Cheap ls600

GEN · October 3

1 minute ago, donkmeister said:

The 460 (same chassis as the 600) is well priced these days. Most (if not all) the toys of the 600, but traditional V8+auto instead of hybrid V8+CVT.

No-one seems to have touched on another issue with the LS600: the doors are too small now. They're not big enough to fit the immense testicles one needs to have in order to buy a 200k mile LS600. It's a used car paradox.

No personal experience but from all that I read the 460 is a more problematic car than the 600 and it is also missing the AWD (which I think is well worth having).

donkmeister · October 3

Given your location I can see that 4WD could be a benefit in harsher winter conditions for you.

I can't see the 460 being more problematic than the 600 though; any specifics you've read about? Just curious to see the anecdotes behind that. Looking at it through the engineer's eye, LS600 = LS460 + more complexity. You've also got the suspension carrying an extra 500kg, and the unfortunate consequence that the 600 is slower than the 460.

If you've been watching Car Care Nut (aka "Horror Movies for Lexus owners") then the issues he raises with the 460 apply to the 600 also as these are "features" of the whole UR engine range.

GEN · October 3

18 minutes ago, donkmeister said:

Given your location I can see that 4WD could be a benefit in harsher winter conditions for you.

I can't see the 460 being more problematic than the 600 though; any specifics you've read about? Just curious to see the anecdotes behind that. Looking at it through the engineer's eye, LS600 = LS460 + more complexity. You've also got the suspension carrying an extra 500kg, and the unfortunate consequence that the 600 is slower than the 460.

If you've been watching Car Care Nut (aka "Horror Movies for Lexus owners") then the issues he raises with the 460 apply to the 600 also as these are "features" of the whole UR engine range.

Let us agree to disagree.

GEN · October 3

Just now, GEN said:

Let us agree to disagree.

Sorry I forgot: especially with an engineer's eye there is a huge difference between AWD and 4WD.

donkmeister · October 3

4 minutes ago, GEN said:

Let us agree to disagree.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just asking for more information. You said "I've read the 460 is a more problematic car than the 600" - this is something I've never seen or heard so I'm interested in what they said (if nothing else because I have a 460, so am interested in dealing with any problems!). If it's simply a matter of taste and you wanted an LS600 then great.

2 minutes ago, GEN said:

Sorry I forgot: especially with an engineer's eye there is a huge difference between AWD and 4WD.

AWD is a marketing term dreamt up in the 80s in America to differentiate between full-time 4WD (such as seen on an LS600) and selectable 4WD (such as seen on an old-school Land Rover). They're both 4WD systems.

GEN · October 3

55 minutes ago, donkmeister said:

I'm not disagreeing with you, just asking for more information. You said "I've read the 460 is a more problematic car than the 600" - this is something I've never seen or heard so I'm interested in what they said (if nothing else because I have a 460, so am interested in dealing with any problems!). If it's simply a matter of taste and you wanted an LS600 then great.

AWD is a marketing term dreamt up in the 80s in America to differentiate between full-time 4WD (such as seen on an LS600) and selectable 4WD (such as seen on an old-school Land Rover). They're both 4WD systems.

As for the AWD/4WD: what you are saying is as simplistic as saying that a Toyota Century and an original Land Rover Defender are cars! True but....

As for the Ls460 I can only suggest to do what I did: research for several years. And by the way my choice was then and would be now a Ls430. Number 1 I didn't want was a Ls600! I was well aware of the hybrid Battery and air suspension problems but at the time I just couldn't find a decent 430. So I am strictly impartial: both the 460 and the 600 have serious issues now.

BMCWP · October 6

On 10/3/2024 at 10:30 AM, Razor61 said:

Going off the link below for The Car Care Nut, replacing the seat cushion foam isn't an easy job.

https://youtu.be/E2_7IbFi6yI?si=T_Y6hnUqm6jEUipV

I never saw that video - so much for being subscribed and a prime member!

But yes, that is exactly what I need to do and the reason my local upholstery people won't touch it. The other problem is the cost of that foam bit so even if I could find somebody to do it I think its going to be VERY expensive. I have a small add on cushion so while not perfect its going to have to do until I win the lotto.

Chris Skelton · October 9

Can the Air shocks be changed to ‘ordinary’ springs/shocks?
And,if this hasn’t already been suggested - try breakers for a seat?

Even a non heated seat would do,surely.

GEN · October 9

A company Stateside did a conversion but only for the 460. I asked them but nothing for the 600. Of course given the hybrid Battery there's a considerable difference between the 460 and the 600.

Razor61 · October 10

On 10/6/2024 at 7:41 PM, BMCWP said:

The other problem is the cost of that foam bit so even if I could find somebody to do it I think its going to be VERY expensive

From Amayama the cushion itself is £123 plus £40 shipping plus import duty/tax. That's assuming it's the correct bit/part number you need.

BMCWP · October 12

Its the Drivers seat pad I need (for a right hand drive UK car so part 71511-50150) - I assume Amayama is ok to deal with? as that price is a lot less than the last quote I got from Lexus. As for a breakers, very few and far between and I would be running the risk of going to all that bother (again, if I could find somebody to do it as I cant do it myself) only to find the foam in the same condition. I'm really back at square one - I don't mind paying for it as I am going to keep the car now so don't mind spending money on it as now I am in my 60's I can't see me changing at all before I will eventually have to give up driving (but hopefully not for a good few years yet) 🙂

Malc1 · October 12

6 hours ago, BMCWP said:

Its the Drivers seat pad I need (for a right hand drive UK car so part 71511-50150) - I assume Amayama is ok to deal with? as that price is a lot less than the last quote I got from Lexus. As for a breakers, very few and far between and I would be running the risk of going to all that bother (again, if I could find somebody to do it as I cant do it myself) only to find the foam in the same condition. I'm really back at square one - I don't mind paying for it as I am going to keep the car now so don't mind spending money on it as now I am in my 60's I can't see me changing at all before I will eventually have to give up driving (but hopefully not for a good few years yet) 🙂

WOW You're planning to keep your present Lexus another 40 years driving then 👍

Seriously I’ve satisfactorily bought from Amayama ok

there’s the advertised cost + carriage + Duty maybe and VAT maybe too and there’s a small further local UK handling charge for the documentation …… all in my personal experience a few years back buying from Amayama

It was all in all a very satisfactory buying experience from Amayama and probably saved me a couple of £000”s over Lexus Main Dealer prices

Good luck

Malc

BMCWP · October 12

Yes its the costs that add up that can catch you out and lets not forget about "brexit" but knowing in advance helps and I can sort of bypass brexit as I have family in England so if needs be I can get it sent there (if I can find somebody willing to take it on) Even after all of this, if the stars align and things go a certain way I could still find myself wandering towards an LS600 there is something about it that appeals - in much the same way as me desperately wanting to own and drive the 3 big Citroens - a CX Prestige, a XM and a C6 (I have driven a DS) mad? I most certainly am.

Malc1 · October 12

There’s plenty of people drive across to Ireland from mainland somewhere and I’m sure one or other would agree to transport it for you ………

Malc

Razor61 · October 13

On 10/12/2024 at 1:29 AM, BMCWP said:

Its the Drivers seat pad I need (for a right hand drive UK car so part 71511-50150)

My mistake, I did look at both sides to see if the price was the same so must have done the screen shot of the lh side instead.

BMCWP · October 15

On 10/12/2024 at 9:36 PM, Malc1 said:

There’s plenty of people drive across to Ireland from mainland somewhere and I’m sure one or other would agree to transport it for you ………

Malc

Getting the seat cushion here won't be an issue, the problem is finding somebody to fit it. Most (incorrectly as it turns out!) assumed the seat was full of heating/cooling pipes and elements and therefore far too complicated. (well, it is complicated just not as bad as first thought) I'm not giving up yet 🙂

GEN · October 17

On 10/3/2024 at 10:36 PM, GEN said:

As for the AWD/4WD: what you are saying is as simplistic as saying that a Toyota Century and an original Land Rover Defender are cars! True but....

As for the Ls460 I can only suggest to do what I did: research for several years. And by the way my choice was then and would be now a Ls430. Number 1 I didn't want was a Ls600! I was well aware of the hybrid battery and air suspension problems but at the time I just couldn't find a decent 430. So I am strictly impartial: both the 460 and the 600 have serious issues now.

Have a good look at this:

https://youtu.be/UAb4gLA26nY?si=6dI8UGN-6iIpMOW1

Malc1 · October 17

oH MY what a wonderful tell-all to NOT ever ever ever buy the Ls460 ....... the Ls430 yes comparatively .... but hey, I'm so so old and the, my own Ls400s are still going strong strong strong after 30 years and more 👍 ......... and between them 350k+ miles

Malc

GEN · October 17

1 minute ago, Malc1 said:

oH MY what a wonderful tell-all to NOT ever ever ever buy the Ls460 ....... the Ls430 yes comparatively .... but hey, I'm so so old and the, my own Ls400s are still going strong strong strong after 30 years and more 👍 ......... and between them 350k+ miles

Malc

I wish I still had my Ls400. Or even the 430 but I must soldier on with the 600 and, of course, the 600 shares many of the problems of the 460 😭

Malc1 · October 17

My J reg Ls400 on 101k miles J73 PBX has just passed its fresh MOT today with an Advisory for front brake pads ….. about Xmas time he thought 👍👌👏

Malc

GEN · October 17

1 minute ago, Malc1 said:

My J reg Ls400 on 101k miles J73 PBX has just passed its fresh MOT today with an Advisory for front brake pads ….. about Xmas time he thought 👍👌👏

Malc

Congratulations! Though I must say that is one of the few things that last on the Ls600 (after over 50000miles my brake pads were about 1 quarter used - I was getting a little concerned as I thought the report meant there was a quarter left and raised this with the service manager who corrected me!) but of course that is because it is a hybrid.