know of any leather restoration shops in Delhi-NCR. Though I did try all methods Lexus had to offer and 3M had on offer. And as you guessed right I wish to retain the fit and finish as close to original as I can. For certain very personal reasons I plan to keep this car till the end {its or mine} so investing in it is worth it. Nevertheless, thank you for the trouble to send in your thoughtful suggestion.

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

No make shift arrangements for my favourite cat. I've ordered new seat covers from Lexus Japan and in about a month they shall be stitched on. The local Lexus shop has fully trained workman to do the stitching or so I'm told. It will set me back by Rs 2.3L

Sorry readers, I forgot to mention the cost of Rs 2.3L is for two seat covers for the two front seats. Decided to change both or they will start looking of different shades. It is an all-in cost. Still steep.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

I don't know of any leather restoration shops in Delhi-NCR.

A common issue on all Toyotas (Lexus included). This happens when drivers are sitting for extended times, usually waiting. Though you could have got the leather shine corrected, there are some permanent scuffs/ wear which will never go. Happens on Germans too but usually, we can clean those as leather is different (better?)

If possible, tell driver to wait outside whenever possible or maybe put a good quality white towel on the seat.

I forgot to mention the cost of Rs 2.3L is for two seat covers for the two front seats. Decided to change both or they will start looking of different shades. It is an all-in cost. Still steep.

No, it's ok. Lexus should have passed you some goodwill discounts though

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

However, one fly in the ointment is the dirtying of the driver's seat. I've decided to stay with Lexus/Volvo. Their reliability and service standards have spoilt me.

Its too late for this comment. India is a large and top notch leather hub. The next time you're attempting to renew leather seats on your car, try the likes of Stanley, or a boutique leather shop etc before heading to Japan. Not only will it save you money, will save time too. The sooner that seat starts to look clean, the better you feel.

On electric cars, I'd pass Lexus. They aren't there yet with electric cars. The current line up is a half hearted/baked attempt.

That said, the recent appointment of Koji Sato has resulted in the latest Toyota BZ3. Its probably been in the works for some time now. This is a proper, ground up new electric vehicle platform. The surprise is that its a joint effort with BYD, China and Toyota. Initial response to the vehicle has been good. Far better than their own Bz4x/RZ450e.

For now, a Volvo C40 Recharge, XC40 or a Polestar are better bets than any Lexus EV vehicle.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

If possible, tell driver to wait outside whenever possible or maybe put a good quality white towel on the seat.

Turbanator, you are a man of wisdom & common sense. White towel is the answer. I'm going to get two of them and that will be it.

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

On electric cars, I'd pass Lexus. They aren't there yet with electric cars. The current line up is a half hearted/baked attempt.
Initial response to the vehicle has been good. Far better than their own Bz4x/RZ450e.
For now, a Volvo C40 Recharge, XC40 or a Polestar are better bets than any Lexus EV vehicle.

Thank you for this useful piece of information. Very useful. My date for the next purchase is mid-2024 when my diesel Volvo XC60 turns 9 years and 6 months and will fall victim to the Delhi-NCR 10-year diesel ban.

[McLaren Rulez]

It's a bit of cosmic coincidence but I happened to read this thread and watch the following video. You may be interested in the treatment at 16:25. This guy is one of the best detailers I've seen on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/0szZDMiRT7Y?t=992

While a white towel would work (as would any generic seat cover), it also takes away from the ambience. I also doubt it would protect the seat from tears since there will still be friction on the leather underneath when the driver enters and exits. My take on this is that while protecting the leather is good, you should also get to use and enjoy that beautiful interior the way it's meant to be!

[sagarpadaki]

Since you intend to keep the car for long, I suggest you ask Lexus to remove the old seat covers carefully. You can store them as spare for future use. You treat them with leather conditioner put a bunch of silica gel sachets in the box where you store them.