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I lift the bonnet regularly, check my levels, clean out any muck ,leaves etc, visual check as I go round with an oily rag, giving it a quick rub over the dusty bits. I prefer the look of an oily rag valet under the bonnet, to the over shiny look you often find on cars for sale, especially on an old car, like mine.

In all the years I had the 400, I never needed to top-up the coolant or oil between annual servicing. Now I have a 460 with TPMS.........so I don't have to top up the tyres either. Mind you, I do lift the bonnet now and again........just to admire the engineering :)

Afternoon LOC members. Just wanted to drop a quick note on here to introduce myself, I joined the club a week or so ago in anticipation of my upcoming purchase which I collect tomorrow, as you might imagine I'm in quite a good mood looking forward to this. I've read a lot and learned a lot in the past week mainly from you good people of this forum and am confident I've put myself in the right car. I am sure most of you will be aware of the limited number of ISF's avaiable at any one time, I made my selection after viewing and test driving three, two from lexus main dealers, a pre-facelift 08 and a 13 plate, but my favourite was in between the two settling on a 11 plate in Black from a ford dealer (of all places). Only have dealer pics until tomorrow, but I'll post a few more at some point. The Lexus is a bit of a departure for me, my more recent car history is quite varied but all the changes have been for one reason or another. This change was necassitated to the imminent arrival of my second child and a move to 5 doors was all the justification I needed to talk myself into this... This and the fact that hopefully I wont be tempted to modify it which is a bit of a habit of mine. So I'm coming out of a Audi S3 3-door but it was no ordinary S3. Beyond the engine block casting there wasnt much standard about it, she was running 406Bhp on low boost (1.5bar), full modified Volkwagen racing Cup suspension and braking via Brembo/AP Racing, apart from basic stance she looked like a standard S3. Lovely. I think to an extent it is this wolf in sheeps clothing that pulled me to the ISF over the C63 AMG or M3, I've always prefered the understated. Back from this I had a Mazda RX8 R3 special edition, a very brief fling with a mazda 6 sport (still dont know why i did that) and prior to that a Lotus Elise R. With exception of the Mazda 6 I have loved all these car as they suited my perfectly at that given time. All being well I plan to keep the ISF for a few years until the litte uns are out of their kiddie seats. So here starts my ISF Journey... happy to be part of this quite exclusive little club. Dave

If you haven't read or seen this book by Chester Dawson then I would say try it. It's a fantastic history of Lexus and it's association with Toyota and if nothing else it explains how crucial the USA were to Lexus in their pursuit of a world player in prestige car manufacturing. It's a warts and all tale of amazing achievements and some significant failures with micro detail that, at times, can get a little heavy. I read it while in hospital recently to pass the time. My daughter bought for me off Amazon. The profits Lexus achieved are eye watering at their peak and covers the recalls, the law suits even the name Lexus was challenged by an American Company called Lexis who took Lexus to court just days before the official launch of the brand, sales brochures, US dealers who had all their branding completed, forecourt signage, business cards printed etc etc. Anyway I have only owned my LS460 for 4 months and was amazed at what Lexus started in 1989 and achieved over the following 25 years.

I have just checked my cabin pollen filter at the back of the glove box and it definitely needs replacing. Lexus state that it should be changed every 10k, depending on you driving environment. Mine was last changed about 20k ago, so I best do it. Apart from sourcing the part direct from the dealer, does anyone know where and what brand is best. There are some on ebay, not sure if they are any good though !! Thanks. Bobby

I LOVED my Soarer, back in the day. V8 heaven!

Last year I was travelling eastwards on the M4 between South Wales and London with cruise set around 75mph. I was in the middle lane overtaking lorries and in front of me were four cars travelling slower than me. My door mirror revealed no hazard so I pulled out to overtake. Within a matter of seconds a Porsche 911 closed on me very rapidly with lights flashing menacingly ! I continued to overtake the four vehicles at my cruise speed and pulled in immediately afterwards. The 911 was flashing me throughout ! As the 911 overtook me I gave him a two-fingered salute through my driver's window. He immediately pulled in front of me and slammed on his brakes. I had to brake very sharply to avoid a collision and was lucky that the car following me was sufficiently alert to avoid colliding with me too. As a result of this incident, I have just fitted a dashcam. Maybe I shouldn't have given the salute one may argue ? I just wish I had the footage of this *** in a Porsche to show to the police. Would they have done anything ? I don't know, but it was a very dangerous thing to do ! I'm pleased I have it, hope I never need to use the footage. I won't be posting on youtube, this is a peace of mind installation. £60 well spent in my view !

I think that is about right, the 2010> model years are certainly more desirable and carry a premium. Some one should point that out to the Manchester branch.

Mine passed today, valid till 5th March 2017, lovely feeling. I wasn't too surprised at the pass, as I've not long serviced the car, which is driving beautifully, and I'd given it a quick check over for bulbs, wipers etc this morning. However, the corrosion that was mentioned as an advisory last year, has, it would seem, mysteriously cured itself, as the ticket is free of any advisories. In truth, it was never a problem, just a slight surface discolouration, which I was going to waxoyl, but never got round to. I'm not entirely sure that the advisory scheme is working as it should, to be honest.

So I no longer want a wireless system so the bose and sony are now off my list. Will be doing a wired version and so far I have my eyes on the Onkyo HT-S5805 Atmos(S7705 on amazon is out of stock for the same price). The subwoofer is only 80W RMS, the other systems i looked are were 150-220W RMS. My living room is approx 4m x 4.5m, is 80W subwoofer enough to rumbling my living room like a cinema? The 5 speakers are running 100W from the AV.

The Soarer is a lovely looking car, better looking than the SC I will agree. Quite rare now I would think.

That advert seems like a scam one but made using the photos from the original ad. I've seen it done before with other cars. The car itself is indeed the ex police one, it has been up for sale for a long time now. The most recent ebay auction for it saw it reach £14,100 - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-IS-F-Auto-White-2008-58-4-2-V8-Hpi-Clear-/172079812026

yes £16,000 for 100 miler is a tad bit too much but considering the reliability of Lexus engines in general one can put another 100 miler on it with no fuss and being a big lump V8 its less stressed anyway. considering a new ford fiesta ST cost around £17,000 it makes £16 grand for 420bhp V8 a bargain even with 100 miler ok it might have lost a few ponies over the years but still a powerful car all the same.

If you don't have a glass cleaner to use on the haze, just remove the haze as you would a wax with a microfibre and then just wash the windscreen to remove the smears. Works just as well IMO.

Welcome to paranoia free supercar motoring.. mines got 100k on it and runs like a beast!

I much prefer its earlier sister---the Toyota/Lexus Soarer. Have you ever seen one? There's only a handful in Britain. They're fantastic. Best looking Lexus/Toyota ever. And has the LS engine. Even Jeremy Clarkson praises it on Youtube, it's that nice.

My old Honda Accord Coupe (similar colour) is in greater need of a de-scratch and polish, so I think I'll practise on that first. By the time I do the Lexus I'll know what I'm doing.

I understand it's good to lift the bonnet of a 400 from time to time just to keep the struts working, especially when the weather's cold.

He who dares Rodney. ...he who dares adventure before dementia

Thanks, Tim. Why on earth is all this so damn complex? This car is not aimed at 20 something computer whizzos after all. It's more of a 'Radio 4' car than a 'Radio 1' car...... Rant over Rob

You can get the rubber parts for the brake calipers from various sources - eg www.brakeparts.co.uk . A front set, which consists of the rubber seals, the little ring for the top pin, a bleed screw cap and caliper seal and boot with a circlip for the caliper boot for £10.66 + postage (per side). They sell all other parts for the brakes (including exchange calipers) - a useful place to know - I've used them many times - always excellent products and service (usual disclaimer!)

Replied to your other post about swapping the stereos with Ricky. Also when you refit the stnd stereo your satnav will spring back into life. As it gets its power from the stnd stereo.

I wasn't nervous, my garage services it once a year and I had barely done 3K from the last time they serviced it. No I don't garage her. Timing belt and water pump in the next two weeks and then she will be all tickety boo. I will then have her detailed as I am really impressed with the work that Devine Detail does. Mike.

Same colour as mine. They do look great all nice and shiny and clean. She looks really great. Mike.

well, ive got it back on the road now. lexus wanted £70 with delivery for the seals, i could have got a caliper from a broker for £50! but i found the kit on brakesint.co.uk for £26, with deliv. very helpful, recommend anyone using them!