Long Journey - Old Car

[Andy TT]

I have just returned from a 2,500 mile return trip to Venice 4 adults, 1 child and a boot full of luggage in my '93 84,000 mile LS400. The journey involved hours of cruising at 90mph+, sitting in traffic jams at 32 degrees with the aircon on full, steep mountain roads, blazing sun, torrential rain and it never missed a beat. Overall I averaged 21mpg and didn't use a measurable amount of oil.

Not bad for a 21 year old car which I suspect had been off the road for at least 5 years prior to me buying it in December and a real life indictment of Lexus quality - particularly of the LS400.

[goldtop]

That's very reassuring to hear. I'm about to do about 3000m in my just-bought Mk4 (to Slovenia, Croatia, Istria, Italian lakes, Switzerland and Austria). My Other Half is a bit sceptical that a £1600 car can do it. :-o

For info, and compared to driving in the UK, did you find that the temp gauge went much (if any) higher when you were working it hard (mountain roads +AC, etc)?

Oh, and is it as impossible to park in Italy as I fear it might be? ;)

[Gbneil]

This is what our cars are made for....I have not managed such an epic trip but my first journey after two days of ownership was an almost 700 mile round trip and I just had NO DOUBT the old car would make it..I sat at 2000 rpm with cruise on in blazing heat, air con on, and the temperature gauge etc sat rock steady...averaged just under 34mpg....I would drive my ls ANYWHERE

[Malc]

These cars were built for long distance cruising, they are a joy to drive ................ and with confidence.

Remember I did 6060 miles in 5 weeks this March/April driving thru' France Spain and Portugal.

I didn't doubt for one minute that my car would perform other than effortlessly in all sorts of troubling terrain.

Malc

ps What it does hate tho' is snow and ice, just won't behave itself so I try to not use it in those conditions............ mountain ( dry ) roads are effortless tho'

M

[steve2006]

Good result as would be expected from a Lexus.I would love to do a similar trip taking in that snaky mountain pass ( Slevino?) and then call at the Nurburg for a lap.

Having said that I only average 2-3K miles a year so would use all of that up in one trip, but what a trip :)

Malc

Road + smow = Lexus in garage.

[Malc]

Stelvio Pass Steve ...... a challenge I would envisage BUT driving thru Spanish mountain terrain in some of the national parks looks to be quite similar ( from google searches )............. really was a bit scary from time to time..... and I did think of my brother-in-law who did a Pirelli, Stelvio Pass endeavour many years ago now ( 20+ ) , in his mini with a co-driver.

Don't doubt the Stelvio Pass would be easy peasy in the Lexus ................ with concentration,...................... in summer !

Malc

[ambermarine]

All goes back to 1982 when the Toyota President told his engineers to "Build him the best luxury sedan in the world"

[GEN]

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the three which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

[GEN]

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the tyres which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the three which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

[GEN]

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the tyres which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the three which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

of course I meant the three and not the three!

[GEN]

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the tyres which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

I am bound to say that it is not the car but the three which might cause problems in winter. For the winter I switch to Vredstein mud & snow and use the LS with confidence (and prudence). It has yet to let me down.

of course I meant the three and not the three!

Tyres not three!

[Titch LS]

Barry, I'm not long returned from a trip to Switzerland and France with the family, plus luggage. The LS behaved impeccably throughout including going up some really steep hills. The temperature gauge never waivered at all. The A/C was working overtime on the trip but kept us nicely cool with the outside temp nudging 30deg C. I had no worries about taking the car abroad even though it is nearly 15 years old and covered 130,000 miles. I found that LPG prices varied considerably depending on what region I was in. If you use LPG, you will need adapters for the filler nozzle. To cover the headlight 'dazzle' law, I just used some black electrical insulating tape on the lenses. Also,I found that whenever I've been to Italy, parking is about the same as here.

[goldtop]

Thanks Brian - very useful to know. I've got most of the Euro stuff covered (including hi-viz jackets/etc for the France bits).

I avoided LPG cars as we're using the tunnel (and upon learning here that Lexus won't work on LPGed cars!), so that's one less complication.

Can't wait. I'm even looking forward to 7 hours of driving the LS. :)

[Malc]

Back to snow and ice mode ............. I guess it's using those specialist tyres AND having traction control too maybe ? ........ which the earlier cars just don't possess.

Is that correct ?

Malc

[SHELLDRAKE]

Barry: I don't know who told you that Lexus won't work on L.P.G. cars,but I know from experience that "Lexus Cheshire"will work on these cars,as mine is on L.P.G. and they are my local garage and all the work I need is done by them.

[goldtop]

Hi Norman, there were a couple of posters here saying about the LPG/Lexus thing.

And a forumite who was offered me his LPGed car confirmed that. Seems it's not universal, then.

[Bluesman]

I have run both my wifes and my cars on LPG for 16+ years now and never had a problem with any off them, neither did I have a lubs system fitted to any of them.

I have currantly run my present LS400 for 5+ years now and all without any problem what so ever.

My car was converted by Profess in South Wales in one day, they leant me a car for the day and I had a great time visiting some of the little railways in Wales. When I returned 8 hrs later car was compleated and ready for me to inspect and test drive. The installation was really neat and the system has never given me a seconds problem.

Cost £1200.

The most important thing where having LPG fitted is the quality of the installation. When you go to anywhere to have a chat with them about how well they can do your car. look hard to see if you can see any horses tied up or if there is a strange farmyard smell.

If either are present just turn around and go. Mike

[royoftherovers]

Norman,

I`ve never heard of "Lexus Cheshire", where are they situated please?

Regards

John

[Bluesman]

Barry (Goldtop) is correct they wont let you through the tunnel with an LPG car but thats OK just make sure you get a French boat where the food is so much better and relax for 90 mins. Mike

[Titch LS]

When crossing the Channel, I always make for Dunkirque. It's much less busy than Calais and no hassle from any gendarmes etc. It only takes half an hour longer on the ferry. Nice and relaxing. Not very expensive either.

[GEN]

I do know that the tyres make the difference: the one winter I had regular tyres it was difficult to even move off. With the snow and mud tyres all is well. It may be that the traction helps but I just don't know. I highly recommend the Vredstein winter extreme : especially good in winter but also throughout the year, long lasting (between 20000-30000 miles) and priced under £100 per corner.

(I have no interest in or connection with the Vredstein company).

[SHELLDRAKE]

John: Depending where you come from,from Chester ,follow the M53 Towards Cheshire Oaks come off at jonction 10 keep to the right go under the M53 then move into the left lane,as you come towards the next lights follow the road left and you will see :Lexus Cheshire: on the right . where in Cheshire are you?

Norman

[royoftherovers]

Hi Norman,

I`m long drive, a five iron and a sand wedge from Lexus Chester, which is where I bought my GS450h !!

Hooton on the Wirral is where I live, so, not a MILLION MILES FROM "Lexus Cheshire".

Regards

John

[SHELLDRAKE]

Hooton!! just up the road from me.

[royoftherovers]

Which is where Norman (and I`ll keep my eyes on the road for you) ?

Regards

John