After 16 years the LS has died - hello IS300h

[Nick W858]

Driving up the A1 last week, heard a funny rattle from the front followed by burning smell followed by power steering failure. Pulled over and called AA, I am not technical but a piece of metal had sheared off the engine cover where the VVTI grubbing sit - the metal had lodged itself in the fan/belt that drives the steering - apologies if this doesn't make much sense , as I said I'm not very technical!

Got the car towed to my local trusted mechanic, didn't get a full estimate to fix, he said he could and would do anything I wanted to get it going but wasn't sure it would be economically viable, he was also concerned that MOT due in around 6 weeks would call out further issues re corrosion and other bits and pieces. I have had the car for 16 years - it's a mk4 1998 model with almost 300k on the clock and has been epic. I needed a car for work quickly as I was reluctant to use the 911 for day to day duties so spotted a 2014 IS300h Luxury from Lexus Derby and it turns out the salesman lives around the corner from me and the service has been superb, he brought the car round to my house for a test one evening last week and delivered the car yesterday so no need for me to even visit the dealer. Lovely looking thing, no LS obviosusly but the what is? Time will tell if it's another long term ownership experience but I suspect it will last potentially as long as the LS, it's one owner 28k miles FLSH etc, car is dark blue with cream leather. I will really miss the LS but it certainly served me well and by far the longest time I have ever owned a car.

[Malc]

your poor and sad Ls400 

Malc

[Guest]

What a service the LS gave you though and i hope you will be equally happy with your IS300H.

Love the colour combination btw.

[The-Acre]

Who could ever complain of a car serving them for 300k eh?  A great testimony to the build quality!

[Nick W858]

27 minutes ago, The-Acre said:

Who could ever complain of a car serving them for 300k eh?  A great testimony to the build quality!

Agree - I think the IS will get there too- if I live long enough!

[RgrWynne]

RIP LS 400, but 300k is, as already said, epic. Enjoy your new IS

[Nick W858]

10 hours ago, Greer said:

Well the IS photo's it looks a lovely looking car, hows it compare to space & comfort? hope you get as many years from it as the LS

Thanks too soon to say, obviously not as creamy smooth and refined as the LS but one upside is the fuel economy - 60 mpg on the test drive.